2009-034 (2) - Final Supplemental Environmental Impact Report for Fairhaven/Lincoln

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S. Environmental Analysis TRAFFIC AND CIRCULAT[OiV 5.3.4 Environmental Impacts The following impact analysis addresses thresholds of significance for which the Initial Study identified potentially significant impacts, The applicable thresholds are identifiied in brackets after the impact statement. IMPACT 5.3-1: INTERSECTION MODIFICATIONS WOULD NOT CAUSE AN INCREASE IN TRAFFIC WHICH 1S SUBSTANTIAL IN RELATION TO TIME F (STING TRAFFIC LOAD AND CAPACITY OF THE STREET THRESHOLD T -1} Impact Analysis; UnIil e a new residential development, the proposed project would net generate any traffic. Modifications to the Fairhaven /Lincoln intersection would permanently precede eastbound and northbound traffic at the intersection. Because this intersection has been closed since 2007, permanent closure would not change traffic or circulation conditions; project conditions are the same as existing conditions. Changes to this intersection would not redistribute traffic on the local roadway system; therefore, traffic load at surrounding intersections would not increase. Constructing a cul -de -sac on Fairhaven Avenue at the railroad tracks would improve the existing dead -end condition by giving vehicles ample space to turn around. As shown in previous Table . -, all intersections operate at LOS D or better with the Fairhaven/Lincoln intersection closed. As part of the proposed project a traffic signal would be installed at the Lincoln Avenue and Santa Clara Avenue intersection. Signaliation of an intersection would improve the traffic flow and corresponding LOS. Although significant traffic impacts do not currently occur at this intersection, installing a traffic signal would improve the service level (LOS B with the closed Fairhaven /Lincoln intersection) and alleviate the existing operational confusion of the four -way stop and track crossing. Intersection modifications would not cause an increase in traffic which is substantial in relation to the existing traffic load and capacity of the street. Traffic impacts would be less than significant. I IPA C T 5.3-2: INTERSECTION MODIFI ATIONS WOULD NOT SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACT VEHICLE DELAY AT GRADE CROSSINGS. [THRESHOLD T-11 Impact Analysts: Blockage time and vehicle delay were determined for three grade crossings within the study area. Table 5.3-10 compares the time vehicles are stopped as a result of train traffic at the three local at -grade crossings for two scenarios: Fairhaven/Lincoln intersection open two -way traffic) and Fairhaven /Lincoln intersection closed. As shown in Table 5.3-10. the closed intersection currently creates a slight increase in morning and evening peak -hour vehicle delay compared to when the Fairhaven /Lincoln intersection was open in 2007. Ho ever, the total delay time at all intersections following project construction would be the same as existing conditions with the Fairhaven /Lincoln intersection closed. Consequently, the project would not significantly increase vehicle delay at the at -grade crossings and impacts would be less than significant. Page .3-14 • The Planning "ire Resolution No. 2009 -034 Page 92 of 130 March 2009