Kennett Area Regional Transportation Study

Chester County, PA

As the Kennett Region experiences tremendous commercial and office development pressures along the US Route 1 corridor and significant residential growth throughout the region, the Kennett Area Regional Planning Commission identified the need for TPD to complete a regional transportation study to analyze future roadway needs. This transportation study does not take the traditional approach of analyzing required roadway improvements. TPD will utilize TModel2 to link the interaction between land use planning and transportation planning in one study.

TPD will first establish existing volumes at 85 intersections in East Marlborough, Kennett, Pennsbury and Pocopson Townships and Kennett Square Borough. Capacity analysis will be completed at each intersection to identify existing deficiencies in levels of service (LOS).

The use of TModel2 will enable TPD to then project future traffic volumes for 2010 based on land development projections and scenarios provided by each of the municipalities in the region. In addition, TModel2 will take into account influencing factors outside of the region such as US Route 202 improvements in Chester and Delaware Counties and significant land developments such as Astra Zeneca in New Castle County, Delaware. Once TModel2 projects volumes for 2010, TPD will conduct capacity analysis at the same intersections to identify deficiencies in levels of service (LOS).

TPD will develop a list of recommended improvements with cost estimates to correct future roadway deficiencies at each of the intersections. In addition, TPD will develop schematic sketches at each intersection illustrating the improvements. Corridor improvements will be presented on aerial photography indicating impacts to existing features and property acquisition. The detailed inventory of recommended improvements will enable the region to aggressively pursue various funding opportunities.

When completed, a copy of TModel2 containing the regional model will be provided to the municipalities and County. The model can be continuously updated with changes to demographic data, new land developments and roadway improvements. This feature will enable the municipalities to utilize the model for future planning efforts. TModel2 will be used by municipal/county staff to assess the impacts of alternative land use, access and road improvement scenarios. TPD will provide a training seminar to the municipalities and County on the use of TModel2.