By Aaron C. Knapp, Staff Writer for the Lorain Daily
ELYRIA TOWNSHIP, OH – A traffic study, dated April 3, 2024, made a shocking discovery. The planned Orchard Meadows Subdivision, a 117-home project in Elyria Township, should have little effect on local traffic. TMS Engineers, Inc., who did the study, looked at key intersections. They wanted to see how the new homes might change traffic.
Roads Under the Microscope
To check the subdivision traffic impact, they studied four intersections. First, they looked at North Ridge Road & O’Neil Boulevard/Lake Avenue. Then, they examined Lake Avenue & Murray Ridge Road, Murray Ridge Road & Dellefield Road, and West Ridge Road & Dellefield Road. They compared traffic now to predicted traffic in 2026 and 2036, both with and without the subdivision.
Surprisingly Small Traffic Delays
The study concluded the subdivision traffic impact will be shockingly small. In other words, Orchard Meadows should only cause a slight increase in traffic delays. Most intersections will keep good traffic flow, known as Level of Service (LOS). Ohio road rules say LOS D or better is good for intersections, and LOS E or better for roads.
“We found the new homes won’t make traffic much worse at these roads,” the study said.
Current Traffic Issue Found, Not Caused By Subdivision
However, the study found a traffic problem at North Ridge Road and Lake Avenue. Specifically, the left turn lane there could get too crowded by 2036, even without the new homes. This problem isn’t due to the subdivision.
Therefore, the study suggested Elyria Township lengthen the left turn lane to ease this congestion.
How New Homes Will Access Roads
Moreover, the study looked at the driveways for Orchard Meadows on Lake Avenue and Murray Ridge Road. Consequently, it said these driveways should work well, with good traffic flow.
Furthermore, it said no extra turn lanes are needed at the driveways. Regular lanes with stop signs will work fine.
Methodology Used in the Study
To be accurate, the study followed Ohio road study rules and used traffic software.
“We aimed to give a clear and correct view of how the homes might affect traffic,” said a TMS Engineers, Inc. representative.
You can view the full traffic impact study <a href=”https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:d32e543d-3f7b-4a70-b7a8-743f67e667f9” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>here</a>.
The Lorain Daily will keep an eye on the Orchard Meadows project and provide updates.