United Water Property Traffic Impact Analysis

An engineering firm has prepared an analysis of the traffic impact that a proposed mixed-use development on the United Water Company property would have on New Milford. 

The analysis —prepared by Dolan & Dean Consulting Engineers LLC of Martinsville —assesses the existing infrastructure in the vicinity of the site, identifies existing traffic patterns, and projects future traffic volumes. Also included was an assessment of future roadway and intersection conditions surrounding the site of the proposed development.

Traffic volumes were observed on the following dates and times:

• Sat. March 19, 2011: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Tues. March 22, 2011: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
• Tues. April 26, 2011: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
• Tues. Sept. 27, 2011: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

According to the study, peak hour traffic counts were conducted during anticipated peak periods of the proposed development's operation. Based on the proposed retail and residential uses of the site, the study anticipates that peak driveway activity will be during weekday mornings and evenings, and midday Saturday.

Because New Milford High School is situated adjacent to the proposed development, additional traffic counts were performed to identify peak volumes involving school traffic.  

A summary of total peak hour estimates for the individual uses purpose was prepared and contained within the study.

      Total Trip Generation Projections: (Estimates)

The study reports that a portion of the traffic will come from cars passing the proposed development on their way to some other destination that will stop for a retail trip. For the proposed supermarket, it is determined that approximately 10% of traffic may be drawn from the traffic flows along River Road and Main Street. The study also concludes that these types of retail trips "do not add new traffic to the adjacent street system."

For the purposes of the traffic analysis, a two-year build out was assumed. In order to project traffic volumes, the NJDOT Bergen County assumes a growth rate of 2.0% per year. This figure was applied to the existing traffic volumes as observed by the study team. 

The study determined that with the addition of traffic generated by the proposed development, the levels of service and delay for the River Road, Cecchino Drive, Milford Avenue signalized intersection will not cause any change in service. It was determined that all approaches will operate at "acceptable levels of service or better with the addition of site traffic."

Copies of the site plans and traffic report is on file and available for public review at the New Milford Building Department in Borough Hall. 

The developer, New Milford Redevelopment Associates, will be appearing before the Board of Adjustment on Tuesday, Feb. 14th at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers of Borough Hall. The public is invited to attend.

Peter Hekemian, managing director of the New Milford Development Associates, LLC, is also the Principal and V.P. of Development for the S. Hekemian Group.