Freeport Bridge Project - Freeport Pennsylvania

Origin-Destination Study
	PennDOT and its design team evaluated traffic patterns and travel times within the project area by conducting an Origin-Destination (O&D) Study. The study was conducted as a result of the July 2006 Public Plans Display. The purpose of the O&D study was to ensure that a design is completed that is appropriate for the traffic movements. The study was done in two parts, a travel pattern study and a travel time study. For the travel pattern study, the design team placed observers at the five entry and exit locations for the Freeport Bridge northern approach interchange. The locations were: The north end of the Freeport Bridge 2nd Street (entry) and Buffalo Street (exit) in Freeport The base of the S.R. 0356 hill from Sarver The base of the Freeport Road (S.R. 2019) hill from Natrona Heights Laneville intersection Observers recorded vehicle license plates passing their checkpoint using hand held voice recorders and video cameras over a three day period between October 9 and 11, 2007. The license plates coming into and out of the study area were recorded at peak morning and afternoon travel hours. The license plates were then matched using computer software to determine where each vehicle entered (origin) and exited (destination) the study area. The origin-destination to and from each checkpoint were compiled. The results of the O&D Study showed that distribution of traffic did not favor any specific movement and that the original design concept balances the needs of all travelers. For the travel time study, the existing travel times were compared to computed travel times for the proposed design alternative. The results of the travel time study show a decrease in travel time ranging from 30 to 80 seconds for the majority of traffic. This time assumes being delayed at a signal that has turned red. Much of the time savings is a result of traveling 2/3 of a mile less. The O&D Study results were utilized to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed design alternative and optimize the design to meet area traffic needs. The Department is confident that the proposed design will significantly improve traffic movements for travelers within the area.