Oklahoma City Traffic Impact Fee Study

The City of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma implemented Traffic Impact Fees on new developments raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in each of 11 Transportation Benefit Areas. Walter P Moore was contracted by the City to perform a traffic study of four of the benefit areas. The purpose of the study was to identify 10 intersections within each Transportation Benefit Area that warranted improvements due to congestion and safety concerns.  

Walter P Moore’s four benefit areas include about 300 signalized intersections plus even more un-signalized intersections. To refine the total number of intersections to a manageable amount, an initial screening process was completed. The MPO’s travel demand model was reviewed to understand volume/capacity (v/c) ratios to filter out non-congested intersections. Crash history from the Oklahoma Department of Transportation was also reviewed to identify high-crash locations. 

Big data from Streetlight Data provided turning movement counts at the 70 remaining intersections to fully understand existing conditions. Growth rates were developed for each of the benefit areas and counts were grown to determine proposed levels of service and delay. Large developments identified within the City’s Planning group were then layered on top of the existing conditions and roadway projects already planned and funded were identified and added to our models. Site observations were conducted as needed. 

Based on the 2030 conditions, improvements were recommended for up to 10 intersections in each benefit area that would provide the greatest improvement to capacity, reduce congestion, and/or improve safety. These recommendations include, but are not limited to:

• Extending auxiliary lanes
• New left and/or right turn lanes
• New traffic signals
• Adding through lanes
• Signal phasing modifications 
  
  

Concept drawings and cost estimates were developed for each recommendation. A draft submittal of the study was submitted in October 2019 with the final submittal in early 2020. Additionally, Walter P Moore will have the opportunity to provide design services on the recommended improvements.