2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY STUDY Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Table of Contents Executive Summary .......................................................................... ES-1 1.0 Introduction................................................................................. 1-1 1.1 Study Overview......................................................................................1-1 1.2 Report Organization..............................................................................1-2 1.3 Data Sources..........................................................................................1-2 1.4 Review of Relevant Studies....................................................................1-3 1.4.1 Regional Studies.............................................................................1-3 1.4.2 Local Studies..................................................................................1-5 2.0 Plan Development and Evaluation Framework...........................2-1 2.1 Goals Development................................................................................2-1 2.2 Evaluation Framework...........................................................................2-1 2.2.1 Project Identification .....................................................................2-2 2.2.2 Performance Metrics......................................................................2-2 2.2.3 Project Scoring.............................................................................. 2-3 2.3 Travel Demand Model Development.................................................... 2-4 2.3.1 Roadway Network..........................................................................2-5 2.3.2 Traffic Analysis Zone.....................................................................2-5 2.3.3 Zonal Socioeconomic Data........................................................... 2-6 3.0 Baseline Conditions.....................................................................3-1 3.1 Existing and Future Land Use and Development Patterns.....................3-1 3.1.1 Existing Land Use..........................................................................3-1 3.1.2 Planned Development................................................................... 3-3 3.1.3 Future Land Use............................................................................ 3-4 3.2 Demographic Characteristics.................................................................3-7 3.2.1 Population......................................................................................3-7 3.2.2 Race.............................................................................................. 3-9 3.2.3 Age Distribution........................................................................... 3-9 3.2.4 Household Income.......................................................................3-10 3.2.5 Bryan County Employment.........................................................3-11 3.2.6 Environmental Justice Communities...........................................3-13 3.2.7 Minority Population.....................................................................3-13 3.2.8 Low Income Population...............................................................3-13 3.3 Built and Natural Environment...........................................................3-15 3.3.1 Wetlands......................................................................................3-15 3.3.2 Historic Structures.......................................................................3-15 3.4 Transportation System.........................................................................3-17 3.4.1 Travel Trends................................................................................3-17 3.4.2 Roadway Characteristics............................................................. 3-20 3.4.3 Safety Analysis ........................................................................... 3-23 3.4.4 Level of Service.............................................................................3-25 3.4.5 Freight Traffic............................................................................. 3-26 3.4.6 Bridges Inventory and Conditions Assessment.............................3-29 3.4.7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory................................................. 3-30 3.4.8 Transit......................................................................................... 3-30 3.4.9 Road Surface................................................................................3-31 3.4.10 Deployment and Evacuation Routes.......................................... 3-32 3.5 Major Findings.................................................................................... 3-33 4.0 Project Evaluation and Recommendations..................................4-1 4.1 Traffic Operations/System Management Improvements........................4-1 4.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements................................................... 4-9 4.3 New Capacity Improvements...............................................................4-11 4.3.1 Project Evaluation........................................................................4-14 4.3.2 Systemwide Performance..............................................................4-16 4.3.3 Project Prioritization....................................................................4-18 4.4 Policy Recommendations.................................................................... 4-20 5.0 Funding.......................................................................................5-1 5.1 Federal Funding Sources........................................................................5-1 5.1.1 Georgia Transportation Stimulus Package......................................5-2 5.2 State Funding Sources............................................................................5-2 5.3 Local Funding Sources.......................................................................... 5-3 6.0 Public Involvement......................................................................6-1 6.1 Advisory Committee............................................................................. 6-1 6.2 Stakeholder Interviews.......................................................................... 6-5 6.3 Public Meetings.................................................................................... 6-6 6.4 Communication Tools.......................................................................... 6-7 Appendix A: Maps Appendix B: Travel Demand Model Documentation Appendix C: Cost Estimation Appendix D: Public Involvement (Appendices B-D are provided in a separate document.) Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning i Bryan County Transportation Study List of Tables Table 1.1: GIS Data Inventory..........................................................................................1-3 Table 2.1: Goals and Needs Statements.............................................................................2-1 Table 2.2: Performance Metrics based on Study Goals.......................................................2-3 Table 2.3: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Roadway Network Mileage.................2-5 Table 2.4: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Population Forecasts...........................2-6 Table 2.5: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Employment Forecasts........................2-6 Table 3.1: Developments of Regional Impact ...................................................................3-3 Table 3.2: Bryan County Projected City and County Population Growth.........................3-7 Table 3.3: Bryan County Age Cohort Distribution...........................................................3-9 Table 3.4: National Register Locations in Bryan County.................................................3-15 Table 3.5: 2006 Trip Attractions and Productions...........................................................3-18 Table 3.6: 2030 Trip Attractions and Productions...........................................................3-18 Table 3.7: Bryan County Summary of Roadway Characteristics......................................3-21 Table 3.8: Bryan County Crash Rate Comparison to State of Georgia per Capita...........3-23 Table 3.9: Intersections with the Highest Crash Frequencies in Bryan County................3-23 Table 3.10: Crash Rates Compared to Statewide Averages per MVMT...........................3-24 Table 3.11: Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Replacement Funding.........3-29 Table 3.12: Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Rehabilitation Funding.......3-29 Table 3.13: Bryan County Road Mileage by Surface Type...............................................3-31 Table 3.14: Bryan County SPLOST Paving Projects........................................................3-31 Table 4.1: Traffic Operations/System Management Improvements....................................4-2 Table 4.1: Traffic Operations/System Management Improvements, Continued.................4-3 Table 4.1: Traffic Operations/System Management Improvements, Continued.................4-4 Table 4.2: Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements.............................................................4-10 Table 4.3: New Capacity Improvements..........................................................................4-12 Table 4.3: New Capacity Improvements, Continued.......................................................4-13 Table 4.4: Project Performance Matrix ............................................................................4-15 Table 4.5: Build and No-Build Network Performance in 2035........................................4-16 Table 4.6: Project Prioritization: Benefit-Cost and Local Priorities..................................4-18 Table 6.1: Stakeholder Interviews......................................................................................6-5 Table 6.2: Public Meeting Notifications............................................................................6-7 ii Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study List of Figures Figure 1.1: Study Area Map...............................................................................................1-1 Figure 2.1: Project Identification Process...........................................................................2-2 Figure 2.2: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Study Area.........................................2-4 Figure 2.3: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Traffic Analysis Zones........................2-5 Figure 2.4: Bryan County Travel Demand Model High Growth Areas...........................2-7 Figure 3.1: Existing Land Use City of Pembroke...............................................................3-1 Figure 3.2: Existing Land Use City of Richmond Hill.......................................................3-1 Figure 3.3: Future Development in North Bryan County..................................................3-5 Figure 3.4: Future Development in South Bryan County..................................................3-6 Figure 3.5: 2006 Population Density.................................................................................3-8 Figure 3.6: 2035 Population Density.................................................................................3-8 Figure 3.7: Racial Composition.........................................................................................3-9 Figure 3.8: 2000 Median Household Income Comparison..............................................3-10 Figure 3.9: 2000 Median Household Income..................................................................3-10 Figure 3.10: Bryan County 2005 Employment...............................................................3-11 Figure 3.11: Bryan County 2005 Employment by Major Sector.....................................3-11 Figure 3.12: 2006 Employment Density..........................................................................3-12 Figure 3.13: 2035 Employment Density..........................................................................3-12 Figure 3.14: Minority Populations...................................................................................3-14 Figure 3.15: Low Income Populations.............................................................................3-14 Figure 3.16: Water Resources...........................................................................................3-16 Figure 3.17: Historic Structures.......................................................................................3-16 Figure 3.18: 2006 Travel Trends.......................................................................................3-19 Figure 3.19: 2035 Travel Trends.......................................................................................3-20 Figure 3.20: Functional Classifications............................................................................3-22 Figure 3.21: Lanes and Signals.........................................................................................3-22 Figure 3.22: Bryan County Accident Locations...............................................................3-25 Figure 3.23: Level of Service (LOS) ................................................................................3-25 Figure 3.24: 2006 LOS....................................................................................................3-27 Figure 3.25: 2035 LOS....................................................................................................3-27 Figure 3.26: Truck and Rail Lines....................................................................................3-28 Figure 4.1: Traffic Operations Improvements....................................................................4-1 Figure 4.2: I-95 at US 17 Interchange Improvement .......................................................4-6 Figure 4.3: I-95 at SR 144 Interchange Improvement .....................................................4-7 Figure 4.4: SR 119 at SR 67 Intersection Realignment ...................................................4-8 Figure 4.5: Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements..............................................................4-9 Figure 4.6: Capacity Improvements.................................................................................4-11 Figure 4.7: 2035 No-Build Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 .............................................4-17 Figure 4.8: 2035 Build Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 ...................................................4-17 Figure 4.9: 2035 No-Build Level of Service ....................................................................4-19 Figure 4.10: 2035 Build Level of Service.........................................................................4-19 Figure 6.1: Project Schedule..............................................................................................6-1 Figure 6.2: Potential Improvements from Map Exercise....................................................6-2 Figure 6.3: Local Priorities from Voting Exercise...............................................................6-4 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning iii Bryan County Transportation Study Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning iv Bryan County Transportation Study Bryan County Transportation Study Executive Summary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Executive Summary Bryan County is projected to almost double in population from 23,500 in 2000 to roughly 46,000 by 2030. The Bryan County Transportation Study has been prepared by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in cooperation with Bryan County, the City of Pembroke, the City of Richmond Hill, Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia (CRC) and various other planning partners. The purpose of this study is to identify and recommend transportation improvements necessary to meet travel needs through the year 2035. A Bryan County Travel Demand Model was developed to assess travel trends in the county and assist in the evaluation of capacity improvements based on performance measures. In addition to sound technical analysis, public involvement also played a critical role in the development of this study. Figure ES.1 (opposite) displays a flow chart depicting the study process. This document should be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure that the planning factors and other assumptions are still relevant and effectively address transportation needs. Figure ES.1: Study Process Review Previous Studies Review of Existing and Future Conditions Develop Goals and Objectives Establish Evaluation Framework Identify Projects for Evaluation Study Area Overview Bryan County is located in southeast Georgia as part of a ten-county coastal region. Figure ES.2 Screen Projects Based on Goals (opposite) provides a map of the study area. Bryan County is bordered by Effingham and Chatham Counties to the east, Liberty and Evans Counties to the west and Bulloch County to the north. Project Recommendations Fort Stewart occupies roughly the middle third of the study area. The presence and location of Fort Stewart creates two separate subareas, with the City of Pembroke providing public services for north Bryan and the City of Richmond Hill for south Bryan. Bryan County is thus unique in that those wishing to travel from one end of the county to the other find it easier to travel outside the county Figure ES.2: Bryan County Study Area BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A A Lanier A Ellabell Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Eldora ? Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM e River Ogeec Canoochee Ri ver he Fort Stewart Military Reservation Executive SummBaRryYA N LIBERTY A 17 RICHMOND HILL C H AT H A M ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate State Route Street Railroad Lakes & Rivers Military Installation Conservation Lands City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-1 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary to do so. I-16 traverses the northern portion of the county and includes an interchange at US 280. I-95 primarily serves the southern portion of the county and includes two interchanges at SR 144 and at Ocean Highway (US 17). These interstate connections make the county attractive for commuters to Chatham County, and for freight activities related to the nearby Port of Savannah. Goals and Objectives Bryan County Transportation Study goals were built on the relevant goals developed from previous studies, and were refined based on stakeholder interviews and Advisory Committee inputs. Refer to Chapter 1 for a review of the previous studies including the locally adopted Comprehensive Plan. Table ES.1 (opposite) presents the goals and needs statements that shaped the format and direction of this study. Baseline Conditions The following baseline conditions findings were essential in creating a plan that reflects and meets the county's needs for an integrated transportation system: Most of Bryan County is characterized by rural, low-density land use with pockets of identified growth areas. These existing and proposed areas include the existing commercial nodes in Richmond Hill, Belfast Siding corridor, residential areas in south Bryan County, and the I-16 corridor in north Bryan County. Future transportation investments should be consistent with the county's land use plans. Approximately 42 percent (291,300 acres) of Bryan County is covered in wetlands and could pose significant limitations to new developments and infrastructures. Bryan County residents travel to Savannah more frequently for employment and shopping than to destinations within the county. There is a high disparity between Bryan County's residents and jobs with greater than 75 percent of residents commuting to other counties for work. Due to the anticipated growth projected for the county, coupled with the lack of planned improvements and available financing for improvements, the following travel conditions can be expected by 2035: Only the areas with direct access to the interstate are projected to maintain similar commute times to current conditions. TabTlaeblEeS2..11::GSotaulsdayndGNoeeadlssStaatnedmeNnteseds Bryan County Transportation Study Goals Needs Statements Encourage Multi-modal Increase capacity along major corridors while improving Transportation Corridors Expand the Bicycle/Pedestrian pedestrian access and connectivity Expand bicycle and pedestrian network along major corridors and Network greenways Identify transportation improvements that are consistent with Coordinate Land Use and Transportation future land use plans Identify transportation improvements that avoid/and or mitigate impacts to the natural environment Indentify transportation improvements that help preserve the Increase Safety and Operations of Transportation Network rural-suburban character of the County Improve operations to reduce the number of crashes at critical intersections and hot spots Reduce the number of unpaved roadways and provide lighting and sidewalks LOS for major roadways in the county (e.g., US 17, SR 144, Harris Trail Road, Belfast Siding Road, and US 280) is expected to deteriorate significantly. Currently, 30 percent of the roads in Bryan County are unpaved. The county has an aggressive roadway paving plan to improve the transportation network that reflects the growing demands on its infrastructure. Evaluation Framework More than 50 potential projects were identified during the study process. The new capacity projects identified in this study were evaluated using a multiple step process which employed guidelines from GDOT's Project Prioritization Process (PrPP). Due to their nature, the traffic operations, system management, and bicycle and pedestrian projects were not subject to the PrPP evaluation criteria. Improvement Recommendations The traffic operations/system management projects are recommended because they are relatively low-cost and maximize the effectiveness of the existing system. The bicycle and pedestrian improvements are recommended to enhance the quality of life and promote a multimodal transportation network. Figures ES.3 and ES.4 (page ES-3) illustrate the traffic operations/ system management and bicycle and pedestrian improvements identified for recommendation. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-2 Bryan County Transportation Plan Main St Augusta Rd Bryan Neck Rd Bryan Neck Rd Ashbranch Rd Ashbranch Rd YNE Executive Summary INTRCHNG02:I-16andUS280 Figure ES.3: Traffic Operations Projects BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE A BORlivIWDeilGmBaEraE0dn2wc:ahrId-R1s 6Rdd@ INTRSCTN04: SR 119 !(!( @ SR 67 Realignment INTRSCTN03: US 280 @ SR 119 ? E VA N S ? Lanier A A Ellabell ? !( !( Eldora SIGNAL03: US 280 @ US 80 Blit!(chton I!( EFFINGHAM BRIDGE01: US 80 @ Ogeechee River INTRCHNG03: I-16 @ US 280 16 Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Canoochee Ri ver A INTRCHNG01: I-95 @ SR 144 ACCESS01: SR 144 INTRSCTN02: US 17 @ Harris Trail Rd !( 17 C H AT H A M BRIDGE04: I-95 @ CSX Railroad Bridge !(!( SIGNAL10: US 17 @ Mulberry Dr ? INTRCHNG02: I-95 and US 17 !(!( !( SIGNAL05: US 17 @ Daniel Siding Loop Rd Ocean Hwy !( !( !( SIGNAL09: US 17 @ SR 196 SIGNAL06: US 17 @ LIBERTY Belfast Siding Rd Harris Trail Rd !( INTRSCTN01: US 17 @ SR 144 !( SIGNAL12: SR 144 @ Ivey St SIGNAL121: SR 144 @ Timber Trail Port Royal PAVE01: Harris Trail Ext. !( BRIDGE03: I-95 @ Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd !( SFoIGrt MNcAALll0is7te:r SRdR 144 @ HaBretwlfaicskt Keller Rd Belfast Siding Rd SIGNAL08: Belfast Siding Rd @ Belfast Keller Rd !( Belfast SIGNAL04: SR 144 @ !( Oak Level Rd Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Traffic Operations 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing WAYNE Improvement Type !( Interchange Upgrade !( Bridge Replacement !( Intersection Upgrade !( Signalization Access Managemet Paving Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Canoochee Ri ver Main St Augusta Rd Figure ES.4: Bicycle and Pedestrian Projects BULLOCH Groveland ? PED04: Ashbranch Rd I Southward PEMBROKE Reka A PED03: Wilma Patterson Rd Edwards Rd PED02: SR 119 E VA N S PED08: Bacontown Rd PED25: US 280 PED23: City (Pembroke) PED01: Payne Rd PED05: Lewis St ? ? PED06: Judith St PED07: E.SmiLthanSiter A Eldora ? Blitchton I PED22: City of Pembroke to Ellabell A Ellabell 16 EFFINGHAM Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N LIBERTY A RICHMOND HILL PED14: Maple St PED15: Constitution Way PED18: ForCd AHveA T H A M 17 PED12: Frances Meeks Way PED24: Coastal GA Greenway ? PED09: HaOrrciesanTHrawiyl Rd PED10: Wildcat Dr PED11: Richmond Middle School PED17: Richmond High School Harris Trail Rd PED13: Ivey St PED16: Cherry St PED21: Ford Ave Port RoPPyaEElDD1290:: Ford Ave Timber Trail Rd PED25:Warren Hill Road Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick PED26: Belfast Keller Road Belfast Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Improvement Type Sidewalk Shared Use Path Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-3 Bryan County Transportation Plan Main St Augusta Rd Executive Summary Bryan County's Travel Demand Model played a key role in identifying roadways with deficient levels of service (LOS D or below) based on existing and anticipated growth. Figure ES.5 (opposite) illustrates the locations of new capacity recommendations. Because new capacity projects can be significant investments, they were evaluated based on performance and prioritized based on benefit-cost and local needs. Table ES.2 (page ES-5) is a comparative list of the new capacity projects illustrating benefit-cost and local input. Project sheets for new capacity recommendations are presented at the end of this section in order of priority, as determined by the benefitcost analysis. Public Involvement and Technical Advisory Committee Although Bryan County's north-south divide posed some logistical challenges, the project team undertook a broad dissemination of user-friendly information about the study, and provided a wide range of opportunities for all stakeholders to make their views known. The Advisory Committee met three times throughout the course of the study to provide feedback, general oversight and technical review of the study findings. One-onone stakeholder interviews with a cross section of community leaders were conducted at the onset of the study as part of the outreach effort. Citizens were also given opportunities to participate in development of the Bryan County Transportation Study through series of public meetings held over the course of the study. These meetings were designed in an open house format and consisted of informational displays as well as interactive discussion sessions. See Chapter 6 for greater detail on the public involvement and outreach efforts made throughout the study process. Funding It is unlikely that all of the projects recommended in the study can be funded over the next 25 years. Therefore, a major task in the BryWaAnY NCE ounty Transportation Study is the identification of potential funding programs for the recommended projects. A full spectrum of funding programs was identified in an effort to proactively group projects into the most applicable funding sources based on current requirements. Thus, this study provides a framework for pursuing funding for the project recommendations in the future. Figure ES.5: Capacity Improvements BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE Ashbranch Rd A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM US 280 Widening (Interstate Centre) 16 Og ee hee River Canoochee Ri ver c Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N I-95 Widening (I-16 to SR 144) Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd A C H AT H A M 17 RICHMOND HILL US 17 Widening** (SR 196 to I-95) ? Ocean Hwy Belfast Siding Road Widening L I B E R T Y (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Harris Trail Road Widening** Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Phase 2 - Port Royal to Belfast Keller Port Royal Belfast Keller Rd FSorRt M1cA4ll4isteWr Ridd ening Ha(rTtwimicbker Trail to Belfast Keller Road) Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Capacity Improvements Improvement Type Roadway Widening **Note: Project termini have been revised to reflect comments from the Advisory Commitee and Public Meetings Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-4 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Table ES.2: ProjecTtabPlreio4.r6itPirziaotriitoizne:dBPernoejefcitt-RCaonsktinagnsd Local Priorities Benefit-Cost Local Input Project Ranking B-C Ratio Project Ranking Note 1 I-95 Widening (SR 144 to I-16) 2 SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) 3 US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) Harris Trail Road Widening 4 (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) 5 US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) 6 Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Harris Trail Road Widening 7 (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) 4.84 0.39 0.29 0.18 0.08 0.07 -0.12 1 SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) Majority of stakeholders believed this project should be the county's top priority. 2 US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) This project is needed to relieve congetion and facilitate commuter traffic. 3 US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) Harris Trail Road Widening 4 (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) This project is needed to accommodate the traffic growth associated with Interstate Centre. Some stakeholders desired Harris Trail Road to function as a viable bypass to City of Richmond Hill. Harris Trail Road Widening 5 (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) This project should be implemented after Phase 1 widening. 6 I-95 Widening (SR 144 to I-16) Some stakeholders believed that this project will be a greater benefit to non-Bryan County residents. 7 Belfast Siding Road Widening 17 to Park Hill Road) (US Some stakeholders questioned need for this project without the proposed interchange. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-5 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Project Sheets I-95 Widening - I-16 to SR 144 SR 144 Widening - Timber Trail to Belfast Keller US 17/SR 25 Widening - SR 196 to I-95 Harris Trail Road Widening: Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road US 280/SR 30 Widening - Interstate Centre Belfast Siding Road Widening - US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road Harris Trail Road Widening: Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-6 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Project Name: I-95 Widening (I-16 to SR 144) Description: Widen I-95 from 6 lanes to 8 lanes with center barrier wall beginning at I-16 in Chatham County and ending at SR 144. Traffic Vol.: Truck % 2006: 80,500 2006: 12.1% 2035: 113,000 2035: 14.7% County P.I. No.: GDOT District Congressional District: RC/MPO: Length (miles): Bryan 511035 5 1 CRC 2.0 No. of Lanes Existing: 6 Recommended: 8 Route #: 405 Beginning and I-16/ Functional Classification: Interstate Principal Arterial Ending Points: SR 144 Project Need and Purpose: This segment of I-95 currently experience extreme delays and high volume to capacity ratio during the peak hours and this condition is expected to worsen by 2035. Widening of I-95 is recommended to provide congestion relief and improve safety. Logical Termini: I-16/I-95 interchange in Chatham County was chosen as the northern terminus since a large percentage of I-95 traffic travels to and from I-16. The southern terminus is at the SR 144 interchange in Bryan County since the model projects a significant drop in the number of vehicles (30,000) south of this interchange. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $675,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $0 Utility Relocation $0 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $8,441,000 Total $9,116,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-7 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) Description: Extend the existing 4-lane section of SR 144 south to Belfast Keller Road. County P.I. No.: Bryan 532370 GDOT District 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 14,000 2035: 22,100 RC/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 3.7% 2035: 5.6% Length (miles): 4.5 No. of Lanes Existing: 4 Recommended: 6 Route #: 144 Functional Classification: Minor Arterial Beginning and Ending Points: Timber Trail to Belfast Keller Project Need and Purpose: Widening of SR 144 is recommended to provide additional capacity and reduce congestion for the travelers from Richmond Hill and south Bryan to US 17 and I-95. Logical Termini: The section of SR 144 just south of Timber Trail was chosen as the northern terminus since it marks the ending of the existing 4-lane section. The southern terminus is at the intersection of Belfast Keller Road because significant percentage of traffic is expected to diverge at this intersection. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,693,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $4,846,000 Utility Relocation $4,825,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $21,157,000 Total $32,520,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-8 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) Description: County Widen US 17/SR 25 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes with 20-ft raised median beginning at SR Project #: 196 in Liberty County to I-95. P.I. No.: Bryan GDOT District 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 21,900 2035: 37,300 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % No. of Lanes 2006: 9.8% Existing: 4 2035: 10.4% Recommended: 6 Length (miles): 4.8 Route #: 25 Beginning and SR 196/ Functional Classification: Principal Arterial Ending Points: I-95 Project Need and Purpose: Under the existing roadway configuration, US 17 is anticipated to have significant deterioration of LOS by 2035. Widening on US 17 is needed to facilitate safe and efficient travel of commuters to and forth from the Savannah area. The capacity improvements to US 17 will also provide relief for the users of I-95 during the peak hours. Logical Termini: The eastern terminus is at the T-intersection at SR 196 in Liberty County. SR 196 is currently under construction to be widened to 4 lanes. The completion of this improvement is expected to attract more commuters from Liberty County onto US 17. The western terminus is at the I-95 interchange since a significant share of travelers utilizes this interchange to access Savannah and other destinations. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $2,584,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $ 11,636,000 Utility Relocation $3,309,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $32,298,000 Total $49,827,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-9 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) Description: County Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised median from Timber P.I. No.: Trail to Port Royal Road. GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: N/A 2035: 7,200 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: N/A 2035: 6.4% Length (miles): 2.9 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Local Beginning and Ending Points: Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Project Need and Purpose: With the completion of Harris Trail Extension, traffic on Harris Trail Road is expected in increase by greater than 100% from 5,600 in 2006 to 12,500 by 2030, resulting in deficient LOS. Harris Trail Road provides the much needed bypass for downtown Richmond Hill and an alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is needed to accommodate the new demand for this route. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the existing 4-lane section ending at Timber Trail. The southern terminus is at Port Royal intersection as the travel pattern indicates a significant diversion of traffic from Harris Trail to Port Royal Road. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,175,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $ 2,937,000 Utility Relocation $2,001,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $14,685,000 Total $20,798,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-10 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) Description: Widen US 280/SR 30 from 2 lanes to 4-lanes with 20-ft median at the proposed entrances of Interstate Centre. County P.I. No.: GDOT District Congressional District: Bryan 0004799 5 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 4,300 2035: 16,600 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % No. of Lanes 2006: 10.0% Existing: 2 2035: 24.9% Recommended: 4 Length (miles): 1.0 Route #: 30 Beginning and Functional Classification: Principal Arterial Ending Points: N/A Project Need and Purpose: Widening of US 280/SR 30 is needed to improve safety and accommodate increasing traffic volumes as a result of the proposed Interstate Centre Industrial Park. The additional capacity improvement will facilitate large truck traffic generated from the proposed development and headed towards the Port of Savannah area via I-16. Logical Termini: The project termini are located at the anticipated eastern and western entrances of the Interstate Centre Industrial Park because significant deterioration of LOS on US 280/SR 30 is expected near the development. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $539,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $1,532,000 Utility Relocation $686,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $6,741,000 Total $9,498,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-11 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road) Description: Widen Belfast Siding Road from 2 lanes to a 4-lane divided section beginning at US 17 and ending at the Park Hill 20 Road. County P.I. No.: GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 2,600 2035: 12,000 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 3.8% 2035: 10.3% Length (miles): 5.7 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Local Beginning and Ending Points: US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road Project Need and Purpose: Widening of Belfast Siding Road will provide relief to the congested conditions anticipated as a result of the planned development surrounding this roadway. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the T-intersection at US 17, which provides the most direct access to I-95. The southern terminus is at Park Hill 20 Road intersection. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,984,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $3,118,000 Utility Relocation $3,924,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $24,805,000 Total $33,832,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-12 Bryan County Transportation Plan Executive Summary Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) Description: County Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised median from Timber P.I. No.: Trail to Port Royal Road. GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 3,000 2035: 10,000 RC/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 8.0% 2035: 9.6% Length (miles): 1.3 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Minor Collector Beginning and Ending Points: Timber Trail to Port Royal Road Project Need and Purpose: With the completion of Harris Trail Extension, traffic on Harris Trail Road is expected in increase by greater than 100% from 5,600 in 2006 to 12,500 by 2030, resulting in deficient LOS. Harris Trail Road provides the much needed bypass for downtown Richmond Hill and an alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is needed to accommodate the new demand for this route. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the existing 4-lane section ending at Timber Trail. The southern terminus is at Port Royal intersection as the travel pattern indicates a significant diversion of traffic from Harris Trail to Port Royal Road. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $653,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $1,271,000 Utility Relocation $894,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $8,163,000 Total $10,980,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning ES-13 Bryan County Transportation Plan Chapter 1 Introduction Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 1 Main St Augusta Rd Ogeech e River 1.0 Introduction The Bryan County Transportation Study has been prepared by the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) in cooperation with Bryan County, the City of Pembroke, the City of Richmond Hill, Coastal Regional Commission of Georgia (CRC) and various other planning partners. The objective of the study is to identify and recommend transportation improvements necessary to meet existing and future transportation needs through the year 2035. To this end, a Bryan County Travel Demand Model was developed to assess travel trends in the county and assist in the evaluation of capacity improvements based on performance measures. Transportation projects considered in this study were identified based on safety analysis, relevant previous studies, the Travel Demand Model, and public and stakeholder input. An Advisory Committee made up of key local officials and planning staff was established to provide guidance on technical and policy issues. This group met several times over the course of the study. It is unlikely that all of the projects recommended in the study can be funded over the next 25 years. Therefore, a critical task in the Bryan County Transportation Study is the identification of potential funding programs for the recommended projects. This study commenced in September of 2008 and was completed in September of 2009. 1.1 Study Overview Bryan County is experiencing a significant increase in population. Its close proximity to Savannah, abundance of developable land, quality of life and quality schools have made the area attractive to retirees and young families. Projections released by the Georgia Institute of Technology's Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development (2006) indicate that the county's population is projected to increase from 23,500 in 2000WtAoY NrEoughly 46,000 by 2030 an anticipated increase of 96 percent. Therefore, it is of prime importance that the Bryan County Transportation Study considers future mobility needs and impacts associated with the county's rapid growth. This information will be utilized to recommend transportation improvement strategies so that the future transportation network can adequately serve Bryan County residents. Figure 1.1: Study Area Map BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A A Lanier A Ellabell Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Eldora ? Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Canoochee Ri ver LIBERTY A 17 RICHMOND HILL C H AT H A M ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate State Route Street Railroad Lakes & Rivers Military Installation Conservation Lands City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 Bryan County is located in southeast Georgia and is part of Georgia's ten county coastal region. Figure 1.1 (page 1-1) provides a map of the study area. Please note that a larger size of all the maps in this report are provided in Appendix A. Bryan County is bordered by Effingham and Chatham Counties to the east, Liberty and Evans Counties to the west and Bulloch County to the north. Given its location in the coastal region, Bryan County has a wealth of natural resources including shoreline areas, wetlands, and numerous flowing streams. The county lies between the Ogeechee River on the east and the Cancoohee River, Mt. Hope Creek, and the Jerico-Laurel View River that becomes the Midway River on the west. Fort Stewart divides Bryan County into northern and southern portions. Fort Stewart, home of the Army's Third Infantry Division, occupies roughly the middle third of the study area. Though there are roads through Fort Stewart that can be used by the general public, none of these roads currently provide a direct connection between the northern and southern areas of the county. Bryan County is unique in that those wishing to travel from one end of the county to the other find it easier to travel outside the county first. The presence and location of Fort Stewart creates two separate subareas under one county government, with the City of Pembroke providing public services for north Bryan and the City of Richmond Hill for south Bryan. I-16 traverses the northern portion of the county and includes an interchange at US 280. I-95 primarily serves the southern portion of the county and includes two interchanges at SR 144 and at Ocean Highway (US 17). These interstate connections make the county attractive for commuters to Chatham County, and also for freight activities related to the nearby Port of Savannah. 1.2 Report Organization The remainder of this report is organized as follows: Chapter 2 provides an overview of the study development process, which incorporates the elements of the study goals, project evaluation framework, and Travel Demand Model development. Chapter 3 provides an assessment of the baseline conditions, which includes the following components: Existing and future land uses; Demographics and forecasts; Environmental and historic features; Existing and future trip-making and travel conditions; Roadway characteristics, including safety analysis, freight, bicycle pedestrian facilities, and unpaved roads. Chapter 4 provides the results of the project evaluation analysis that has led to project recommendations. Chapter 5 provides a discussion on various funding options for the recommended projects. Chapter 6 provides an overview of the public involvement process used to gather data and solicit input from stakeholders and the general public. Appendix A provides a larger size of all the maps in this report. 1.3 Data Sources The data presented in the Bryan County Transportation Study include a variety of sources ranging from GDOT, Bryan County, Cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill, Coastal Georgia RC, U.S. Census Bureau, National Wetlands Inventory and other key stakeholders in the region. Demographic and socioeconomic data were collected mostly from U.S. Census Bureau, Bryan County Board of Education, Georgia Department of Labor, Joint Comprehensive Plan for Pembroke, Richmond Hill and Unincorporated Bryan County and other various planning documents reviewed in the subsequent section. Development of a countywide Travel Demand Model is included as part of this study. This model will be capable of integrating surrounding travel demand models, including those in Chatham, Liberty, Bulloch and Effingham Counties. The tool will be used to determine future traffic conditions, taking into account population and employment growth for both Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 Bryan and surrounding counties. Data output produced through the model will be utilized to anticipate future travel conditions by corridor. GIS data analyzed in the Baseline Conditions section of the report has been collected from various sources such as the U.S. Census Bureau, GDOT Roadway Characteristics (RC) data and the Bryan County Travel Demand Model. All GIS data is available electronically. See Table 1.1 (opposite) for a sample inventory list. 1.4 Review of Relevant Studies This section is intended to provide an overview of previous studies and planning initiatives by various planning partners within the study area. These studies provide useful background information on Bryan County's land use, demographics and infrastructure systems, which were used as a basis for determining the county's transportation needs. As such, these studies are summarized with a strong emphasis on elements related to transportation issues and potential improvements. 1.4.1 Regional Studies The following regional studies consider Bryan County as part of a larger study area that would likely have affects on the transportation policies and priorities of Bryan County: Coastal Georgia 2030: Population Projections for the 10-County Region (2006) - conducted by the Coastal Georgia RC; it projects future population growth for a 10-county region, which includes Bryan. Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan (2005) - conducted by the Coastal Georgia RC; it provides a framework of regional priorities and standards related to the development of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure throughout the 10-county region. Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study (2008) - an evaluation of truck traffic growth along key corridors throughout the state including portions of Bryan County that provide access the Port of Savannah. TableT1ab.l1e :1.G1:IGSISDDaatataInvIenntvoeryntor y Type Data Population Employment Minority Population Geographic Unit Transportation Analysis Zone (TAZ) TAZ Census Block Source Bryan County Travel Demand Model Bryan County Travel Demand Model 2000 U.S. Census Socioeconomic & Demographic Population below Poverty Line Median Household Income Functional Classification Census Block Census Block group N/A 2000 U.S. Census 2000 U.S. Census GDOT RC Data Laneage N/A GDOT RC Data Annual Average Daily N/A Traffic (AADT) Volume Traffic Signals N/A Crashes (2000 - 2007) N/A Bryan County Travel Demand Model Bryan County Transportation Plan (2007)/ Field Survey CARE GDOT Crash Software Roadway Bridges N/A Characteristics Water Features N/A Jan. 2008 GDOT Bridge Inventory Data National Wetlands Inventory Historic Structures N/A National Historic Register of Environmental Places Source: JJG Transportation Planning Coastal Georgia 2030: Population Projections for the 10-County Region In 2006, the Coastal Georgia RC contracted Georgia Tech's Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development to develop a methodology to project population growth for the ten counties that are part of the RC. The purpose of this study was to address concerns that the traditional methodologies used to project future population did not adequately capture the development and other growth related to specific activities in the Coastal Georgia region. The context-specific methodology used in this study was primarily based on increased area military training and deployment as well as growth in retirees and industrial activities surrounding the Port of Savannah. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 The following observations were made of Bryan County: Bryan County's population growth was concentrated in unincorporated areas until the 1980s, when significant growth occurred in the incorporated cities. In 2000, Bryan County had 7,000 jobs, and by 2030 this number is anticipated to increase to 13,500, with most of the growth anticipated in the service industry. At the time of this study, annual residential building permits and residential construction were at an all-time high in Bryan County. The population projections in this study employed an inter-regional cohort component model, which considers population change by age and sex, using baseline population counts as well as birth, death, and migration rates. This model was adjusted based on interviews with local representatives and the most recent trends in housing construction. As such, the findings from this study indicated that by 2030, population in Bryan County is anticipated to increase by 96 percent to 45,986. Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was prepared by the Coastal Georgia RC and adopted locally in May of 2005. This plan is an assessment of the bicycling and walking conditions in the 10-county region, including a summary of local and state plans. This plan also included a suitability analysis of potential bicycle routes that considers existing land use, historic sites, community facilities and conservation lands. Recommendations included implementation strategies to improve the regional bicycle and pedestrian network and provide a safe environment for its users. Specifically, the Coastal Georgia Greenway was ranked by the Coastal Georgia Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee as the top priority bicycle facility to be developed in the region. The Coastal Georgia Greenway called for a 152 mile long facility that predominantly follows US 17, of which, approximately 11 miles are located within Bryan County. Other observations and recommendations related to Bryan County include: Bryan County's zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations contain provisions for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The Coastal Georgia Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan identifies approximately 30 miles of potential bike routes for Bryan County, including SR 204, US 280 East, SR 67, Ashbranch Road and SR 119. Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study GDOT completed the Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study in April of 2008. The purpose of this study is to understand and quantify the feasibility of implementing truck-only lanes, statewide. The document placed emphasis on congestion reduction (especially during the peak periods) and benefit-cost measures to determine the feasibility of truck-only lanes. The following list describes some of the key observations from this study: Trucks carry most of the freight in Georgia by tonnage (86 percent) and carry almost all of the intrastate shipment of freight tonnage (97 percent). Freight and transportation jobs account for close to 15 percent of jobs throughout the state. An efficient, world-class transportation network is one of the primary drivers of business location decisions. 82 percent of the nation's industrial market and 79 percent of the nation's consumption market is within two or less trucking days distance from the Port of Savannah. By 2035, the tonnage of freight moved in Georgia is forecast to increase by 260 percent, 3.1 percent per year, to 2.45 billion tons, worth $4.9 trillion (in 2004 dollars). Because of proximity to the Port of Savannah and access to I-16 and I-95, portions of Bryan County were included in the study's Savannah Subarea, which focused on truck activities associated with the Port. Recommendations from the study included the widening of I-16 and I-95 within Bryan County to accommodate the anticipated truck traffic growth in the Savannah Subarea. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-4 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 1.4.2 Local Studies This section contains a review of the local studies that focus on countywide land use, transportation and economic needs as well as smaller-scale planning efforts. These studies include: The Bryan County Joint Comprehensive Plan jointly conducted for the county and the cities and included extensive public outreach process to brainstorm community visions and needs associated with future development. Economic Diversification of Bryan County evaluation of existing and projected employment activities and proposes methods to increase diversification of the employment in the county. Bryan County Transportation Plan - assessment of future road improvements needed to maintain acceptable Level of Service (LOS C) in Bryan County based on historic growth patterns and permitted changes in land use. Bryan County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan evaluation of baseline conditions of bicycle and pedestrian facilities in the county and includes specific improvement recommendations. I-95 at Belfast Siding Road Interchange Analysis Report - developed to assess the need of constructing an additional interchange within Bryan County. Bryan County Joint Comprehensive Plan As required by the 1989 Georgia Planning Act, and as established by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, each municipality and county in Georgia is required to prepare and adopt a local Comprehensive Plan. It is important to note that although the Bryan County Joint Comprehensive Plan represents the entire county, development of this document was pursued through three separate efforts and subareas. The subareas considered for the Plan are unincorporated Bryan County, the City of Richmond Hill and the City of Pembroke. The documents were each adopted by their respective governing bodies and then combined in an effort to consolidate various needs. For every subarea, the comprehensive plans all include the standard eight key elements of population, housing, economic development, community facilities and services, natural and cultural resources, transportation, land use, and intergovernmental coordination. Bryan County Projections released by Georgia Tech's Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development (2006) indicated that Bryan County should expect to grow from 23,417 residents in 2000 to 45,986 residents in 2030--an increase of 96 percent. A vision for the county's future was conceived based on its desire to balance projected growth with quality, sustainable development. This vision was also reflected in Bryan County's Future Development Map (FDM) which incorporates designated areas such as Conservation Areas, Crossroad Community Areas and Regional Commercial Areas. To assist in realizing the County's priorities, an implementation program offered a detailed description of action items and strategies to execute the community's vision for future development. Specific implementation measures include: Developing heritage and eco-tourism programs, based on natural amenities such as rivers, fishing, hiking, etc.; Creating innovative partnerships with local schools and continuing education programs to produce a qualified labor force; Providing incentives and establish requirements for affordable housing; Concentrating new development around commercial nodes; and Adopting development guidelines to protect agricultural lands from commercial encroachment, preserving rural character and quality of life. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-5 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 City of Pembroke Through a comprehensive public involvement process, City of Pembroke established goals and priorities for future development and growth. The goals reflected the City's desire to maintain its rural, small town atmosphere while simultaneously providing quality education and opportunity for their growing community. Georgia Tech's population projection figures indicate that City of Pembroke can expect an increase in population from 2,379 residents in 2000 to 4,672 residents in 2030--an increase of 96 percent. As such, Pembroke developed its FDM to maintain its rural character while preparing for future growth. Pembroke's FDM includes designated areas such as Traditional Neighborhood Area, Highway Commercial Areas, and Historic Pembroke to support the notion of preservation and strategic growth. Specific implementation measures identified in the Plan to encourage development that also preserves family-friendly values include: Implementation of a trail network along the existing canal system throughout the City; Creation of policies and programs to support entrepreneurial activities; Identification of workforce training resources to match the needs of the local workforce; Development of small area plans for traditional neighborhoods and the redevelopment of older neighborhoods; and Construction of a recreational complex for community activities. City of Richmond Hill According to research conducted by Georgia Tech in 2006, the City of Richmond Hill should expect an increase in population from 6,959 residents in 2000 to 14,825 residents in 2030--a substantial increase of 113 percent. Based on this significant population projection as well as extensive public outreach as part of the Comprehensive Plan, the City of Richmond Hill developed a vision including associated goals and objectives with respect to its future growth and development. This vision encourages sustainable development through progressive leadership and a commitment to preserving the community's rich coastal heritage. In an effort to implement development measures that reflect this vision, designated areas such as Traditional Residential Areas, Corridor/Gateway Areas and Conservation Areas have been incorporated in the City's FDM. Also included in this document is the Richmond Hill's Implementation Program which offers a detailed description of action items and strategies to execute its vision for future development. From these efforts, Richmond Hill conceived the following implementation measures: Extend the natural trail at J.F. Gregory Park to the Ogeechee River for the purpose of providing nature-interpretive public access to the River; Evaluate current buffer standards for effectiveness with an emphasis on viewsheds as they relate to historic sites and natural vistas; Collaborate with the Bryan County Board of Education to continue to address the increased traffic congestion resulting from a concentration of residential developments around school locations; Study the feasibility of implementing a form-based code for development; Continue collaboration with state and national natural resource and/or land conservation programs to preserve environmentally sensitive areas; and Contract with the Development Authority of Bryan County to conduct a public seminar on the economic values of high-paying, high-technology industry. Economic Diversification of Bryan County In 2006, a study entitled Economic Diversification of Bryan County was developed for the Bryan County Board of Commissioners. This study was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense and completed by Georgia Tech's Enterprise Innovation Institute with local support from Coastal Georgia RC. The purpose of this study was to assess Bryan County's existing employment diversification and propose strategies to increase and develop more balanced employment opportunities in the county. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-6 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 According to this study, nearly two thirds of Bryan County's working population is employed outside of Bryan County. Therefore, this study outlined methods to increase employment in the county that complements the county's population growth and reflects Bryan County's close proximity to the Port of Savannah. Findings from this study indicate that Bryan County has the most potential to be competitive for wholesale electronics markets, agents and brokers; warehousing and storage (i.e., distribution centers); and professional, scientific, and technical firms. The study also identified industrial park and property development and residential development as the top opportunities for economic development in Bryan County. Bryan County Transportation Plan (Draft) In 2007, the Bryan County Transportation Plan was developed on behalf of the Bryan County Board of Commissioners to identify the transportation infrastructure needs through the year 2027. It is important to note that this Plan has not been adopted by the Bryan County Commissioners as of June 2009. Additionally, this Plan only considered those roadways in the county categorized as major or secondary arterials or primary collectors. In order to determine the future transportation needs of the county, the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2000) was employed to analyze the existing and future capacity of the key corridor segments throughout the county. Future volumes were derived from historic growth in addition to the build-out assumption of the County's FDM. Recommendations were based on the findings from the level of service (LOS) analysis, and included detailed descriptions of transportation improvements that are necessary to maintain an acceptable LOS (LOS C) through the year 2027. These projects are as following: US 280/SR 30 Widening, SR 204 to US 80; US 80/SR 26 Widening, US 280 to the Ogeechee River; US 280/SR 30 Widening, City of Pembroke to SR 204; SR 144 Widening, Belfast Keller Road to Oak Level Road; New Interchange, Interstate 95 at Belfast Siding Road; Oak Level Road Widening, SR 144 to Jake Brown Road; Belfast Siding Road Widening, US 17 to Belfast Keller Road; Jake Brown Road Paving with Improvements; Daniel Siding Loop Road Widening, Cartertown Road to US 17; Belfast Keller Road Widening, Belfast Siding Road to SR 144; and Belfast Siding Road Widening, Belfast Keller Road to SR 144. Some of the capacity improvements recommended from this Plan were reviewed for inclusion in the Bryan County Transportation Study. Bryan County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan The Bryan County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was prepared by the Coastal Georgia RC in 2007 to review existing conditions and identify the needs of bicyclists and pedestrians within the county. Specifically, the Plan focused on pedestrian connections around schools and countermeasures to address safety at high accident locations, identifying roads that need shoulders as well as priority pedestrian projects in the county. Plan recommendations included sidewalks and shared-use paths under the Safe Routes to School program, and projects that will enhance the multimodal environment within the established urban areas. This plan also identified potential funding categories such as Safe Routes to School (SR2S), Transportation Enhancement (TE), Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and GDOT. I-95 at Belfast Siding Road Interchange Analysis Report The I-95 at Belfast Siding Road Interchange Analysis Report (IAR) was commissioned by GDOT in 2008. The purpose of the IAR was to analyze and document the need, or lack thereof, for a new interchange at Belfast Siding Road located in Bryan County. In accordance with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and GDOT guidance on the installation of new access points, the IAR examined operations at the requested interchange location, as well as the adjacent interchanges upstream and downstream of the requested access break at Belfast Siding Road. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-7 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 The study area centered on the Belfast Siding Road corridor, extending from north of SR 144 to south of US 84 along I-95 and encompasses the surrounding region. The requested interchange is located approximately 4.6 miles south of the US 17 interchange and 6.4 miles north of the US 84 interchange. Although the IAR did not recommend a new interchange, improvements to several intersections within the study area were noted as necessary to serve the anticipated peak hour traffic flows and were thereby recommended by this study to be programmed. These included intersection operational improvements at SR 144 at I-95 NB; US 17 at I-95 NB; and US 17 at SR 196. In addition, widening of US 17 from Belfast Siding Road through the US 17 at I-95 interchange was also recommended. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-8 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 1 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 1-9 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 Plan Development & Evaluation Framework Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 2 2.0 Plan Development and Evaluation Framework This chapter describes the overall process involved in the development of the Bryan County Transportation Study. The sections herein include an overview of the following key components of the study process: Development of Goals Provides an overview of how the study goals were developed and refined based on stakeholder input; Project Evaluation Framework Describes how performance measures were selected and used in the evaluation of projects. Also, the details of the candidate project identification process are provided in this section; Travel Demand Model Development Gives a general summary of the process involved in building the Bryan County Travel Demand Model. Refer to the appendices for a detailed technical modeling document. ] Refer to Appendix B (provided in a separate document) for documentation on model development and users guide. first Advisory Committee meeting to present and refine four potential transportation goals of the study. Details involved in the goals development exercise conducted during the Advisory Committee meeting are described in a later chapter of this report (Chapter 6 - Public Involvement). Table 2.1 (below) presents the goals and the corresponding needs statements which shaped the format and direction of this study. 2.2 Evaluation Framework The transportation projects for the Bryan County Transportation Study were evaluated using a multiple step process which employed guidelines from GDOT's Project Prioritization Process (PrPP). This section documents steps taken to identify candidate projects for evaluation, conversion of study goals into metrics and methodologies utilized to score project metrics. A complete list of projects and scoring results can be found on page 4-15 in Chapter 4 Evaluation Results and Recommendations. 2.1 Goals Development The process of developing a transportation plan must recognize that the plan does not exist in isolation. A robust and realistic plan should be prepared in concert with the goals and objectives of other related plans in the county. To this end, an inventory of previous studies described earlier, including the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bryan County and the Cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill along with other relevant studies, were reviewed to document the transportation goals of each study and to ascertain countywide transportation and land use needs. Bryan County Transportation Study goals were built on the relevant goals developed from previous studies, and were refined based on stakeholder interviews and Advisory Committee inputs. An electronic voting exercise was used during the TTaabbllee22.1.1::GGooaallssaanndd NNeeeeddss SSttaatteemmeennttss Bryan County Transportation Study Goals Needs Statements Encourage Multi-modal Increase capacity along major corridors while improving Transportation Corridors Expand the Bicycle/Pedestrian pedestrian access and connectivity Expand bicycle and pedestrian network along major corridors and Network greenways Identify transportation improvements that are consistent with Coordinate Land Use and Transportation future land use plans Identify transportation improvements that avoid/and or mitigate impacts to the natural environment Indentify transportation improvements that help preserve the rural-suburban character of the County Improve operations to reduce the number of crashes at critical Increase Safety and Operations of intersections and hot spots Transportation Network Reduce the number of unpaved roadways and provide lighting and sidewalks Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 2.2.1 Project Identification Figure 2.1: Project Identification Process More than 50 potential projects were identified during the study process primarily from the following sources: t Recommendations from previous studies; Review of Previous Studies t LOS analysis of NCo-Boumild Spcenaarrioa; tive LOS analysis of Build vs. Build Scenarios t Safety data derived from Critical Analysis Reporting Environment (CARE) database; and Safety data derived from t Stakeholder interviews and public meetings. For each candidate project, logical termini as well as purpose and need statements were developed and refined as the study progressed, as depicted in Figure 2.1 (opposite). Refer to page 4-12 in Chapter 4 for the complete list of projects and purpose and need statements for each candidate project. Level of Services Analysis Safety Analysis Project Definition/Purpose and Need stakeholder interviews and The candidate projects can be categorized into the following project types: t New Capacity Projects: Stakeholder Input o Roadway Widening - Increase in the number of travel lanes. t Traffic Operation/System Management Projects: 2.2.2 Performance Metrics o Access Management Construction of 20-foot raised median; o Bridge Rehabilitation or Replacement Upgrade or replacement of existing structures; o Paving of Dirt Road; o Intersection Realignment or Intersection Capacity - Correction of offset streets at key locations and/or addition of turn lanes at key intersections; o Intersection Signalization t Bicycle Pedestrian Improvement: o Sidewalks; o Multi-use paths; and o Shoulder widening. GDOT's PrPP is a technical tool that place emphasis on project performance to help determine statewide transportation priorities. The PrPP developed performance metrics based on the relevant goals established in the Statewide Transportation Plan (SWTP), as adopted by the State Transportation Board in January 2006. The Transportation Study Guidelines for PrPP, developed by GDOT, was used as a basis for project evaluation. This document details methodologies and assumptions behind each performance measure related to the SWTP goals. The Guidelines for PrPP state that when quantifiable data is used, the local needs and priorities must be also considered. As such, the following goals from the SWTP were determined to be consistent with the Bryan County Transportation Study goals: Safety; Congestion; and Connectivity, Access and Mobility. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 Table 2.2 (opposite) presents how the goals of the Bryan County Transportation Study were matched up with the goals of the SWTP and the associated performance metrics from the PrPP. These metrics are based on quantitative and qualitative information derived from the Travel Demand Model, previous studies, community input, and traffic analyses. As two of the performance measures require outputs from the Travel Demand Model, only the capacity improvement projects were subjected to this evaluation methodology. The Safety goal was measured under the assumption that a widening project would likely eliminate known safety flaws such as poor sight distance and deficient geometric designs that would typically attribute to crashes. Therefore, the improvement to safety was estimated by the forecast reduction in the number of crashes on the facility as a result of the planned improvement. Future crashes under the Build Scenario were estimated by applying crash reduction factors (CRF) to the actual number of recorded accidents. As outlined in the Guidelines for PrPP, these CRFs were taken from the Federal Highway Administration's Desktop Reference for Crash Reduction Factors. The Congestion goal was measured by the forecast reduction in Vehicle Hours of Travel (VHT) on the roadways as a result of the improvement. The Travel Demand Model was utilized to calculate the change in VHT under the NoBuild and the Build Scenarios. It was assumed that a widening project would lead to an overall reduction in travel time. However, it should be noted that because the projects were not modeled in isolation, special considerations were made for improvements to parallel facilities. In some incidences, planning judgment was used to manually assign VHT savings because the model could not accurately capture the effects of improving parallel routes. The Connectivity, Access and Mobility goal was measured by travel time savings on key corridors and consistency with local plans as a result of the improvement. Similar to the previous congestion measure, the travel time savings on key corridors were calculated by the change in VHT under the No-Build and the Build Scenarios. However, this measure places emphasis on improving regionally significant corridors such as non-interstate truck routes, national highway system (NHS) connectors, and designated evacuation routes. TableTa2b.l2e:2P.2ePreforfromrmaannccee MMeettrricicssbabsaesdeodnoSntuSdtyuGdoyalGsoals Bryan County Transportation Study Goals SWTP Goals Performance Metrics Increase Safety and Operations of Transportation Network Safety Percent Reduction in Crashes Encourage multi-modal transportation corridors Congestion Delay Reduction Coordinate Land Use and Transportation Expand the Bicycle/Pedestrian Network Travel Time Savings on Key Connectivity, Access Corridors (VHT Reduction) and Mobility Consistency with Local Plans Consistency with local plans is a qualitative measure that recognizes the importance of being consistent with the recommendations of other related plans in the county. Projects that have been included in previous studies are indicative of having endorsement from the local and regional stakeholders. 2.2.3 Project Scoring Each candidate project received a score based on how it satisfied the objective of each metric. To this end, the absolute value of each project's metric total was translated to a final score ranging from 10 to 90 based on a uniform distribution. The uniform distribution was used to ensure the full utilization of the possible range of scores and to avoid a concentration of scores around a central median value. The PrPP provides guidance for applying different weights for three different geographies in Georgia: Atlanta MPO, NonAtlanta MPO, and Rural. Using the Rural weights proposed by the PrPP as a basis, appropriate weights were determined based on the goals and objectives of this study. The weights were applied to the normalized scores under each metric. The weighted normalized scores were then added up across each metric to determine the composite score based on performance. Construction cost estimations were conducted using GDOT's cost estimation software (CES) and Right-of-Way cost estimations were conducted using ROW and Utility Estimation Tool (RUCEST). These tools were developed Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 to ensure that planning level cost estimates are reliable and based on the latest project information. These costs are reported in today's dollars, and were used to calculate the benefit-cost ratings for all the capacity improvement projects. Refer to Appendix C for details on the cost-estimation process. 2.3 Travel Demand Model Development Figure 2.2: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Study Area BULLOCH This section provides a general overview of the Travel Demand Model (TDM) used to assess trip-makings and travel patterns in Bryan County. Specifically, this section focuses on the assumptions used in the zonal allocation of future population and employment data. As aforementioned, a detailed description of the actual modeling process, including (1) Trip Generation; (2) Trip Distribution; and (3) Daily Traffic Assignment, is provided in a standalone technical document included in Appendix B. The model refinement and validation process are also included in the appendices. E VA N S ? A I PEMBROKE ? ? A A ? I 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation EFFINGHAM 80 80 The Bryan County TDM represents the Bryan County transportation system in addition to parts of four neighboring counties (Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch and Liberty). Figure 2.2 (opposite) highlights the model study area. Two TDM base scenarios were built as part of the model development process. The year 2006 was selected to represent the base year travel characteristics because it was the most recent year for which reasonably accurate demographic and traffic data were available. As it is customary for transportation studies to plan for needs 20-years or more out into the future, year 2035 was selected to be the horizon year for the future base year. HINESVILLE LIBERTY B R YA N A ? A 17 RICHMOND HILL MIDWAY SAVANNAH C H AT H A M Overall, design of the Bryan County TDM was patterned after a typical urban area travel demand model used by GDOT. These urban area models WAY N E were developed in 13 areas throughout the state to facilitate the transportation planning processes within those areas. The significant difference between the Bryan County model and the other urban area models is the external trip data files. Current year traffic data indicated that a significant share of trips in Bryan County is associated with external trips to the surrounding counties. As such, this trend was captured in the Bryan County model by increasing the external trip database to reflect a much larger share of total trip-making in comparison to GDOT's other urban area models. LONG p Miles 012 4 6 16 75 95 MCINTOSH 95 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Study Area Traffic Analysis Zone Interstate Model Roadway Network Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-4 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 2.3.1 Roadway Network The 2006 base roadway network in the Bryan County model represents more than 500 total centerline miles of roadway. As indicated in Table 2.3 (below), approximately 60 percent of the roadway mileage lies within the county border. The rest of the model network lies within Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch and Liberty County. Table 2.3 also provides a breakdown of the route miles by generalized functional class category used in the model. The classification of roadways in accordance with their primary function is an important step in developing a travel model and in conducting a transportation planning study. Functional classification of Bryan County roadways is discussed in greater detail in the Chapter 4 - Baseline Conditions. 2.3.2 Traffic Analysis Zone Traffic Analysis Zones, referred to as TAZs, are relatively small units of geography used in travel demand modeling to relate different land-use patterns with trip purposes and trip end frequency. A map of TAZs that were created for the Bryan County model is illustrated in Figure 2.3 (opposite). The map shows a total of 143 TAZs inside the model's study area. Of these, 105 TAZs or 73 percent are located within Bryan County. Although not Table 2.3: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Roadway Table 2.3: Bryan County TraNveeltDweomrakndMMiloedaegl -eRoadway Network Mileage Counties Functional Classification Freeway Bryan 21.4 Other 44.5 Principal Arterial 31.1 25.9 Minor Arterial 36.6 68.5 Collector Local All Roadways Source: Bryan County TDM Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model 70.2 162.6 321.9 51.9 22.7 213.5 Total 65.9 57 105.1 122.1 185.3 535.4 Figure 2.3: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Traffic Analysis Zones BULLOCH E VA N S ? A I PEMBROKE ? ? A A ? I 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N A LIBERTY ? HINESVILLE A 17 RICHMOND HILL 80 SAVANNAH C H AT H A M MIDWAY 95 WAYNE LONG p MCINTOSH Miles 012 4 6 16 95 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) 75 Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Traffic Analysis Zone Interstate Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-5 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 always evident, the model's TAZ boundaries were methodically drawn to reflect road alignments, census geography, jurisdictional and topographic boundaries or barriers. Specific examples used in creating TAZs for Bryan County include Fort Stewart and bodies of water such as Canoochee Creek. 2.3.3 Zonal Socioeconomic Data In travel demand modeling, socioeconomic data are allocated at the TAZ level, and are used as a basis to determine total area trips and travel patterns. The primary source for socioeconomic data is the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau. First, the 2000 population and employment data at the Census Block level were aggregated within each TAZ. Then, the 2000 zonal data were converted to 2006 estimates by applying a uniform growth rate from the change in county totals between 2000 and 2006 population and employment. The 2006 county-level employment estimates were provided by the Georgia Department of Labor. Once the initial 2006 base model had been developed, it was refined based on known factors such as new school locations and recent development trends. It is important to keep in mind that the Bryan County model study area includes portions of neighboring counties. The GDOT, in cooperation with local governments, has built travel demand models for the counties of Chatham, Effingham and Bulloch as well as the Liberty County/Hinesville Area. Therefore, the zonal socioeconomic data for the TAZs outside Bryan County were derived from the four neighboring travel demand models. Similar to the development of the 2006 base scenario, the future 2035 NoBuild model also required the assignment of population and employment forecasts at the TAZ level. The 2035 population and employment growth rates were calculated based on the 2030 projections developed by the Coastal Georgia RC, and were extrapolated out to the year 2035. Once the initial 2035 No-Build model was developed, the refinement process involved the reallocation of socioeconomic data to reflect the high growth areas identified in the Bryan County's Future Development Map. Special considerations were also made for the TAZ areas that included established activity centers, approved Development of Regional Impacts (DRIs), and future school locations. Figure 2.4 (page 2-7) illustrates the high growth areas where Table 2.4: Bryan County Travel Demand Model - Population Forecasts POPULATION Table 2T.4aS:bUBlerBy2Aa.R4nE: ACBoryuanntyCo2Tu0rn0at6vyeTl rDaevme2la0Dn3e5dmManodd%eMlCohdPaeonlp-guelation South Bryan PopulF1ao9tir,o9en3c7aFsotrseca3s2t,s665 64% North Bryan 12,241POPU1L4A,8T7IO8N 22% OuStUsiBdAeRBErAyan 203006,711 204395,341 % Ch6a1n%ge SToouttahl BArryeaan 1692,9,83879 3926,6,86854 645%4% North Bryan 12,241 14,878 22% Sources: 2006 data from US Census and Ga. Dept. of Labor. Outside Brya2n035 data3f0ro,7m11US Ce4n9su,3s4, 1Ga. Dep6t1. %of Labor, Total Area Bryan Co6un2t,y88C9ompre9h6en,8s8iv4e Plan,5H4i%nesville MPO, Sources: 2006 data from US CenCsushaantdhGaam. DCepot.uonf LtyabMor.P, O20,3G5 deaotargfrioamDUOS CTenasunsd, GSa.tuDdepyt.TofeLaambor., Bryan County CSoomuprrceheesns:ive2P0l0an6, HdianteasviflrleoMmPUO,SCChaethnasmuCsoaunntdy MGPaO.,DGeeoprgti.aoDfOLTabanodr.Study Team. 2035 data from US Census, Ga. Dept. of Labor, Bryan County Comprehensive Plan, Hinesville MPO, Table 2.5T: aBbrlyea2n.5CC:hoBaurthnyaatmyn TCCoroauunvnteytlyMDTPerOamv, aeGlneDodregMmiaoaDdnOedlTMaEnodmdSeptlul-odymTeeanmt. EmploFyomreecnatsFtos recasts TOTAL EMPLOYMENT TaSbUleB2A.R5E: ABryan Co2u0n0t6y Trave2l 0D3e5mand%MCohdaenl -ge South Bryan Employm3,e8n4t4Foreca9s,t0s52 135% North Bryan 1T,6O9T8AL EMP5L,4O6Y4MENT222% OuStUsiBdAeRBErAyan 20086,677 201365,628 % Ch9a2n%ge SToouttahl BAryeaan 134,8,24149 391,0,15424 13151%9% Sources: 2006NdaotarftrhomBUrSyCaennsus and Ga. De1pt,.6of9L8abor., 20355,d4a6ta4from US2C2en2su%s, Ga. Dept. of Labor, Bryan County COSoumotpusrreihcdeenessiv:Ber2Pyl0aan0n,6HdinaestvaillferMo8mP,O6U,7SC7hCatheanms1Cu6osu,na6tny2dM8PGOa,.GDeo9ergp2iat%.DoOfTLaanbdoSrtu.dy Team. 2035 data from US Census, Ga. Dept. of Labor, significantTsohtaarleAorfeatheBarnyatinciCpoa1tuen4dt,y2p1Co9opmulpartei3oh1nen,1as4niv4de ePmlapn1l,o1Hy9imn%eesnvtillgeroMwPtOh, are expected. Tables 2.4 anCdha2t.h5a(mabCooveu)nptyreMsePnOt ,thGeepoorgpiualDatOioTnaannddSetmudpyloTyemamen.t forecasts, rSesopuerccetisv:el2y0, 0d6evdealotapferdomasUpSarCt eonfstuhse aBnrdyaGnaC. Doeupnt.tyofmLoadboelr.. Chapter w4 itBhasaelginreeatCeronfodcituisonosn2BCd0rBhye3aras5tycnhardaiCnabmoteCausCnforottouyhumnneCttyUyop.mSMoppPCruOeelhna, etsGinuoessnoi,vrGegaianaP.dlDaDnOee,mpTHt.painolnoefdysLmvSaibltelueondrtMy, PfToOerae,mca.sts The highest population within the model study area is anticipated in the following locations: Southwest Chatham County, near SR 204; South Bryan County, near SR 144 and Belfast Keller Road; Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-6 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 2 Main St Augusta Rd South Effingham County near the I-16 at Old River Road interchange; and Southwest Chatham County south of I-95 between Little Neck Road and Quacco Road. The highest employment within the model study area is anticipated in the following locations: Southwest Chatham County south of I-95 between Little Neck Road and Quacco Road; South Effingham County near the I-16 at Old River Road interchange and southwest of US 80; North Bryan County near the I-16 at US 280 interchange; and South Bryan County near the US 17 at I-95 interchange. It should be noted the Interchange Analysis Report (IAR) for I-95 at Belfast Siding Road, completed in 2008, assumed that the areas surrounding this potential interchange area will be developed as high-intensity uses that are regionally significant. The findings from the IAR indicated the proposed interchange was not justified based on FHWA and GDOT policies. As such, the Bryan County model did not assume that the vacant properties near the proposed interchange will be developed at the level of intensity that was assumed in the IAR. It is unlikely that concentrations of jobs and residents near the junction of I-95 at Belfast Siding Road will occur at the intensity assumed in the IAR. To this end, for the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, the model assumed employment and population growth that are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. The population and employment increases anticipated in the study aWreAaY NwE ere translated into additional vehicle trips in accordance with the trip generation, trip distribution and auto occupancy methodologies described in the TDM technical document. Chapter 3 Baseline Conditions includes a detailed assessment of the trip tables and travel patterns as a result of the demographic growth in the study area. Figure 2.4: Bryan County Travel Demand Model High Growth Areas BULLOCH Groveland ? A I Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? I Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy 17 RICHMOND HILL C H AT H A M Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Concentrated Growth Areas 2035 High Growth Areas Residential Commercial Residential & Commercial Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary City Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2-7 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Baseline Conditions Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 3 3.0 Baseline Conditions The Baseline Conditions chapter herein includes a discussion on the land use, demographic and socioeconomic factors that impact travel demand in Bryan County. Alsoincludedinthischapterisaninventoryofenvironmentalresources that should be considered when making decisions on future transportation investments. The last section of this chapter is a comprehensive overview of the county's existing and projected transportation system including its roadway network, freight, and bicycle and pedestrian facilities. The findings from the baseline conditions are essential in creating a plan that reflects and meets the county's needs for an integrated transportation system. 3.1 Existing and Future Land Use and Development Patterns The transportation system is inherently connected to its environment, and thus, cannot be analyzed in isolation. The relationship between the transportation system and the land use it serves is critical since the intensity of transportation investment should match land development patterns. High speed highway investments facilitate travel between home and work over longer distances and interregional travel. Conversely, pedestrian infrastructure such as sidewalks provide a safer travel environment for local, compact tripmaking between home and shopping areas or from home to school. The following discussions on the existing and future land uses in Bryan County have been obtained from the Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bryan County and the Cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill (2008). 3.1.1 Existing Land Use Figure 3.1 (opposite) shows the distribution of the existing land uses in Pembroke provided by the Comprehensive Plan. Despite some growth that Pembroke is beginning to see within the city, Pembroke still retains a great deal of its rural character with over 60 percent of existing land characterized as Agriculture/Forestry or Parks/Recreation/Conservation. Figure 3.1: Existing Land Use City of Pembroke 0.5% Residential 25.4% 25.7% Commercial Industrial 34.7% 11.4% 2.1% 0.4% Public/Institutional Parks/Rec./Cons. Agriculture/Forest Transp./Comm./Utilities Source: Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bryan County and the Cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill. Figure 3.2: ExistingHLiallnd Use City of Richmond Hill 0.6% Residential 9.9% Commercial 15.7% Industrial Public/Institutional 14.6% 42.7% Parks/Rec./Cons. Agriculture/Forest 7.4% Transp./Comm./Utilities 0.9% 8.3% Undev./Vacant Source: Joint Comprehensive Plan for Bryan County and the Cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Existing development patterns have a direct impact on determining future growth. At present, most suburban area development is taking place north and southwest of downtown Pembroke. Because of Pembroke's location relative to Savannah, the Port of Savannah and Fort Stewart, there will be continued pressure for development in certain areas of the city. The Comprehensive Plan indicated that although the amenities such as a good school system and excellent vehicular access will fuel development pressure, this growth will be moderated by a restriction on development without sanitary sewer systems and lack of water distribution systems in some areas. Figure 3.2 (page 3-1) illustrates the current share of land allocated for each land use in Richmond Hill. The existing land use in Richmond Hill is predominantly (43 percent) residential, which suggests that majority of the residents commute outside the city for employment. Approximately 30 percent of the city is characterized as Agriculture/Forestry or Parks/Recreation/ Conservation, and majority of these uses are located in the southern portion of the city. Commercial areas (8.3 percent) including shopping centers and offices are generally clustered along SR 144 and US 17. Due to recent growth and development experienced in Richmond Hill, there is little undeveloped or vacant land available in the city (only 0.6 percent). Recently, most of the growth in Richmond Hill has been single-family residential and commercial services near Richmond Hill Plantation and areas southwest of the city. Although portions of this subdivision will be in gated, private communities, the Planned Unit Developments designated for this area also allow for a variety of home sizes and price ranges for different income levels. As identified in the Comprehensive Plan, the existing development patterns in Richmond Hill indicate a favorable environment for strategic future growth. For example, the city already has in place provisions for smartgrowth and/or neo-traditional development so that developers do not have to go through a long variance process for these types of projects. Unincorporated Bryan County is almost entirely rural in use. However, the majority of county population and employment growth is occurring outside of the city limits. This trend is forecast to continue into the future. Large tracks of land south of Richmond Hill have been approved for various types of development, including commercial, residential and mixed use. Development Shopping in Richmond Hill in northern Bryan County is occurring principally in the eastern portion, in and around the US 280 Interchange with I-16. Development in these areas includes Interstate Centre, a 1,000 acre industrial park which has attracted substantial manufacturing and distribution facilities to the area. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.1.2 Planned Development Developments of Regional Impact (DRI) are large-scale projects that are likely to have regional impacts beyond the boundaries of the local governments of their locations. Applications are reviewed by the Coastal Georgia RC, which issues a finding of whether or not the proposed project is in "the best interest of the region and therefore the state." The local government uses this recommendation in deciding whether to allow the project to proceed. Table 3.1 (opposite) displays the applications for DRI that have been filed with the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) for proposed projects in the county since 2001. These DRI applications are indicative of future growth areas in Bryan County. Consistent with the county's land use plans, several applications for additional residential, commercial and mixed-use developments have been completed for areas south of Richmond Hill and the I-16 corridor in northern Bryan County. Notable residential and mixed use developments are currently being planned and developed for areas of south Richmond Hill. These Planned Unit Developments, with mix of retail, office and services, are located in Richmond Hill Plantation, Brisbon Hall and Turtle Landing areas. A total of 1,000 new homes are envisioned, some in gated, private communities. Interstate Centre II is a 505-acre master-planned industrial park developed in partnership with Bryan County Development Authority. Current Interstate Centre tenants include manufacturing and distribution centers owned by Oracal, Oneida and Kawasaki. Phase 1 is a 605,000 s.f. building with crossdock configuration, and is already under construction. There are plans to construct six other buildings ranging from 200,000 s.f. to 2,000,000 s.f. in size during later phases. TableTa3ble.14.:1D: BreyvaneCloounptymDeevnelotpsmoenft oRf eReggiioonanl IamlpaIcmt pact DRI ID 1957 1879 1720 1561 1541 1452 1446 1343 1319 Project Belfast Industrial Kilkenny Tract PUD Interstate Centre South Belfast Siding Placid Hill BLT Project JF Gill Tract Interstate Centre Expansion Daniel Siding Development Development Type Mixed Use Mixed Use Industrial Mixed Use Housing Mixed Use Housing Industrial Mixed Use 1287 Blitchton Crossing Mixed Use 1274 Interstate Centre II Industrial 1174 1094 1069 991 916 913 892 889 872 Buckhead Lakes North Point Warehouse River Marsh Marina At Kilkenny Creek South Bryan County Wastewater Treatment Plant Interstate Centre South Georges Bluff Subdivision Elbow Swamp Subdivision Tivoli Estates Belfast Lake Subdivision Housing Wholesale & Distribution Mixed Use Wastewater Treatment Facilities Industrial Housing Housing Housing Housing Hidden Creek (Wilma 871 Edwards Road) Housing 782 Orafol Plant Richmond Hill 748 Interchange Park 737 White Oak Village Industrial Commercial Housing 725 Live Oak 721 Love's Travel Stop Ford Park of 544 Commerce Richmond Hill 483 Plantation Bryan County 213 Interstate Centre 67 Timber Trail Road Housing Truck Stops Commercial Housing Mixed Use Housing Source: Georgia Department of Community Affairs City unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated Pembroke unincorporated Pembroke Pembroke unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated Richmond Hill unincorporated unincorporated Richmond Hill unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated unincorporated Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Richmond Hill unincorporated Richmond Hill Initial Info Form Submitted 9/29/2008 6/16/2008 Current Status Completed Completed 1/24/2008 8/14/2007 7/26/2007 5/21/2007 5/21/2007 2/20/2007 1/26/2007 12/8/2006 11/21/2006 7/25/2006 Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Request for Comments Made Additional Form Submitted Additional Form Submitted Additional Form Submitted Initial Form Submitted 4/12/2006 Completed 3/8/2006 Completed 1/17/2006 9/16/2005 9/14/2005 8/15/2005 8/9/2005 7/19/2005 Completed Initial Form Submitted Completed Completed Completed Completed 7/19/2005 4/22/2005 2/24/2005 2/7/2005 1/31/2005 1/26/2005 2/26/2004 10/16/2003 1/31/2002 7/20/2001 Completed Additional Form Submitted DRI Determination Made Completed Additional Form Submitted Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.1.3 Future Land Use Addressing transportation needs involves an understanding of Bryan County's growth patterns and distributions. Identifying areas of various levels of growth helps determine the types of transportation investment needed to serve the community. Areas that are growing aggressively may need new infrastructure, whereas established areas may need maintenance or enhancement investments. Figures 3.3 and 3.4 (pages 3-5 and 3-6) represent the future development maps for northern and southern Bryan County. These maps have been taken directly from the Comprehensive Plan (2008), in which notable future uses are identified as future development map designated (FDM) areas. As identified in the FDM of northern Bryan County, the land parcels directly surrounding the interchange of US 280 at I-16 are designated as regional commercial areas with planned development associated with Interstate Centre. The remaining incorporated county is still anticipated to retain its rural character with pockets of suburban developments along Wilma Edwards Road, US 280 near I-16 and Black Creek Church Road. The future land use for Pembroke is still expected to be predominantly suburban residential with concentrations of commercial and mixed use development in around downtown Pembroke. South Bryan's future development map identified most of the unincorporated county as suburban area development with pockets of regional commercial areas surrounding Belfast Siding Road between US 17 and I-95. The City of Richmond Hill has plans to develop mixed use communities in areas west of the city along the CSX rail corridor, near I-95 at US 17 interchange and along I-95 near SR 144. Interstate Centre Development Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-4 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.3: Future Development in North Bryan County Bulloch County 119 WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW 67 WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW !y WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW 280 WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Pembroke WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW 119 67 80 16 Effingham County !y 280 204 Evans County Liberty County Future Development North Bryan County Georgia DRAFT 4 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Source: Coastal Georgia RC Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Fort Stewart !y Geographic Information Systems/Information Technology Department May 2008 DISCLAIMER: This map has been prepared to facilitate public access to information. Data shown is for planning purposes only and it's accuracy is NOT warranted. CGRDC assumes no liability for the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information and other items contained in this map. Individuals are advised to independently verify information before use. Legend Bryan County Boundary County Future Development Pembroke Future Development County Boundaries Regional Commercial WWWWWWWWWWWWCommercial City Boundaries Fort Stewart Conservation Corridor/Gateway WWWWWWConservation WWWWWWWWWWWWEducational Campus ACUB Boundary Crossroads Communities WWWWWWWWWWWWGateway Water Rural Residential/AgricultureWWWWWWHistoric Pembroke !y Public Boat Ramp Suburban Area Developing WWWWWWWWWWWWIndustrial WWWWWWSuburban Area Developing Interstate State Highway WWWWWWWWWWWWTraditional Residential Roads 3-5 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Fort Stewart Figure 3.4: Future Development in South Bryan County !y Richmond Hill Chatham County 17 95 !y !y !y 144 !y Liberty County Source: Coastal Georgia RC Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-6 Future Development South Bryan County Georgia DRAFT Legend Bryan County Boundary County Boundaries City Boundaries Fort Stewart ACUB Boundary Water !y Public Boat Ramp Interstate State Highway Roads County Future Development Regional Commercial Conservation Corridor/Gateway Crossroads Communities Rural Residential/Agriculture Suburban Area Developing Kilkenny Richmond Hill Future Development WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Commercial WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Conservation WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Corridor/Gateway WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Suburban Developing WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Mixed Use 4 WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Traditional Residential 0 1 2 4 Miles Geographic Information Systems/Information Technology Department May 2008 DISCLAIMER:This map has been prepared to facilitate public access to information. Data shown is for planning purposes only and it's accuracy is NOT warranted. CGRDC assumes no liability for the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information and other items contained in this map. Individuals are advised to independently verify information before use. Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.2 Demographic Characteristics Understanding the demographic characteristics of an area is important because transportation investments should reflect the needs of changing demographic trends. Furthermore, this information will assist the County in determining transportation needs to support future population and employment growth. The following summary of Bryan County's demographic characteristics has been collected from various sources such as the US Bureau of Census, US Department of Labor and demographic estimates derived from previous studies. 3.2.1 Population Overall, Bryan County as a whole has experienced significant growth since the 1970s. In each of the last three decades, the county has grown in population by greater than 50 percent. However, growth trends in the cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill have not matched the growth experienced by the unincorporated portions of the county. Pembroke's population growth during the 1970s and 1980s was generally stagnant, not matching the county's growth until the 1990's. Richmond Hill did not begin to experience accelerated growth until the 1980s and 1990s. According to the 2000 Census, Bryan County as a whole had 23,420 people, 8,090 households, and 6,510 families residing in the county. These statistics translate to a population density of 53 persons per square mile. The majority of the population is located in the southern portion of the county, while the northern portion remains sparsely populated. Approximately 40 percent of the county's total population resides in the cities of Pembroke (2,380) and Richmond Hill (6,960). See Figure 3.5 (page 3-8) for the distribution of existing population densities. The county and cties are expected to continue to experience rapid growth over the next thirty years. According to Georgia Coast 2030 (Georgia Institute of Technology, 2006), Bryan County's population is anticipated to almost double from 23,420 in 2000 to 45,990 by 2030. As stated earlier, this growth can be attributed to the county's proximity to the Port of Savannah, abundant developable lands, quality schools and interstate access to I-16 and I-95. Table 3.2: Bryan County Projected City and County Population Growth Area 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020 Pembroke 2,380 3,100 3,580 3,940 4,240 Richmond Hill 6,960 9,840 11,350 12,510 13,460 Unincorporated Bryan County 14,080 17,580 35,200 22,360 24,050 Bryan County Population 23,420 30,520 35,200 38,820 41,750 Source: Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development's Georgia Coast 2030 Source: Center for Quality Growth and Regional Development's Georgia Coast 2030 2025 4,480 14,230 25,420 44,130 2030 4,670 14,830 26,490 45,990 Table 3.2 (above) shows projected growth rates for Pembroke, Richmond Hill and Bryan County. Figure 3.6 (page 3-8) illustrates the projected 2035 population densities that are consistent with the planned growth and development outlined in the Comprehensive Plan. These growth areas have been identified for the use in determining future trip origins and destinations as part of the development of the Travel Demand Model. (Details on the Travel Demand Model process can be found in Section 2.3 and Appendix B.) The areas with highest population density are expected to be within the established residential neighborhoods in Pembroke, near the commercial node of US 17 at SR 144 in Richmond Hill, at Belfast Siding Road near I-95, and in south Bryan County adjacent to Keller. Bryan County's population is anticipated to almost double from 23,420 in 2000 to 45,990 in 2030. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-7 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.5: 2006 Population Density BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Population Density 75 Population Density (per 10 acres) < 1 person/10 acres 1 - 2 persons/10 acres 2 - 5 persons/10 acres 5 - 10 persons/10 acres > 10 persons/10 acres Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan Neck Rd Bryan Neck Rd Figure 3.6: 2035 Population Density BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 3-8 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2035 Population Density 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Population Density (per 10 acres) < 1 person/10 acres 1 - 2 persons/10 acres 2 - 5 persons/10 acres 5 - 10 persons/10 acres > 10 persons/10 acres Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.2.2 Race Most of the minority population in Bryan County reside in the northern portion of the county in and around Pembroke. Figure 3.7 (opposite) is a comparison of racial composition within the county and the cities. Bryan County is similar to Richmond Hill in that the white population makes up a significant majority of greater than 80 percent, followed by roughly 14 percent African American population. Although Pembroke's racial makeup is still largely white with (60 percent), its share of African American population (38 percent) is much higher than rest of the county. 3.2.3 Age Distribution Details related to age distribution were available at the county level. Table 3.3 (opposite) presents the growth in the share of age cohorts between 1990 and 2000. In general, due to the significant population increase in Bryan County as a whole, the overall trends for all the age groups show a positive growth even if the share of some of the cohorts may have decreased in 2000. Significant increase in the number of county residents can be seen in the 1019 and 40-40 age cohorts, while relatively little growth has occurred for the under 9 and the 20-29 age groups. Other noteworthy observations include the increase in the county's median age from 27 in 1980 to 33 in 2000, and the significant 20 percent increase in school enrollment between 1995 and 2005. These statistics indicate that Bryan County is experiencing growth in the number of families with school-age children. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-9 Figure 3.7: Racial Composition 1.8% 0.9% Bryan County 0.3% 14.1% 82.8% White African American Native American Asian/Pacific Islander Other City of Richmond Hill 1% 1% 3% 14% 81% City of Pembroke 0% 1% 1% 38% 60% Source: US Bureau of Census Table 3T.3ab:lBe 4r.y2:aBnryCanoCuonutnytyAAggeeCCohoohrtoDritstDribiusttiornibution Age Group 1990 0-9 2,760 10-19 2,700 20-29 2,260 30-39 2,850 40-49 2,090 50-59 1,150 60-69 960 70-79 500 80+ 180 Total 15,440 Source: US Bureau of Census Source: US Bureau of Census 1990 Share of Population 18% 17% 15% 18% 14% 7% 6% 3% 1% 100% 2000 3,760 4,180 2,680 3,860 4,010 2,520 1,250 790 200 23,240 2000 Share of Population 16% 18% 12% 17% 17% 11% 5% 3% 1% 100% Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.2.4 Household Income As discussed in the previous sections, northern and southern portions of the county are vastly different from one another, with the northern end possessing more rural characteristics and the southern end traditionally serving as a bedroom community to Savannah. Even the level of economic prosperity greatly differs, with Pembroke designated as Tier 1 by the State of Georgia for job tax credit purposes and Richmond Hill designated as Tier 4, with Tier 4 being among the most prosperous communities in the state. Figure 3.8 (below) shows a much higher year 2000 Bryan County median household income ($48,345) than the average in the state of Georgia ($42,433) and the United States ($41,944). However, as illustrated in Figure 3.9 (opposite), there is a significant disparity in household income between the northern and southern areas of the county. This map shows that the areas with the highest household incomes ($71,875) are concentrated in the southern portion of the county, especially surrounding Richmond Hill. Conversely, the areas with the lowest household income are generally concentrated in northern Bryan County, especially inside the city limits of Pembroke ($28,611). Figure 3.8: 2000 Media2n00H0oMuesdieahn old Income Comparison Household Income Comparison $50,000 $48,000 $46,000 $48,345 $44,000 $42,000 $40,000 $42,433 $41,944 $38,000 $36,000 $34,000 $32,000 $30,000 Bryan County Georgia United States Source: US Census Bureau Source: US Census Bureau Figure 3.9: 2000 Median Household Income BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Median Household Income 75 Source: US Census Bureau Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate Median Household Income State Route $ 28,611 Military Installation $ 31,194 County Boundary $ 34,719 $ 36,713 $ 45,809 $ 71,875 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-10 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.2.5 Bryan County Employment According to the study conducted by the Georgia Institute of Technology, Support for Business and Industry Assessment for Bryan County, the county's economic base is relatively small when compared with other counties in the Coastal Georgia region and the state. As shown in Figure 3.10 (opposite), in 2005, Bryan County was home to 5,205 total jobs compared to an average 6,310 for its peer counties, 24,380 for its regional counterparts, and 24,725 for an average county in Georgia. Statistics from the Georgia Department of Labor indicates that Bryan County's service producing industries accounted for the largest share (52.1 percent) of employment in 2005 (Figure 3.11, opposite). Accommodations/food services and retail trade make up the largest share of the county's service producing industries. According to Support for Business and Industry Assessment for Bryan County, given its strengths in accessibility and location, Bryan County has the most potential to be competitive for wholesale electronics markets, agents and brokers; warehousing and storage (i.e., distribution centers); and professional, scientific, and technical firms. The study also identified industrial park or property development and residential development as the top opportunities for economic development in Bryan County. Figure 3.12 (page 3-12) illustrates the distribution of existing employment densities in the county. Currently, except for the small established activity centers within the cities, the Bryan County is characterized by extremely low density employment. By 2035, Bryan County is expected to have employment densities of five to ten jobs per acre in the areas near Interstate Centre, existing commercial nodes in Richmond Hill, and along Belfast Siding Road between US 17 and I-95 (Figure 3.13, page 3-12). As with the population projections, the areas of high employment growth are consistent with the county's future development plans, and were identified to be used in the trip forecasts by the 2035 Travel Demand Model. Figure 3.10: BryCaonmCopuanrtisyo2n005 Employment 30,000 25,000 20,000 24,380 24,725 15,000 10,000 5,000 5,205 6,310 - Bryan County Peer Counties Avg. County in Costal RDC Avg. County in GA Source: Georgia Department of Labor Figure 3E.1m1: BprlyoaynmCoeunttyb2y00M5 EamjpolroySmeecnttobry Major Sector 0.1% 19.7% 28.1% 52.1% Service Producing Government Goods Producing Other Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Source: Georgia Department of Labor 3-11 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.12: 2006 Employment Density BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N Figure 3.13: 2035 Employment Density BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Employment Density 75 Employment Density (per 10 sq miles) < 0.1 job/10 sq. miles 0.1 - 1 job/10 sq. miles 1 - 5 job/10 sq. miles 5 - 10 jobs/10 sq. miles > 10 jobs/10 sq. miles Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan Neck Rd Bryan Neck Rd LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 3-12 LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2035 Employment Density 75 Employment Density (per 10 sq miles) < 0.1 job/10 sq. miles 0.1 - 1 job/10 sq. miles 1 - 5 job/10 sq. miles 5 - 10 jobs/10 sq. miles > 10 jobs/10 sq. miles Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.2.6 Environmental Justice Communities Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes assure that individuals are not excluded from participation in, denied the benefit of, or subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, and disability. In1998,FHWAissuedaguidancedocumentthatestablishedpolicies and procedures for addressing Environmental Justice in relation to federallyfunded transportation projects. This guidance defines a "disproportionately high and adverse effect" as one that is predominantly borne by, suffered by, or that is appreciably more severe or greater in magnitude than the adverse effect that would be suffered by the non-minority population and/or nonlow-income population. Minority persons are defined as those people belonging to the following groups: Black or African American, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, and Hispanic or Latino. It is important to note that while the first five groups are defined as races, Hispanic or Latino is defined as an ethnicity by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB 1997) as well as Census 2000. As such, people of this minority group can belong to any racial group but are still considered minorities with respect to Environmental Justice. Low-income persons are defined as those whose median household income is at or below the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty guidelines. Census 2000 data sets were utilized to provide a quantitative analysis of the study area with respect to minority and ethnic populations and low-income households. Census data are grouped together by geographic area, of which blocks are the smallest and most precise form. The sensitivity of some information requires the Census Bureau to release it in the more general form of block groups. The data for this study were gathered at the most accurate level for which they were available: for race and ethnicity, at the block level; for income, at the block-group level. 3.2.7 Minority Population Bryan County is comprised of 19 percent minority population, which is significantly lower than Georgia's statewide 37 percent minority population. Figure 3.14 (page 3-14) illustrates the distribution of minority populations at a Census block level. According to the 2000 Census, the highest concentrations of minority populations are located in and around Pembroke along US 280, SR 119 and SR 67. Pockets of minority areas are also located along SR 30 and SR 204 in northern Bryan. In south Bryan, there are areas of minority concentrations along the Harris Trail Extension and along the CSX rail corridor. 3.2.8 Low Income Population In 2000, the population living in poverty in Bryan County was approximately 7.1 percent compared to 11.1 percent of those across the State of Georgia and 9.8 percent in the United States. Figure 3.15 (page 3-14) shows that although Bryan County's poverty rate is lower than the state and national averages, the geographic disparity in the poverty levels between the north and south is quite apparent. In particular, the City of Pembroke is home to the highest poverty level at 24 percent. The Bryan County Transportation Study addressed Environmental Justice by reaching out to the leaders of minority and low income communities as part of the study's public involvement efforts. As discussed in greater detail in Chapter 6, the Environmental Justice communities were able to participate in the study as part of the Advisory Committee and/or through stakeholder interviews. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-13 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.14: Minority Populations BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2000 Minority Populations 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 2000 Census Blocks < 5.0 % 5.0 - 15.0 % 15.1 - 25.0 % > 25.0 % Interstate State Route Fort Stewart County Boundary Source: US Census Bureaus Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan Neck Rd Bryan Neck Rd Figure 3.15: Low Income Populations BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 3-14 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 Source: US Census Bureau 95 Population Below Poverty Line Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Population Below Poverty Line 6.46 % 9.83 % 13.77 % 16.79 % 21.26 % 24.13 % Interstate State Route Military Installation County Boundary Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.3 Built and Natural Environment This section highlights the abundance of natural and historic resources in Bryan County. The county's future development map should be used as a guide for developments to avoid potential encroachment on the county's natural and historic resources. Similarly, potential impacts to these resources must be analyzed and accounted for when considering transportation improvements. This section provides an overview of environmental factors. 3.3.1 Wetlands Given its location in the coastal region, Bryan County has a wealth of natural resources including sensitive shoreline areas, wetlands, and numerous flowing streams. The county lies between the Ogeechee River on the east and the Cancoochee River, Mt. Hope Creek, and the Jerico-Laurel View River that becomes the Midway River on the west. Figure 3.16 (page 3-16) depicts the geographic distribution of wetland and water body features in Bryan County. Federal law and the Georgia Planning Act require protection of wetlands and other natural resources from adverse impact. As such, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources maintains a database that defines, identifies, and maps the categories of freshwater wetlands and aquatic habitats. Wetland areas help recharge the water supply, provide flood control, natural habitat for fish, wildlife and endangered species and recreational areas. Because of these impacts, wetlands receive special protections from local, state and federal agencies. These protections can affect land use development patterns, location of roads, transportation improvement, project capital costs and the use of state and federal funding. Approximately 42 percent (291,300 acres) of Bryan County is covered in wetlands, and thus, could pose significant limitations to new developments and infrastructures. Approximately 42% of Bryan County is Potential impacts to covered in wetlands, which could pose wetlands have been limitations to new development and infrastructure. taken into consideration during development of recommendations. Table 3.4: National Register Locations in Bryan County Resource Name Location Bryan County Courthouse College St. Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church Belfast Keller Rd. Fort McAllister 10 mi. E of Richmond Hill via GA 67 Glen Echo 2 mi. (3.2 km) E of Ellabelle on GA 204 Kilkenny E of Richmond Hill on Kilkenny Rd. Old Fort Argyle Site Address Restricted Pembroke Historic District Centered on US 280 and Main St. Richmond Hill Plantation E of Richmond Hill on Ford Neck Rd. Seven Mile Bend Address Restricted Strathy Hall SE of Richmond Hill SSoouurrccee::NNaattiioonnaall RReeggiisstteerrooffHHiissttoorriicc PPllaacceess City Pembroke Keller Richmond Hill Ellabelle Richmond Hill Savannah Pembroke Richmond Hill Richmond Hill Richmond Hill 3.3.2 Historic Structures Preservation of an area's historic features helps to maintain a community sense of character and identity. According to the National Historic Register of Places, Bryan County is home to approximately 120 structures noted as historic places, most of which are located within the City of Richmond Hill. Table 3.4 (above) provides the most notable locations within Bryan County. Historic structures in an area are often provided a higher level of protections by local state and federal agencies, and thus, must be accounted for when developing project recommendations. Therefore, historic structures that may potentially be affected by project improvements will be documented as part of the project evaluation process. Figure 3.17 (page 3-16) illustrates the locations of historic properties in Bryan County. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-15 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.16: Water Resources BULLOCH Grov*#*#eland ! ! Southward Reka *# ! PEMBROKE ! *#*#*# *# E VA N S *# *# *# *# *# *# La*#nier *#*# *# *# *#*# ! *# *#*# *#! Ellabell *# Eldo*#ra Bli!tchton *# 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River Canoochee Ri ver ! e Fort Stewart Military Reservation ! B R YA N ! ! ! LIBERTY !! O*#ce*#*#an *#Hwy *# ! D*#a*#n*#iel tu *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#! *#*# 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# ! *#*#*# !*# *# *# *#*#*# Port Royal ! *# *#*# !*# Bryan Neck Rd *# *# ! *# Fort*#McAllister Rd*#*# ! Hartwick Belfast *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*# Keller *# *#*# 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Environmentally Sensitive Areas 75 *#*# Fancy Hall *#*# Lincoln Landing #* Historic Structures Churches ! Cemeteries River Canal Lakes & Rivers Wetlands Interstate State Route Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Source: National Wetlands Inventory Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Figure 3.17: Historic Structures BULLOCH Gro*#*#v!eland ! Southward Reka PEMBROKE ! ! *# *#*#*# *# E VA N S Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Wilma*#Edwards Rd *# *# *# *# *# *# *# *#*# *# Lan*#*#ier ! *# Ell*#ab*#ell *#! *# Eldo*#ra Bli!tchton *# 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River Canoochee Ri ver ! e Fort Stewart Military Reservation ! B R YA N ! ! ! LIBERTY !! tu RICHMON*#D*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#H*#*#I!LL 17 *#*# *# ! D*#a*#n*#iel O*#c*#e*#an*#Hwy *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# ! *#*#*# *# ! *# *# *#*#*# Po!rt Royal Harris Trail Rd *# *#*# !*# C H AT H A M Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfa*#st *#Keller Rd ! ! *# Fort Mc*#Allister Rd *#*# Hartwick Belfast *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*# Keller *# *#*# 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Historic Structures 75 *#*# Fancy Hall *#*# Lincoln Landing #* Historic Structures Churches ! Cemeteries Lakes & Rivers Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Interstate State Route Street Railroad Source: National Register of Historic Places 3-16 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.4 Transportation System This section provides an inventory of existing and future conditions of Bryan County's transportation system, which includes the following: Travel trends; Roadway characteristics; Safety and crash analysis; Level of Service (LOS); Freight; Bridge Conditions; Bicycle and pedestrian facilities; Transit; Road Surface; and Evacuation and deployment routes. Findings from this section will form the basis for determining the county's transportation needs and identifying future improvements. 3.4.1 Travel Trends As aforementioned, Bryan County is challenged by the presence of Fort Stewart which divides the northern and southern portions of the county. Those wishing to travel from one end of the county to the other must travel outside the county first. Georgia Department of Labor reported that greater than three-quarters of Bryan County's residents (or 8,000 of the 11,000 employed) commute outside of Bryan County for work. In 1990, 28.8 percent of Bryan County's workforce worked in Bryan County, and approximately 25.2 percent did so in 2000. Leading destinations have traditionally been Chatham, Liberty, Effingham, and Bulloch counties. As described in Section 2.3 Travel Demand Model Development, a Bryan County model was developed to study the existing and projected trip patterns based on the county's growth and development plans. The 2006 base model was calibrated to reflect the travel patterns of the north and south Bryan County residents who tend to travel to Savannah more frequently for employment and shopping than to each other's communities. It is important to note that higher numbers of workers commuting outside of the county implies a higher disparity or disconnection between residents and jobs. Tables 3.5 and 3.6 (page 3-18) present the 2006 and 2030 trip attractions and productions for the districts within the Bryan County TDM. The total estimated trips from the model include all trip types such as Home-Based Work trips, Home-Based Other trips and Non-Home-Based trips. According to the model, approximately 44,800 vehicle trips travel to and from south Bryan County on a daily basis, and by 2030, these trips are expected to increase by greater than 100 percent to almost 100,000 trips. Although more than half of the trips are associated with Richmond Hill, the highest growth in trips is expected to occur in the unincorporated areas of south Bryan. The results from the model indicated that about a third of the trips originating from south Bryan County head to Chatham County for shopping, work, and other activities, and this trend is expected to remain unchanged by 2030. Almost 60 percent of south Bryan County trips occur internally, and this share is projected to increase to 65 percent by 2030. This trend is indicative of the amount of future development planned for the south Bryan County area. The number of vehicle trips to and from north Bryan County is expected to grow by greater than 100 percent from 22,450 in 2005 to 47,200 in 2030. Consistent with the future land use and development plans, the number of trips associated with the unincorporated area surrounding Interstate Centre is projected to experience a tremendous increase from 10,500 in 2006 to 31,700 in 2030. Currently, approximately 64 percent of the trips in north Bryan County are internal trips, and this share is expected to decrease slightly to 60 percent. This decrease in internal trips is likely attributed to the buildout of Interstate Centre that will generate a significant amount of trips to the surrounding counties. Although vehicle trips for both north and south Bryan County are expected grow significantly, trips made between north and south Bryan County will likely continue to be very minimal. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-17 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Production District Richmond Hill 1 So. Bryan (SE of I95) 2 So. Bryan (NW of I95) 3 NPoro. dBurycatnio(nPeDmisbtrroicket ) 4 NRoic.hBmryoannd (HBilliltchton-Ellabell) 51 LSiboe. rBtyryCano.(SE of I95) 62 SSWo. CBrhyaatnha(mNWCoo.f I95) 73 SNoE.ffBinrgyahnam(PCemo.broke) 84 SNoB.uBllorycahnC(Bo.litchton-Ellabell) 95 SLaibvearntynaCho. 160 SSoW. IC-9h5atham Co. 171 NSoE. fIf-i9n5gham Co. 182 S Bulloch Co. 9 Savannah 10 So. I-95 11 No. I-95 12 Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Production District Richmond Hill 1 So. Bryan (SE of I95) 2 So. Bryan (NW of I95) 3 NPoro. dBurycatnio(nPeDmisbtrroicket ) 4 NRoic.hBmryoannd (HBilliltchton-Ellabell) 51 LSiboe. rBtyryCano.(SE of I95) 62 SSWo. CBrhyaatnha(mNWCoo.f I95) 73 SNoE.ffBinrgyahnam(PCemo.broke) 84 SNoB.uBllorycahnC(Bo.litchton-Ellabell) 95 SLaibvearntynaCho. 160 SSoW. IC-9h5atham Co. 171 NSoE. fIf-i9n5gham Co. 182 S Bulloch Co. 9 SSSouaorcv.eaI:-Bn9rn5yaanhCounty Travel Demand Model 10 11 No. I-95 12 1 16,957 2,228 1,061 1 10 16,93517 22,,325238 41,,905681 3100 8321 42,,331503 14,,398578 2,66350 82 4,310 1,387 2,665 Table 3.5: 2006 Trips Productions and Attractions Attraction District 2 3 4 5 6 7 T2,a2b01lTea3b.l5e1:3,2.0550:302060T6 rTirpipsA6Pttrroadcutcitoi2on0ns anndd2,A3P3ttr5roacdtuiocn4ts,i9o3n4s 2,325 92 21 2,2031 2,334255 50932 71 1523 430485 157083 1767 152 94 226 31 1,0523 51974 226216 21 42 58197 120611 572 4 1 2 344 At0traction D1istrict 513 74,144 15,324 61 1,3326 4,40290 2,31305 11 102 3,834454 690 8721 356143 7,15404 1,732274 831 31,,033372 24,,641019 22140 691 30190 83,,982455 629 82722 1,537664 11510 275287 1,16843 3,037 2,611 224 510 261 7 77 4,990314 357130 35,625631 1,88797 398021 12,130703 35,366503 71,,784899 382 408 89 69 309 8,925 12,100 178 101 2 22 1,576 360 176 57 111 258 1,164 7,749 8 23 7 2 8 51 73273 837 1,8622 1,62541 1,072357 3,14803 1,186602 11,,767284 1,025 3,140 160 1,778 9 81 152 4 39,037 2,61811 212542 3814 13,,002347 32,,361191 4,129214 2,236891 11,,902244 3,319 4,191 2,269 1,924 10 4,310 408 89 10 69 4,330190 8,942058 12,10809 3,14609 4,139019 98,,595205 192,,315000 143,,517480 4,191 9,550 9,350 14,578 11 1,387 178 101 11 2 1,32827 1,517768 316001 1602 2,26292 91,,355706 39620 8,811640 2,269 9,350 92 8,814 12 2,665 176 57 12111 2,265685 1,116746 7,74597 1,717181 1,922548 141,,517684 87,,871449 1,74748 1,924 14,578 8,814 44 1 23,124 5,541 2,778 1 12 23,15204 25,,656491 52,,874778 7132 9570 72,,469609 15,,886487 3,62723 97 7,490 1,868 3,622 TablTea3bl.e6:3.260: 230035TTrriippsAPttrordauccttiioonns aannddAPttrraocdtiuocntsions Attraction District 2 3 4 5 6 7 5,471Table23,.760:42035 Trips9Producti4o4ns and2,A63tt5raction5s,859 15,153 1,908 23 5,42731 125,,114573 11,,299058 563 72243 12,,510447 1,928995 51526 724 1,930 4,248 34 2,71084 31,,094370 4,425448 154 3168 3,905477 1,049514 51135 36 3 27 2,144 At3traction D18istrict 3,019 94,312 15,929 61 1,9109 15,45444 2,63385 23 4237 72,,215424 733 1,86198 3,404129 9,37152 21,,091239 1581 31,,694150 175,,147544 40358 1682 1,65493 127,,823522 733 1,280619 3,542462 15765 12,,300103 1,915588 3,645 7,174 405 1,332 470 7 83 15,,889509 1,436392 63,244720 5,20883 1,483950 21,949639 63,920462 105,,023068 435 1,504 957 168 1,659 12,832 21,993 989 1,091 3 201 3,526 906 512 513 156 1,300 1,958 10,036 8 71 61 16 8 78 2,01771 16621 5,20196 8,28718 12,,400167 7,112662 5,422049 48,,228861 1,406 7,126 424 4,286 9 97 724 36 39,647 7,17927 470254 43336 13,,460467 47,,718732 8,143025 4,344363 31,,244056 4,783 8,132 4,346 3,245 10 7,490 1,504 957 10168 17,,645990 121,,853024 21,999537 7,112668 81,,163529 1132,,186322 1231,,296963 187,,814296 8,132 13,162 13,266 18,849 11 1,868 989 1,091 11 3 1,280618 3,592869 1,900961 4243 4,324061 133,,256266 198066 12,249284 4,346 13,266 186 12,298 12 3,622 512 513 12156 13,,360202 1,955182 10,053163 4,218566 31,,234050 181,,894598 1120,,209386 4,24866 3,245 18,849 12,298 46 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-18 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Travel time contours are an estimate of travel time from a point radiating out through the transportation network. In this case, average daily travel times were derived from the 2006 base model to compare against the 2035 NoBuild model. To reflect the current funding shortage and in order to perform an unbiased evaluation of projects, none of the currently programmed projects were assumed in the future No-Build scenario. Figures 3.18 (opposite) and 3.19 (page 3-20) illustrate the 2006 and 2035 travel time contours for the interchange at I-16 and I-95 in Chatham County to reflect Bryan County's commute trips to Savannah. According to the 2006 base model, an average trip from the Richmond Hill area to the I-16 at I-95 interchange currently takes 21 to 30 minutes. The base model also determined that an average trip from Pembroke to the interchange currently takes 31 to 45 minutes. By 2035, the average travel times are projected to worsen significantly, if no capacity improvements are made. Only the areas with direct access to I-95 in Richmond Hill area are still projected to maintain comparable travel times to current conditions. The residential areas of south Bryan County including Keller, Fancy Hall and Lincoln Landing are forecast to have travel times greater than 45 minutes. Similarly, the travel times in north Bryan County are projected to worsen considerably to greater than 45 minutes for the towns located near the western county limits, such as Groveland, Southward and Reka. Findings from the travel time contours indicate the need to provide capacity improvements and/ or viable alternates to major commute routes to Savannah. Figure 3.18: 2006 Travel Trends BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Eldora ? Blitchton I 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N EFFINGHAM 80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Average travel times are projected to worsen significantly without capacity improvements. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 2006 Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model 3-19 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.19: 2035 Travel Trends 3.4.2 Roadway Characteristics This section details major roadway characteristics such as functional BULLOCH classification, lane configuration, and signal locations that are relevant Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S ? A Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd A Wilma Edwards Rd ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Louisville Rd to roadway design and operations. There are three main functional classifications as defined by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA): arterial, collector, and local. Functional classification is determined largely by the use, speed and location (urban or rural) of the roadway and can change over time as improvements are made to the facility or as the surrounding area urbanizes. To be eligible for federal money for improvements, rural roadways must be designated major collectors or above, and urban roadways must be collectors or above. With the exception of the roadways within Richmond Main St Augusta Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N Fort Argyle Rd Hill, all roadways in Bryan County are currently classified as rural. Table 3.7 80 (page 3-21) displays roadway characteristics in terms of mileage and vehicle mileage traveled (VMT). According to GDOT's Roadway Classification LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal (RC) database, there are 446 miles of roadway in Bryan County, with approximately two-thirds designated as local street. The remaining Bryan County roadways include 21 miles of interstates, 67 miles of arterials, and 74 miles of collectors. The accompanying Figure 3.20 (page 3-22) illustrates the current roadway functional classifications as designated in GDOT's RC database. Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Bryan County is primarily served by two interstates and two principal arterials that traverse the county. The northern portion is served by I-16 and US 280, while the southern portion is served by I-95 and Ocean Highway (US 17). As shown in Figure 3.21 (page 3-22), there are currently only four AYNE LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 2035 Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary multilane facilities and five signalized intersections in the entire county, with most of which are located in the southern portion. The following discussion includes a detailed inventory of the major roadway facilities in north and south Bryan County. North Bryan County Northern Bryan County is generally served by US 280 (SR 30), a two-lane rural principal arterial that connects Pembroke to Evans County to the west and to I-16, Blitchton and US 80 (SR 26) to the east. Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-20 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 As illustrated in Figure 3.20, all the major roads including I-16, US 80, SR 119, SR 67 and SR 204 in northern Bryan County are accessible via US 280 (SR 30). Although US 280 is one of the corridors included in the Georgia Department of Transportation's Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP), no portions of the corridor are currently under design or construction in Bryan County. Table 3.7: BryTaabnleC4.o4:uBrnyatnyCoSuuntymSummmaarryyofoRfoaRdwoaay dChwaraactyeriCstihcsaracteristics Functional Classification STATE ROUTE Mileage VMT COUNTY ROAD Mileage VMT CITY STREET Mileage VMT TOTALS Mileage VMT RURAL INTERSTATE RURAL PRINCIPAL ARTERIAL RURAL MINOR ARTERIAL RURAL MAJOR COLLECTOR RURAL MINOR COLLECTOR RURAL LOCAL RURAL TOTAL 16.18 24.40 32.65 28.41 101.64 599,534.63 196,060.19 109,282.01 102,923.11 1,007,799.93 26.17 16.41 212.66 255.24 45,501.20 22,485.30 76,391.30 144,377.80 0.61 28.57 29.18 612.00 14,271.80 14,883.80 16.18 24.40 32.65 55.19 16.41 241.23 386.06 599,534.63 196,060.19 109,282.01 149,036.31 22,485.30 90,663.10 1,167,061.53 I-16 is a four-lane section through north Bryan URBAN INTERSTATE 4.49 267,841.69 - - - - 4.49 267,841.69 County and provides the most direct access URBAN PRINCIPIPAL ARTERIAL URBAN MINOR ARTERIAL 4.98 999,982.50 - 5.05 72,552.50 - - - - 4.98 999,982.50 - 5.05 72,552.50 to Savannah. Interstate Centre industrial development is strategically located near the interchange at US 280 and I-16 to take advantage URBAN COLLECTOR URBAN LOCAL URBAN TOTAL 14.52 440,376.69 2.50 17.14 19.64 9,564.60 11,369.80 20,934.40 25.96 25.96 15,270.20 15,270.00 2.50 43.10 60.12 9,564.60 26,640.00 476,581.09 - of its accessibility to Port of Savannah. US 80 (SR 26) is a rural two-lane arterial that parallels I-16 into Chatham County. SR 204 is a two-lane TOTALS 116.16 Source: GDOT Roadway Characteristics Database Source: GDOT Road Characteristics Database 1,448,176.62 274.88 165,312.20 55.14 30,153.80 446.18 1,643,642.62 connector and functions as another alternative route to Savannah as well as to direction through southern portion of the county and Richmond Hill. south Bryan County via its connection to I-95 and Ocean Highway (US 17). Currently, the two I-95 interchanges at Ocean Highway (US 17) and SR SR 204 connects north Bryan County directly to rapidly developing portions 144 provide access for the residents of Bryan County as well as commuters of western Chatham County. from Liberty County. Ocean Highway (US 17) is a rural principal arterial Other roadways of interest in north Bryan County include SR 67 and SR 119, which both intersect SR 280 (SR 30) within the city limits of Pembroke. The intersection of US 280 (SR 30) and Main Street (SR 119) is the only which serves as the central east-west corridor, connecting Richmond Hill and the rest of the region to Savannah and Chatham County to the east and Hinesville to the west. intersection controlled by a traffic signal in north Bryan. SR 119 provides a SR 144 is a major north-south arterial through downtown Richmond Hill north-south connection for travelers from I-16 in Bulloch County to access and provides access to the newly developed residential areas in south Bryan. not only Pembroke and north Bryan County but it also traverses through Traveling southbound from the I-95 interchange, the urbanized section of Fort Stewart to connect with Hinesville in Liberty County. SR 67 is another SR 144 has four lanes separated by a raised median near Timber Trail before north-south route through Pembroke. Historically, SR 67 provided a direct it becomes a rural two-lane collector. Another four-lane facility in Richmond connection between the cities of Pembroke and Richmond Hill through Fort Hill is Harris Trail Road between US 17 and Timber Trail. Harris Trail Stewart, but it now terminates on the northern side of Fort Stewart. Road becomes a two-lane rural roadway south of Timber Trail that eventually South Bryan County transitions to unpaved section just south of Adam Johnson Road. Currently, there are plans to pave the dirt road section that extends Harris Trail Road to South Bryan County is mostly served by a few key north-south and east- Belfast Keller Road, providing a viable alternative to SR 144. west connectors. I-95 has six lanes and traverses generally in the north-south Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-21 Bryan County Transportation Study Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Chapter 3 Figure 3.20: Functional Classifications BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Roadway Functional Classification 75 Source: GDOT Road Classification data Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: GDOT RC Data Roadway Functional Classification R. Interstate U. Interstate R. Principal Arterial U. Principal Arterial R. Minor Arterial U. Minor Arterial R. Major Collector R. Minor Collector U.Collector Local Street Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Figure 3.21: Lanes and Signals BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 Daniel Ocean Hwy RICHMOND HILL Port Royal C H AT H A M Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Existing Laneage & Traffic Signals Map Source: GDOT RC Data & Bryan County Transportation Plan (2007) Existing Roadway Laneage 2 Lanes 4 Lanes 6 Lanes Existing Traffic Signals Interstate Street Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Source: GDOT Road Classification data/Bryan County Transportation Plan (2007) 3-22 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Other roadways of interest in south Bryan County include Belfast Siding Road, Fort McAllister Road and Belfast Keller Road. Belfast Siding Road is a two-lane rural collector that connects US 17 to the residential areas along SR 144 via Belfast Keller Loop. Fort McAllister Road (SR 144 Spur) is also a two-lane rural collector that provides connections from residential properties and Fort McAllister State Park to SR 144. Belfast Keller Road, which currently serves as a two-lane minor collector in central south Bryan County, provides access to the largely undeveloped portions of the county. Table 3.8: BrTyabalen4.C5:oBurynantyCoCurntaysChrasRhaRtaete CCoommpapriasornitsooSntatteoofSGteaotregiao(f20G0e0-o20r0g7i)a per Capita County Crash GA Crash Number of Rate per Rate per Number of Vehicles Number of Number of County 1000 GA Number GA 1000 Year Crashes Involved Injuries Fatalities Population Population of Crashes Population Population 2000 671 1133 318 7 23,417 28.7 310,122 8,186,453 37.9 2001 683 1136 271 12 24,220 28.2 317,851 8,345,134 38.1 2002 792 1299 327 7 25,050 31.6 327,710 8,506,891 38.5 2003 850 1399 499 6 25,909 32.8 332,321 8,671,784 38.3 2004 798 1400 578 8 26,797 29.8 342,932 8,839,872 38.8 2005 812 1358 481 7 27,715 29.3 347,652 9,011,219 38.6 2006 808 1363 443 11 29,648 27.3 344,769 9,363,941 36.8 2007 763 1315 482 6 30,132 25.3 341,352 9,544,750 35.8 Source: CARE GDOT Crash Data & US Census Estimates Table 3.9: IntTearblsee4c.6t:iIontnerssewctiiotnhs wthiteh tHheigHihgheesst CCrarsahsFhreqFureenqcieuseinnBcriyeans CionunBtry yan County 3.4.3 Safety Analysis Assessing safety through the use of statistics is useful in identifying intersections and corridors that merit further study for safety improvements. Roadway safety was studied through a review of the county's historic crash data collected by GDOT between the years of 2000 and 2007. The Critical Analysis Reporting Environment (CARE) software was used to obtain valuable statistics and analyze crash data. The following crash analyses were performed to measure the relative safety of roadways and intersections in Bryan County: Total (2000-2007) Location Ocean Highway (US 17/SR 25) Milepost City Crash Injury Fatality at Ford Avenue (SR 144) 6.77 Richmond Hill 221 72 0 Ocean Highway (US 17/SR 25) at Harris Trail Bacon Street (US 280) at N. 5.35 Richmond Hill 181 56 1 Main (SR 119) 9.37 Pembroke Ocean Highway (US 17/SR 25) 59 12 0 at Mulberry Rd Ford Avenue (SR 144) at 7.08 Richmond Hill 52 16 0 Timber Trail US 280/SR 30 at Morgan 11.38 Richmond Hill 44 14 0 Bridge Rd (SR 204) 14.19 Bryan Rural 43 9 1 US 280/SR 30 at SR 26 4.5 Bryan Rural 41 18 1 Source: CARE GDOT Crash Data & GDOT STARS Data Source: for Tables 3.8 and 3.9: CARE GDOT Crash Data & GDOT STARS Data Annual Average Crash Injury Fatality 28 9 0 23 7 < 1 7 2 0 7 2 0 6 2 0 5 1 < 1 5 2 < 1 Countywide comparison to statewide averages; Intersections with the highest crash frequencies in the county; and Roadways that experience higher than statewide crash rates for similar facility type. Table 3.8 (opposite) shows the countywide crash statistics of Bryan County compare to state of Georgia. In general, Bryan County has experienced a significantly lower crash rate per 1,000 persons than the state as a whole. The historic trends are consistent with the overall growth in population during the recent years as reflected in the decrease in the number of crashes per 1,000 persons. The second crash analysis involves identifying intersections with the highest number of crashes. Table 3.9 (above) reports six intersections in the county that experience at least five crashes per year. As illustrated in Figure 3.22 (page 3-25), the majority of high crash intersections are located within the Cities of Richmond Hill and Pembroke. Ocean Highway (US 17) in southern Bryan County is associated with three of the six critical intersections in terms Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-23 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 of both crashes and injuries. The remaining intersections with high crash frequencies are located along US 280 in northern Bryan County. Table 3.10 (below) depicts the crash rates of some of the major roadway segments in the county. The segment limits were determined based on the roadway's functional classifications and the locations of GDOT traffic count stations. These crash, injury and fatality rates have been normalized per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (100 MVM), and are compared against their respective statewide averages for similar facilities as indicated in the table. In general, when compared to the statewide averages, the roadways in Bryan County exhibited much lower crash rates. Most of the roadways in the county with higher crash rates than statewide averages have relatively low volumes of vehicles. The urban section of I-95 incurred much higher crash numbers compared to its rural counterparts; however, none of the interstate segments experienced crash rates greater that their statewide averages. A total of 121 crashes, 32 injuries and no fatalities occurred along US 17 within the urbanized city limits of Richmond Hill. These raw numbers equate to approximately 499 crashes and 132 injuries per 100 MVM, which are just above statewide averages for an urban principal arterial. Not surprisingly, the rural section of US 17 experienced significantly less number of crashes, consequently resulting in lower crash and injury rates. Interestingly, although the section of US 280 within the city of Pembroke experienced relatively small number of crashes (17) and injuries (7), the crash rates are actually much higher than US 17. This is because the average daily traffic volume along US 280 (6,250) is considerably less than the volume along US 17 (20,000). Furthermore, the crash and injury rates US 280 are approximately five times greater than the statewide averages for a rural principal arterial. Table 3T.a1b0l:eC4r.7a:s2h00R7aCterasshCoRmatepsaCroemdptaoreSdtatoteSwtaitdeewAidveeArvaegreagsepser MVMT Crash Rate Injury Rate Fatality Rate Crashes (per 100 million vehicle- Injuries (per 100 million vehicle- Fatalities (per 100 million vehicle- functional Beg MP classification End Mp Road Statewide Segment Average Road Statewide Segment Average Road Statewide Segment Average R. Interstate 0.6 - 6.1 13 14 58 4 4 29 I-95 U. Interstate 6.2 - 11 90 92 186 28 29 63 I-16 R. Interstate 0 - 9.3 40 45 58 34 38 29 0 0 1.09 0 0 0.58 1 1.13 1.09 R. Principal Art. 0.6 - 4.1 20 81 145 12 48 79 US 17/ SR 1 1.00 2.21 25 U. Principal Art. 4.2 - 7.4 121 499 495 32 132 179 0 0.00 1.33 US 280/ 8.9 - 10.3 17 544 145 7 224 79 0 0.00 1.09 SR 30 R. Principal Art. 10.4 - 21.1 30 122 145 18 73 79 US 80/ SR 0 0.00 1.09 26 R. Minor Art. 0.2 - 6.0 15 119 187 6 48 100 0 0.00 2.58 SR 67 R. Minor Art. 3.2 - 7.0 11 324 187 5 147 100 0 0.00 2.58 SR 144 U. Minor Art. 8.5 - 13.6 64 177 514 32 92 190 0 0.00 1.47 Source: CARE GDOT Crash Data & GDOT STARS Data Source: CARE GDOT Crash Data & GDOT STARS Data Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-24 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Figure 3.22: Bryan County Accident Locations BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S SR 30 at SR 67 7 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year PEMBROKE (! SR 30 at SR 204 5 Crashes/Year 1 Injury/Year Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier (! Ellabell Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Eldora SR 26 at SR 30 5 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year Blitchton (! EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY C H AT H A M tu RICHMOND HILL 17 SR 25 at Mulberry Rd 7 Crashes/Year SR 25 at Harris Trail Rd 23 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year (!(! 7 Injuries/Year (! Daniel SR 25 at SR 144 28 Crashes/Year 9 Injuries/Year Harris Trail Rd Ocean Hwy Port Royal Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Hartwick Rd Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Frequent Crash Locations 75 Source: CARE crash data (2000-2007) Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: 2000-2007 CARE GDOT CRASH DATA !( Intersections with greater than 5 crashes per year Roadway segments with crash rate exceeding statewide avg. Roadway segments with crash rate below statewide avg. Interstate Street Railroad Military Installation City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3.4.4 Level of Service Level of service (LOS) is a qualitative measure of traffic flow describing operating conditions. Six levels of service are defined by FHWA in the Highway Capacity Manual for use in evaluating roadway operating conditions. They are given letter designations from A to F, with LOS A representing the best operating conditions and F the worst. A facility may operate at a range of levels of service depending upon time of day, day of week or period of the year. A qualitative description of the different levels of service is provided in Figure 3.23 (below). Figure 3.23: Level of Service (LOS) 3-25 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 The recommended approach to determine deficient segments in Bryan County is to analyze the volume of traffic on the roadway segments compared to the capacity of those segments, also known as the V/C ratio. For daily operating conditions, any segment identified as LOS D or worse was considered deficient. The following thresholds were used to assign a level of service to the V/C ratios for roadways in Bryan County. t V/C < 0.825 = LOS C or better; t 0.825 > V/C < 0.925 = LOS D; t 0.925 > V/C < 1.00 = LOS E; and, t V/C > 1.00 = LOS F. Existing Level of Service Figure 3.24 (page 3-27) shows the 2006 daily LOS and corresponding Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) derived from the Bryan County TDM. According to the model, majority of the roadways in the county currently operate at an acceptable LOS (LOS C or better). Spots of deficient LOS can be found on ramp sections of SR 144 at I-95 and US 17 at I-95 and the two-lane section of SR 144 north of Adam Johnson Road. Future 2035 No-Build Level of Service As aforementioned, the future 2035 No-Build TDM was developed based on the future land use and growth plans of the county. Figure 3.25 (page 3-27) depicts the future daily LOS and volumes derived from the Bryan County 2035 TDM network. Due to the anticipated growth projected for the county, coupled lack of capacity improvements, the general LOS in the county is expected to deteriorate by 2035, particularly in the following locations: t I-95 east of SR 144 interchange; t Entire US 17 segment; t SR 144 from US 17 to Belfast Keller Road; t Belfast Siding Road from US 17 to Park Hill 20; t Daniel Siding Loop Road; t Interchange ramps at I-95 at SR 144; t Interchange ramps at I-95 at US 17; t US 280 at Interstate Centre; and t Interchange ramps at I-16 at US 280. The findings from the LOS analysis indicate that south Bryan County is anticipated to experience significant deterioration in LOS along all of the major roadways by 2035, especially those that serve the commuter traffic into Chatham County. Therefore, alleviating congestion is a top priority in consideration of potential improvements. 3.4.5 Freight Traffic South Bryan is anticipated to experience significant deterioration in LOS on all major roadways, especially those that serve commuter traffic into Chatham County. Based on tonnage, freight is primarily transported by truck (86 percent) and rail (11 percent) in Georgia. Water and air modes account for an additional three percent of freight tonnage. According to GDOT's Statewide Truck Lanes Needs Identification Study, all forms of travel involving transportation of freight are increasing throughout the state at a level that is almost 50 percent faster than general traffic growth rates. The proximity to Port of Savannah is anticipated to result in truck traffic growth in Bryan County in excess of statewide averages. This anticipated growth will affect future conditions and LOS for the affected portions of the transportation network. CSX Rail Crossing on SR 144 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-26 Bryan County Transportation Study Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Chapter 3 Figure 3.24: 2006 LOS BULLOCH 3,200 Groveland 4,600 Southward Reka PEMBROKE 1,100 24,500 Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S 4,800 2,400 8,800 Lanier Ellabell Fort Stewart Military Reservation Eldora Blitchton 8,400 EFFINGHAM 33,000 16 tu80 Louisville Rd B R YA N Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY 5,600 80,500 14,600 Abercorn St tu17 17,800 C H A T H A M 21,900 Ocean Hwy Daniel 2,600 Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 14,000 Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd 48,800 2,600 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Level of Service (LOS) 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: 2006 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Existing LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Figure 3.25: 2035 LOS BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland 5,300 Southward Reka PEMBROKE 6,900 E VA N S 2,800 3,600 42,000 Wilma Edwards Rd Eldora Blitchton 3,500 16,600 Lanier Ellabell 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM tu80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY 7,000 112,700 21,700 Abercorn St tu17 29,700 C H A T H A M 37,300 Daniel Ocean Hwy Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 19,300 Belfast Siding Rd 12,210 75,600 10,500 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: Our analysis did not take into account the full build-out of the Rayonier development proposed to be centered around the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road. Instead, our study assumed high growth would occur at existing and currently proposed commercial and residential nodes in Richmond Hill and northeastern Bryan County. For the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, our study assumed a few hundred new households and small shopping plazas which are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 2035 No-Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 No-Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Source: Bryan County Travel Demand Model 3-27 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 Specific routes for oversized trucks are designated by the Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA), a federal highway program administered by GDOT. This act states that all interstates, United States and Georgia State highways are to be considered truck routes. As shown in Figure 3.26 (opposite) Bryan County's truck route network includes: I-16; I-95; SR-67; SR 119; SR 204; US 280 (SR 30); US 80 (SR 26); US 17 (SR 25); and SR 144. A large portion of freight traffic traveling through Bryan County can be attributed to the Port of Savannah, the nation's fastest growing and fourth busiest container port in the United States. According to the February 2008 U.S. Ports Ranking Report, the Port of Savannah handles on average 180,000 intermodal containers per month. These containers arrive and leave the port largely by truck and rail. The Port of Savannah is located less than twenty miles from Bryan County. Trucks destined for or leaving the Port of Savannah typically utilize I-95 or I-16. According to the TDM, approximately 7,000 trucks travel daily on I-95 through Richmond Hill in 2006, and by 2035, this number is expected to almost double to 13,000 trucks. Daily truck traffic on I-16 south of the US 280 interchange was recorded at roughly 4,000 in 2006, and projected to increase significantly to almost 12,000 by 2030. This growth in truck volume is largely attributed to the expected build-out of the Interstate Centre industrial park. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-28 Figure 3.26: Truck and Rail Lines BULLOCH Groveland ? Southward I Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S ? A A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? I Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY A tu17 RICHMOND HILL ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal CHATHAM Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Plan Source: GDOT Freight Map Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate State Route Street Railroad Military Installation City Boundary County Boundary Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 The southern portion of the county, including Richmond Hill, is traversed by a CSX rail mainline. This line connects the Port of Savannah to the CSX Waycross hump yard. CSX uses the Waycross Yard to build trains destined throughout North America. According to GDOT's Office of Intermodal TPabrloeg4.r8a:mBrysa,nthCoeurnatyilBrliidngeestthhraot Mugeeht MRiincimhmumoRnedquHireimllenctasrfroireRsemplaocreemtehntaFnun4di4ngmillion I-95 attoCnSXsBRroiadfilgreforaFedaicgilhityt aanndnLoucaatliloyn, making it Borind0eg2e9o-ID0f0N4Gu1m-e0oberrgia's heSauvfifeicsie4tn2u.c1ys8Readtinrgail lines Belfaisnt SitdeinrgmRsoaodfattoI-9n5nage. The northern po0r2t9i-o00n15o-0f the study area45,.5in4 cluding the US 80C(JietnyckosfBPridegme)borvoerkOeg,eieschtreaevReivresred by Geor0g2i9a-0C00e6n-0tral Railroad, a47s.h44ort line with OlivelBimranicthedRoafdreaitgI-h16t operations (approxima0t2e9l-y000o2n-0ce a day) betw5e0en Savannah Sourcaen: NdatVioindalaBlriiad,geGInevoenrgtoiray.20T08his railway generally parallels SR 204 and US 280 through Pembroke. 3.4.6 Bridges Inventory and Conditions Assessment There are 75 bridges in the study area including 11 that are maintained by Bryan County, 44 by GDOT and 20 by the US Army which are located inside the boundaries of Fort Stewart. Although some of these bridges provide access to the general public, the US Army utilizes a separate maintenance and replacement process outside of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for military base bridges, therefore, this study will only examine conditions for county and state maintained bridges. Maintaining bridges in good condition is important for safety and to avoid delays due to road closures and weight limits. The sufficiency rating formula is a method of collectively evaluating factors which indicate a bridge's ability to remain in service. The result of the formula is a percentage in which 100 percent represents an entirely sufficient bridge and zero percent represents an entirely insufficient or deficient bridge. States annually submit to the FHWA all of the required information that determines sufficiency ratings for each bridge. Key factors which make up a sufficiency rating include the number of lanes relative to the roadway is carries, Average Daily Traffic (ADT), structural condition and deck condition. Note that sufficiency ratings do not necessarily indicate a bridge's ability to safely carry traffic loads. Sufficiency ratings include metrics not related to the structural integrity. Some of these factors include under clearances, if a bridge is on the national highway system and bridge approaches. Table 3.11: Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Replacement Funding Table 4.8: Bryan County Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Replacement Funding Bridge Facility and Location Bridge ID Number Sufficiency Rating I-95 at CSX Railroad 029-0041-0 42.18 Belfast Siding Road at I-95 029-0015-0 45.54 US 80 (Jencks Bridge) over Ogeechee River 029-0006-0 47.44 Olive Branch Road at I-16 029-0002-0 50 Source: National Bridge Inventory 2008 Source: National Bridge Inventory 2008 Table 3.12: Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Rehabilitation Funding Table 4.9: Bryan County Bridges that Meet Minimum Requirements for Rehabilitation Funding Bridge Facility and Location Bridge ID Number Sufficiency Rating US 280 East Bound at I-16 029-0013-0 58.86 US 280 West Bound at I-16 029-0014-0 58.86 Black Creek Church Road at Mill Creek Harris Trail at Sterling Creek 029-0049-0 029-5010-0 65.46 66.53 J.O. Bacon Highway at Ogeechee River 029-0024-0 67.46 Bacontown Road at Otter Hole Branch I-95 at SR 144 Grover Hill Road at I-16 029-5008-0 029-0043-0 029-0001-0 72 73 73.66 Route 38 (Toni Branch Road) @ Cyprus Creek 029-5003-0 73.68 I-95 South Bound at Ogeechee River I-95 South at SR 25 (US 17) 029-0048-0 029-0039-0 75.84 75.86 SR 144 (Bryan Neck Road) at Sweet Hill Creek 029-0051-0 77 I-95 North Bound at Ogeechee River US 17 (Harvey Granger Bridge) at Ogeechee River 029-0047-0 029-0005-0 77.51 77.74 Route 143 (Stubbs Road) at Mill Creek 029-5012-0 77.92 I-95 North Bound at Elbow Swamp 029-0035-0 79.69 I-95 South Bound at Elbow Swamp Source: National Bridge Inventory 2008 Source: National Bridge Inventory 2008 029-0036-0 79.69 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-29 Bryan County Transportation Study Tab US 28 US 28 Black Harris J.O. B Bacon I-95 a Grove Route I-95 S I-95 S SR 14 I-95 N US 17 River Route I-95 N I-95 S Sourc Chapter 3 Sufficiency ratings are used primarily to prioritize bridges in need repair or replacement. The Federal Highway Administration uses bridge sufficiency ratings to determine eligibility for federal funding for maintenance, rehabilitation, or replacement activities. For bridges to qualify for federal replacement funds, they must have a rating of 50 or below. Table 3.11 (page 3-29) provides a list of bridges that meet the minimum requirement for replacement funding through the FHWA. In order to qualify for FHWA federal rehabilitation funding, a bridge must have a sufficiency rating of 80 or below. Table 3.12 (page 3-29) identifies bridges in Bryan County which currently meet the minimum requirements for rehabilitation funding. 3.4.7 Bicycle and Pedestrian Inventory In general, existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities are concentrated along major state roads and infrastructure that serve the urban areas in Bryan County. In the City of Pembroke, sidewalks are present along US 280 though the downtown area and along a number of local streets serving the older neighborhoods. However, there is a lack of contiguous pedestrian connections between the sidewalks that serve the schools and the surrounding neighborhoods. In Richmond Hill, sidewalks are generally present along the urbanized sections of SR 144, Harris Trail Road and some local roads that serve the schools. The Bryan County Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan was commissioned by the Coastal Georgia RC to examine existing bike and pedestrian facilities, identify network conditions and make recommendations to improve or create facilities for safer pedestrian and bicycle activities throughout the county. Emphasis was placed on key community gateways and schools through GDOT's Safe Routes to Schools program. The plan emphasizes connecting to existing and surrounding pedestrian and bicycle network to increase connectivity throughout the county. Recommendations included 25 miles of new sidewalk and shared use paths and 81 miles of widened shoulders and bike lanes throughout the county. The recommendations from this plan will be included in the list of bicycle and pedestrian improvements to be considered in the Bryan County Transportation Study. Sidewalks in downtown Pembroke 3.4.8 Transit Very limited transit services are available for those who are traditionally transit dependent in the county. Bryan County Transit provides three fixed routes for the elderly, the mentally ill, and those referred through Department of Family and Children Services. Transit services are provided Monday through Friday with times subject to customer requests. Bryan County Transit has a variety of wheel chair and handicap accessible vehicles in addition to one 15-passenger van and one 20-passenger mini bus. Fares are based on distance. Bryan County Transit is currently working with other regional transit agencies through the Coastal Georgia Regional Commission (coastalgeorgiardc.org) to develop and implement a Regional Transit System. These improvements are designed to provide new access to regional dialysis centers and regional hospitals in Statesboro and Savannah. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-30 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.4.9 Road Surface Bryan County is home to a sizeable network of unimproved or unpaved roadways that serve many of the rural and transitional parts of the county. This is indicative of the county's historically rural nature. Table 3.13 (below) shows the breakdown of road types in the county as compared to the state in 2007. As indicated in the table, approximately 30 percent of the roads in Bryan County are unpaved, compared to 25 percent of roads statewide. Recent decades have increased the urbanization of the county through population and employment growth. While unpaved roads provide necessary linkages to the more remote areas of the county, these facilities are often characterized as narrow with steep ditches, requiring slower operating speeds. Bryan County has an aggressive roadway paving plan to improve the transportation network that reflects the growing demands on its infrastructure. With the passing of Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST V) in 2005, the county is able to levy a one percent sales tax over 6 years which committed $3,000,0000 to roads and bridges. Most of this funding has been allocated to paving unpaved roads throughout the county. Projects selected for paving are chosen from a prioritized list of paving projects from each council district. Each year, a road is chosen for paving based on a rotation amongst the four council districts. The number of roads Table T3a.1bl3e:4B.1r0y: aBrnyaCnoCuonutnytyRRooaaddMMilieleagaegbeybSyurSfaucrefTaycpeeType Bryan County Road Percent Type Mileage Unpaved Unpaved State Routes 116 - 0.00% County Roads 275 126 45.70% City Streets 55 6 10.30% Total Roads 446 131 29.40% Source: Georgia Department of Transportation 2007 Source: GDOT 2007 State Average Percent Mileage Unpaved Unpaved 18,096 - 0.00% 84,558 27,986 33.10% 14,584 486 3.30% 117,238 28,473 24.30% Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-31 TableTa3b.1le44:.1B1r: yBarynaCn oCouunnttyy SSPPLLOOSTSVTPPavaivnginPgroPjercotsjects District Project Name Wildwood Church Road Lake Drive George Edwards Road Pete Bacon Road 1 Hughes Road Hendrix Road Pembroke Connector Road Warnell Cemetary Road Fountain Road Benton Road Bell Road Mill Creek Church Road Frank Hendry Road 2 Power Circle Road Emaline Road Martin Road Roberts Road Seascape Road Blige Road Griffin Road 3 Dunham Swamp Road Bodaford Road Harris Trail Extension to Belfast Loop Jake Brown Road Fancy Court Oak Level Road 4 Fancy Hall Drive Carver School Road Harden Road Smith Road Hughes Road/Cartertown Road 5 Tranquilla Lane Jackson Road Source: Bryan County as of 2009 Source: Bryan County as of 2009 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 needing paving, as identified by the SPLOST, currently exceeds the number of proposed paving projects. Table 3.14 (page 3-31) documents the list of paving projects identified in SPLOST V. Notable pavement projects include the Harris Trail Extension and the realignment of Belfast Siding Road at Belfast Keller Road. Both of these projects have completed the preliminary engineering and design phases, and thus, ready for construction. 3.4.10 Deployment and Evacuation Routes Fort Stewart is ideally situated and resourced to support the training and deployability requirements of the 3rd Infantry Division (Mechanized). There are plans for Fort Stewart to add nearly 20,000 soldiers and 30,000 family members. The reservation's 280,000 acres serve as a training facility for tank operations and antiaircraft equipment. Though the majority of the fort is located in neighboring Liberty County, the fort uses two routes for trucks leaving Fort Stewart. Both routes utilize the Bryan County transportation network to reach the Port of Savannah. The northern deployment route uses SR 119, US 280 and 1-16 while the southern route employs SR 119 to SR 144 and I-95. These routes facilitate movement of troops and equipment in times of emergency. SR 144, US 280 and I-16 are also part of Coastal Georgia's Atlantic Coast Hurricane Evacuation Routes. In times of emergency, these routes also assist evacuation from Chatham County in the attempt to reach higher ground. In times of evacuation, I-16 is designed to convert eastbound traffic lanes for use in westbound direction. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Evacuation Route Signage on US 17 3-32 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 3 3.5 Major Findings The following comprise the highlights from the baseline conditions in Bryan County. These findings warrant consideration in identifying potential improvements that address the transportation needs of the county. Although most of Bryan County is characterized by rural and low-density land use, the Future Development Map from the Bryan County Joint Comprehensive Plan (2008) has identified growth areas near existing and proposed activity centers. These areas include the existing commercial nodes in Richmond Hill, Belfast Siding corridor, residential areas in south Bryan County, and the I-16 corridor in north Bryan County. To this end, future transportation investments should be consistent with the county's land use plans. Significant population growth is anticipated for Bryan County from 23,400 in 2000 to 46,000 by 2030, which is an increase of almost 100 percent. Major capacity improvements may be necessary to adequately serve the transportation needs of the future population. Approximately 42 percent (291,300 acres) of Bryan County is covered in wetlands, and thus, could pose significant limitations to new developments and infrastructures. The presence of Fort Stewart makes travel between north and south Bryan County difficult, as those wishing to do so must travel outside the county first. To this end, county residents travel to Savannah more frequently for employment and shopping than to destinations within the county. There is a high disparity between Bryan County's residents and jobs with greater than 75 percent of residents commuting to other counties for work. There are only four multi-lane roadways (US 17, SR 144, Harris Trail Road, and US 280) and five signalized intersections (US 17/SR 144, US 17/Harris Trail Road, US 17/I-95 SB ramp, SR 144/I-95 WB ramp, and US 280/SR 119) in the county. The majority of the multi-lane facilities and signalized intersection are located in south Bryan. In addition to major capacity improvements, system management projects are also needed to facilitate heavy traffic flow with the use of new traffic signals, optimization, and access management. Due to the anticipated growth projected for the county, coupled with the lack of planned improvements and available financing options, the following travel conditions can be expected by 2035: o Only the areas with direct access to the interstate are still projected to maintain similar commute times to current conditions. As such, there is a strong need to provide capacity improvements and/or viable alternates to major commute routes to Savannah. o LOS for major roadways in the county, especially those in the southern Bryan County, is expected to deteriorate significantly, resulting in congestion and delay. These roadways include US 17, SR 144, Harris Trail Road, Belfast Siding Road, and US 280. In general, most of the existing bicycle and pedestrian facilities are concentrated along major state roads and infrastructure that serve the urban areas in Bryan County. However, there is a lack of contiguous pedestrian connections between the sidewalks that serve schools and the surrounding neighborhoods. Currently, 30 percent of the roads in Bryan County are unpaved and the County has an aggressive roadway paving plan to improve the transportation network that reflects the growing demands on its infrastructure. Some of the major paving projects include the Harris Trail Extension, Dunham Swamp Road, Pembroke Connector Road, and Oak Level Road. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 3-33 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Recommended Improvements & Policies Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 4 4.0 Project Evaluation and Recommendations This chapter presents a list of recommended projects based on the evaluation methodologies documented in Chapter 2 Goals Development and Evaluation Framework. The baseline conditions, relevant studies, and stakeholder input provided a basis for the identification of potential projects considered for evaluation. In addition to the project list, a number of associated policies have been developed in order to foster an environment that will support the project recommendations from this study. As indicated in Chapter 2, only the new capacity improvements were evaluated and prioritized using the performance metrics. Due to their nature, the traffic operations and bicycle and pedestrian projects were considered outside of the GDOT Project Prioritization Process (PrPP)'s evaluation, and recommended based on their qualitative benefit to the Bryan County transportation system. The following sections provide an overview of the projects identified under the categories of traffic operations, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, and new capacity improvements. 4.1 Traffic Operations/System Management Improvements Improvements in traffic operations are designed to allow more effective management of the supply and use of existing roadway facilities. These improvements can increase the capacity by All identified traffic operations/ system management projects are optimizing traffic operations, especially in recurring congestion conditions. As discussed later in this section, many of the improvements involve the installation of a new traffic signal to improve the intersection traffic flow. It is important to recommended note that the actual need for a signal can only be for consideration determined by a signal warrants analysis. because they offer a relatively low-cost means to maximize the effectiveness of Figure 4.1 (opposite) illustrates the traffic operation/system management improvements identified throughout the study process. The accompanying Table 4.1 (pages 4-2 - 4-4) the existing system. provides details of each improvement, including project description, purpose and need, and Figure 4.1: Traffic Operations Improvements BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE Ashbranch Rd A BORlivIWDeilGmBaEraE0dn2wc:ahrId-R1s 6Rdd@ INTRSCTN04: SR 119 !(!( @ SR 67 Realignment INTRSCTN03: US 280 @ SR 119 ? E VA N S ? Lanier A A Ellabell ? !( !( Eldora SIGNAL03: US 280 @ US 80 Blit!(chton I!( EFFINGHAM BRIDGE01: US 80 @ Ogeechee River INTRCHNG03: I-16 @ US 280 16 Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N Canoochee Ri ver A INTRCHNG01: I-95 @ SR 144 ACCESS01: SR 144 INTRSCTN02: US 17 @ Harris Trail Rd !( 17 C H AT H A M BRIDGE04: I-95 @ CSX Railroad Bridge !(!( SIGNAL10: US 17 @ Mulberry Dr INTRCHNG02: I-95 and US 17 SIGNAL05: US 17 @ Daniel Siding Loop Rd Ocean Hwy !( !( ? !(!( !( !( SIGNAL09: US 17 @ SR 196 SIGNAL06: US 17 @ LIBERTY Belfast Siding Rd Harris Trail Rd !( INTRSCTN01: US 17 @ SR 144 !( SIGNAL12: SR 144 @ Ivey St SIGNAL121: SR 144 @ Timber Trail Port Royal PAVE01: Harris Trail Ext. !( BRIDGE03: I-95 @ Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd !( SFoIGrt MNcAALll0is7te:r SRdR 144 @ HaBretwlfaicskt Keller Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd SIGNAL08: Belfast Siding Rd @ Belfast Keller Rd !( Belfast SIGNAL04: SR 144 @ !( Oak Level Rd Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Traffic Operations 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Improvement Type !( Interchange Upgrade !( Bridge Replacement !( Intersection Upgrade !( Signalization Access Managemet Paving Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Table 4.1: TraTfafbilce 4O.1:pTreafrfiac Otpieorantison/sS/SyysstetmeMmanaMgeamnenat IgmeprmoveemnenttsImprovements Project ID Project Name Project Description Purpose and Need Construction Cost Estimate INTRCHNG01 Interchange Improvements at I95 and SR 144 The SR 144 interchange is heavily accessed by not only commuters to and from Upgrade interchange by adding turn lanes on all the Savannah area but also the travelers between north and south Bryan. approaches at both ramp intersections. Signalize Model results indicate that the eastbound on-ramp and westbound off-ramp eastbound off-ramp intersection and optimize are expected to incur heavy delays and potential spillbacks onto I-95. timing. Additional capacity and signalization may be needed at the ramp intersections to improve LOS, and prevent potential spillbacks onto I-95. $2,470,000 INTRCHNG02 Interchange Improvements at I95 and US 17 Upgrade interchange by providing additional storage space for turning movements onto and off the ramps. Add eastbound through lane on US 17 between the ramp intersections. Signalize northbound ramp intersection and optimize timings. US 17 is one of two principal arterials in the County that is projected to carry up to 40,000 vehicles by 2035. It is a parallel facility to I-95 and connects all the counties in the coastal region. Model results indicate that both northbound on and off ramps and southbound on-ramp are expected to incur heavy delays and potential spillbacks onto I-95. Additional turn lanes and signalization may be needed at the ramp intersections to operate under acceptable conditions. $3,323,000 INTRCHNG03 Interchange Improvements at I16 and US 280 The interchange of I-16 at US 280 is the only interchange in northern Bryan Upgrade interchange by adding turn lanes on all approaches at both ramp intersections. Signalize both ramp intersections. (Will interface with PI No. 0004779) County. Significant truck traffic headed to the Port of Savannah area via this interchange is anticipated as a result of Interstate Centre. Additional turn lanes are needed at the ramp intersections to operate efficiently and safely with a high number of heavy multiple axle trucks. Installation of traffic signals at both ramp intersections may be needed to reduce conflicts between vehicle and truck movements. $767,000 INTRSCTN01 US 17 at SR 144 Safety and operational improvements additional right and left turn lanes on all approaches US 17 at SR 144 is a critical intersection that carries the highest traffic volume along with the highest number of crashes in the County. Drivers currently experience extreme intersection delay and queuing during the peak hours. Model projections indicate severe congestion along all the approach roadways by 2035. Capacity and operational improvements may be necessary to facilitate safe and efficient movements through this intersection. $1,588,000 INTRSCTN02 US 17 at Harris Trail Road Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and optimize timing Harris Trail is expected to have a traffic volume increase of over 100% by 2035. The intersection at US 17 at Harris Trail ranks number two in highest number of crashes in the County. Capacity and operational improvements may be necessary to facilitate safe and efficient movements through this intersection. INTRSCTN03 Bacon Street (US 280) at N. Main Safety and operational improvements - add turn (SR 119) lanes and optimize timing Intersection of US 280 at SR 119 has one of the highest number of crashes in the County. Capacity and operational improvements may be necessary to facilitate safe and efficient movements through this intersection. $829,000 $197,000 INTRSCTN04 College Street/ Camella Drive (SR Realignment of SR 119 and SR 67 with 119) at N Main St (SR 67) signalization Signalization/ Realignment Realignment of SR 119 to SR 67 is needed to facilitate safer turning movement and improve general traffic flow at this intersection. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. $1,115,000 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Table 4.1: Traffic OpTeabrlea4t.1i:oTrnafsfi/c OSpyersattioenms/SyMsteamnMaangageemmenetnImtprIomvemperntos vements, Continued Project ID Project Name SIGNAL03 US 280 at US 80 Project Description Purpose and Need Construction Cost Estimate Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and signalize intersection The intersection of US 280 at US 80 provides an alternate access to the Port of Savannah area for the trucks from Interstate Centre. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary at US 280 and US 80 intersection to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements. $199,000 SIGNAL04 SR 144 at Oak Level Road/Belfast Safety and operational improvements - add turn Keller Road lanes and signalize intersection The anticipated growth in south Bryan will likely increase the traffic utilizing the intersection of SR 144 at Oak Level Road/Belfast Keller Road. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. $1,214,000 SIGNAL05 The intersection of US 17 at Daniel Siding Loop Road is anticipated to operate US 17 at Daniel Siding Loop Road Safety and operational improvements - add turn under deficient LOS due to delays and queueing on the minor street approach. lanes at all approaches and signalize intersection A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. $704,000 SIGNAL06 US 17 at Belfast Siding Road High traffic volumes are anticipated at the intersection of US 17 at belfast Safety and operational improvements - add turn Siding Road due to the planned growth in the surrounding area. A Signal lanes at all approaches and signalize intersection Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. $704,000 SIGNAL07 SR 144 at Belfast Keller Road Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and signalize intersection The intersection of SR 144 at Belfast Keller Road is anticipated to be heavily utilized as a result of high growth planned for south Bryan. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. $738,000 SIGNAL08 SIGNAL09 SIGNAL10 SIGNAL11 Belfast Siding Road at Belfast Keller Road Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and signalize intersection The intersection of Belfast Siding Road at Belfast Keller Road was recently aligned as a true intersection ready for pavement. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. US 17 at SR 196 US 17 at Mulberry Street SR 144 at Timber Trail Safety and operational improvements - add an eastbound left turn lane on SR 196 and signalize intersection The widening of SR 196 currently under construction will attract more commuters from Liberty County to Savannah to this intersection. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at this intersection. Safety and operational improvements - signalize intersection Intersection of US 17 at Mulberry Street has one of the highest number of crashes in the County. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal at this intersection. Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and signalize intersection Timber Trail provides connections between SR 144 and Harris Trail Road. School traffic from Richmond Hill middle school and high school creates long queues and delays at the minor street approach at this intersection. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal at this intersection. $199,000 $925,000 $125,000 $738,000 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project ID Table 4.1: TrafficTaOblpe 4e.r1:aTtraioffinc sO/peSryatsiotnesm/SysMteamnMaagnaegmemeennttImImpropvreomvenetms ents, Continued Project Name Project Description Purpose and Need Construction Cost Estimate SIGNAL12 SR 144 at Ivey Street Safety and operational improvements - add turn lanes and signalize intersection Coastal GA Greenway follows a section of Ivey Street that connects to SR 144. A signal at this location would provide a safer environment for pedestrians and bicyclists to cross SR 144 to follow the Greenway. A Signal Warrants Analysis may be necessary to examine the need for a signal at this intersection. $738,000 BRIDGE01 US 80 at Ogeechee River: Bridge Bridge Replacement over Ogeechee River Replacement Bridge on US 80 over Ogeechee River was identified as one of the deficient bridges in the county in need of replacement (sufficiency rating of 47.4). $4,756,000 BRIDGE02 Olive Branch Road at I-16 Bridge Replacement on Olive Brance Road over I- Bridge on I-16 over Olive Branch Road was identified as one of the deficient 16 bridges in the county in need of replacement (sufficiency rating of 50.0) $4,756,000 BRIDGE03 Belfast Siding Road at I-95 Bridge Replacement on Belfast Siding Rooad over Bridge on I-95 at Belfast Siding Road was identified as one of the deficient I-95 bridges in the county in need of replacement (sufficiency rating of 45.5) $5,422,000 BRIDGE04 I-95 at CSX RR Bridge Bridge Replacement on I-95 over CSX Rail Road Bridge on I-95 over CSX Railroad was identified as one of the deficient bridges in the county in need of replacement (sufficiency rating of 42.2) $5,472,000 PAVE01 Harris Trail Extension to Belfast Loop Paving of Harris Trail Extension from Crow Lane Road/George Oliver Road diverge to Belfast Loop. (Note: Paving projects are not eligible for federal funding) Model projections indicate that traffic volumes on Harris Trail will increase by over 100% by 2035. Paving of Harris Trail Extension is needed to provide a safe and viable alternative to SR 144 for the residents of Richmond Hill and south Bryan. $1,843,000 ACCESS01 SR 144 Access Management Apply 20-ft raised median treatment along SR 144 from I-95 interchange to Timber Trail. The purpose of the raised median treatments along the commerical district of SR 144 is to improve safety, and improve the general mobility of the corridor. $2,781,000 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-4 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 construction cost estimates. Total construction cost of $41.6 million for these improvements was determined using GDOT's Cost Estimation Software (CES) tool. Table 4.1 also includes planning level strategies to improve each recommendation. The main key to success for each recommendation is to conduct traffic engineering and concept development studies that would identify specific strategies and solutions appropriate for these projects. For each project category, the following include project highlights and potential strategies. Interchange Upgrades: Various operations and capacity improvements are recommended for all three interchanges (I-95/US 17, I-95/SR 144, and I-16/US 280) in Bryan County. These improvements focus on additional turn lanes on off-ramps to prevent potential queuing onto the interstates. Additionally, new traffic signals are recommended at the ramp intersections to help facilitate traffic getting on and off the interstate. Microsimulation modeling and/or detailed traffic studies are recommended to better ascertain the appropriate improvements at the interchanges. As a first step in the identification of the appropriate strategies, conceptual layouts were prepared for the interchange improvements recommended at I-95 /US 17 (Figure 4.2 on page 4-6) and I-95/SR 144 (Figure 4.3 on page 4-7). The most recent aerial photography was employed as a guide to identify potential environmental challenges and right-of-way constraints. As such, these conceptual layouts can also assist in the development of realistic cost estimates. Intersection Improvements: Operational improvements are recommended for heavily traveled intersections (e.g., SR 144 at US 17) in need of additional turn lanes, restriping, and/or channelization. Geometric improvements, such as intersection realignment, are recommended to facilitate safer turning movement at SR 67 and SR 119 in Pembroke. A conceptual sketch of the intersection realignment at SR 67/SR 119 is illustrated in Figure 4.4 (page 4-8). Note that this sketch is consistent with the preliminary layout completed by GDOT District 5 in 2005. New Traffic Signals: New traffic signals, including optimizations of signal timing and phasing are recommended at ten intersections throughout the county, where the minor street approach currently experience excessive delay and queuing during the peak hours. A signal warrants analysis may be necessary to further examine the need for a signal with associated operational improvements at these intersections. Bridges: Four bridges are recommended for continued monitoring by GDOT for potential upgrade and/or replacement. These bridges all have a sufficiency rating of 50 or below, and thus, eligible for FHWA funding for bridge replacement. As noted previously in Chapter 3, the sufficiency rating does not necessarily imply structural deficiency, as GDOT inspects bridges on a regular basis to ensure safety. Access Management: Access management is recommended for the commercial section of SR 144 from I-95 to Timber Trail to improve the mobility along this corridor. A raised median with breaks at strategic locations will channelize traffic and prevent vehicles from turning left into and out of the multiple commercial driveways along this segment of SR 144. Paving: As mentioned in the baseline assessment of this study, Bryan County already has an aggressive paving plan in place, with the Harris Trail Extension as one of the top priorities. Because the widening projects along Harris Trail Road assumes the completion of the Harris Trail Extension, this is the only paving project included in the recommendations. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-5 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Figure 4.2: I-95 at US 17 Interchange Improvement (Top: Existing, Bottom: Proposed) Recommended Improvements: - Add eastbound thru lane on US 17 between the ramp intersections; - Add triple left-turn lanes on I-95 southbound off-ramp; - Add double left-turn lanes on US 17 westbound onto I-95 southbound on-ramp; - Add an exclusive right-turn lane on US 17 eastbound onto I-95 northbound onramp; - Add double left-turn lanes on US 17 westbound onto I-95 northbound on-ramp; - Add an exclusive right-turn lane on I-95 northbound off-ramp; and - Signalize I-95 northbound ramp intersection and optimize timings. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-6 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Figure 4.3: I-95 at SR 144 Interchange Improvement (Top: Existing, Bottom: Proposed) Recommended Improvements: - Add southbound thru lane on SR 144 between the ramp intersections; - Add double left-turn lanes on I-95 eastbound offramp; and - Signalize I-95 westbound ramp intersection and optimize timings. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-7 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Figure 4.4: SR 119 at SR 67 Intersection Realignment (Left: Existing, Right: Proposed) Recommended Improvements: - Realign SR 119 along Smith Street; - Channelized right-turn lanes on SR 119 southbound, Smith Street eastbound, Main Street northbound, and Main Street southbound; - Signalize the realigned SR 67/SR 119 intersection; and - Remove State Route designation on North College Street to direct traffic to N. Main Street. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-8 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 4.2 Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements In accordance with the goals and objectives of this study, bicycle and pedestrian improvements have been identified to enhance mobility and connectivity for all users of the transportation network. Figure 4.5 (opposite) and associated Table 4.2 (page 4-10) present the sidewalk and shared-use path projects recommended by this study. Total construction cost for bicycle and pedestrian improvements is $19.7 million. The following order-of-magnitude (OM) construction cost estimation factors were used to calculate the project cost: t $650,000 per mile for two 6' sidewalks (one on each side of roadway) based on historic GDOT cost estimates, and t $422,000 per mile for 10'shared use path based on CES cost estimated adjusted for Bryan County. In general, the proposed sidewalks place emphasis on safe connections to schools and existing activity centers. As such, many of the sidewalk projects serve established areas within the incorporated cities. Examples include SR 119 and Ash Branch Road in Pembroke, e bicycle and pedestrian and Ford Avenue and Timber Trail improvements are recommended to enhance the quality of life and promote a multimodal transportation network. in Richmond Hill. Shared-use paths are recommended along existing canal system right-of-way and trails that tie into a regional system, such as the Coastal Georgia Greenway. It is important to note that many of the improvements are consistent with the recommendations from the adopted Bryan County Bicycle Pedestrian Plan (2007). Other improvements were identified through direct input from stakeholders. Figure 4.5: Bicycle and Pedestrian Improvements BULLOCH Groveland ? PED04: Ashbranch Rd I Southward PEMBROKE Reka Ashbranch Rd A PED03: Wilma Patterson Rd Edwards Rd PED02: SR 119 E VA N S PED08: Bacontown Rd PED25: US 280 PED23: City (Pembroke) PED01: Payne Rd PED05: Lewis St ? PED06: Judith St ? PED07: E.SmiLthanSiter A Eldora ? Blitchton I PED22: City of Pembroke to Ellabell A Ellabell 16 EFFINGHAM Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N Canoochee Ri ver LIBERTY A PED14: Maple St PED15: Constitution Way RICHMOND HILL PED18: ForCd AHveA T H A M 17 PED12: Frances Meeks Way PED24: Coastal GA Greenway ? PED09: HaOrrciesanTHrawiyl Rd PED10: Wildcat Dr PED11: Richmond Middle School PED17: Richmond High School Harris Trail Rd PED13: Ivey St PED16: Cherry St PED21: Ford Ave Port RoPPyaEElDD1290:: Ford Ave Timber Trail Rd PED25:Warren Hill Road Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick PED26: Belfast Keller Road Belfast Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Improvement Type Sidewalk Shared Use Path Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-9 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project ID Project Name PED01 PED02 PED03 PED04 PED05 PED06 PED07 PED08 PED09 PED10 PED11 PED12 PED13 PED14 PED15 PED16 PED17 PED18 PED19 PED20 PED22 Payne Road SR 119 Patterson Road Ash Branch Road Lewis Street Judith Street E. Smith Street Bacontown Road Harris Trail Road Wildcat Drive Richmond Hill Middle School Frances Meeks Way Ivey Street Maple Street Constitution Way Cherry Street Richmond High School Ford Avenue Ford Avenue Timber Trail Road City of Pembroke to Ellabell PED23 City (Pembroke) PED24 PED25 PED26 PED27 Coastal Georgia Greenway US 280 Belfast Keller Road Warren Hill Road Table 4.2: BTiacbylec4.l2e: BaicyncledanPd ePeddeestsriatnrImiaprnoveImmenptsrovements Project Type Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Shared Use Path Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Shared Use Path Shared Use Path Shared Use Path Sidewalk Sidewalk Sidewalk Project Description General Location SR 119 to the end of the Board of Education Property Pembroke Camella Drive to Lake View Drive Pembroke SR 119 to Miles Lane Pembroke Camellia Drive to Owens Road Pembroke SR 119 to Ash Branch Road Pembroke Lewis Street to Circle Drive Pembroke E. Main Street to SR 119 Pembroke Pre K-Center to City limit Pembroke Brisbon Hall Drive to Wildcat Drive Pembroke Harris Trail Road to Richmond Hill High School Sidewalk Richmond Hill Harris Trail Road to the school sidewalk Richmond Hill Ford Avenue to Maple Street (multiple segments) Richmond Hill Ford Avenue to Laurel Hill Circle Richmond Hill Constitution Way to the Pre-K Center walkway Richmond Hill Cherry Street to Ford Avenue (multiple segments) Richmond Hill Ford Avenue to Constitution Way Richmond Hill County recreation center to the high school Richmond Hill Railroad tracks to I-95 (multiple segments) Richmond Hill Ford Avenue to Timber Trail Road Richmond Hill Ford Avenue to development Richmond Hill Pembroke City line to SR 280 County Circular canal system around city. Note that further study is needed and other alternative routes should also be explored. Pembroke Generally follows US 17 and goes off path along Harris Trail to connect with the schools in Richmond Hill before tying back to US 17 County near the eastern city limits of Richmond Hill Warnell Street to S. Industrial Blvd Pembroke Warren Hill Road to SR 144 County New Middle School entrance to Belfast Keller Road County Length (miles) 0.32 1.05 0.2 1.39 0.17 0.14 0.06 0.53 0.13 0.16 0.02 0.29 0.4 0.09 0.35 0.13 0.09 1.7 0.12 0.16 8.2 9.2 10.95 0.39 0.34 3.67 Construction Cost Estimate $208,000 $682,500 $130,000 $903,500 $110,500 $91,000 $39,000 $344,500 $84,500 $104,000 $13,000 $188,500 $260,000 $58,500 $227,500 $84,500 $38,000 $1,105,000 $78,000 $104,000 $3,462,300 $3,884,500 $4,623,400 $253,500 $221,000 $2,385,500 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-10 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 4.3 New Capacity Improvements Bryan County's TDM played a key role in identifying roadways with deficient levels of service (LOS D or below) based on existing and anticipated growth. Refer to Appendix B for the detailed documentation related to the Bryan County TDM process. The results of the No-Build TDM analysis indicated a need for increased capacity in the form of additional travel lanes for the segments of I-95, US 17, SR 144, US 280, Belfast Siding Road and Harris Trail Road. Figure 4.6 (opposite) illustrates Because they can represent a significant investment, new capacity projects the locations of these proposed projects, and the accompanying Table 4.3 (page 4-12) provides details of each improvement, including project description, purpose and need, and logical termini. Also, included in Table 4.3 are the right-of-way and construction cost estimates for each new capacity project, based are prioritized on GDOT's cost estimation tools. Note that the by performance, costs associated with the I-95 widening are relatively benefit-cost and low because when this segment of I-95 was widened local needs. from four lanes to six lanes, all I-95 bridges were reconstructed with enough width to accommodate a future additional lane in each direction. Refer to the Appendix C for all the assumptions used to calculate the costs for each new capacity project. The evaluation results, followed by the prioritization of the new capacity improvements, are presented in the subsequent sections. Table 4.3 also documents those improvements considered initially, but later removed based on traffic demand, local input, and overall relevance to the Bryan County Transportation System. The following bullets highlight the details on the removed projects: t SR 144 widening from four lanes to six lanes from US 17 to Timber Trail This project was identified based on forecast congested conditions along the commercial section of SR 144. The Advisory Committee recommended its removal due to the City of Richmond Hill's desire to preserve its downtown and to promote a pedestrian-friendly environment in its commercial district. As such, access management is recommended for this segment of SR 144 in order to balance having efficient throughmovement with preserving the character of the downtown. Figure 4.6: Capacity Improvements BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE Ashbranch Rd A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM US 280 Widening (Interstate Centre) 16 Og ee hee River Canoochee Ri ver Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N c I-95 Widening (I-16 to SR 144) Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd A C H AT H A M 17 RICHMOND HILL US 17 Widening** (SR 196 to I-95) ? Ocean Hwy Belfast Siding Road Widening L I B E R T Y (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Harris Trail Road Widening** Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Phase 2 - Port Royal to Belfast Keller Port Royal Belfast Keller Rd FSorRt M1cA4ll4isteWr Ridd ening Ha(rTtwimicbker Trail to Belfast Keller Road) Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Capacity Improvements Improvement Type Roadway Widening **Note: Project termini have been revised to reflect comments from the Advisory Commitee and Public Meetings Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-11 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project Name I-95 Widening US 17/SR 25 Widening Table 4.3T:aNblee4w.3: NCewaCpapaaccitiytIympIromvemperntos vements Project Description Logical Termini Purpose and Need Construction Cost Estimate ROW Cost Estimate Total Cost Estimate (Construction + ROW + PE) Widen I-95 from 6 lanes to 8 lanes with center barrier wall beginning at I-16 in Chatham County and ending at SR 144. (Currently being addressed by PI No. 511035) I-16/I-19 interchange in Chatham County was chosen as the northern terminus since a large percentage of I-95 traffic travels to and from I-16. The southern terminus is at the SR 144 interchange in Bryan County since the model projects a significant drop in the number of vehicles (30,000) This segment of I-95 currently experience extreme delays and high volume to capacity ratio during the peak hours and this condition is expected to worsen by 2035. Widening of I-95 is recommended to provide congestion relief and improve safety. $8,441,000 (2-mile segment No new ROW in Bryan needed County) south of this interchange. $9,116,000 Widen US 17/SR 25 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes with 20-ft raised median beginning at SR 196 in Liberty County to I-95. The eastern terminus is at the T-intersection at SR 196 in Liberty County. SR 196 is currently under construction to be widened to 4 lanes. The completion of this improvement is expected to attract more commuters from Liberty County onto US 17. The western terminus is at the I-95 interchange since a significant share of travelers utilizes this interchange to access Savannah and other destinations. Under the existing roadway configuration, US 17 is anticipated to have significant deterioration of LOS by 2035. Widening on US 17 is needed to facilitate safe and efficient travel of commuters to and forth from the Savannah area. The capacity improvements to US 17 will also provide relief for the users of I-95 during the peak hours. $ 32,298,000 $ 14,945,000 $49,827,000 (Project termini originally from SR 196 to SR 144. The section of SR 144 just south of Timber Trail was Extend the existing 4-lane section chosen as the northern terminus since it marks the Widening of SR 144 is recommended to provide SR 144 Widening (Timber of SR 144 south to Belfast Keller Trail to Belfast Keller) Road. (Currently being ending of the existing 4-lane section. The southern additional capacity and reduce congestion for the terminus is at the intersection of Belfast Keller Road travelers from Richmond Hill and south Bryan to US $ 21,157,000 $ addressed by PI No. 532370) because significant percentage of traffic is expected 17 and I-95. to diverge at this intersection. 9,670,000 $32,520,000 US 280/SR 30 Widening Widen US 280/SR 30 from 2 lanes to 4-lanes with 20-ft median at the proposed entrances of Interstate Centre. (Currently being addressed by PI No. 0004799) The project termini are located at the anticipated eastern and western entrances of the Interstate Centre Industrial Park because significant deterioration of LOS on US 280 is expected near the development. Widening of US 280 is needed to improve safety and accommodate increasing traffic volumes as a result of the proposed Interstate Centre Industrial Park. The additional capacity improvement will facilitate large truck traffic generated from the proposed development and headed towards the Port of Savannah area via I-16. $ 6,741,000 $ Belfast Siding Road Widening Widen Belfast Siding Road from 2 lanes to a 4-lane divided section beginning at US 17 and ending at the Park Hill 20 Road. The northern terminus is at the T-intersection at US 17, which provides the most direct access to I-95. The southern terminus is at Park Hill 20 Road intersection. Widening of Belfast Siding Road will provide relief to the congested conditions anticipated as a result of the planned development surrounding this roadway. $ 24,805,000 $ 2,218,000 7,043,000 $9,498,000 $33,832,000 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-12 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project Name Project Description Table 4.3: New TCabalep4a.3:cNietwyCaIpmacitpy Irmoprvoveemmenetsnts, Continued Logical Termini Purpose and Need Construction Cost Estimate ROW Cost Estimate Total Cost Estimate (Construction + ROW + PE) Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 The northern terminus is at the existing 4-lane lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised section ending at Timber Trail. The southern Harris Trail Road median from Timber Trail to Port terminus is at Port Royal intersection as the travel Widening (Phase 1 - Royal Road. pattern indicates a significant diversion of traffic Timber Trail to Port Royal (To occur after the paving of from Harris Trail to Port Royal Road. Road) Harris Trail Ext. Note that paving (Project termini originally from US 17 to Timber projects are not eligible for Trail. Has been revised per Advisory Committee federal funding) input) With the completion of Harris Trail Extension, traffic on Harris Trail Road is expected in increase by greater than 100% from 5,600 in 2006 to 12,500 by 2030, resulting in deficient LOS. Harris Trail Road provides the much needed bypass for downtown $ Richmond Hill and an alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is needed to accomodate the new demand for this route. 8,163,000 $ 2,164,000 $10,980,000 Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised median from Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road. (To occur after the paving of Harris Trail Ext. Note that paving projects are not eligible for federal funding) The northern terminus is at Port Royal Road where most of the southbound traffic on Harris Trail Road This project calls for the widening of Harris Trail currently diverts to access the residential areas Exension. Harris Trail Road provides the much along SR 144 and south Bryan. The southern needed bypass for downtown Richmond Hill and an terminus is at the Belfast Keller Road corresponding alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to $ to the southern terminus of Harris Trail Extension. access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is (Project termini originally from US 17 to Timber needed to accomodate the new demand for this Trail. Has been revised per Advisory Committee route. input) 14,685,000 $ Widen Harris Trail Road from 4 Harris Trail Road lanes to 6 lanes with 20-ft raised Widening (Phase 3 - US 17 median from US 17 to Belfast N/A to Belfast Keller Road Keller Road. N/A N/A Widen SR 144 to 6-lane divided SR 144 Widening (US 17 to Timber Trail) section from US 17 to Timber Trail intersection. (Project removed based on Advisory Committee N/A input) N/A N/A 4,938,000 N/A N/A New roadway connecting SR 196, SR 119, and SR 144 to bypass Fort Stewart in Liberty County. Fort Stewart Bypass (Project removed based on the lack of impact to Bryan County N/A travel conditions, but currently included in the Hinesville MPO LRTP) N/A N/A N/A $20,798,000 N/A N/A N/A Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-13 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Harris Trail Road widening from four lanes to six lanes from US 17 to Timber Trail This project was identified as a need based on the forecast traffic volumes on Harris Trail that would result from the Harris Trail Extension. The Advisory Committee recommended its removal since it makes more sense from a mobility perspective to widen the remaining segments of Harris Trail Road to four lanes before considering six lanes. US 17 widening from four lanes to six lanes from SR 196 to SR 144 This project was identified as a need based on its deficient forecast LOS. The Advisory Committee recommended truncating the eastern terminus at the I-95 interchange to direct commuter traffic from Liberty County to I-95 to avoid having to go through the busy commercial district in Richmond Hill. Fort Stewart Bypass This project was identified due to the perceived need to provide an alternative route to bypass Fort Stewart and provide better connectivity between north and south Bryan County. However, upon closer examination, it was determined that the construction of this bypass would provide minimal benefit for the transportation network of Bryan County, and thus removed from the recommendations. This project is included in the Hinesville Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). 4.3.1 Project Evaluation Table 4.4 (page 4-15) presents the evaluation results of the new capacity projects. The projects are listed in descending order based on the composite scores, which were determined by an aggregate of the weighted normalized scores under each performance metric. As noted in Chapter 2, normalized scores were calculated based on a uniform distribution of the absolute values under each metric. The weights used in the project scoring were derived from the GDOT PrPP's designations for rural counties. Overall, the widening projects on US 17, I-95, and SR 144 have the highest composite scores. These roadways are regionally significant, and carry the highest traffic volumes in the county. Conversely, the widening projects along minor and local collectors with lower traffic volumes (e.g., Harris Trail Road and Belfast Siding Road) ranked the lowest in overall performance. It was assumed that any general safety flaws in geometric design would likely be eliminated with a widening project. As noted previously, the top performing projects in terms of safety are the widening projects of US 17 and SR 144. Roadways with higher crash rates scored higher because of the greater potential for crash reduction. As such, it is no surprise that improving the capacity along two of the most heavily traveled roadways would have the highest crash reduction potential. Conversely, the widening projects of US 280 and Belfast Siding Road received the lowest scores since these roadways currently experience relatively low number of crashes. Congestion-related performance metrics (e.g., delay savings and travel time savings on key corridors) were calculated using the 2035 TDM. Delay reduction was calculated as a forecast change in the Vehicle Hours Traveled (VHT) between the 2035 No Build and Build Scenarios. The I-95 widening project rated the highest in terms of delay reduction, followed by the widening projects of US 17 and SR 144. The lowest performing projects were the widening projects of US 280 and Belfast Siding Road. Additional points were assigned to improvements along key corridors to capture the travel time savings on non-interstate truck routes, national highway system (NHS) connectors, and designated evacuation routes. Benefits could be understated for travel time savings on parallel facilities such as SR 144 and Harris Trail, and some of the VHT savings were manually redistributed among these facilities to account for unrealistic model output. With respect to consistency with local plans, those projects that are included in their entirety in a local or regional plan, and/or are included in multiple plans received the highest scores. The widening projects of I-95, SR 144 and US 280 received the highest scores. I-95 and SR 144 widening projects are programmed in the Chatham County LRTP (PI No. 511035) and the STIP (PI No. 532370), respectively. US 280 widening is included as a recommendation in two plans: the Bryan County Transportation Plan (2007); and as part of the Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP), which supports a network of economic development highways. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-14 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Goals Safety Table 4.4T:abPler4.o4 NjeewcCtapPaceityrPfroojerctmEvaalunatcione Matrix Congestion Connectivity, Access and Mobility Performance Metrics Reduction in Crashes (No. Crashes) Normalized Score Weighted Normalized Score Delay Reduction (Change in VMT) Normalized Score Weighted Normalized Score Travel Time Savings on Key Corridors (% Reduction in VMT) Normalized Score Weighted Normalized Score Consistency with Local Plans Normalized Score Weighted Normalized Score Composite Score (Sum of Weighted Scores) Project Name US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) Weight 30% 33.0 90.0 27.0 30% 166.9 70.0 21.0 20% 20% 7.0% 80.0 16.0 IAR Study 2008 (modified project limits) 50.0 10.0 74.0 I-95 Widening (SR 144 to I-16) SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) 7.0 50.0 15.0 421.1 90.0 27.0 5.0% 70.0 14.0 Chatham LRTP PI No. 511035 90.0 18.0 74.0 STIP PI No. 532370/ Bryan 8.0 60.0 18.0 132.1 60.0 18.0 15.0% 90.0 18.0 County Transportation 90.0 18.0 72.0 Plan 2007 1.0 20.0 6.0 GRIP PI No. 0004799/ 9.4 10.0 3.0 2.6% 40.0 8.0 Bryan County Transportation Plan 2007 90.0 18.0 35.0 (modified project limits) Bryan County 1.0 20.0 6.0 36.6 20.0 6.0 0.0% 10.0 2.0 Transportation Plan 2007 50.0 10.0 24.0 (modified project limits) 0.8 10.0 3.0 92.2 40.0 12.0 0.0% 10.0 2.0 None 10.0 2.0 19.0 1.0 20.0 6.0 39.3 20.0 6.0 0.0% 10.0 2.0 None 10.0 2.0 16.0 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-15 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 4.3.2 Systemwide Performance Table 4.5: BuTialbdlea4n.5d: SNysote-Bmuwiidlde PNerefotwrmoarnckePCoemrfpoarrismonance in 2035 As noted in the previous section, the project evaluation process involves the development Evaluation Measure Road Class E+C/NO BUILD NETWORK South North Total BUILD NETWORK South North Total of a Build TDM to assess the performance of a Centerline Freeway 12.0 9.1 21.1 12.0 9.1 21.1 capacity improvement. To accompany the project- Route Arterial 14.0 40.4 54.4 15.5 40.4 55.9 level analysis, a systemwide comparison was also Miles Collector 32.7 38.5 71.2 35.1 38.5 73.6 made to capture the difference in the performance Systemwide 58.7 88.0 146.7 62.6 88.0 150.6 between the No-Build and the Build Scenarios. Daily Vehicle Freeway 997,835 391,960 1,389,795 1,010,263 404,504 1,414,767 As presented in Table 4.5 (opposite), performance Miles of Travel Arterial 417,590 192,324 609,914 370,791 195,864 566,655 results from the Build network were compared (DVMT) Collector 208,261 79,450 287,711 265,971 64,409 330,380 against the No-Build network with respect to the Systemwide 1,623,686 663,734 2,287,420 1,647,025 664,777 2,311,802 systemwide improvements in VMT, VHT, average Daily Vehicle Freeway 17,862.3 6,341.4 24,203.7 17,691.4 6,560.6 24,252.0 speed and deficient capacity. Hours of Travel Arterial 12,420.7 4,353.2 16,773.9 10,460.2 4,397.5 14,857.7 In general, the Build network shows improvement over the No-Build in nearly all categories shown in the systemwide performance table. In accordance with the notion that the addition of new capacity will create more demand, the Build network is expected to incur slightly higher daily VMT than the No-Build network. By the same token, the additional capacity along key corridors is expected to lower the daily VHT, and increase the average speed in the overall Bryan County transportation (DVHT) Average Daily Travel Speed (MPH) Capacity Deficient Route Miles (LOS D or Below) Collector Systemwide Freeway Arterial Collector Systemwide Freeway Arterial Collector Systemwide 6,727.0 37,010.0 55.9 33.8 30.8 40.2 1.9 12.7 7.3 21.9 2,050.8 12,745.4 61.8 44.3 37.8 48.0 0.0 0.7 0.2 0.9 8,777.8 49,755.4 58.9 39.1 34.3 44.1 1.9 13.4 15.3 30.6 7,989.9 36,141.5 57.1 35.9 33.4 42.1 0.0 1.7 1.6 3.3 1,644.8 12,602.9 61.7 44.6 38.2 48.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 9,634.7 48,744.4 59.4 40.3 35.8 45.2 0.0 1.7 1.6 3.3 network. The most significant change can be seen when comparing the for the more remote areas of Bryan County currently without direct access capacity deficient route miles between the No-Build (30.6 miles) and the to the interstate. By 2035, the areas south of Keller and east of Pembroke Build (3.3 miles) networks. are expected to have an average travel time of greater than 45 minutes to Comparisons were also made between the two model networks in terms of LOS improvements on specific roadways as well as the reduction in travel time from Richmond Hill and Pembroke to the I-16/I-95 interchange in Chatham County. Figures 4.7 and 4.8 (page 4-17) illustrate the anticipated travel time contours under the No-Build and the Build conditions, respectively. get to the I-95/I-16 interchange. By improving key roadways that provide connections to these areas, the Build network is expected to dramatically improve the travel times for these areas. According to the Bryan County TDM, significant improvements to the overall transportation system can be seen by enhancing key roadways in Bryan County. Results of the future TDM analysis indicated that the additional roadway capacity improved the average travel time from Bryan County to the I-16/I-95 interchange by 10 -15 minutes. The greatest travel time savings can be seen Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-16 Bryan County Transportation Study YNE Chapter 4 Figure 4.7: 2035 No-Build Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Figure 4.8: 2035 Build Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N 80 Louisville Rd 80 Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing WAYNE 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 2035 Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Main St Augusta Rd BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N 80 Louisville Rd 80 Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study 2035 Build Alternative Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-17 Bryan County Transportation Study Main St Augusta Rd Chapter 4 Figures 4.9 and 4.10 (page 4-19) display the differences in the roadway LOS between the NoBuild and the Build conditions, respectively. As Table 4.6: Project PrioTraibtleiz4.6aPtriioorintiz:edBPeronjeectfRiatn-kCinogsst and Local Priorities Benefit-Cost Local Input noted previously, with the additional capacity, the Project Ranking B-C Ratio Project Ranking Note roadway LOS improved significantly on all key corridors. Pockets of deficient LOS can be expected 1 I-95 Widening (SR 144 to I-16) 4.84 along US 17 near the I-95 interchange, SR 144 near the I-95 interchange, and the existing four- 2 SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) 0.39 lane segment of SR 144. Many of these deficient segments are results of conscious decisions made 3 US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) 0.29 by the study team and the Advisory Committee to preserve the character of Richmond Hill. Harris Trail Road Widening 4 (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to 0.18 1 SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) Majority of stakeholders believed this project should be the county's top priority. 2 US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) This project is needed to relieve congetion and facilitate commuter traffic. 3 US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) This project is needed to accommodate the traffic growth associated with Interstate Centre Harris Trail Road Widening 4 (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Some stakeholders desired Harris Trail Road to function as a viable bypass to 4.3.3 Project Prioritization In 2008, GDOT began implementing benefit- Belfast Keller Road) 5 US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) 0.08 Royal Road) Harris Trail Road Widening 5 (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) City of Richmond Hill. This project should be implemented after Phase 1 widening. cost practices statewide. As such, project prioritization using benefit-cost has now become 6 Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill Road) 0.07 6 I-95 Widening (SR 144 to I-16) Some stakeholders believed that this project will be a greater benefit to non-Bryan County residents. a standard practice in many in transportation studies conducted by GDOT. The benefit of an improvement was calculated by the sum of the Harris Trail Road Widening 7 (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) -0.12 7 Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Some stakeholders questioned need for this project without the proposed interchange. savings associated with delay cost and fuel cost. The project cost must be annualized based on a design life of 25 years with The widening of SR 144, followed by US 17, ranked high in both an interest rate of three percent. In addition to using benefit-cost, this study documented an alternative project ranking solely based on local priorities. categories. The stakeholders considered the SR 144 project to be the most important to alleviate traffic congestion in Bryan County. Table 4.6 (opposite) is a comparative list of the new capacity projects based on benefit-cost versus local input. Project sheets for new capacity The US 280 widening project ranked higher based on local priorities than on benefit-cost analysis. Bryan County stakeholders believed this recommendations are presented at the end of this section in order of priority, project is necessary for the accommodation of growth associated with as determined by the benefit-cost analysis. Interstate Centre. Highlights from the comparative rankings include the following: The I-95 widening project received an extremely high benefit-cost ratio of 4.84 from having an exceptionally low project cost. However, some stakeholders considered the relief of congestion on the interstate system to be a regional issue, and such projects not suitable for competition with others that would serve local needs first. The Harris Trail Road widening (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) ranked the lowest in terms of benefit-cost. As noted previously, this is likely due to the Travel Demand Model's underestimation of the `benefits' associated with a parallel route. Although Harris Trail Road widening (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) ranked higher in benefits-cost, it makes sense from a mobility perspective to implement Phase 1 first to connect with the existing four lane section of Harris Trail Road. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-18 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Figure 4.9: 2035 No-Build Level of Service Figure 4.10: 2035 Build Level of Service Main St Augusta Rd Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland 5,300 Southward Reka PEMBROKE 6,900 E VA N S 2,800 3,600 42,000 Wilma Edwards Rd Eldora Blitchton 3,500 16,600 Lanier Ellabell 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM tu80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY 7,000 112,700 21,700 Abercorn St tu17 29,700 C H A T H A M 37,300 Daniel Ocean Hwy Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 19,300 Belfast Siding Rd 12,210 75,600 10,500 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 WAYNE Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: Our analysis did not take into account the full build-out of the Rayonier development proposed to be centered around the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road. Instead, our study assumed high growth would occur at existing and currently proposed commercial and residential nodes in Richmond Hill and northeastern Bryan County. For the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, our study assumed a few hundred new households and small shopping plazas which are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 2035 No-Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 No-Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland ? 5,300 I Southward Reka PEMBROKE 6,900 E VA N S ? A 3,600 A 42,000 ? Wilma Edwards Rd ? I 16,600 Lanier A Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 3,500 I 2,800 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N A LIBERTY 7,000 A 118,500 A Abercorn St 17 24,200 23,800 C H A T H A M 39,000 ? Daniel Ocean Hwy }? Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL 10,000 Port Royal 18,000 Belfast Siding Rd 12,000 73,200 10,700 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller 95 LONG Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing p 0 1 2 Miles 4 MCINTOSH Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: The Interchange Analysis Report (IAR) for I-95 at Belfast Siding Road assumed that the areas surrounding this interchange would be developed as high-intensity uses that are regionally significant. The findings from the IAR indicated the proposed interchange was not justified based on FHWA and GDOT policies. As such, the Bryan County model does not assume that the vacant properties near the proposed interchange will be developed at the level of intensity that was assumed in the IAR. It is unlikely that concentrations of jobs and residents near the junction of I-95 at Belfast Siding Road will occur at the intensity assumed in the IAR. To this end, for the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, the model assumed employment and population growth that are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study 2035 Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation 4-19 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 The widening of Belfast Siding Road ranked in the bottom in both categories. Some of the stakeholders did not perceive that widening this road would have utility unless it had access to I-95. Chapter 5 provides an overview of the potential funding programs available for these projects. It is important to note that in order to secure state and federal funding, further study, including the development of a detailed concept and the initiation of a formal environmental investigation will be necessary for each project. For the projects involving the widening of sections of state and federal routes, early coordination with the GDOT and the FHWA will be necessary. 4.4 Policy Recommendations In addition to the project recommendations, the following policies are also intended to support the goals and objectives of this study. Many of these policies are consistent with the Bryan County Joint Comprehensive Plan. Encourage Multimodal Corridors and Expansion of Bicycle/Pedestrian Network: Bryan County should encourage transportation corridors that support multiple modes of transportation and aesthetics. Local bicycle/pedestrian trails and sidewalks on SR 144 should continue to expand and connect to other network (consistent with Comprehensive Plan). Developing a network for bicycles and pedestrians is more cost effective when done in conjunction with other projects such as a road widening. Therefore, future roadway and land development project should incorporate a bicycle and pedestrian component as appropriate. Land Use and Transportation Coordination Proposed development should be located in areas that are adequately served by public facilities. The county's Future Development Plan should be used as a guide to match infrastructure investments with the appropriate development needs (consistent with Comprehensive Plan). Natural resources should be protected and conserved by controlling the location and density of proposed development through the use of the Future Development Map and zoning ordinance (consistent with Comprehensive Plan). Increase Safety and Operations of Transportation Network Access management plan should be prepared for primary transportation corridors such as SR 144, US 17 and US 280 to manage curb cuts as development continue to occur along these corridors. In addition to developing overall guidelines for access management, these plans should also be corridor-specific to address individual needs of the corridors. Traffic signals in close proximity should be interconnected and coordinated. For instance, the new traffic signals recommended along SR 144 at Ivey Street and at Timber Trail should be coordinated with the existing traffic signal of SR 144 at US 17 to increase the effective capacity along SR 144. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-20 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project Sheets I-95 Widening - I-16 to SR 144 SR 144 Widening - Timber Trail to Belfast Keller US 17/SR 25 Widening - SR 196 to I-95 Harris Trail Road Widening: Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road US 280/SR 30 Widening - Interstate Centre Belfast Siding Road Widening - US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road Harris Trail Road Widening: Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-21 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Project Name: I-95 Widening (I-16 to SR 144) Description: Widen I-95 from 6 lanes to 8 lanes with center barrier wall beginning at I-16 in Chatham County and ending at SR 144. Traffic Vol.: Truck % 2006: 80,500 2006: 12.1% 2035: 113,000 2035: 14.7% County P.I. No.: GDOT District Congressional District: RC/MPO: Length (miles): Bryan 511035 5 1 CRC 2.0 No. of Lanes Existing: 6 Recommended: 8 Route #: 405 Beginning and I-16/ Functional Classification: Interstate Principal Arterial Ending Points: SR 144 Project Need and Purpose: This segment of I-95 currently experience extreme delays and high volume to capacity ratio during the peak hours and this condition is expected to worsen by 2035. Widening of I-95 is recommended to provide congestion relief and improve safety. Logical Termini: I-16/I-95 interchange in Chatham County was chosen as the northern terminus since a large percentage of I-95 traffic travels to and from I-16. The southern terminus is at the SR 144 interchange in Bryan County since the model projects a significant drop in the number of vehicles (30,000) south of this interchange. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $675,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $0 Utility Relocation $0 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $8,441,000 Total $9,116,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-22 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 SR 144 Widening (Timber Trail to Belfast Keller) Description: Extend the existing 4-lane section of SR 144 south to Belfast Keller Road. County P.I. No.: Bryan 532370 GDOT District 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 14,000 2035: 22,100 RC/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 3.7% 2035: 5.6% Length (miles): 4.5 No. of Lanes Existing: 4 Recommended: 6 Route #: 144 Functional Classification: Minor Arterial Beginning and Ending Points: Timber Trail to Belfast Keller Project Need and Purpose: Widening of SR 144 is recommended to provide additional capacity and reduce congestion for the travelers from Richmond Hill and south Bryan to US 17 and I-95. Logical Termini: The section of SR 144 just south of Timber Trail was chosen as the northern terminus since it marks the ending of the existing 4-lane section. The southern terminus is at the intersection of Belfast Keller Road because significant percentage of traffic is expected to diverge at this intersection. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,693,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $4,846,000 Utility Relocation $4,825,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $21,157,000 Total $32,520,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-23 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 US 17/SR 25 Widening (SR 196 to I-95) Description: County Widen US 17/SR 25 from 4 lanes to 6 lanes with 20-ft raised median beginning at SR Project #: 196 in Liberty County to I-95. P.I. No.: Bryan GDOT District 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 21,900 2035: 37,300 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % No. of Lanes 2006: 9.8% Existing: 4 2035: 10.4% Recommended: 6 Length (miles): 4.8 Route #: 25 Beginning and SR 196/ Functional Classification: Principal Arterial Ending Points: I-95 Project Need and Purpose: Under the existing roadway configuration, US 17 is anticipated to have significant deterioration of LOS by 2035. Widening on US 17 is needed to facilitate safe and efficient travel of commuters to and forth from the Savannah area. The capacity improvements to US 17 will also provide relief for the users of I-95 during the peak hours. Logical Termini: The eastern terminus is at the T-intersection at SR 196 in Liberty County. SR 196 is currently under construction to be widened to 4 lanes. The completion of this improvement is expected to attract more commuters from Liberty County onto US 17. The western terminus is at the I-95 interchange since a significant share of travelers utilizes this interchange to access Savannah and other destinations. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $2,584,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $ 11,636,000 Utility Relocation $3,309,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $32,298,000 Total $49,827,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-24 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 2 - Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Road) Description: County Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised median from Timber P.I. No.: Trail to Port Royal Road. GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: N/A 2035: 7,200 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: N/A 2035: 6.4% Length (miles): 2.9 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Local Beginning and Ending Points: Port Royal Road to Belfast Keller Project Need and Purpose: With the completion of Harris Trail Extension, traffic on Harris Trail Road is expected in increase by greater than 100% from 5,600 in 2006 to 12,500 by 2030, resulting in deficient LOS. Harris Trail Road provides the much needed bypass for downtown Richmond Hill and an alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is needed to accommodate the new demand for this route. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the existing 4-lane section ending at Timber Trail. The southern terminus is at Port Royal intersection as the travel pattern indicates a significant diversion of traffic from Harris Trail to Port Royal Road. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,175,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $ 2,937,000 Utility Relocation $2,001,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $14,685,000 Total $20,798,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-25 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 US 280/SR 30 Widening (Interstate Centre) Description: Widen US 280/SR 30 from 2 lanes to 4-lanes with 20-ft median at the proposed entrances of Interstate Centre. County P.I. No.: GDOT District Congressional District: Bryan 0004799 5 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 4,300 2035: 16,600 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % No. of Lanes 2006: 10.0% Existing: 2 2035: 24.9% Recommended: 4 Length (miles): 1.0 Route #: 30 Beginning and Functional Classification: Principal Arterial Ending Points: N/A Project Need and Purpose: Widening of US 280/SR 30 is needed to improve safety and accommodate increasing traffic volumes as a result of the proposed Interstate Centre Industrial Park. The additional capacity improvement will facilitate large truck traffic generated from the proposed development and headed towards the Port of Savannah area via I-16. Logical Termini: The project termini are located at the anticipated eastern and western entrances of the Interstate Centre Industrial Park because significant deterioration of LOS on US 280/SR 30 is expected near the development. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $539,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $1,532,000 Utility Relocation $686,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $6,741,000 Total $9,498,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-26 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Belfast Siding Road Widening (US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road) Description: Widen Belfast Siding Road from 2 lanes to a 4-lane divided section beginning at US 17 and ending at the Park Hill 20 Road. County P.I. No.: GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 2,600 2035: 12,000 RCD/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 3.8% 2035: 10.3% Length (miles): 5.7 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Local Beginning and Ending Points: US 17 to Park Hill 20 Road Project Need and Purpose: Widening of Belfast Siding Road will provide relief to the congested conditions anticipated as a result of the planned development surrounding this roadway. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the T-intersection at US 17, which provides the most direct access to I-95. The southern terminus is at Park Hill 20 Road intersection. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $1,984,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $3,118,000 Utility Relocation $3,924,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $24,805,000 Total $33,832,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-27 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Harris Trail Road Widening (Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Road) Description: County Widen Harris Trail Road from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with 20-ft raised median from Timber P.I. No.: Trail to Port Royal Road. GDOT District Bryan 5 Congressional District: 1 Traffic Vol.: 2006: 3,000 2035: 10,000 RC/MPO: CRC Truck % 2006: 8.0% 2035: 9.6% Length (miles): 1.3 No. of Lanes Existing: 2 Recommended: 4 Route #: Functional Classification: Minor Collector Beginning and Ending Points: Timber Trail to Port Royal Road Project Need and Purpose: With the completion of Harris Trail Extension, traffic on Harris Trail Road is expected in increase by greater than 100% from 5,600 in 2006 to 12,500 by 2030, resulting in deficient LOS. Harris Trail Road provides the much needed bypass for downtown Richmond Hill and an alternative route for the residents in south Bryan to access US 17 and I-95. As such, additional capacity is needed to accommodate the new demand for this route. Logical Termini: The northern terminus is at the existing 4-lane section ending at Timber Trail. The southern terminus is at Port Royal intersection as the travel pattern indicates a significant diversion of traffic from Harris Trail to Port Royal Road. Project Phase Cost Estimate Preliminary Engineering $653,000 Note: All costs are in 2008 dollars Right-of-Way $1,271,000 Utility Relocation $894,000 Project Type (Local/GDOT): Construction $8,163,000 Total $10,980,000 GDOT Location Map Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-28 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 4 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 4-29 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 5 Financial Resources Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 5 5.0 Funding The Bryan County Transportation Study has been developed to address Bryan County's transportation needs through 2035. To support implementation of this plan, the following sections provide a general overview of funding programs potentially available to help advance project recommendations. The funding programs were identified in an effort to proactively group projects into the most applicable funding sources based on current requirements. Furthermore, compliance with the GDOT's Plan Development Process (PDP) is recommended, as the PDP is required for state and federal project funding eligibility. It should be noted that federal legislative changes are pending. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) will expire in September 2009. Efforts are underway in congress and USDOT to develop the next act. However, it is likely that an 18-month extension SAFETEA-LU will occur. Additionally, discussions concerning state transportation funding have recently occurred as part of the 2009 state legislative session. 5.1 Federal Funding Sources Federal funding programs typically dedicate 80 percent of the project cost if the project is eligible for federal funding. The remaining 20 percent is obtained through the state or local jurisdictions sponsoring the projects and generally used for completing the planning and design of the projects. Federal and state funds are programmed by GDOT for preliminary engineering (PE), right-of-way and construction costs. Title 23 U.S.C does not recognize local governments as direct recipients of federal funds. GDOT assumes the responsibilities of determining the subrecipients of federal funds. As such, Bryan County may apply for federal funding for an eligible project by first submitting the plans to the GDOT District 5 Office for review. Upon completion of the review, the District 5 Office will then make recommendations to the GDOT Office of Planning for consideration in the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The STIP is a multi-year capital improvement program which contains information on all programmed projects receiving federal funds in the state of Georgia. The following federal funding programs are potentially applicable to the recommendations in the Bryan County Transportation Study: Federal funding for the majority of highway system improvements (excluding interstate highways) planned in Bryan County is expected to come from the Surface Transportation Program. The distribution of STP funds includes 62.5 percent for use in urban areas (greater than 50,000 population) of the state based on population. Another 27.5 percent can be used in any area of the state at the direction of the State Transportation Board. The remaining ten percent is used for Transportation Enhancement (TE) projects. TE funds are available for non-traditional improvements such as aesthetic enhancements, bicycle and pedestrian facilities, historic preservations, and others. Local jurisdictions must compete for TE funds by submitting an application to be reviewed by the State Transportation Board. Richmond Hill has been awarded TE funds to enhance SR 144 and create a downtown area around the City Hall complex. Most recently, Bryan County was selected to receive TE funding for the redevelopment initiative for downtown Pembroke. The National Highway System (NHS) funding is available for improvements to the interstate system and the NHS routes. The widening projects of I-95 and US 280 would be eligible for the NHS funds. Highway Bridge Replacement and Rehabilitation Program provides funding for any public bridge replacement or rehabilitation. Included in the study recommendations are four bridges that meet the federal requirements (sufficiency rating of 50 or below) for potential replacement or rehabilitation. Safe Routes to School (SRTS) funds are available for pedestrian and bicycle projects within two miles of a school. These funds are distributed through GDOT and are available for grades kindergarten through eight. Given that the recommended bicycle and pedestrian projects have an emphasis in providing safe connections to schools, the SRTS program has been identified as an appropriate federal funding source for these projects. Specific recommendations eligible for the SRTS funds include sidewalks on Payne Road, SR 119, Ash Branch Road, Ivey Street, Maple Street, and Constitution Way. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 5-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 5 Recreational Trails Program (RTP) provides grants to fund recreational trail projects. Projects typically selected by the RTP for funding must meet the general criteria set forth in the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. A recreation plan is required to demonstrate that the trail project will enhance outdoor recreation and natural resource conservation. The shared-use path recommendations, including shareduse paths along canal systems and the Coastal Georgia Greenway, could be applicable for the RTP funds. 5.1.1 Georgia Transportation Stimulus Package The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 has allocated $932 million for highway transportation and $144 million for public transit to Georgia's transportation stimulus package. For any federal highway purpose under the STP program, 67 percent was allocated directly to GDOT, 30 percent went to MPOs and areas with population less than 5,000, and three percent was set aside for TE projects. To be eligible to receive funding from the stimulus package, projects have to meet the following "shovel-ready," requirements, meaning all standard federal eligibility requirements: Projects have gone through environmental clearances in accordance with the National Environmental Protection Act; Projects have right-of-way acquisition and certification; Projects must be included or amended into STIP/TIPs. At this time, none of the projects recommended in the Bryan County Transportation Study meet the requirements to receive funding from the federal stimulus package. Most of the roadway projects eligible for stimulus funding include maintenance and resurfacing projects, traffic safety improvements (signal upgrades, turn lanes, etc.) and to a lesser degree, roadway widening projects. Currently, Phase I stimulus projects in Bryan County include resurface and maintenance projects along sections of I-95, US 17/SR 25 and US 280/SR 30. 5.2 State Funding Sources As aforementioned, funding for most transportation projects in Bryan County comes in part through GDOT. A substantial portion of GDOT funding comes from the federal government through Federal Title I Apportionments. State highway funds are available from several sources including motor fuel taxes, special fuel taxes (diesel), state bonds and three percent state sales tax on gasoline. Federal Title I Apportionments and State motor fuels taxes account for almost 98 percent of the budget for GDOT funding. State Aid and Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) are funded by motor fuel taxes. Note that Georgia currently has one of the nation's lowest state motor fuels taxes, excluding sales taxes. Even when including the additional four percent sales tax (three percent for transportation use, and one percent for the State General Fund), Georgia's motor fuel taxes are the third lowest in the U.S. In addition to motor fuel taxes, the State of Georgia also has in place the Fast Forward Bond Program to help fund transportation infrastructure projects. The Fast Forward program is a $15.5 billion state transportation program announced by Governor Sonny Perdue in 2004. The $15.57 billion investment includes: $11 billion in funding through the regular GDOT program; $1.5 billion in General Obligation (GO) and General Revenue (GR) bonds to fund arterial road improvements and the Governor's Road Improvement Program (GRIP); and $3 billion in federally funded Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles (GARVEE) bonds. GARVEE bonds are a new funding mechanism for Georgia and an additional revenue stream that will primarily fund congestion relief projects. Fast Forward program allows the construction of priority projects in the next six years that which would otherwise take 18 years. This program is intended to implement projects that provide congestion relief and economic development. Short-term congestion relief projects include traffic operational/system management improvements such as Intelligent Transportation Systems, signal timing and synchronization upgrades. Long-term congestion relief includes high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and new transit corridors. Economic development improvements include interstate capacity improvements. As noted above, the funding for the GRIP program comes from bond sales. The GRIP program was started in 1989 through action by the Georgia Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 5-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 5 Legislature, and viewed as a priority funding program for GDOT. The program's goal is to connect 95 percent of the state's cities with a population of 2,500 or more to the interstate system. US 280, also known as the Power Alley that connects Columbus to Savannah, is part of the GRIP corridor system. Currently, only a small section of US 280 has active engineering, and there are no immediate plans to improve the section of US 280 in Bryan County. 5.3 Local Funding Sources Local governments receive revenues from a number of sources to support the public facilities and services they provide to citizens. These sources include federal and state funds, "own source" funds, such as property tax revenues and other monies, and discretionary grant funds from federal and/or state agencies. As such that state funding often lags behind the need, Bryan County should consider placing a focus on generating greater local revenues through Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) and other potential mechanisms. As noted in the baseline assessment section of this report, Bryan County has had in place a SPLOST for the past 12 years, with the majority of the funds being earmarked for paving projects. The current six-year SPLOST (SPLOST V) cycle is scheduled to run through March 2012. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 5-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 Public Involvement & Technical Advisory Committee Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Chapter 6 6.0 Public Involvement It was determined early in the planning process that a major public outreach effort would be launched to target all segments of the population. The process of public involvement was outlined in the Public Involvement Plan (PIP). The PIP outlined how the input from stakeholders public and private, elected and appointed officials, representatives of business, faithbased and community-based groups, representatives of minority populations, and the public at large--would be incorporated to establish a successful plan. A copy of the PIP and other public involvement materials are included in the appendices. Although Bryan County's north-south divide posed some logistical challenges, the project team undertook a broad dissemination of user-friendly information about the study throughout the planning process, and to provide a wide range of opportunities for all stakeholders to make their views known. The following sections detail the major components of the public outreach efforts employed as part of the Bryan County Transportation Study process. 6.1 Advisory Committee The PIP called for the formation of an Advisory Committee which provided oversight on technical and policy issues through a series of meetings. The Advisory Committee consisted of over twenty members from Bryan County, Cities of Richmond Hill and Pembroke, GDOT's Transportation Planner, District Planning and Programming Engineer, RC staff, and other agency partners. Meeting minutes including the sign-in sheets are included in the appendices. The Advisory Committee met three times throughout the course of the study to provide feedback, general oversight and technical review of the study findings. This committee also identified critical areas within the transportation network, reviewed potential alternatives, and assisted in the outreach effort. Figure 6.1 (opposite) illustrates the study schedule that highlights the Advisory Committee and public meeting dates at project milestones. Figure 6.1: Project Schedule Bryan County Transportation Plan Schedule 13 Month Schedule 2008 2009 S OND J FMAM J J A S Public Meetings Advisory Committee Meetings Data Gathering & Evaluation Model Delelopment Preliminary Recommendations Final Document Local Agency Kick-off Meeting, November 2008 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-1 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 Figure 6.2: Potential Improvements from Map Exercise BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE !(!( !(!( !( !( E VA N S ? A A Wilma Edwards Rd !( ? !( Lan!(ier A Ellabell Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Eldora ? I Blitchton !( I !( 16 EFFINGHAM Main St Augusta Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Advisory Committee Meeting, February 2009 LIBERTY A !( !(!( 17 C H AT H A M ? !(!( Daniel Ocean Hwy !( Harris Trail Rd !(!(!( !( !(!(!( RICHMOND HILL !(!( !( !(!( Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd !( !( Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Hartwick Rd Belfast !( Keller 95 The first Advisory Committee meeting was held on November 18, 2008, as the official Local Agency Kick-off Meeting for the Bryan County Transportation Study. The purpose of this meeting was to introduce the study to local officials and receive input on key issues affecting the Bryan County transportation system. The group engaged in a map exercise to assist the study team in identifying transportation issues to be considered in the study. Figure 6.2 (opposite) illustrates the potential improvements to be considered as a result of the map exercise. It is important to note that many of the improvements identified in the kick-off meeting were incorporated into the final recommendations. LONG Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing The second Advisory Committee meeting took place on February 11, 2009, NE p at the Bryan County Courthouse Annex in Richmond Hill. Topics discussed included a progress update on study activities, review of travel demand model assumptions, and an exercise that refined transportation related goals from 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 previous studies to shape the format and direction of the Bryan County 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Improvement Type Stakeholders Recommendations Map !( New Interchange !( New Traffic Light New Road Widening !( Safety/ Operational Improvement !( Sidewalk Interstate Street Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Transportation Study. An electronic voting system was employed to gather committee input on potential study goals. The voting exercise was based on four potential goals that were drafted by consolidating goal statements Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-2 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 presented in previous Bryan County planning efforts (e.g., Bryan County City of Pembroke and City of Richmond Hill Comprehensive Plans and Bryan County Bicycle Pedestrian Study). Figure 6.3 (page 6-4) displays the local priorities reflected in the results from the voting exercise. Refer to Chapter 2 Goals Development and Evaluation Framework, for the study goals and the corresponding needs statements which shaped the format and direction of this study. The final Advisory Committee meeting was held on June 24, 2009 at the John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center in Richmond Hill. The purpose of this meeting was to present the preliminary project recommendations and receive input from the committee to finalize these recommendations. The committee conducted group discussions regarding potential project termini as well as the need for other projects. The following bullets highlight the Advisory Committee comments, many of which came from city staff of Richmond Hill, that have been reflected in the final list of improvements: The widening of US 17 from SR 196 to SR 144 should terminate west of the I-95 interchange to direct commuter traffic from Liberty County to I-95 without having to go through the commercial district in Richmond Hill; The widening of SR 144 to four lanes between Timber Trail and Belfast Keller Road should be a top priority; The widening of SR 144 to six lanes between US 17 and Timber Trail is not consistent with Richmond Hill's plans to promote a pedestrianfriendly environment and preserve its downtown; and Harris Trail Road functions as the most logical bypass to the city. Improving this road will deflect traffic from SR 144 and preserve the character of downtown Richmond Hill. Advisory Committee Meeting, June 2009 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-3 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 Figure 6.3: Local Priorities from Voting Exercise Community Priorities: Summary of Previous Study Transportation Goals Goal 1: Encourage multi-modal transportation corridors What is most lacking in terms of providing a multi-modal network in Bryan County? 1. Pedestrian /sidewalk improvements/connectivity along major corridors? 50% 2. Increased roadway capacity within major corridors? 50% 3. Improved truck mobility and access to major freight generators? 0% 4. No changes needed 0% 5. Not applicable 0% Community Priorities: Summary of Previous Study Transportation Goals Goal 2: Expand Bike/Pedestrian Network: In terms of priority, where should the bike/pedestrian network be expanded? 1. Connections to parks and recreation? 0% 2. Connections to schools and community facilities (e.g., Safe Routes to School) 50% 3. Build bicycle and pedestrian network along major scenic corridors and greenways ( e.g., canal ways) 50% 4. Build bicycle and pedestrian network along major commercial corridors (e.g., Ford Avenue)? 0% 5. Not applicable 0% Community Priorities: Summary of Previous Study Transportation Goals Goal 3: Coordinated Land Use and Transportation What is most important to ensure coordinated land use with transportation decision-making? 1. Mixed Use - Promote a mix of uses (employment/livable areas) within major development to reduce transportation demand 50% 2. Impact Fees Investigate the possibility of developers to providing transportation impact fees as part of new development projects 0% 3. Improve multimodal connectivity to major developments (e.g., Industrial Centre Park in Pembroke) 50% 4. Not applicable 0% Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-4 Community Priorities: Summary of Previous Study Transportation Goals Goal 4: Increase Safety of Transportation Network What are the most pressing transportation safety concerns for Bryan County? 1. Reduce roadway-related accident contributors deficient roadway geometrics (e.g., sight distances and tight curves), lack of signage, and drainage/flooding issues, etc. 50% 2. Improve current infrastructure - Reduce the number of unpaved roadways, add lighting on roadways, etc. 0% 3. Improve pedestrian amenities (e.g., crosswalks, pedestrian signalization, etc.) 0% 4. No change needed 50% 5. Not applicable 0% Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 6.2 Stakeholder Interviews Stakeholder interviews and one-on-one briefings with a cross section of community leaders in the study area were conducted at the onset of the study as part of the outreach effort. These interviews allowed the project team to identify key issues and consensus-building opportunities, obtain specific ideas and suggestions regarding desired quality of life, population growth, land use preferences, transportation priorities, and assist in the outreach effort. Initially, the study team identified 39 elected and appointed officials, civic leaders, and representatives from faith and community-based organization, for the one-on-one interviews. As presented in Table 6.1 (opposite), the study team was able to interview 17 of the identified stakeholders. A list of all the identified stakeholders as well as a summary of the interviews are included in the appendices. The following bullets highlight some of the major findings and common themes derived from the interviews: SR 144 widening and Harris Trail Extension are priority projects for the county and Richmond Hill; US 17 faces capacity issues during the peak hours of travel; Interchange at US 17 and I-95 needs to be upgraded to accommodate current and forecast traffic; Sidewalks along urban sections of major thoroughfares are needed to provide a safer environment for pedestrians; School traffic causes congestion because many are located in close proximity within Richmond Hill; The proposed interchange at I-95 and Belfast Siding Road should be considered in the long-term; and Growing truck traffic on US 280 at Interstate Centre necessitates the widening of the roadway. Name Jimmy Burnsed Phil Jones Billy Albritton Richard Davis Michael Melton Steve Scholar Judy Cook Betty Hill Wynn Carney Jean Bacon Jo Hickson Nevin Patton Sallie Brewer Nevin Brown Johnny Murphy Carlton Cooper Sonny Timmerman Table 6.1T:aSbtlea6k.1e: ShtaokledhoelrdeIrnIntteerrvivewies ws Organization Bryan County Planning Commission Bryan County City of Richmond Hill Planning Commission City of Richmond Hill City of Richmond Hill City of Richmond Hill City of Pembroke City of Pembroke City of Pembroke Bryan County Development Authority Coastal Georgia Greenway 1st Bank of Coastal Georgia Bryan County Schools Main Street Homeowners Association and NAACP Buckhead Lakes Bethel Baptist Church Hinesville MPO Title Chairman County Administrator Chairman Mayor City Manager Planning Director Mayor City Clerk City Planner Executive Director Executive Director Senior VP Superintendent Developer Pastor Executive Director Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-5 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 6.3 Public Meetings Citizens were given opportunities to participate in development of the Bryan County Transportation Study through series of public meetings held over the course of the study. These meetings were designed in an open house format and consisted of informational displays as well as interactive discussion sessions. The community was encouraged to share their ideas on the direction of transportation planning for Bryan County. Due to the divided nature of the study area, meeting locations were selected in both northern and southern Bryan County to ensure maximum accessibility to participate in the process. The same information was presented at both locations. Newspaper advertisements were purchased to promote the public meetings. The meeting notices were published in the Bryan County Newspaper as well as on the Bryan County Now website. The internet advertisement ran on the main page for two weeks prior to the meeting date. With over 17,000 visits or impressions on a weekly basis, the web advertisement was viewed as a cost-effective tool to reach out to the general public. Table 6.2 (page 6-7) presents a summary of the outreach methods employed to promote the public meetings. Subsequent section provides an overview of various other communication tools utilized to promote public meetings and disseminate study updates. Public Meeting, April 2009 (Courtesy Bryan County Now) Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Public Meeting, August 2009 6-6 Bryan County Transportation Study Chapter 6 6.4 Communication Tools Several communication tools were utilized to assist in the outreach process. Examples of outreach materials include a project website, fact sheets, flyers, press releases and internet advertisements announcing upcoming meetings. Each of these tools served a valuable role in informing and updating the public and the community on the progress of the study. Three fact sheets were developed over the course of the study, and were distributed to city and county facilities, as well as key stakeholders. These fact sheets provided progress updates on the study and reported the major findings to date. Meeting flyers and notices were distributed through email and U.S. mail to key stakeholders. Copies of the fact sheets, newspaper advertisements and press releases are included in the appendices. Date April 21, 2009 August 6, 2009 Table 6T.a2b:leP6.u1:bPluibclicMMeeeettinignNgotNifiocattiiofniscations Location/ Time Advertisement Invitation County Commissioner's Meeting Room in Pembroke at 2:00pm John W. Stevens Wetlands Education Center in Richmond Hill at 6:00pm Bryan County News - Canned Story published on April 15th; Public meeting announcement published on April 18th; Email invitations sent out to stakeholders and Advisory Committee members At Bethel Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Richmond Hill at 2:00pm J. Dixie Harn Community Center in Pembroke at 6:00pm Bryan County News - Internet Advertising for the public meetings ran In addition to email invitations, from July 24th to August 6th on public meeting notices were www.bryancountynews.net; Public also sent via U.S. mail to key meeting announcement published on stakeholders and Advisory August 1st; Committee members. Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 6-7 Bryan County Transportation Study Appendix A Maps Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 2035 Bryan County TRANSPORTATION STUDY Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE Ashbranch Rd A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A A Lanier A Ellabell Olive Branch Rd Eldora ? Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Appendix A: Maps Appendix B: Travel Demand Model Documentation Appendix C: Cost Estimation Appendix D: Public Involvement Main St Augusta Rd Ogeech e River Canoochee Ri ver LIBERTY A 17 RICHMOND HILL C H AT H A M ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate State Route Street Railroad Lakes & Rivers Military Installation Conservation Lands City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH E VA N S ? A I PEMBROKE ? ? A A ? I 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N A LIBERTY ? HINESVILLE A 17 RICHMOND HILL 80 SAVANNAH C H AT H A M MIDWAY 95 WAYNE LONG Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning p MCINTOSH Miles 012 4 6 16 95 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Study Area 75 Traffic Analysis Zone Interstate Model Roadway Network Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH E VA N S ? A I PEMBROKE ? ? A A ? I 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N A LIBERTY ? HINESVILLE A 17 RICHMOND HILL 80 SAVANNAH C H AT H A M MIDWAY 95 WAYNE LONG Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning p MCINTOSH Miles 012 4 6 16 95 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Traffic Analysis Zones (TAZ) 75 Traffic Analysis Zone Interstate Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland ? A I Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? I Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Main St Augusta Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy 17 RICHMOND HILL C H AT H A M Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Concentrated Growth Areas 2035 High Growth Areas Residential Commercial Residential & Commercial Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary City Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bulloch County ! y 280 119 WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWW 67 WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Pembroke WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW WWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW 119 67 80 16 Effingham County ! y 280 204 Evans County Liberty County Future Development North Bryan County Georgia DRAFT 4 0 0.5 1 2 Miles Fort Stewart ! y Geographic Information Systems/Information Technology Department May 2008 DISCLAIMER: This map has been prepared to facilitate public access to information. Data shown is for planning purposes only and it's accuracy is NOT warranted. CGRDC assumes no liability for the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information and other items contained in this map. Individuals are advised to independently verify information before use. Legend Bryan County Boundary County Future Development Pembroke Future Development County Boundaries Regional Commercial WWWWWWWWWWWWCommercial City Boundaries Fort Stewart Conservation Corridor/Gateway WWWWWWConservation WWWWWW WWWWWWEducational Campus ACUB Boundary Crossroads Communities WWWWWWWWWWWWGateway Water Rural Residential/AgricultureWWWWWWHistoric Pembroke ! y Public Boat Ramp Suburban Area Developing WWWWWWWWWWWWIndustrial WWWWWWSuburban Area Developing Interstate State Highway WWWWWWWWWWWWTraditional Residential Roads Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study Fort Stewart !y Richmond Hill 17 95 144 !y !y Liberty County Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Chatham County Future Development South Bryan County Georgia !y !y DRAFT Legend Bryan County Boundary County Boundaries City Boundaries Fort Stewart ACUB Boundary Water !y Public Boat Ramp Interstate State Highway Roads County Future Development Regional Commercial Conservation Corridor/Gateway Crossroads Communities Rural Residential/Agriculture Suburban Area Developing Kilkenny Richmond Hill Future Development WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Commercial WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Conservation WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Corridor/Gateway WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Suburban Developing WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Mixed Use 4 WWWWWWWW WWWWWWWW Traditional Residential 0 1 2 4 Miles Geographic Information Systems/Information Technology Department May 2008 DISCLAIMER:This map has been prepared to facilitate public access to information. Data shown is for planning purposes only and it's accuracy is NOT warranted. CGRDC assumes no liability for the quality, content, accuracy or completeness of the information and other items contained in this map. Individuals are advised to independently verify information before use. Bryan County Transportation Study Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Population Density 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Population Density (per 10 acres) < 1 person/10 acres 1 - 2 persons/10 acres 2 - 5 persons/10 acres 5 - 10 persons/10 acres > 10 persons/10 acres Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2035 Population Density 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Population Density (per 10 acres) < 1 person/10 acres 1 - 2 persons/10 acres 2 - 5 persons/10 acres 5 - 10 persons/10 acres > 10 persons/10 acres Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Median Household Income 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate Median Household Income State Route $ 28,611 Military Installation $ 31,194 County Boundary $ 34,719 $ 36,713 $ 45,809 $ 71,875 Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Employment Density 75 Employment Density (per 10 sq miles) < 0.1 job/10 sq. miles 0.1 - 1 job/10 sq. miles 1 - 5 job/10 sq. miles 5 - 10 jobs/10 sq. miles > 10 jobs/10 sq. miles Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2035 Employment Density 75 Employment Density (per 10 sq miles) < 0.1 job/10 sq. miles 0.1 - 1 job/10 sq. miles 1 - 5 job/10 sq. miles 5 - 10 jobs/10 sq. miles > 10 jobs/10 sq. miles Interstate State Route Local Street Fort Stewart TAZ Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY Daniel Ocean Hwy tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2000 Minority Populations 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 2000 Census Blocks < 5.0 % 5.0 - 15.0 % 15.1 - 25.0 % > 25.0 % Interstate State Route Fort Stewart County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Population Below Poverty Line Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Population Below Poverty Line 6.46 % 9.83 % 13.77 % 16.79 % 21.26 % 24.13 % Interstate State Route Military Installation County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Grov*#*#!eland ! Southward Reka *# ! PEMBROKE ! *#*#*# *# E VA N S *# *# *# *# *# *# La*#nier *#*# *# *# *#*# ! *# *# *# *#! Ellabell *# Eldo*#ra Bli!tchton *# 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River Canoochee Ri ver ! e Fort Stewart Military Reservation ! B R YA N ! ! ! LIBERTY !! O*#ce*#*#an *#Hwy *# ! D*#a*#n*#iel tu *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#! *#*# 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# ! *#*#*# *# ! *# *# *#*#*# Port Royal ! *# *#*# !*# Bryan Neck Rd *# *# ! *# Fort*#McAllister Rd*#*# ! Hartwick Belfast *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*# Keller *# *#*# 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Environmentally Sensitive Areas 75 *#*# Fancy Hall *#*# Lincoln Landing #* Historic Structures Churches ! Cemeteries River Canal Lakes & Rivers Wetlands Interstate State Route Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Gro*#*#v!eland ! Southward Reka PEMBROKE ! ! *# *#*#*# *# E VA N S Wilma*#Edwards Rd *# *# *# *# *# *# *# *#*# *# Lan*#*#ier ! *# Ell*#ab*#ell *#! *# Eldo*#ra Bli!tchton *# 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River Canoochee Ri ver ! e Fort Stewart Military Reservation ! B R YA N ! ! ! LIBERTY !! tu RICHMON*#D*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#H*#*#I!LL 17 *#*# *# ! D*#a*#n*#iel O*#c*#e*#an*#Hwy *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*# ! *#*#*# *# ! *# *# *#*#*# Po!rt Royal Harris Trail Rd *# *#*# !*# C H AT H A M Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfa*#st *#Keller Rd ! ! *# Fort Mc*#Allister Rd *#*# Hartwick Belfast *# *#*#*#*#*#*#*# Keller *# *#*# 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Historic Structures 75 *#*# Fancy Hall *#*# Lincoln Landing #* Historic Structures Churches ! Cemeteries Lakes & Rivers Fort Stewart City Boundary County Boundary Interstate State Route Street Railroad Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study Main St Augusta Rd BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N 80 Louisville Rd 80 Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 2006 Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study Main St Augusta Rd BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N 80 Louisville Rd 80 Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 2035 Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Og eech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Roadway Functional Classification 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: GDOT RC Data Roadway Functional Classification R. Interstate U. Interstate R. Principal Arterial U. Principal Arterial R. Minor Arterial U. Minor Arterial R. Major Collector R. Minor Collector U.Collector Local Street Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY tu17 Daniel Ocean Hwy RICHMOND HILL Port Royal C H AT H A M Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Existing Laneage & Traffic Signals Map Source: GDOT RC Data & Bryan County Transportation Plan (2007) Existing Roadway Laneage 2 Lanes 4 Lanes 6 Lanes Existing Traffic Signals Interstate Street Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland Southward Reka E VA N S SR 30 at SR 67 7 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year PEMBROKE (! SR 30 at SR 204 5 Crashes/Year 1 Injury/Year Wilma Edwards Rd Lanier (! Ellabell Eldora SR 26 at SR 30 5 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year Blitchton (! EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY C H AT H A M tu RICHMOND HILL 17 SR 25 at Mulberry Rd 7 Crashes/Year SR 25 at Harris Trail Rd 23 Crashes/Year 2 Injuries/Year (!(! 7 Injuries/Year (! Daniel Ocean Hwy Harris Trail Rd SR 25 at SR 144 28 Crashes/Year 9 Injuries/Year Port Royal Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Hartwick Rd Belfast Keller 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Frequent Crash Locations 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: 2000-2007 CARE GDOT CRASH DATA !( Intersections with greater than 5 crashes per year Roadway segments with crash rate exceeding statewide avg. Roadway segments with crash rate below statewide avg. Interstate Street Railroad Military Installation City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH 3,200 Groveland Southward Reka 4,600 PEMBROKE 1,100 24,500 Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S 4,800 2,400 8,800 Lanier Ellabell Fort Stewart Military Reservation Eldora Blitchton 8,400 EFFINGHAM 33,000 16 tu80 Louisville Rd B R YA N Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY 5,600 80,500 14,600 Abercorn St tu17 17,800 C H A T H A M 21,900 Ocean Hwy Daniel 2,600 Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 14,000 Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd 48,800 2,600 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 95 LONG 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 2006 Level of Service (LOS) 75 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Source: 2006 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Existing LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland 5,300 Southward Reka PEMBROKE 6,900 E VA N S 2,800 3,600 42,000 Wilma Edwards Rd Eldora Blitchton 3,500 16,600 Lanier Ellabell 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM tu80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY 7,000 112,700 21,700 Abercorn St tu17 29,700 C H A T H A M 37,300 Daniel Ocean Hwy Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 19,300 Belfast Siding Rd 12,210 75,600 10,500 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: Our analysis did not take into account the full build-out of the Rayonier development proposed to be centered around the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road. Instead, our study assumed high growth would occur at existing and currently proposed commercial and residential nodes in Richmond Hill and northeastern Bryan County. For the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, our study assumed a few hundred new households and small shopping plazas which are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 2035 No-Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 No-Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland ? Southward I Reka PEMBROKE E VA N S ? A A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? I Blitchton I 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY A tu17 RICHMOND HILL ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Port Royal CHATHAM Bryan Neck Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick Belfast Keller LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Plan Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Interstate State Route Street Railroad Military Installation City Boundary County Boundary Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Ashbranch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE A BORlivIWDeilGmBaEraE0dn2wc:ahrId-R1s 6Rdd@ INTRSCTN04: SR 119 !(!( @ SR 67 Realignment INTRSCTN03: US 280 @ SR 119 ? E VA N S ? Lanier A A Ellabell ? !( !( Eldora SIGNAL03: US 280 @ US 80 Blit!(chton I!( EFFINGHAM BRIDGE01: US 80 @ Ogeechee River INTRCHNG03: I-16 @ US 280 16 Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Main St Augusta Rd Canoochee Ri ver Bryan Neck Rd Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning A INTRCHNG01: I-95 @ SR 144 ACCESS01: SR 144 INTRSCTN02: US 17 @ Harris Trail Rd !( 17 C H AT H A M BRIDGE04: I-95 @ CSX Railroad Bridge !(!( SIGNAL10: US 17 @ Mulberry Dr INTRCHNG02: I-95 and US 17 SIGNAL05: US 17 @ Daniel Siding Loop Rd Ocean Hwy !( !( ? !(!( !( !( SIGNAL09: US 17 @ SR 196 SIGNAL06: US 17 @ LIBERTY Belfast Siding Rd Harris Trail Rd !( INTRSCTN01: US 17 @ SR 144 !( SIGNAL12: SR 144 @ Ivey St SIGNAL121: SR 144 @ Timber Trail Port Royal PAVE01: Harris Trail Ext. !( BRIDGE03: I-95 @ Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd !( SFoIGrt MNcAALll0is7te:r SRdR 144 @ HaBretwlfaicskt Keller Rd Belfast Siding Rd SIGNAL08: Belfast Siding Rd @ Belfast Keller Rd !( Belfast SIGNAL04: SR 144 @ !( Oak Level Rd Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Traffic Operations 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Improvement Type !( Interchange Upgrade !( Bridge Replacement !( Intersection Upgrade !( Signalization Access Managemet Paving Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Ashbranch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland ? PED04: Ashbranch Rd I Southward PEMBROKE Reka A PED03: Wilma Patterson Rd Edwards Rd PED02: SR 119 E VA N S PED08: Bacontown Rd PED25: US 280 PED23: City (Pembroke) PED01: Payne Rd PED05: Lewis St ? ? PED06: Judith St PED07: E.SmiLthanSiter A Eldora ? Blitchton I PED22: City of Pembroke to Ellabell A Ellabell 16 EFFINGHAM Ogeech e River e Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Main St Augusta Rd Canoochee Ri ver Bryan Neck Rd Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LIBERTY A PED14: Maple St PED15: Constitution Way RICHMOND HILL PED18: ForCd AHveA T H A M 17 PED12: Frances Meeks Way PED24: Coastal GA Greenway ? PED09: HaOrrciesanTHrawiyl Rd PED10: Wildcat Dr PED11: Richmond Middle School PED17: Richmond High School Harris Trail Rd PED13: Ivey St PED16: Cherry St PED21: Ford Ave Port RoPPyaEElDD1290:: Ford Ave Timber Trail Rd PED25:Warren Hill Road Belfast Siding Rd Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Rd Hartwick PED26: Belfast Keller Road Belfast Keller 95 LONG p 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvements 75 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing Improvement Type Sidewalk Shared Use Path Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Ashbranch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland I Southward Reka ? PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM US 280 Widening (Interstate Centre) 16 Og ee hee River Canoochee Ri ver c Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N I-95 Widening (I-16 to SR 144) Main St Augusta Rd Bryan Neck Rd Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd A C H AT H A M 17 RICHMOND HILL US 17 Widening** (SR 196 to I-95) ? Ocean Hwy Belfast Siding Road Widening L I B E R T Y (US 17 to Park Hill Road) Harris Trail Road Widening** Phase 1 - Timber Trail to Port Royal Phase 2 - Port Royal to Belfast Keller Port Royal Belfast Keller Rd FSorRt M1cA4ll4isteWr Ridd ening Ha(rTtwimicbker Trail to Belfast Keller Road) Belfast Keller LONG p 95 Richmond Hill WMA Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Capacity Improvements Improvement Type Roadway Widening **Note: Project termini have been revised to reflect comments from the Advisory Commitee and Public Meetings Interstate State Route Railroad Lakes & Rivers County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Conservation Lands Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study Main St Augusta Rd BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE A Wilma Edwards Rd E VA N S ? A ? Lanier A Ellabell Eldora ? Blitchton I EFFINGHAM 16 Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N 80 Louisville Rd 80 Fort Argyle Rd LIBERTY A ? Daniel Ocean Hwy A Abercorn St 17 C H AT H A M RICHMOND HILL Port Royal Harris Trail Rd Belfast Siding Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Note: Average travel times were calculated from the interchange of I-95 at I-16 in Chatham County to all other TAZs in the Bryan County study area 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study 2035 Build Alternative Average Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 < 10 minutes Interstate Travel Times from I-95 at I-16 10 - 20 minutes Major Roads 21 - 30 minutes Railroad 31 - 45 minutes Fort Stewart > 45 minutes County Boundary Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland 5,300 Southward Reka PEMBROKE 6,900 E VA N S 2,800 3,600 42,000 Wilma Edwards Rd Eldora Blitchton 3,500 16,600 Lanier Ellabell 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM tu80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation B R YA N LIBERTY 7,000 112,700 21,700 Abercorn St tu17 29,700 C H A T H A M 37,300 Daniel Ocean Hwy Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL Port Royal 19,300 Belfast Siding Rd 12,210 75,600 10,500 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning LONG 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 012 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: Our analysis did not take into account the full build-out of the Rayonier development proposed to be centered around the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road. Instead, our study assumed high growth would occur at existing and currently proposed commercial and residential nodes in Richmond Hill and northeastern Bryan County. For the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, our study assumed a few hundred new households and small shopping plazas which are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 2035 No-Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 No-Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study Main St Augusta Rd BULLOCH 5,600 Groveland ? 5,300 I Southward Reka PEMBROKE 3,600 6,900 E VA N S ? A 2,800 A 42,000 ? Wilma Edwards Rd ? I 16,600 Lanier A Ellabell Eldora Blitchton 3,500 I 45,700 16 EFFINGHAM 80 Louisville Rd Fort Argyle Rd Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N A LIBERTY 7,000 A 118,500 A Abercorn St 17 24,200 23,800 C H A T H A M }? 39,000 ? Daniel Ocean Hwy Belfast Siding Rd 12,000 73,200 10,700 Harris Trail Rd RICHMOND HILL 10,000 Port Royal 18,000 Belfast Keller Rd HaFrtowrt iMcckAllister Rd Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Keller Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning 95 LONG Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing p 0 1 2 Miles 4 MCINTOSH Source: 2035 Bryan County Travel Demand Model Note: The Interchange Analysis Report (IAR) for I-95 at Belfast Siding Road assumed that the areas surrounding this interchange would be developed as high-intensity uses that are regionally significant. The findings from the IAR indicated the proposed interchange was not justified based on FHWA and GDOT policies. As such, the Bryan County model does not assume that the vacant properties near the proposed interchange will be developed at the level of intensity that was assumed in the IAR. It is unlikely that concentrations of jobs and residents near the junction of I-95 at Belfast Siding Road will occur at the intensity assumed in the IAR. To this end, for the areas near the junction of I-95 and Belfast Siding Road, the model assumed employment and population growth that are consistent with the surrounding land uses and existing interstate access. 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study 2035 Build Level of Service (LOS) 2035 Build LOS LOS C or Better LOS D LOS E LOS F 1,000 Average Daily Volume Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Ashbranch Rd Olive Branch Rd Bryan County Transportation Study BULLOCH Groveland ? I Southward Reka PEMBROKE !(!( !(!( !( !( E VA N S ? A A Wilma Edwards Rd !( ? !( Lan!(ier A Ellabell Eldora ? I Blitchton !( I !( 16 EFFINGHAM Fort Stewart Military Reservation 80 B R YA N Main St Augusta Rd LIBERTY A !( !(!( 17 C H AT H A M ? !(!( Daniel Ocean Hwy !( Harris Trail Rd !(!(!( !( !(!(!( RICHMOND HILL !(!( !( !(!( Port Royal Bryan Neck Rd Belfast Siding Rd !( !( Belfast Keller Rd Fort McAllister Hartwick Rd Belfast !( Keller LONG p 95 Fancy Hall Lincoln Landing 0 1 2 Miles M C I N T O S H 4 16 75 95 Bryan County Transportation Study Improvement Type Stakeholders Recommendations Map !( New Interchange !( New Traffic Light New Road Widening !( Safety/ Operational Improvement !( Sidewalk Interstate Street Railroad County Boundary City Boundary Military Installation Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Georgia Department of Transportation Office of Planning Bryan County Transportation Study