Abstract: This article describes how software was used to help design a complex traffic solution and gain public acceptance of a shopping center project in Exeter, Pennsylvania. Exeter Commons will consist of approximately 500,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. Roadway and signal improvements were developed to address existing congestion concerns and to accommodate site-generated traffic. As part of this plan, the existing roads had to be improved through widening, signalization, and access management. The proposed improvements will maintain, or in many cases improve, intersection levels of service. In the early stages of conceptual horizontal design, AutoTURN software was used to establish intersection geometry as well as site driveways. Multiple design teams were used to allow for simultaneous development of roadway construction plans, traffic signal plans, erosion and sediment pollution control plans, and right-of-way acquisition plans. To advance the design of the project aggressively, a large amount of file sharing and design coordination between public and private project stakeholders was required. More than 10 public meetings were held to discuss the proposed improvements and impacts to local residents and businesses. To communicate the conceptual designs at these meetings, high-resolution georeferenced aerial photos were downloaded from the Pennsylvania Spatial Data Access website and then brought into a design software program. Design elements were placed on top of the aerial photos to produce comprehensible visual aids. The traffic impact study and the graphics developed demonstrated that the proposed retail development would improve traffic conditions and shopping convenience, providing an economic boost to the community. Extensive collaboration and leveraging of technology allowed the design of this project to be completed on schedule and within budget.
Publication Year: 2010
Publication Date: 2010-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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