State Route 219 corridor study, Muscogee & Harris Counties: final report

STATE ROUTE 219 CORRIDOR STUDY MUSCOGEE AND HARRIS COUNTIES
FINAL REPORT
Prepared by Jeff Carroll June 2000

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties. 2

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................................................1
BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................................1 MUSCOGEE COUNTY ................................................................................................................................................1 HARRIS COUNTY ......................................................................................................................................................2
STATE ROUTE 219 ROAD CHARACTERISTICS.................................................................................................4 MUSCOGEE COUNTY ................................................................................................................................................4 HARRIS COUNTY ......................................................................................................................................................4
BRIDGE INFORMATION........................................................................................................................................4 MUSCOGEE COUNTY BRIDGES ..................................................................................................................................4 HARRIS COUNTY BRIDGE .........................................................................................................................................5
ACCIDENT DATA ....................................................................................................................................................5 MUSCOGEE COUNTY ................................................................................................................................................5 HARRIS COUNTY ......................................................................................................................................................6
LAND USE.................................................................................................................................................................6
TRANSIT ...................................................................................................................................................................8
BICYCLE NETWORK..............................................................................................................................................9
AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC (AADT)...................................................................................................9 MUSCOGEE COUNTY ................................................................................................................................................9 HARRIS COUNTY ....................................................................................................................................................10
ROADWAY CAPACITY ANALYSIS.....................................................................................................................11 LEVEL-OF-SERVICE ................................................................................................................................................12 PRESENT CONDITION, SR 219.................................................................................................................................12 STATE ROUTE 219 AND BRADLEY PARK/CASCADE ROAD INTERSECTION .................................................................13
PREDICTING FUTURE TRAFFIC........................................................................................................................14
FUTURE CONDITIONS .........................................................................................................................................17 MUSCOGEE COUNTY ..............................................................................................................................................18 HARRIS COUNTY ....................................................................................................................................................19
CONCLUSIONS ......................................................................................................................................................19
RECOMMENDATIONS .........................................................................................................................................20

Table of Figures
FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF MUSCOGEE COUNTY WITHIN GEORGIA.....................................................................................1 FIGURE 2: MUSCOGEE COUNTY POPULATION.................................................................................................................2 FIGURE 3: LOCATION OF HARRIS COUNTY WITHIN GEORGIA ..........................................................................................2 FIGURE 4: HARRIS COUNTY POPULATION ......................................................................................................................3 FIGURE 5: STATE ROUTE 219 ACCIDENT RATES, 1995-1997. MUSCOGEE COUNTY .........................................................5 FIGURE 6: STATE ROUTE 219 ACCIDENT RATES, 1995-1997. HARRIS COUNTY ..............................................................6 FIGURE 7: SR 219 BETWEEN BRADLEY PARK ROAD AND MOBLEY ROAD. ......................................................................6 FIGURE 8: FACING NORTH ON SR219 JUST SOUTH OF DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD.............................................................7 FIGURE 9: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OFF OF SR 219 AT DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD ..................................................8 FIGURE 10: STATE ROUTE 219 AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC (AADT) ................................................................12 FIGURE 11: INTERSECTION OF SR 219 AND BRADLEY PARK ROAD/CASCADE ROAD......................................................13 FIGURE 12: INTERSECTION OF SR 219 AND MOBLEY ROAD ..........................................................................................13 FIGURE 13: SR 219 PREDICTED LOW AADT AT 90 PERCENT CONFIDENCE...................................................................17 FIGURE 14: SR 219 PREDICTED HIGH AADT AT 90 PERCENT CONFIDENCE ..................................................................18 FIGURE 15: SR 219 PREDICTED AADT........................................................................................................................18
List of Tables
TABLE 1: SR 219 AADT, MUSCOGEE COUNTY ..........................................................................................................9 TABLE 2: SR 219 PERCENT CHANGE AND GROWTH RATE, MUSCOGEE COUNTY .....................................................9 TABLE 3: SR 219 AADT, HARRIS COUNTY .............................................................................................................. 11 TABLE 4: SR 219 PERCENT CHANGE AND GROWTH RATE, HARRIS COUNTY ......................................................... 11 TABLE 5: ROADWAY CHARACTERISTICS ................................................................................................................... 11 TABLE 6: LEVEL OF SERVICE: PREDICTED AND BEST ESTIMATE. ............................................................................... 16

Executive Summary
The Office of Planning initiated this Corridor study for State Route 219 in Muscogee and Harris Counties at the request of Chief Engineer, Frank Danchetz. State Route 219 begins in Columbus and extends north through Muscogee, Harris and Troup Counties providing access to the cities of Columbus, Whitesville and LaGrange, as well as to I-185 in Harris County. The study extends from the end of the four-lane section at Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road in Muscogee County to Lick Skillet Road in Harris County, approximately 11.54 miles in length. There are four bridges within the study area, three of which are in Muscogee County and the remaining one in Harris County. Passing opportunities are very limited along this corridor due to the limited sight distance caused by rolling terrain. This causes vehicles to platoon creating delays and potential safety concerns. The land use along SR 219 in Muscogee County is split between developed and High Growth Residential. Over the past decade, the corridor has grown significantly, especially from Bradley Park Road to Double Churches Road. The percentage of truck traffic along this corridor is approximately 2.4 percent in Muscogee County and 15 percent in Harris County. The present Level of Service (LOS) on SR 219 from Bradley Park Road to Double Churches Road is LOS D, which is unacceptable. Under existing conditions the Level of Service along this section of the corridor will drop to LOS E in year 2006. The present Level of Service from Double Churches Road to the Harris County line is LOS C, which will drop to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2006. The land use along SR 219 in Harris County is characterized as High Growth Residential. Over the past decade growth has occurred but at a slower rate than in Muscogee County. Harris County is part of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. There are four lakes that parallel this corridor in Harris County. State Route 219 provides indirect access to each of these lakes resulting in many vehicles towing recreational equipment to and from the lake area. The present Level of Service on SR 219 from the Muscogee County line to Goat Rock Road is LOS C, which will drop to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2007. The LOS on SR 219 throughout the rest of the County is either LOS B or LOS C, which is acceptable. This corridor is forecasted to grow in the future. There are several housing developments and apartment complexes being built from Bradley Park Road to Double Churches Road. If no improvements are made to the existing system, the LOS will continue to deteriorate. The corridor presently is operating at an unacceptable level from Bradley Park Road to Double Churches Road and in year 2006 the entire corridor up to Goat Rock Road in Harris County will be at unacceptable levels. The study findings recommend widening SR 219 from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road, 1.73 miles. The Columbus-Phenix City 2025 Transportation Plan was adopted on December 17, 1999 and includes widening SR 219 from two to four lanes from Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road. The study recommends adding turning lanes at the intersection of Biggers Road in Muscogee County. It also recommends constructing a northbound passing lane on SR 219 between Biggers Road in Muscogee County and Goat Rock Road in Harris County. Lastly, the study recommends constructing a north- and southbound passing lane between Goat Rock Road and Lick Skillet Road. Implementation of the recommended improvements will upgrade the corridor to LOS A through year 2020.

Muscogee and Harris Counties State Route 219 Corridor Study
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this study is to determine the need to widen the 219 corridor from two-lanes to four-lanes between Columbus in Muscogee County and Whitesville in Harris County. The study extends from the end of the four-lane section at Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road in Muscogee County to Lick Skillet Road in Harris County, approximately 11.54 miles in length. The corridor study consists of 6.25 miles in Muscogee County and 5.29 miles in Harris County. State Route 219, within the study area, is a two-lane roadway with one southbound passing lane between Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road and Lick Skillet Road. The two-lane section in Muscogee and Harris Counties has limited passing opportunities due to rolling terrain. Appendix A-1 provides a study map of the SR 219 Corridor. State Route 219 begins in Columbus and extends north through Muscogee, Harris and Troup Counties providing access to the cities of Columbus, Whitesville and LaGrange, as well as to I185 in Harris County. This route is classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, non-NHS in Muscogee County and a Rural Major Collector in Harris County. The southern terminus of this project is the four-lane section in Muscogee County. The northern terminus of this project is Lick Skillet Road south of the Whitesville.
BACKGROUND
Muscogee County
FIGURE 1: LOCATION OF MUSCOGEE COUNTY WITHIN GEORGIA

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.

According to the Census, the 1990 population of Muscogee County was 179,278, ranking 8 out of 159 Counties in Georgia. The county's population grew between 1980 and 1990 at a rate of 5.4 percent, compared with the state average growth rate of 13.2 percent. The Census Bureau's 1997 population estimate for Muscogee County was 182,796, once again ranking 8 out of the 159 Counties in Georgia. The county's projected population for the year 2002 is 199,000.
FIGURE 2: MUSCOGEE COUNTY POPULATION

Muscogee County Population: 1990-1997, 2000 Estimate

200000

190000

Population

180000 170000

160000

150000 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2002 Est.

According to the Georgia Department of Labor, the largest non-government employers in the county include American Family Life, Medical Center and Swift Textiles Incorporated. Between 1990 and 1994, the County's annual unemployment rate was higher than the state's mark, averaging 6 percent compared to the state's average of 5.7 percent. Nationwide, unemployment for the same time period was 6.5 percent. In 1990, 85 percent of the county's workforce was employed inside the county while the balance, 15 percent, commuted outside of Muscogee County for employment. According to the 1990 Census, 3,496 residents (3.8 percent) of Harris County commuted to Muscogee County for work.

Harris County

FIGURE 3: LOCATION OF HARRIS COUNTY WITHIN GEORGIA

2

The Office of Planning, 1999.
According to the 1990 Census, the population of Harris County was 17,788, which ranked 74 out of the 159 counties in Georgia. Harris County is part of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. The county's population grew between 1980 and 1990 at a rate of 15 percent, compared with the state average growth rate during the period of 13.2 percent. The Census Bureau's 1997 population estimate for Harris County was 22,227, which ranked 68 out of the 159 Counties in Georgia. The county's projected population for the year 2002 is 25,000.
FIGURE 4: HARRIS COUNTY POPULATION Harris County Population: 1990-1997, 2002 Estimate
30000 20000 Population 10000
0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 2002 Est.
According to the Georgia Department of Labor, the largest non-government employers in the county include Cagle's Inc., Callaway Gardens Resort, and Ida Carson Callaway. Between 1990 and 1994 the County's annual unemployment rate was lower than the state's, averaging 5 percent compared to the state's average of 5.7 percent. Nationwide, unemployment for the same time period was 6.5 percent. In 1990, 32 percent of the county's workforce was employed inside the county while the balance, 68 percent commuted outside of Harris County for employment. According to the 1990 Census, 402 residents (10.6 percent) of Muscogee County commuted to Harris County for work.
3

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
STATE ROUTE 219 ROAD CHARACTERISTICS
Muscogee County
State Route 219 is a four-lane highway from SR 1/Veterans Highway to Bradley Park/Cascade Road in Columbus and then a two-lane highway to the Harris County line. Within the two-lane highway, the following characterize the route: 12 foot travel lanes 3 foot bituminous concrete shoulders 80 to 100 feet of right of way 2.4 percent truck traffic A traffic control device with a left turn arrow is at the intersection of SR 219 and Bradley
Park/Cascade Road A beacon (overhead flashing amber) is at the intersection of SR 219 and Mobley Road
A 1.50 mile southbound passing lane located north of Double Churches Road
Harris County
State Route 219 is a two-lane highway throughout Harris County. Along this section of SR 219 the following characterize the route: 1.14 miles of 12 foot travel lanes (MP 0 to MP 1.14) 4.15 miles of 11 foot travel lanes (MP 1.15 to MP 5.29) 5 foot grass shoulders (MP 0 to MP 1.14) 2 foot bituminous concrete shoulders (MP 1.15 to MP 5.29) 100 feet of right of way 15.1 percent truck traffic A beacon (overhead flashing amber) is at the intersection of SR 219 and Goat Rock Road Appendix A-2 contains a map of the current roadway conditions along the SR 219 study area.
BRIDGE INFORMATION
There are four bridges located within the project area, three of which are in Muscogee County.
Muscogee County Bridges
4

The Office of Planning, 1999. Bridge 215-0038-0 was constructed over Heiferhorn Creek in 1964 and has a sufficiency
rating of 78.7 and is 140 feet long. Bridge 215-0039-0 was constructed over Standing Boy Creek in 1968 and has a sufficiency
rating of 80.0 and is 190 feet long. Bridge 215-0040-0 was constructed over Douglas Creek in 1925 and reconstructed in 1968 and
has a sufficiency rating of 80.0 and is 240 feet long.
Harris County Bridge
Bridge 145-0064-0 was constructed over Mulberry Creek in 1988 and has a sufficiency rating of 97.6 and is 220 feet long.
The sufficiency rating is a number from 0 to 100 and is a method of evaluating data by calculating four separate factors to obtain a numeric value that is indicative of bridge sufficiency to remain in service. Sufficiency ratings are computations based on structural adequacy and safety; serviceability and functional obsolescence; essentially for public use; and special reductions. The rating would range between zero, which represents an entirely insufficient or deficient bridge; and 100, which represents an entirely sufficient bridge. The four bridges within the study limits have an acceptable sufficiency rating.
ACCIDENT DATA
Accident data from 1995, 1996 and 1997 (the latest years in which data is available) was used to determine accident rates along SR 219. These rates were then compared to statewide averages to identify potential problem areas. State Route 219 is classified as an Urban Minor Arterial, nonNHS in Muscogee County and a Rural Major Collector in Harris County. The facility types were used in comparing to the statewide accident average. Tables in Appendix A-3 contain a listing of the accidents, and the statewide averages by facility and traffic count segment.
Muscogee County
Accident rates on SR 219 in Muscogee County ranged from 100 to 954 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (MVMT) during years 1995 through 1997. Accident data for the latest three years (1995, 1996 and 1997) reveal that accident rates on SR 219 for Traffic Count (TC) Station 314 and TC Station 321 exceeded the statewide average for accidents in 1995 and TC Station 316 exceeded the statewide average for accidents in 1996. The majority type of accidents along this section of SR 219 were "angle intersect" and "struck object".
FIGURE 5: STATE ROUTE 219 ACCIDENT RATES, 1995-1997. MUSCOGEE COUNTY
5

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.

State Route 219 Accident Rates by Statewide Average

1000 800 600
Accidents/100 MVMT 400 200 0

1995

1996 Year

1997

TC Station 314 TC Station 316 TC Station 318 TC Station 321 Statewide Average

Harris County
Accident rates on SR 219 in Harris County ranged from 141 to 310 accidents per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (MVMT) during years 1995 through 1997. Traffic Count Station 161 exceeded the statewide average in 1996 and 1997. The majority type of accidents along this section of SR 219 were "angle intersect" and "struck object".
FIGURE 6: STATE ROUTE 219 ACCIDENT RATES, 1995-1997. HARRIS COUNTY

State Route 219 Accident Rates by Statewide Average

350

300

250

Accidents/100 MVMT

200 150

100

50

0

1995

1996 Year

1997

TC Station 158 TC Station 161 Statewide Average

LAND USE
The Lower Chattahoochee RDC Land Use plan along SR 219 in Muscogee County is split between Developed and High Growth Residential. In Harris County the route is characterized as High Growth Residential. Appendix A-4 contains a map of the Lower Chattahoochee Region Conceptual Development Plan. The Plan was produced by the Lower Chatahoochee Regional Development Center in 1999.
FIGURE 7: SR 219 BETWEEN BRADLEY PARK ROAD AND MOBLEY ROAD.

6

The Office of Planning, 1999.
From Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road in Muscogee County there are several new and existing apartment complexes along SR 219. This section of SR 219 is categorized as "developed" in the Lower Chattahoochee Region Conceptual Development Plan, 1999. Figure 7 above is a picture facing north on SR 219 just past the Bradley Park/Cascade Road intersection. This apartment complex is approximately .38 miles from Bradley Park/Cascade Road. Figure 8 is a picture facing north on SR 219 prior to the intersection with Double Churches Road. The construction on the left-side of the roadway is for a new subdivision that has 80 single residential homes planned. Adjacent to that new subdivision will be another one that will have a similar amount of lots. Double Churches Road is approximately 1.73 miles from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to the beginning of the four-lane section of roadway. Figure 9 below is a picture looking across SR 219 from Double Churches Road into the new planned subdivision. State Route 219 southbound has a passing lane that ends just prior to Double Churches Road. This southbound passing lane extends for 1.6 miles, from south of the Heiferhorn Creek bridge to Double Churches Road.
FIGURE 8: FACING NORTH ON SR219 JUST SOUTH OF DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD
7

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
FIGURE 9: NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT OFF OF SR 219 AT DOUBLE CHURCHES ROAD
There are four lakes that parallel SR 219: Lake Oliver, Goat Rock Lake, Bartletts Ferry Lake and Lake Harding. These lakes are a recreational attraction for many residents of the Columbus Metropolitan Statistical Area. State Route 219 connects Columbus to these lakes and vehicles towing recreational equipment have to use SR 219 to access the lake. As a result, this congests and reduces the free flow speed of SR 219. While the lake community is not presently a bedroom community to Columbus, it has the potential to become one in the near future. Presently, there are numerous homes on the lake and this number will continue to grow as the lakes develop.
TRANSIT
Muscogee County is served by the METRA transit system inside the city limits of Columbus. METRA has one bus route operating 2 trips a day on SR 219 to the intersection of Bradley Park Road and on average there are approximately 20 passengers per trip. Harris County does not have a rural transit system and there are no plans to begin one in the future.
8

The Office of Planning, 1999.

BICYCLE NETWORK
State Route 219, in Harris and Muscogee County, is not on the Georgia Bicycle Pedestrian Route Network.
AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC (AADT)
Muscogee County

State Route 219, in Muscogee County, has four Traffic Count Stations (TC) within the study area (TC 314, TC 316, TC 318 and TC 321). The following table reveals the 1990 1998 AADT for each TC Station.

Table 1: SR 219 AADT, Muscogee County

TC Begmp 31 2.43 4 31 3.51 6 31 4.16 8 32 6.74 1

Endmp 3.50
4.15
6.73
8.61

1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 5622 5159 5863 5700 5400 5100
3512 4657 4330 4700 4900 4300
4482 3632 3628 3700 3600 3600
3903 3311 3423 3300 3400 3200

1996 7300
5600
4300
3700

1997 5658
6061
3650
4074

1998 7400
5900
4700
4000

State Route 219 traffic has fluctuated during the last decade but since 1995 it has increased significantly. Table 3 shows the actual percent change and growth rate for each TC Station along SR 219 in Muscogee County. The growth rate is explained as the rate at which traffic volume has changed or is expected to change in the future. The percent change is the change in the present traffic volume versus the traffic volume at a given point in the past.

Table 2: SR 219 Percent Change and Growth Rate, Muscogee County

TC Station Muscogee
314
316 318 321

Percent Change 1990 - 1998
24 %
40 %
5 %
2 %

Growth Rate
1995 1998
12.0%
11.0%
10.0%
8.0%

9

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
Harris County
State Route 219, in Harris County, has three Traffic Count Stations (TC) within the study area (TC 158 TC 161 and TC 163). The following table reveals the 1990 1998 AADT for each TC Station.
10

The Office of Planning, 1999.

Table 3: SR 219 AADT, Harris County

TC Begmp Endmp 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997

158

0

1.46 3480 3261 3645 3300 3400 3900 4000 4000

161 1.47

5.26 2443 2413 2629 2400 2400 2800 2800 2634

163 5.27

7.77 898 1023 1023 1100 1100 1400 1200 1760

1998
3800 2500 1200

State Route 219 traffic has fluctuated during the last decade and in fact traffic has decreased slightly since 1995. Table 4 shows the actual percent change and growth rate for each TC Station along SR 219 in Harris County.

Table 4: SR 219 Percent Change and Growth Rate, Harris County

TC Station Harris 158 161 163

Percent Change 1990 - 1998

Growth Rate
1995 1998

9 %

-1.0%

2 %

-3.5%

25%

-5.0%

ROADWAY CAPACITY ANALYSIS

State Route 219 was evaluated using a descriptive measure called Level of Service (LOS), which evaluates a roadway's operational characteristics based on its Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT), typical section, signal group and area type. Level of Service (LOS) was determined according to the methodology of the 1997 Highway Capacity Manual Update (HCM), 3rd Edition, which is the industry standard for the evaluation of traffic operations. The following inputs were used to calculate the LOS for traffic count stations in the study area.

Table 5: Roadway Characteristics

Variable Truck percent Posted Speed Directional split Shoulder width Traffic count year Peak hour factors

Muscogee County 2.4 % 50 60/40 3 Foot 1998 Table 8-3 of the 1997 HCM

Harris County 15.1% 50 60/40 2 foot 1998 Table 8-3 of the 1995 HCM

11

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties. The values for the truck percentages, shoulder widths, and speed limits were obtained from the Road Characteristics Information file collected and maintained by the Office of Information Services.
Level-of-Service
Level-of-Service is defined as a qualitative measure describing operational conditions (free flow) within a traffic stream. There are six identified Levels-of-Service a roadway can operate. Each of the six are identified by a letter, A through F with Level-of-Service A representing the best operating conditions and Level-of-Service F the worst. Individual users are virtually unaffected by the presence of others in the traffic stream. The general level of comfort and convenience provided to the motorist is excellent. Level-of-Service C marks the beginning of a range of flow in which the operation of the individual users becomes significantly affected by interactions with others in the traffic stream. The general level of comfort declines noticeably at Level-of-Service D. Level-of-Service E represents operating conditions at or near capacity. All speeds are reduced to a low, but relatively uniform value and comfort and convenience levels are extremely poor. Level-of-Service F represents heavily congested flow with traffic demands exceeding capacity. Volumes are higher than capacity and speeds are below capacity speed.
Present Condition, SR 219
Traffic volumes (1998) on SR 219 ranged from 4,000 to 7,400 average annual daily traffic (AADT) in Muscogee County and 2,500 to 3,800 AADT in Harris County. Traffic volumes drop to 1,200 and then 700 AADT on SR 219 from north of Lick Skillet Road to the City of Whitesville. Present (1998) traffic volumes in Muscogee County indicate that SR 219 from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road operates at a LOS D, which is unacceptable. The Level of Service from Double Churches Road to the Harris County line presently operates at a LOS C, which is acceptable. Traffic volumes (1998) in Harris County indicate that SR 219 from the Muscogee County line to Lick Skillet Road operates at a LOS C, which is acceptable. Figure 10 depicts the AADT on SR 219 from 1990-1998 in Muscogee and Harris County.
FIGURE 10: STATE ROUTE 219 AVERAGE ANNUAL DAILY TRAFFIC (AADT)
12

The Office of Planning, 1999.

State Route 219 AADT, 1995 - 1998 Muscogee County and Harris County

8000 6000 AADT4000 2000
0

Muscogee Co.

Harris Co.

1995 1996 1997 1998

TC

TC

TC

TC

TC

TC

TC

TC

Station Station Station Station Station Station Station Station

314

316

318

321

158

161

163

165

State Route 219 and Bradley Park/Cascade Road Intersection
There are several important intersections along the study area that need further capacity analysis to understand how they are operating now and in the future. Throughout the entire 11.54 miles of SR 219 under study there is one signalized intersection at Bradley Park/Cascade Road.

FIGURE 11: INTERSECTION OF SR 219 AND BRADLEY PARK ROAD/CASCADE ROAD

Figure 11 above is a picture facing north at the intersection of SR 219 and Bradley Park/Cascade Road. North of this intersection the two-lane roadway begins. The intersection has a protected left turn for vehicles on SR 219 accessing Bradley Park/Cascade Road.
FIGURE 12: INTERSECTION OF SR 219 AND MOBLEY ROAD
13

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
Figure 12 above is a picture facing south at the intersection of SR 219 and Mobley Road. This intersection is a two-way stop and has an amber flashing light for SR 219 vehicles and a flashing red light for vehicles on either side of Mobley Road. This intersection is approximately 1.08 miles from Bradley Park/Cascade Road (the beginning of the four-lane roadway). South of the intersection on the left is a new apartment complex (pictured in Figure 7). A church is located in the southwest quadrant of this intersection and a bank and small business park is located in the northwest quadrant.
PREDICTING FUTURE TRAFFIC
Assuming that the same factors causing traffic to increase in the last 14 years will influence traffic in the future, some fairly simple techniques to forecast SR 219 future traffic can be used. Before future conditions can be forecasted for this corridor, an appropriate way to predict traffic growth had to be identified. Analyzing historical traffic counts (time series analysis) provide reliable data to forecast traffic on SR 219. Each section of SR 219 will grow at different rates due to many factors. Applying a single growth rate to all segments of SR 219 in Muscogee and Harris County will not provide reliable projections. Each individual traffic count stations' historic traffic counts were analyzed from 1984 to 1998 and applied to develop projections for 2000-2025. A linear regression was performed using traffic data from 1984 through 1998 for each individual traffic count station. Linear regression analysis is a forecasting tool that utilizes the relationship between quantitative variables so that one variable (the dependent variable) can be determined in terms of another (the independent variable). The term linear regression, or simple linear regression, indicates that the value of the dependent variable is estimated on the basis of one independent variable. In this study SR 219 traffic is the dependent variable () and the year is the independent variable ().
14

The Office of Planning, 1999. Using historical data to forecast traffic by linear regression produces traffic estimates for each year in the forecasting model. The estimates can be used as a basis for further capacity analysis. The first step requires the best estimate of the traffic on SR 219 for each traffic count station. Using simple statistical methods, we will place 90 percent confidence limits around the traffic estimates. Ninety- percent confidence limits in year 2005 for SR 219 TC Station 314 will range from 7,155 to 9,199. The model assumes a 90 percent confidence limit if it can be logically assumed that that the future will closely resemble the past. If any major changes occur in a community, the confidence levels are less. The following table shows the low, high and predicted VPD estimate based on the linear regression model that used historical traffic counts and the corresponding LOS for each Traffic Count Station along the SR 219 corridor study limits.
15

SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.

Table 6: Level of Service: Predicted and Best Estimate.

County Muscogee
Muscogee Muscogee Muscogee
Harris Harris Harris

Traffic Count Station Cascade Rd. to Mobley Rd.

314

Changes from LOS D to LOS E in year 2008

316 Mobley Rd. to Double Church Rd.
Changes from LOS D to LOS E in year 2006

318 Double Ch. Rd. to Biggers Rd.

Changes from LOS C to LOS D in year 2006

Biggers Rd. to Harris Co. line

321

Changes from LOS C to LOS D in year 2006

158 Muscogee Co. Line to Goat Rock Rd.

Changes from LOS C to LOS D in year 2007

161 Goat Rock Rd. to Lick Skillet Rd.

163 Lick Skillet Rd. to Mt. Hill Rd.

Year 1998 2000 2005 2010
2015
2020
1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 1998 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

Best VPD Estimate at 90 Percent Confidence

Low

LOS Predicted LOS

High LOS

7,400 (actual)

6,016 D 7,155 D 8,294 D

7,038 D

8,060 D

8,177 D

9,199 E

9,317 D 10,33 E

9,434 E

10,456 E

9 11,47 E
8

10,57 E

11,595 E

12,61 E

3

7

5,900 (actual)

5,367 D

6,007 D

6,647 D

6,448 D 7,528 E 8,609 E

7,088 D 8,168 E 9,249 E

7,728 E 8,808 E 9,889 E

9,689 E

10,329 E

10,96 E

9

4,700 (actual)

3,644 C

4,416 C

5,188 D

4,208 C

4,980 C

5,752 D

4,772 C 5,337 D

5,544 D 6,108 D

6,316 D 6,880 D

5,901 D

6,673 D

7,444 D

4,000 (actual)

3,580 C 4,116 C

4,084 C 4,620 C

4,588 C 5,124 D

4,652 C

5,156 D

5,660 D

5,188 D 5,724 D

5,692 D 6,228 D

6,196 D 6,731 D

3,800 (actual)

3,735 C

4,092 C

4,449 C

4,181 C 4,627 C

4,538 C 4,984 D

4,895 D 5,340 D

5,073 D

5,429 D

5,786 D

5,518 D

5,875 D

6,232 D

2,500 (actual)

2,392 B

2,768 C

3,145 C

2,634 B

3,011 C

3,388 C

2,877 C

3,253 C

3,630 C

3,119 C

3,496 C

3,872 C

3,361 C

3,738 C

4,115 C

1,200 (actual)

1.037 B

1,353 B

1,669 B

1,176 B

1,492 B

1,808 B

1,315 B

1,631 B

1,946 B

1,454 B

1,770 B

2,085 B

1,593 B

1,908 B

2,224 B

16

The Office of Planning, 1999. LOS was calculated using HCM 1997 software. LOS is based on 9 percent peak traffic for all sections of SR 219.

FUTURE CONDITIONS
Using historical data from Table 6, it is predicted with 90 percent certainty that the traffic along each section will fall in-between the low and high estimate. This study will examine and make recommendations based on the predicted traffic from Table 6. Some estimates are below the actual 1998 AADT due to fluctuations in counts Historical counts reveal traffic on SR 219 decreases as it approaches the Harris County line. Using historical traffic counts from 1984 to 1998, future traffic was projected for the entire SR 219 corridor from Bradley Park/Cascade Road in Muscogee County to Mountain Hill Road in Harris County. Figure 13 and 14 graphs the AADT low and high estimate from year 2000 to 2027.
FIGURE 13: SR 219 PREDICTED LOW AADT AT 90 PERCENT CONFIDENCE

State Route 219 Predicted (Low) AADT, 2000 - 2027 Muscogee County and Harris County

20000
15000
AADT
10000
5000
0

Muscogee Co.

Harris Co.

2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 2018 2021 2024 2027

TC 314 TC 316 TC 318 TC 321 TC 158 TC 161 TC 163 TC 165

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SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.

FIGURE 14: SR 219 PREDICTED HIGH AADT AT 90 PERCENT CONFIDENCE

State Route 219 Predicted (High) AADT, 2000 - 2027 Muscogee County and Harris County

20000
15000 AADT
10000

Muscogee Co.

Harris Co.

5000

0 TC 314 TC 316 TC 318 TC 321 TC 158 TC 161 TC 163 TC 165

2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 2018 2021 2024 2027

It is predicted with 90 percent certainty that traffic will be within the low and high estimate unless there are dramatic changes along the route. The actual predicted value lies between the low and high estimates. The predicted value was used in calculating the future Level of Service and all recommendations are based on the predicted value.
FIGURE 15: SR 219 PREDICTED AADT

State Route 219 Predicted AADT, 2000 - 2027 Muscogee County and Harris County

20000
15000 AADT
10000

Muscogee Co.

Harris Co.

5000

0 TC 314 TC 316 TC 318 TC 321 TC 158 TC 161 TC 163 TC 165

2000 2003 2006 2009 2012 2015 2018 2021 2024 2027

Muscogee County
With no improvements, the Level-of-Service (LOS) on State Route 219, from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Mobley Road (TC 314), will change from a present unacceptable LOS D to LOS E in year 2008. The Level-of-Service on SR 219, from Mobley Road to Double Churches Road, will change from a present unacceptable LOS D to LOS E in year 2006. This section of
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The Office of Planning, 1999.
SR 219 will change from LOS D to LOS E two years earlier because this section has fewer passing opportunities. The Level-of-Service on State Route 219, from the Double Churches Road to Biggers Road, will change from LOS C to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2006. The Level-ofService on State Route 219, from the Biggers Road to the Harris County line, will change from LOS C to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2006.
Harris County
The Level-of-Service on State Route 219, from the Muscogee County Line to Goat Rock Road, will change from LOS C to LOS D in year 2007, which is unacceptable. The Level of Service from Goat Rock Road to Lick Skillet Road will continue to LOS C through year 2020 and Lick Skillet Road to Mountain Hill Road will continue to be LOS B through year 2020, both of which are acceptable.
CONCLUSIONS
The population of Muscogee County increased 5.4 percent over the past years while Harris County increased 15 percent. Traffic volumes on SR 219 from Bradley Park/Cascade Road through Harris County have increased during the past decade and the future trend reveals continual growth. Truck traffic on SR 219 in Muscogee County and Harris County is presently 2.4 percent and 15 percent respectively. The present traffic volumes on SR 219 in Muscogee County are creating congestion and delays. The Level-of-Service on SR 219 is presently "unacceptable" (LOS D) from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road. The Level of Service from Double Churches Road to the Harris County line will be "unacceptable" in year 2006. The present traffic volumes on SR 219 in Harris County are not creating any major congestion problems. The Level of Service on SR 219 is presently acceptable (LOS B and LOS C) throughout the entire county. However, in year 2007 the LOS from the Muscogee County line to Goat Rock Road will be "unacceptable" (LOS D). The rest of the route will be "acceptable" through year 2020. If the dynamics of this corridor follow the past, it is statistically assumed with 90 percent certainty that future traffic can be reliably predicted. A low and high VPD estimate was calculated using historical data. The low VPD estimate (Table 6) shows the last year before the LOS crosses into an unacceptable level. The high VPD estimate shows the first year before the LOS crosses into an unacceptable level. At the present time, this corridor is operating at an unacceptable level from Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road. Using the predicted VPD Estimate the following will occur along this corridor in the future. The LOS from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Mobley Road will change from LOS D to
LOS E in year 2008.
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SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
The LOS from Mobley Road to Double Churches Road will change from LOS D to LOS E in year 2006.
The LOS from Double Churches Road to Biggers Road will change from an acceptable LOS C to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2006.
The LOS from Biggers Road to the Harris County line will change from an acceptable LOS C to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2006.
The LOS from the Muscogee County line to Goat Rock Road will change from an acceptable LOS C to an unacceptable LOS D in year 2007.
The LOS from Goat Rock Road through the rest of Harris County will remain an acceptable LOS C through year 2020.
There are four lakes that parallel SR 219: Lake Oliver, Goat Rock Lake, Bartletts Ferry Lake and Lake Harding. The lakes are approximately 11 to 15 miles north of Bradley Park/Cascade Road and while this area has not become a bedroom community to Columbus, it could slowly become one in the future. Due to the recreational use of the lakes, there are a large number of vehicles towing recreational equipment on SR 219. Vehicles towing recreational equipment congest the roadway and cause vehicle delays and potential safety concerns. Passing opportunities are very limited along SR 219 due to rolling terrain and horizontal clearances. Within the study area southbound traffic has a 1.6 mile passing lane in Muscogee County while northbound traffic has no passing lanes.
Traveling north towards Harris County, SR 219 has several single housing developments, business parks and apartment complexes. There are also other developments currently under construction along this route. It is evident this corridor has grown over the past decade and traffic projections into the future speculate a continual growth trend. Each section in the corridor will grow but not proportionally to each other. As SR 219 approaches Harris County traffic historically decreases and this trend is expected to continue. The largest growth will occur in the section from Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road in Muscogee County.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Office of Planning recommends the following improvements immediately
Appendix A-5 contains a map of the recommended improvements within the SR 219 study area.
1. Widen SR 219 from Bradley Park/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road, 1.73 miles. Using the predicted VPD estimate, the LOS will change from LOS D to LOS E in 2006 Present 1998 AADT ranges from 5,900 to 7,400 Predicted Design Year (2020) AADT ranges from 10,329 to 11,595
Cost Estimate(Urban section): Estimated Construction Cost $5,190,000
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The Office of Planning, 1999.



Estimated P.E. Cost $519,000

Estimated Right of Way Cost $125,818

Estimated Bridge Cost $0

Barring unanticipated environmental or other concerns the total cost estimate is

$5,834,818.

After improvements, this section of SR 219 will operate at LOS A through year 2020.

The Columbus-Phenix City 2025 Transportation Plan adopted on December 17, 1999, includes a widening project from two to four lanes on SR 219 from Bradley Park Road/Cascade Road to Double Churches Road.

2. Construct a left turn lane for vehicles accessing CR 1, Old River Road (MP 6.73), and CR 98, Biggers Road (MP 6.74). The majority of the accidents within TC Station 318 occur at these intersections. The type of accidents at both intersections has generally been "rear end" and "struck object". Constructing a left turn lane will improve the operation and safety by separating vehicles turning left from through vehicles.
District 3 Traffic Operations reviewed this recommendation and their comments were: "Traffic Operations agree with the recommended improvements for this intersection and further agree that left turn lanes here would be a very good improvement to this intersection. Existing sight distance here is good to excellent in both directions from the side roads. Sight distance measured 1125 ft. northbound and 1500+ ft. southbound. Foliage on the west side, south of Old Rivers Road has begun to encroach on the roadway's shoulder and thus reduces sight to the south somewhat. There is a City/County Fire Station located on Old Rivers Road approximately 200 ft. west of the subject intersection. There is a creek bridge, Standing Boy Creek, located at M.P. 6.95, approximately 1161 ft. north of this intersection. Traffic Operations would prefer symmetrical widening. Traffic Operations would also prefer implementing these improvements utilizing 300 ft. turn lane storage with 220 ft. entry tapers as SR 219 is currently speed zoned for 55 MPH. The grade of Old River Road should be reviewed in reference to improving the level of safety for this west leg approach. Old River Road currently approaches on an approximately 7 to 10 percent positive grade. As Old River Road's existing intersection with SR 219 is on a skew, we would like to see a portion of this roadway shifted to the north to eliminate some of the skew and give a better alignment with Biggers Road. A preliminary cost to complete this work has been estimated at approximately $250,000.00. This estimate was derived in conjunction with our Concept Design Personnel in the Traffic Management Center."
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SR 219 Corridor Study: Muscogee and Harris Counties.
The Study recommends the following improvements be completed by 2006
Construct a 1.5 mile northbound passing lane between Double Churches Road in Muscogee County and Goat Rock Road in Harris County. The total distance between the two roads is 5.92 miles. Northbound beginning at MP 8.4 in Muscogee County and MP 1.3 in Harris County. Total length of the passing lane, 1.5 miles Using the predicted VPD estimate, the LOS will change from LOS C to LOS D in year 2006 Present 1998 AADT ranges from 3,800 to 4,700 Predicted Design Year (2020) AADT ranges from 5,875 to 6,673
Estimated Cost: Estimated Construction Cost $3,000,000.00 Estimated P.E. Cost $300,000.00 Estimated Right of Way Cost $163,636.00 Estimated Bridge Cost $0 Barring unanticipated environmental or other concerns the total cost estimate is $3,463,636.00
After improvements, this section of SR 219 will operate at an acceptable level of service until year 2016.
The Study recommends the following improvements be completed by 2015
Construct a north and southbound passing lane between Goat Rock Road and Lick Skillet Road. Southbound passing lane beginning at MP 1.5 and ending at MP 2.9, for a total length of 1.4 miles Northbound passing lane beginning at MP 3.5 and ending at MP 5.0, for a total length of 1.5 miles. While the LOS will remain acceptable through year 2020 under current estimates, passing lanes will improve the operation of this section of the corridor by increasing the passing opportunities. The passing lanes will assist in removing delays caused by vehicles towing recreational equipment and high volume of trucks on this corridor. Each passing lane should be one mile or greater in length. The distance between Goat Rock Road and Lick Skillet Road is 3.82 miles Present 1998 AADT ranges from 1,200 to 2,500 Predicted Design Year (2020) AADT ranges from 1,908 to 3,738
Southbound passing lane estimated cost: Estimated Construction Cost $2,800,000.00 Estimated P.E. Cost $280,000.00
22

The Office of Planning, 1999.



Estimated Right of Way Cost $152,727.00

Estimated Bridge Cost $0

Barring unanticipated environmental or other concerns the total cost estimate is

$3,232,727.00

North passing lane estimated cost:

Estimated Construction Cost $3,000,000.00

Estimated P.E. Cost $300,000.00

Estimated Right of Way Cost $163,636.00

Estimated Bridge Cost $0

Barring unanticipated environmental or other concerns the total cost estimate is

$3,463,636.00

Barring unanticipated environmental or other concerns the total cost estimate is for both

passing lanes is $6,696,363.00

After improvements, this section of SR 219 will operate at an acceptable level of service

through year 2020.

The Highway Capacity Manual states that in a rural setting, intermittently spaced passing lane sections have been successfully used to break up platoons and reduce delays. Two lanes are provided for unimpeded passing in one direction for 1 to 2 miles followed by a transition to two lanes of similar design for the opposing flow. Advance signing advises motorists of upcoming passing lane to reduce driver anxiety and frustration. While the future LOS is acceptable, passing lanes from Goat Rock Road to Lick Skillet will assist in reducing the platoons caused by trucks and vehicles towing recreational equipment. The improvement will increase the capacity and improve the operation and safety of the roadway.

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