Basic Elements of Transportation Planning

Study Notes

Proposed relocation of a 3.3-mile section of U.S. 1A in Harrington, Maine, aiming to enhance road safety and efficiency.
Harrington's population is 553, with 420 within the study area and 350 in the town center, showing recent population decline due to limited jobs.
The economy is primarily based on agriculture and fishing; environmental concerns are pivotal due to potential impacts on livelihoods.
Town's retail sales are 20% tourism-related, suggesting economic vulnerability tied to travel accessibility.
Average daily traffic is 2,620 vehicles, with 69% as through traffic and 31% as local traffic.

Maine Department of Transportation targets high accident rates on U.S. 1A, exacerbated by a narrow bridge and inadequate road alignment.
Goals include reducing the accident rate and increasing average speed.
Effectiveness measures: accident rate, travel time, and construction cost, while also considering environmental impacts such as noise and air quality.

Four alternatives to current routes proposed plus a “do-nothing” option:
- Alternative 1: Bypass south of Harrington with a new bridge.
- Alternative 2: Upgrade existing U.S. 1A with a new bridge.
- Alternative 3: Connect to U.S. 1 west of Harrington using the recent Route 1 Bridge.
- Alternative 4: Combine U.S. 1 with a new bypass around town.

Alternatives evaluated based on travel speeds, accident factors, and costs.
Existing road speed is 25 mph; Alternative 1 and 4 potential speed is 55 mph, while Alternatives 2 and 3 show speeds of 30 mph.
Current accident factor is 4 times statewide average; after implementation, could drop to 0.6 (Alternative 4) or 1.2 (Alternative 1).
Costs range from $1.18 million (Alternative 3) to $1.58 million (Alternative 2).
Considerations include residence displacement, traffic volume, and environmental impacts (air quality, noise).

All alternatives improve travel time; Alternative 1 is best followed by 4.
Accident rates show Alternative 4 the best, followed by 1, 3, and 2.
Cost Efficiency: Doing nothing is least costly, but significant improvements justify project initiation. Alternative 3 is cheapest with viable improvements.
Alternative 1 offers improved safety over Alternative 3 for a slight cost increase.
Air quality and noise levels improved significantly with Alternatives 1 and 4 due to reduced congestion.
Minimal residence displacement for Alternatives 1 and 4 versus higher impacts for Alternatives 2 and 3.

From a cost perspective, Alternative 3 is preferred for travel and safety enhancements.
If funding allows, Alternatives 1 or 4 may be pursued for their superior community impact profiles.
Community feedback will be integrated into the project's design to mitigate environmental and societal effects.

Alternative 1 adopted for construction, involving a new bridge and road linking U.S. 1A to U.S. 1.
Required documentation includes design plans, construction cost estimates, and project bidding details.
Contract awarded to the lowest bidder, with construction oversight by the Department of Transportation post-completion.