2025 09 08 Work Session Packet

Unverified text extraction. Check the original page for numbers, names, and layout.

 
 
 
Operational Analysis – Athens SR 30 Signal Timing, July 28, 2025 
1.0 INTRODUCTION 
 
Kimley-Horn was tasked with performing an evaluation of existing conditions and an operational analysis for 
four ( 4) intersections along S R 30 (Decatur Pike)  within the City of Athens, Tennessee as part of the 
referenced project. The four (4) intersections analyzed are listed below. The operational analysis focused on 
three (3) over-arching categories:   
 
1) Capacity analysis 
2) Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) items – signs, signals, and pavement markings 
3) Signal technology items 
 
Capacity analyses addressed each intersection’s level -of-service, vehicle delay, and volume -to-capacity ratio 
(V/C). If poor capacity results were found, both geometric and operational improvements were considered and 
potentially recommended in this document. Pedestrian accessibility items reviewed included the potential need 
for and/or modification of pedestrian crosswalks, curb ramps, and/or pedestrian signals (accessible pedestrian 
signals [APS] and countdown pedestrian signal heads).  However, since no existing pedestrian facilities exist, 
no pedestrian improvements were recommended. It should be noted that only four (4) pedestrians were 
observed during the collection of the 8-hour turning movement counts. 
 
MUTCD items consisted of assessing the need for and/or the condition of traffic signs, traffic signal 
infrastructure items, and pavement markings.  Signal technology items consisted of the following: signal 
cabinet condition (size, mounting type), signal controller and malfunction management unit (MMU) type, 
detection type, and signal communications. 
 
The intersections within the current Athens SR 30 Signal Timing signal system are as follows: 
 
1) SR 30 (Decatur Pike) at Milton Road/Denso Drive 
2) SR 30 (Decatur Pike) at I-75 SB Ramps 
3) SR 30 (Decatur Pike) at I-75 NB Ramps 
4) SR 30 (Decatur Pike) at Holiday Drive 
 
2.0 EXISTING MEASURES OF EFFECTIVENESS 
 
The existing conditions of each intersection within this corridor were analyzed using Synchro 12 . However, 
Highway Capacity Manual  (HCM) results were tallied using HCM 2000, which is the version that provides an 
overall intersection V/C ratio as well as working seamlessly with various phasing nomenclatures. Data used to 
compile the Synchro 12 models was collected by Kimley-Horn. The data collection process included preparing 
intersection sketches that depict the laneage, pavement markings, existing phasing sequences, and 
operational characteristics. Kimley -Horn observed traffic patterns such as excessive queuing, and lane 
utilization during the three primary weekday peak periods: morning (AM), midday (MD), and afternoon (PM). 
 
Level-of-service (LOS) is used to describe the operating characteristics of a road segment or intersection in 
relation to its capacity. LOS, per the HCM, is defined as a qualitative measure that describes the operational 
characteristics in a traffic stream, generally in terms of service measures such as speed and travel time, 
106