Traffic model: phased preferred alternative best for general traffic; 3‑lane bridge yields fastest transit times

Jacobs presented corridor traffic modeling (July 2024 base counts) for AM (08:15–09:15) and PM (16:30–17:30) peak hours along State Highway 82 from Brush Creek Road to 5th Street. Modelers applied a 0.75% annual growth rate to 2050 (roughly a 20% increase from 2024 to 2050) and compared the existing condition, a no‑build scenario and three build alternatives.

Peter (traffic modeler) summarized results: for outbound general-traffic travel time, the phased preferred alternative (direct alignment with bus lanes) showed the lowest travel time due to reduced friction from side streets; for outbound transit, the 3‑lane bridge with a roundabout bypass and bus priority produced the best result — "the 3 lane bridge provides the best outbound travel time of 12 minutes," he said. By contrast, the split-shot alternative increased general-traffic travel times because rerouting Cemetery Lane traffic through the Maroon Creek Roundabout added queueing and friction.

Councilmembers challenged the growth assumption and asked for scenario testing: Bill said historic traffic levels are still below 1993 volumes and questioned planning on projected positive growth to 2050; Peter said the 0.75% rate balanced the 1993 cap and CDOT's 0.45% figure and that staff could run sensitivity tests for other growth scenarios. The traffic team also emphasized that signal timing across six signals strongly affects corridor travel times and that the new signal at 7th and Main was included where applicable.