What kind of traffic studies are being performed to estimate the impact of the Red Line on automobile travel in the corridor?

Traffic studies were performed on the Red Line corridor as part of this project. The studies began with the gathering of traffic counts at over 100 signalized intersections. Diagrams were developed showing the morning and evening peak traffic volumes. From a review of the data, the evening peak hour was determined to be the higher volume. Therefore, for all analysis the evening peak hour was defined as the critical time.

Travel demand forecasts were developed for the various Red Line alternatives for both automobile and transit volumes. These forecasts were based on the Baltimore Metropolitan Council's travel demand model. The traffic volumes were then applied to a traffic simulation model (VISSIM) to determine impacts on traffic operations in the Red Line study area.

The results of the traffic studies can be found in the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Technical Report.

What kind of parking studies are being performed to estimate the impact of the Red Line on parking?

Parking studies were conducted in three steps. Step One identifies the number of existing spaces in any area. A field review was performed to determine the number of spaces. This consists of counting the number of parking meters or estimating the spaces by dividing the length of the block by the average car length used when parking. Step Two measures the usage of those spaces. A study was undertaken to determine the number of occupied spaces. A count was performed approximately every hour for a selected time period on one weekday and one Saturday or Sunday to determine the number of occupied spaces. The final step determines the number of spaces displaced by particular Red Line alternatives.

The results of the parking studies can be found in the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Technical Report.

Will the Red Line relieve traffic congestion?

The Red Line will provide travel choice for area residents. Experience has shown that riders on a Red Line will be comprised of existing MTA bus riders and new riders to transit. To the extent that the Red Line service is attractive to people currently driving automobile usage should decrease.

What will be the traffic impact during construction?

Traffic impact in the Red Line corridor will vary during the construction phase, depending on the type and location of construction. During this phase, the MTA and local jurisdictions will implement a Maintenance of Traffic plan to lessen the impact on individual streets, maintain access to homes and businesses and provide temporary detour routes where necessary. Construction work can be scheduled in segments so the area impacted at any one time is minimized. Some construction can be scheduled during off-peak times to avoid morning and evening rush hour traffic. The MTA will limit traffic impact whenever possible.

While surface construction is under way, drivers may encounter lane shifts, occasional detour routes and temporary lane closures. Access to and from cross-streets may be reduced; local traffic may need to be rerouted to avoid construction zones. Bored tunnels will not necessarily have a large-scale traffic impact during construction, but in areas where cut-and-cover tunneling is necessary, temporary road closures may occur during the initial phase. Once this tunneling construction has been taken to a certain depth, the work site can be covered, with traffic restored above while work continues below.

Will bikes be allowed on BRT or LRT vehicles?

Bicycles will be allowed on Red Line vehicles. MTA's current policy encourages bicycles on public transportation to enhance mobility. MTA currently allows bicycles to be brought on local buses, Light Rail, and Metro vehicles, and in special cases MARC trains. On the Metro and Light Rail, bikes are permitted except on crowded trains. A bicycle rider must hold onto the bicycle in the area of the train designated for seniors and people with disabilities. These same bicycle policies would apply to the Red Line.

More information on the MTA's current policy on bicycles aboard transit vehicles is described in a booklet, "Bicycles on the MTA". This booklet is available on line at http://www.mtamaryland.com/resources/bikesonmta/MTA_Bike_Brochure.pdf or by contacting MTA's Office of Customer Information.

Will I lose parking if a surface alternative is selected for the Red Line?

The loss of parking if any surface alternative is selected will be based upon the specifics of that alternative. For example, most alternatives along Cooks Lane would eliminate parking along the east side of the roadway. Parking on the west side of Cooks Lane would be allowed with all alternatives. In other locations, parking changes may occur by time of day. Along Eastern Avenue and Fleet Street some of the alternatives would allow parking during off-peak hours but restrict parking during peak hours. The impacts to parking for all Red Line alternatives and options are provided in the DEIS.

How will the Red Line affect the safety and flow of pedestrian movement?

The MTA will work with Baltimore City, Baltimore County and local communities to achieve the best solutions for pedestrian movement. When light rail or buses are located on existing streets, pedestrian crossings must be clearly identified and understood by all. The Red Line may change some existing pedestrian crossing locations, but if so, convenient new crossing locations will be provided.

How is the MTA planning to ensure the Red Line is accessible to pedestrians?

In the planning for the Red Line it is assumed that a large portion of future riders will walk to and from the stations. This requires good, comfortable and safe pedestrian routes from neighborhoods, places of work and attractions to the stations. The first goal is to place stations at locations that are within walkable distance to major transit origins and destinations. Where improvements in the pedestrian connections to a station are needed, they will be implemented in partnership with Baltimore City, Baltimore County and the State Highway Administration or potentially with private partners. "Walkability" is a broad goal that needs broad support to be successful. Suggestions for walkability improvements in communities can be made throughout the planning stage.

Will the Red Line change the way I access my home or business?

Depending on the alternative selected, the Red Line would influence vehicular access to certain roadways and businesses. The DEIS presents the analysis of changes to vehicular access as either access modifications or a change in the street pattern (eg a two-way street today that would be converted to a one-way street). Information on access can be found in Volume II of the DEIS under the Transportation Impacts section.  More detailed information is also available in the Traffic, Parking and Transportation Technical Report.

Will the construction of any of the Red Line alternatives affect where cars can make turns?

Access modifications could occur depending on the Red Line alternative selected. For example under an option with transit in the median, left turning motorists would be required to make turns at signalized locations in order for light rail trains or bus rapid transit vehicles traveling in the same direction to stop when the turning movement takes place.