Transportation Impact Studies for Proposed Development

.....
click here to return to July index

The opinions expressed in these articles and features are those of their author and do not necessarily reflect the positions of McANA or the opinion of its Directors or Officers.

Transportation Impact Studies for Proposed Development
by Steve Cunningham
[Senior Transportation Planner for Traffic Impact Studies, City of Indianapolis]

Indianapolis has experienced significant growth over the last twenty years. In Indianapolis, like many other urban areas, this development was approved one project at a time. The cumulative impact of this development has caused significant demand on portions of the area's transportation system. Concern that the area's infrastructure was not keeping pace with approved development led the City of Indianapolis to adopt the Applicant’s Guide; Transportation Impact Studies for Proposed Development in 1990.

Because of ultimate roadway expansion limitations and the community's desire to maintain a high quality of mobility, proposals to intensify development and increase traffic flow are evaluated prior to approval to accomplish the following purposes:

1. To determine if a development can be accommodated within the existing or planned transportation system along with other development recommended in the Comprehensive Plan,

2. To identify improvements beyond those already anticipated which are needed to satisfactorily accommodate the proposed development, and

3. To determine how developments of significant size, including those consistent with the Comprehensive Plan, should be provided access so as not to adversely affect traffic operations or safety near the site.

The need for a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) is identified by the Department of Metropolitan Development (DMD) or the Department of Public Works (DPW) when rezoning, variance or plan approval petitions are filed that meet the following criterion A plus either B or C:

Significantly Sized Project – any development that contains 150 or more single-family residential units or generates 100 or more peak hour trips either entering or exiting.
Nearby Congestion – if the proposed development is expected to significantly impact surrounding roadways, intersections or sets of intersections that are already operating at level-of-service “D” or worse during any hour which is selected by the DMD or DPW for analysis.
Modifications to Roadways – if the proposed development is expected by the DMD or DPW to significantly impact a roadway segment identified in the City’s Transportation Improvement Program or DPW’s Capital Improvement Program. This criterion is also met when the proposed development includes modifications to the roadway system, other than curb cuts or deceleration/acceleration lanes.

Transportation impact studies benefit the City by providing decision makers with information to assess transportation implications of proposed zoning changes and development applications, aiding in keeping current its short and long range plans, providing a basis for assessing existing or future localized transportation deficiencies, addressing transportation-related issues of proposed development that may be of concern to neighboring property owners and providing a basis for negotiations in conjunction with a development or zoning application or petition (i.e. right-of-way dedication, traffic signals, financial contributions, roadway widening, etc…)

Transportation impact studies provide an objective assessment of both the anticipated impacts and needs of the proposed development. The TIS process creates better informed land use decisions and maintains a closer balance between development and the transportation infrastructure. It has increased the appreciation for the Comprehensive Plan and is strengthening the relationship between land use and transportation plans.