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1-1 Transportation Master Plan 1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Project Purpose and Need In 1987, the City of Brighton completed the Brighton Transportation Study to identify a street network plan to serve existing and proposed development within and adjacent to the City. Since 1987, the City has experienced rapid growth in population and is currently evaluating a number of large development proposals. To complement a recently adopted comprehensive plan, the City of Brighton initiated this transportation master plan update in late 2000. The purpose of this transportation master plan update is to develop a multi-modal transportation plan that reflects current city transportation requirements and anticipates future growth needs. Designed as a guide for city staff, developers and local citizens, the transportation master plan is designed to develop an updated major street network plan and integrate transportation plans developed by the City for other modes into a single document. 1.2 Planning Principle and Policies The Brighton Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies states the following principle that should guide the transportation planning process: Brighton’s Transportation System Should Minimize Environmental and Quality of Life Disturbances and Maximize Efficiency and Multi-Model Opportunities (page 34). The Comprehensive Plan also defines the following transportation policies: 1. Minimize the impacts of traffic congestion on existing neighborhoods. 2. Maximize the efficiency of Brighton’s road system. 3. Create mechanisms to fund the major road construction effort that will support and encourage growth. 4. Work at the State and regional level to obtain highway funds for critical projects. 5. Seek to decrease the number of automobile trips per person and per job in Brighton as the community grows. 6. Plan for a citywide multi-modal road system. 7. Plan for future transit opportunities. 8. Require that redevelopment of existing or design of new local road be designed in ways that support distinctive and pleasing neighborhoods. 9. Pursue improved signing at the edges of the City. The Comprehensive Plan recommended that City’s Transportation Master Plan and Major Thoroughfare Plan be updated so as to provide the foundation for requests on the County Master Plan and the state transportation improvement plan. ---PAGE BREAK--- 1-2 Transportation Master Plan 1.3 Study Process The major task of this transportation master plan update was to develop an updated major thoroughfare plan for the City and the immediate surrounding area. At the heart of the effort was the development of a computerized traffic model of 2020 peak hour traffic conditions in the City based on the latest Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) traffic model and land uses, supplemented with updated 2020 land use forecasts from the City of Brighton Planning Department as well as the Adams County Transportation Plan. The forecasted 2020 traffic volumes are based on anticipated growth and development of future planning areas as well as the potential transportation impact of development in adjacent cities and unincorporated area. Traffic forecasts from this model were used to develop the recommended proposed street network that defined this plan’s Major Thoroughfare Plan. Construction cost estimates for identified improvements of the Major Thoroughfare Plan were then developed. Highest priority projects and their potential funding sources were identified for inclusion in a proposed 10-year capital improvement program. Existing plans for other transportation modes, including mass transit and bicycles/pedestrians, were assembled and integrated into this document.