2017 Spencer Comprehensive Land Use Plan

Spencer, Iowa  2017  Comprehensive Plan

Generally, higher traffic counts occur on arterial and collector highways and streets, and near the business district. In 2011, there was an average of 10,000 vehicles entering and leaving Spencer on the north side of the community along Highway 71, as compared to 10,300 vehicles in 1999. Similarly, on the south side of Spencer, along Highway 71 a recorded 6,200 vehicles traveled this route daily in 2011; in comparison to 5,300 average daily traffic in 1999. The average daily number of vehicles traveling in and out of the city at the western city limits was reported at approximately 9,000 in multiple access points in 2011 in comparison with approximately 9,000 vehicles in 1999 as well. The eastern side had experienced total traffic count of 4,200 in 2011 compared to 8,200 in 1999. This number is skewed because one main location, which was measured in 1999 was not measured in 2011, this was the eastern side of Highway 18 coming into Spencer. Traffic remains consistent along the Highway corridors through much of the community. As reported, the traffic counts near both major highways were comparable between the years 2011 and 1999, except for the area that did not get counted on Highway 18 on the east side of Spencer.

STREET CLASSIFICATIONS

Streets in a community are an indispensable asset and necessity. Few other elements so drastically affect a city’s development. Therefore, this section draws attention to the street transportation system in Spencer. Local traffic ways have evolved from a changing set of determinants. A few of these determinants governing current and future roadway design include: The map on the following page depicts traffic routes in Spencer classified according to the Federal Functional Classification system. The highest traffic routes in Spencer are Highways 71 and 18, which are classified by the Iowa DOT as a principal arterial route. The next highest classification of roads is a minor arterial route. Those roads in Spencer classified as minor arterials are County Highway B24 (East 4 th St. and West 4 th St.) which runs through the center of the community, 18 th Street on the north side of Spencer, 4 th Avenue W, 10 th Avenue E, East 11 th Street between 10 th Ave. E and 4 th Ave. W, 4 th St. SW, 4 th Ave. SW, W. 8 th Street, portions of East and West 5 th Streets in downtown, and 32 nd Ave. W (west beltway). The next level of street

PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS: 1. The population masses using the traffic system tend to follow the fastest course. 2. When a properly designed traffic system is not provided, the driving public establishes one by finding the routes, regardless of adjacent land uses and other planning considerations. 3. The driving public tends to drive according to environmental conditions of the roadway.

ECONOMIC FACTORS: 1. Streets and roadways comprise a significant percentage of land acreage within the community. Consequently, a substantial capital asset of the city is tied up in land value of the roadways. 2. Capital expenditures for road improvements, maintenance costs, and construction costs of streets are a substantial portion of city, county, state, and federal expenditures.

PHYSICAL FACTORS: 1. Street grades and grades of abutting properties may severely restrict driver sight distances. This is a particularly serious condition at street intersections or driveway entrances to streets. 2. Street intersections can have restricted sight clearances as a result of numerous private and public signs, trees, and shrubs improperly located, vehicles parked too close to the intersection, utility poles blocking view, etc. 3. Poor street alignment, right-of-way cross-sectional grading and drainage techniques, etc. can contribute additional safety hazards.

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NW Iowa Planning & Development