When developing a transportation project two sets of data are used: a base, or existing year data set and a forecasted year data set, which in this case is year 2035. From these data, both existing and potential future transportation operations are assessed. The growth in traffic numbers is generated using Travel Demand Models that are developed for the project study area for the year 2035. As one of its primary inputs, the model uses the 2035 socioeconomic forecasts for the region that were developed using the most current published data available for the region. To determine the design characteristics (e.g., facility type, speed limits, location) of a new or improved facility, the future traffic data is evaluated.

Yes, an Origin-Destination study was completed in 2010. You can read more about the study here.

All roads and streets will experience traffic growth over time. The project team will model traffic growth for year 2035 based upon the adopted land use plan for that year. Growth on Towanda-Barnes Road and other roads and streets within the project study area will be evaluated based upon the various corridors being considered for the East Side Highway.

Traffic modeling will be completed during the EA. The model will identify east/west routes, or other improvements that could be considered as part of future planning efforts. Recommendations to that effect will be included in the final report.

The scope of the project addresses the study of a transportation infrastructure to accommodate anticipated growth on the east side. An important component of transportation on the east side is access to both I-55 and I-74. While the study will address improvements to east-west streets within the project study area, to look only at east/west roads would not address access to the Interstate system. Traffic volumes will continue to increase through Towanda and Downs and eventually overload the existing two-lane streets through these communities. This traffic growth will result in severe congestion and unsafe road conditions. The proposed alternative will need to provide improved access to I-74 and I-55 that relieves congestion in these two communities. To accommodate anticipated growth on the east side the traffic modeling that will be performed for this study will likely identify east/west routes and a north/south route that need to be improved or built. Recommendations to that effect will be included in the final report.

The 2035 projected no build traffic (what will happen if no ESH is built) is based on the 2035 Land Use Plan, population and employment projections, the 2035 adopted Long Range Transportation Plan, historical growth rates, and existing and predicted mode shares. It assumes that those projects already programmed in the region’s Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and planned beyond the TIP schedule, will be in place by 2035.