Chapter4 Existing Infrastructure System Inventory
DRAFT Existing Conditions Report New Haven Hartford Springfield Commuter Rail Implementation Study Chapter 4 Existing Infrastructure System Inventory The following chapter highlights the existing transportation network that serves the Springfield Line study area. The infrastructure that is discussed includes roadways, livery service, intercity bus, local bus transit, para-transit services, ride-sharing services, and connecting intercity rail. Utilities in the corridor are also evaluated. 4.1 Parallel Roadway Traffic Volumes, Speed and Levels of Service I-91 is the primary parallel roadway competing with potential commuter rail service along the Springfield Line. Route 5, which also serves the corridor, primarily provides local access to commercial land uses, residential land uses and town centers. Speed and delay runs were completed on I-91 during the AM and PM peak periods in the most congested sections of the I-91 corridor; namely, the New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield areas. Specifically, in New Haven, the speed and delay segments were in each direction from Exit 1 to Exit 8. In the Hartford area, the speed and delay segments were in each direction from Exit 21 to Exit 40. Finally, in Springfield, the speed and delay segments were in each direction from Exit 49 in Connecticut, to Exit 13 in Massachusetts. Figures 4.1-1 through 4.1-3 show the travel speeds along Interstate 91 during each peak period for New Haven, Hartford, and Springfield respectively. As Figure 4.1-1 shows, southbound I-91 in New Haven during the AM peak shows significant speed reduction from Exit 6 to Exit 1, with speeds at or below 35 mph.
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