Houston, Texas

Ardurra performed a traffic study to compare different light rail transit alignment options at the University of Houston campus. The proposed light rail transit alignments are not grade separated and thus introduce some challenges to coordinate pedestrian, vehicular and transit operations.

The purpose of the study was to assess the relative impact of each option on vehicular and pedestrian traffic if priority is afforded to train movements in order to maximize transit use by the University of Houston community. Ardurra estimated traffic diversions and evaluated traffic operations at the study intersections based on intersection level of service criteria. Performed VISSIM model to reflect PM peak traffic operations for the base option where Southeast Corridor will have stations North of Elgin & South of Alabama and University Corridor terminates at a station platform South of Alabama. As part of this project, VISSIM models were developed for three additional options to reflect PM peak traffic. Also, models were developed for base and all options for sold out weekend events at the University of Houston Robertson Stadium. Several runs of VISSIM model for each option were performed.

The levels of service at Scott/Elgin, Scott/Holman, Scott/Alabama, Cullen/Elgin and Cullen/Holman intersections were compared for each option.

A Draft Technical Memorandum documenting study data, assumptions and findings of VISSIM modeling was delivered. Additionally, aVISSIM model for Option 1 with modifications requested by METRO was developed and analyzed.