Lessons Learned from Intersection Improvements on U.S. Highway 280 PMI Central Alabama Chapter Darrell B. Skipper, P.E.

Project Location Project Limits

U.S. 280 Before Improvements Six-lane divided roadway Posted speed limit of 55 miles per hour Daily Volume 60k-80k 24 signals in study area (9 mile segment) Recurring peak hour congestion Roadway is over capacity Congestion costs users in time and fuel Competing Goals: Access vs. Mobility

Objectives Low overall cost Quick implementation Minimal impact during construction Fit into future goals Complement adaptive signal system project

Goals Use existing, proven tools All work within ROW Maintain existing property access Improve traffic flow Improve safety

Project Summary 28 improvements projects developed 11 locations use indirect turns 10 locations where turning capacity is increased 3 locations where one direction of 280 does not stop 3 signal removals, 1 relocation

Brook Manor - Before

Brook Manor - After

Grandview/Perimeter Park - Before

Grandview/Perimeter Park - After

Valleydale - Before

Valleydale - After

Total Project Cost $15.6 MM – Dunn and APAC Federal Funds – ALDOT Match Awarded $2 MM Federal grant for use of innovative technology.

Construction April 2013 Letting June 2013 Begin Construction August 2013 Phase 1 November 2013 Completion Incentive/Disincentive Phase 1: $10k/day I/D Overall: $50k/day I/D

Construction Challenges Sequence of CN SCATS operation Modifications during CN Complaints during CN Public awareness

38% Average Speed Increase

66% Average Speed Increase

Traffic Volumes

Travel Times Collected using BlueTOAD devices – Anonymous Bluetooth sampling Gps clocks – January – April averages for 2013 and 2014 – Does not account for Adaptive signal system benefits

Travel Times Inside I-459 – Westbound AM Peak 28% reduction in travel time – Eastbound PM Peak 36% travel time reduction Outside I-459 – Westbound AM Peak 22% reduction in travel time – Eastbound PM Peak 16% travel time reduction

Public Perception

Ongoing Constant Maintenance – “280 Czar” Incident response – On call wreckers – PTZ cameras

Social Media

Stakeholder Interaction Follow-up meetings and involvement

More to come AL Hwy 119 – Lane widening, additional turn lanes Walmart I-459 – 8-lanes from Cahaba river to I-459 – Potential fix to NB ramp weave issue

Questions