Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Traffic Impact Study and Subarea Transportation Plan December 8, 2003 Welcome! Thank you for coming

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military ParkTraffic Impact Study and Subarea Transportation Plan

December 8, 2003

Welcome!

Thank you for coming to today’s public open house for the CCNMP transportation study.

Please look at the displays, ask any questions that you might have with National Park Service and Georgia Department of Transportation staff or other project team members, and give us your comments on the transportation issues in the Park and surrounding area.

Your input will help us to better meet transportation needs in and around the Chickamauga Battlefield.


December 8, 2003

Study Purpose

The National Park Service (NPS) is sponsoring a consultant study to evaluate changes in traffic patterns in and around the Chickamauga Battlefield Park resulting from the completion of the US 27 Relocation in Walker County, Georgia. The study has 2 components: a Traffic Impact Study and a Subarea Transportation Plan.

Study Focus• Analyze current travel patterns • Evaluate impacts of future growth and

development in the area• Recommend short- and long-term

transportation improvements that reflect needs of both the Chickamauga Battlefield Park and surrounding communities


December 8, 2003

Subarea Transportation Plan

Study AreaChickamauga Battlefield unit of the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park

ApproachAddress the unique needs of the Park and its role as an important local, and national cultural and historic resource. Consider the visitor experience within the transportation context.

Products• Set of viable transportation alternatives

that reflect the unique needs of the Park and preserve its role as an important local and national cultural and historic resource.

• Recommendations will be considered by NPS in preparation of Park’s new General Management Plan.


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study

Study areaPortions of Walker and Catoosa Counties surrounding the Park

Approach• Review existing and future transportation

needs and identify short and long term solutions.

• Evaluate the impact of the US 27 relocation on traffic volumes and congestion in the surrounding area.

• Address environmental justice considerations as part of the process.

Products• Program of transportation improvements in

a format suitable for consideration in Chattanooga Hamilton County Metropolitan Planning Organization transportation planning process.


December 8, 2003

We need your input!

We need your input on how you travel in the area and your experience with the transportation facilities. We specifically want to know:• Any problems that you may have as a motorist, cyclist or pedestrian.• Suggestions on any changes to area transportation facilities or services.Please take a few minutes to fill out the public comment form and place it in the box.Your comments will be reviewed and included in our analysis.Thank you.


December 8, 2003

Sensitivity RatingHighModerateLow

Chickamauga Battlefield Road Sensitivity


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study Area Gateway Features


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study Area Crash Rates

Source: Georgia Department of Transportation For planning purposes only


December 8, 2003

Study Area – Refined 2025 MinUTP Model LRTP Network

Source: Cambridge Systematics For planning purposes only


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study – Questionnaire ResponsesUS 27 Relocation• 79 percent use US 27 relocation• 60 percent said US 27 relocation

saves time• 23 percent do not use US 27

relocation because it is not convenient or they enjoy using LaFayette Rd.

Study Area Concerns• Traffic Operations

−Mis-timed signals on Battlefield Pkwy

• Access limitations on US 27 relocation andWilder Rd., Osburn Rd., McFarland Gap Rd.

Desired Improvements• Improve commuter routes and

transportation network• Better signage and wayfinding

around Chickamauga Battlefield Park

• Enhance gateways to Park through street-scaping and beautification

Source: 52 questionnaires received from the public, Environmental Justice communities and stakeholders


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study – Capacity

Existing Capacity Findings• V/C* ratios > 1 primarily on North -

South roads leading into Chattanooga − US 27/LaFayette Road/Chickamauga

Ave.− Page Rd./McBrien Rd. from Lakeview

Dr. to US 41

− Schmidt Rd. from McFarland Gap Rd. to Battlefield Parkway

Source: Cambridge Systematics*V/C – Volume-to-Capacity ratio: Vehicle volume on roadway divided by capacity as calculated in the Highway Capacity Manual** E+C – Existing and committed projects in the Chattanooga 2004-06 Transportation Improvement Program*** LRTP – Chattanooga 2025 Long Range Transportation Plan projects

Two-way Daily Traffic Volumes

Road 2003 Count2025 E+CVolume**

2025 LRTPVolume***

US 27 Relocation 17,500 21,600 22,500McFarland Gap Rd. 3,400 4,200 7,300Reeds Bridge Rd. 4,100 7,600 10,100LaFayette Rd. (North of Park) 7,600 9,900 9,600LaFayette Rd. (South of Park) 4,400 5,000 4,400

Existing Capacity Findings• V/C >1 on East - West roads

− Battlefield Pkwy. from Dietz Rd. to Pine Grove Rd.

Future Capacity Projections• Traffic will nearly double• Redirection of traffic from LaFayette

Rd. vehicles to US 27 Relocation will continue


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study – Safety

FindingsGDOT Crash Data• Major Roads (2001) –

813 crashes and 1 fatality• US 27 Relocation (2002 partial) -

24 crashes

Crash Rates Crash Rate per 100 Million Vehicle Miles Traveled

Road County 2001 Rate Statewide Rate

SR 146 Catoosa 1,060 550Burning Bush Rd. Catoosa 739 550SR 1/US 27 Catoosa 422 85SR 193 Walker 186 180SR 341 Walker 358 180

Crash ProfileManner of Collision• Head on collisions with a vehicle –

2.3%• Angle – 27%• Rear end – 42%• Sideswipe – 9%• Non-vehicle collisions – 20%

Source: GDOT


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact Study – Gateway to the Chickamauga BattlefieldPlanned Gateway Improvements and Surrounding ActivityPrimary Gateways• LaFayette Road

Bike lanes• McFarland Road

Interpretive signage• Reed’s Bridge Road

Part of West Chickamauga Creek greenwayNPS interest in the bridge

Secondary Gateways• Alexander Bridge Road

Residential development• US 27 Relocation

Walker County land use overlay under development

• Lytle RoadResidential development

• Burning Bush RoadResidential development

Other Gateways and Surrounding Areas

• West Chickamauga CreekRecommended planned greenway

• City of ChickamaugaDesire to be the Gettysburg of the South


December 8, 2003

Subarea Transportation Plan – Questionnaire Responses

LaFayette Road• 46 percent use LaFayette every

week• 44 percent rarely use LaFayette Rd.• 57 percent use LaFayette Rd. to

travel through Park to other destinations

• 36 percent use LaFayette to visit Park

Study Area Concerns• Motorist Concerns

− Speed limit – Too Fast/Too Slow− Poor condition of roads

• Cyclist and Pedestrian ConcernsToo much traffic and cars moving too fast

Desired Improvements• Increase speed limit within the Park• Decrease speed limit within the

Park• More facilities for transportation

alternatives such as bicycle lanes, improved walking paths and equestrian facilities

Source: 52 questionnaires received from the public, Environmental Justice communities and stakeholders


December 8, 2003

Subarea Transportation Plan – Park Road Sensitivity EvaluationEvaluation factors• Association with Historic Period• Interpretive Value• Historic Integrity• Auto Tour Route• Visitor Experience• Scoring scale of 3 points per factor

(15 maximum per feature)

Sensitivity Rating CategoriesBased on cumulative score• High Sensitivity – 13 to 15 points• Moderate Sensitivity – 10 to 12

points• Low sensitivity – 9 or fewerOut of 28 Miles of Park Roads:• 66% rated High Sensitivity • 20% rated Moderate Sensitivity • 14% rated Low Sensitivity

High Sensitivity Roads included:• Glenn-Kelly Road • Alexander Bridge Road• LaFayette Road• Reeds Bridge Road• Glenn-Viniard Road• Brotherton Road


December 8, 2003

Subarea Transportation Plan – Capacity, Parking, Safety

Capacity Findings• Current

Special standards for Park area were usedNo apparent capacity problems

• Future 2025 LRTPVolume increases have occurred, but no excessive capacity problems were found

Safety Analysis Findings• Examined Park Crash Data for 1996,

1997, 2002, 2003 (Jan-May)• Crashes have decreased since the

opening of the US 27 relocationBefore – 75% on LaFayette RoadAfter – 26% on LaFayette Road

• 38% of crashes occurr during the Fall

• 46% involved striking a deerParking• No reported parking problems• Parking deficiencies are sporadic• Surface Type: Asphalt/Gravel/Curb &

gutter• Number: 1 to 2 spaces at

interpretive stations to 90 spaces at the Visitor Center

Year All CrashesLaFayette

Rd1996 99 801997 63 472002 19 52003 9 1

Source: National Park Service


December 8, 2003

Summary to Date

Traffic Impact StudyQualitative Findings•US 27 relocation has

improved mobility•Traffic operations

improvements needed•Economic development is

importantQuantitative Results•Safety is a problem at select

locations•Capacity improvements

needed •Traffic operations

improvements needed

Subarea Transportation Plan

Qualitative Findings•Visitor Experience•Too much traffic on LaFayette•Speed a problemQuantitative Results•Safety improved after US 27

relocated •Capacity does not appear to

be a problem•Sensitivity of Park Roads


December 8, 2003

Traffic Impact StudyPotential AlternativesAdditional capacity • US 27 extension from Battlefield

Parkway terminus north to SR 146• Widening of SR 146• North-South improvements east of

Park• Capacity improvements on

LaFayette Rd. leading into Tennessee

Traffic operations improvements• Battlefield Parkway, capacity,

geometrics or timing improvementsStreetscape and signage • Improved signage/wayfinding • Pedestrian/streetscape

improvements on LaFayette Road between Battlefield Parkway and Park

Subarea Transportation PlanPotential Alternatives • Alternative modes in the Park• Parking improvements• Wayfinding and visitor information• Operational implications on capacity

and safety at critical sensitive sights • Create one-way loop in Park in

conjunction with expanded auto tour• Speed modifications on LaFayette

Road

Next Step – Alternatives Testing

Documents

Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park Traffic Impact Study and Subarea Transportation Plan December 8, 2003 Welcome! Thank you for coming