Location: Crown Point, Indiana, United States

PROJECT SUMMARY

This Traffic Impact Study (TIS) assessed the potential impacts of a proposed 10,878 square-foot Ambulatory Surgery Center located on 101st Avenue, approximately 980 feet east of the SR 53 (Broadway) intersection in Crown Point, Indiana. The site is currently vacant, zoned as general business (B-3), and accessed via 101st Avenue, a four-lane minor arterial with a 40 mph speed limit. The roadway experiences an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of 7,696 vehicles in 2024, with PM peak hour volumes of 433 eastbound and 387 westbound vehicles. The area has no pedestrian or bicycle facilities and lacks public transit stops. 

The study involved analyzing the traffic mobility, safety, and capacity impacts of the proposed development. It included evaluating the Level of Service (LOS) for the proposed driveway and 101st Avenue to ensure minimal traffic impact, as well as assessing the need for a left-turn lane or bypass lane.

Featured Elements

• A single driveway designed for ingress and egress, featuring a deceleration lane for right turns.
• Estimated PM peak hour trip generation of 36 vehicles.

Safety Considerations

• Historical crash data indicates minimal fatalities in recent years.
• The roadway’s geometry and the anticipated low traffic impact suggest that the site is generally safe.

Left-Turn or Bypass Lane Assessment

Based on AASHTO’s planning-level screening steps for left-turn lane guidelines, the assessment determined that a left-turn lane is not warranted due to low traffic volumes. Additionally, a bypass lane, or passing blister, is not warranted as it applies only to two-lane highways, while 101st Avenue is a four-lane roadway.

Mitigation Measures

• Refreshed pavement markings to enhance lane visibility and safety.
• A right-turn deceleration lane to ensure safe access to the driveway.

Conclusions

The proposed Ambulatory Surgery Center is expected to have minimal impact on traffic operations, capacity, and safety along 101st Avenue. With the recommended mitigation measures, the project will maintain desirable traffic flow and safety levels, ensuring compatibility with existing roadway conditions.