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On Tuesday, July 19, City of Davenport Public Works staff presented to City Council the results of their traffic operations and safety study along the 3rd and 4th Street corridors from Telegraph Road to River Drive. The study examined existing traffic volumes, speeds, intersection patterns, existing and potential lane configurations and traffic control within the corridors. Staff also evaluated the feasibility of converting the current one-way roadways to two-way traffic patterns within the project limits based upon roadway capacities, anticipated volumes, signalization warrants and possible corridor cross sections.
DDP staff attended the meeting and noted these top takeaways:
- Traffic Count Data - the traffic count data continues to show sufficient capacity to accommodate traffic flow should the roadways be converted to two way streets with a center left turn lane.
- Engineering standards state that a 3 Lane, Two-Way street with a Center Left Turn Lane can safely accommodate 15,000 vehicles per day.
- Current volumes observed on 4th Street are 7,000 to 10,000 vehicles per day and 3rd Street is 8,000 to 11,000 vehicles per day.
- Additionally the data indicates that River Drive also has additional capacity should traffic relocate to that roadway.
- Loading Zones - pretty sure we are preaching to the choir when we say our loading zones are outdated and need some attention! City staff is recommending that a full study of delivery and shipping needs be performed, and we are eager to put some time in on this topic and recommend revisions!
- Flood Detour Traffic Movement
- When the river approaches stage 18, the 3rd Street intersection is impacted and traffic is detoured to Locust Street.
- Converting 4th Street to two-way would further reinforce traffic movement into downtown minimizing the impact on commerce during flood events.
- Travel Time Estimates
- The estimated travel times under two-way conversion show an increase of 3 - 5 min when traveling on 4th Street from Marquette to River Drive. For traffic that wants to travel through and out of downtown, River Drive is estimated to see a 1 - 3 min increase in travel time.
- Conversion Limits
- A previous study indicated project limits of Marquette Street to River Drive. Staff reviewed a number of additional transition options and cost estimates. DDP is supportive of the opportunity two-way streets would provide to the west-end of downtown and is eager to hear council's feedback on expanding the project.
Click here to review the slide deck of the presentation.
You can also review the tech memo here.
Next Steps:
Council will meet at 3:45 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26 for a work session at City Hall.
Background:
The Downtown Davenport Partnership has commited to spend as much as $700K on this public improvement project. There are five core benefits that we believe supercede the current benefits of our old infrastructure:
1. Traffic-calming for a better and safer mixed-use neighborhood experience
2. Small business vitality & new opportunity westward
3. Better time to destination + visibility to business & amenities = visitor friendly
4. Flood resilience –a better street grid and detour route during high water
5. Keep up with Midwest mid-sized cities investing in their downtowns
Want to learn more?
To review the history, plans, studies, presentations, and more on why this public improvement is wanted by downtown residents and businesses, click here.
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