A. Study required.
(1) Abbreviated traffic impact study. Based on trip-generation calculations prepared on the basis of the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, whenever a proposed development will generate 20 to 99 new vehicle trips in the peak direction (inbound or outbound) during the site peak traffic hour, the applicant shall perform an abbreviated traffic impact study. Based on this study, certain improvements may be identified as necessary to provide safe and efficient access to the development. The abbreviated traffic impact study shall include:
(a) A capacity analysis report prepared under the supervision of a qualified and experienced transportation engineer.
(b) The study area for the capacity analysis report shall only include all proposed intersections.
(2) Comprehensive traffic impact study.
(a) Based on trip-generation calculations prepared on the basis of the latest edition of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, whenever a proposed development will generate 100 or more new vehicle trips in the peak direction (inbound or outbound) during the site peak traffic hour, the applicant shall perform a comprehensive traffic impact study. Based on this study, certain improvements may be identified as necessary to provide safe and efficient access to the development.
(b) Transportation demand management measures such as staggered start and end work times, telecommuting, utilization of transit, greenway or trail linkages, park and ride lots, and the like may be used to reduce trip generation for the proposed development. If such measures will reduce the new vehicle trips in the peak direction during the peak traffic hour to less than 100, then an abbreviated traffic impact study may be performed in lieu of a comprehensive study. When such trip reduction measures are used to justify performance of an abbreviated study as permitted by this section, a developer and successors shall be bound by a recorded agreement to implement such measures. The terms and form of agreement shall be as mutually agreed upon by the Township and the developer.
(3) In addition, a comprehensive traffic impact study shall be prepared at the discretion of the Township Board of Supervisors whenever either of the following conditions exists within the traffic impact study area:
(a) Current traffic problems exist in the local area, such as a high crash location, confusing intersection, or a congested intersection that directly affects access to the development.
(b) The ability of the existing street system to handle increased traffic or the feasibility of improving the street system to handle increased traffic is limited.
B. Traffic impact study requirements.
(1) Area of traffic impact study. The traffic impact study area shall be based on the characteristics of the surrounding area. The intersections to be included in the study shall be adjacent to the subject tract or have direct impact upon the access to the subject tract. The intersections shall be mutually agreed upon by the Township and the transportation engineer preparing the study.
(2) Preparation by transportation engineer required. Traffic impact studies shall be prepared by or under the supervision of qualified and experienced transportation engineers with specific training in traffic and transportation engineering.
(3) Traffic impact study standards. All traffic impact studies, including abbreviated and comprehensive traffic impact studies, shall be completed in accordance with PennDOT's "Policies and Procedures for Traffic Impact Studies" and PennDOT's Publication #46: Traffic Engineering Manual, latest edition.
(4) Documentation required. A traffic impact study report shall be prepared to document the purpose, procedures, findings, conclusions, and recommendations of the study.
(a) The documentation for a traffic impact study shall include, at a minimum:
[1] Study purpose and objectives.
[2] Description of the site and study area.
[3] Existing street system conditions in the area of the development. In the case of a proposed commercial or industrial development, the anticipated weight of vehicles shall be compared to the loading capacity of the existing cartway.
[4] Recorded or approved developments within the traffic impact study area.
[5] Trip generation, trip distribution, and modal split.
[6] Projected future motorized and nonmotorized traffic volumes.
[7] An assessment of the change in street system operating conditions resulting from the development traffic.
[8] Recommendations for access to the subject tract and transportation improvements needed to maintain and/or improve motorized and nonmotorized traffic flow to, from, within, and past the subject tract at an acceptable and safe level of service.
[9] Transit location, availability of bike routes, connection to a park and/or trail system.
(b) The analysis shall be presented in a straightforward and logical sequence. It shall lead the reader step-by-step through the various stages of the process and resulting conclusions and recommendations.
(c) The recommendations shall specify the time period within which the improvements should be made (particularly if the improvements are associated with various phases of the development construction), and any monitoring of operating conditions and improvements that may be required. The recommendations shall also identify who will be responsible for making the improvements.
(d) Data shall be presented in tables, graphs, maps, and diagrams wherever possible for clarity and ease of review.
(e) To facilitate examination by the Township, an executive summary shall be provided, concisely summarizing the purpose, conclusions, and recommendations.
C. Improvements.
(1) Responsibility for improvements. The applicant shall be responsible for the improvements required to provide safe and convenient ingress and egress to the development.
(2) Coordination with Township requirements. The applicant shall be responsible for other improvements related to the results of the traffic impact study as may be agreed to with the Township, consistent with the provisions of the PA MPC.
