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Traffic Operations Analysis
Less time in traffic. Easier trips through town and into downtown.
By 2050, the alternatives would give through traffic a faster route around Moscow and reduce congestion for people heading downtown. Compared with making no improvements, the model predicts:
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70% less total delay across the modeled road network.
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20%–40% faster trips for through traffic.
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30%–60% less intersection delay for downtown traffic.
These results reflect the evening rush hour, when traffic is busiest.
Many alternatives would accommodate twice as many vehicles in the Moscow area.
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All alternatives serve the daily traffic demand; some intersections would need improvements to serve peak-hour traffic demand.
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More drivers would use the improved routes because they provide easier access and more direct trips.
Traffic Operations Analysis
No Build 2050
Under the No Build Alternative, widespread congestion would limit travel throughout Moscow to only 7,500 vehicles per day.
More vehicles would use US-95 and SH-8 if the roadway system had sufficient capacity. Instead, congestion causes some trips to be delayed, rerouted, or avoided, resulting in:
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Longer rush-hour periods
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More drivers using neighborhood streets to avoid congestion
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Reduced access to local businesses
These estimates do not include additional drivers already rerouting through downtown neighborhoods to avoid congestion.
Daily Travel Patterns by Alternative
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Alternative A Warbonnet Drive does not have an improved route in the southeast quadrant and would depend on existing Palouse River Drive or SH-8.
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Alternative B Idaho State Line is close to Moscow, making it convenient for local drivers. This alternative best serves local and regional trips of all the alternatives.
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Alternatives C Washington State Line and D Airport Road Interchange effectively serve both east-west and north-south trips and are expected to attract substantial use.
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Alternative E Airport Road Partial Cloverleaf provides limited access by design. Drivers may choose to use Palouse River Drive or SH-8 to avoid a less direct route.