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DRAFT November 21, 1995 Arterials form the principal network for high volume traffic flow. They • currently make up 16 percent of urban mileage nationwide, but carry over 50 percent of vehicle miles of travel. Their primary function is that of traffic service and they should connect principal areas of traffic generation and important rural roads entering the City. Arterials should form a reasonably continuous and integrated system. In Elk River, arterials are further defined as either major or minor. Basically, major arterials are multi-lane expressways such as Trunk Highways 10 and 169. A majority of the arterial mileage is made up of minor arterials. As carriers of a large percentage of total traffic, minor arterials will be the primary focus of the proposed transportation plan. The primary function of collector streets is to collect the distribute traffic between arterials and local streets. They provide both traffic service and land access, but should not carry long distance thru traffic. In fact, efforts are often made to break up the continuity of a collector to discourage its use over longer distances. The sole function of local streets is to provide access to immediately adjacent land. They make up a large percentage of total urban mileage but carry a small percentage of vehicular traffic. It is wise to discourage the use of local streets by thru traffic. • Figure 4 is a graphical representation of the relationship between mobility and accessibility for the various functional classifications. Table 4 provides a comprehensive overview of guidelines for functional classification of roadways. With the growth that is anticipated in the City of Elk River, it will be very important to adopt a transportation plan outlining a functional classification system that will optimize the efficiency of traffic flow within and through the City and maintain a higher standard of safety of operation, while at the same time not exceeding the economic limitations of the community. The most difficult part of implementing a plan is to balance efficiency, safety and economy. But the plan is an essential step in locating where the balance is. 2. System Deficiencies Figure 5 shows system deficiencies based on the all-or-nothing ultimate development assignment. Ultimate traffic has been placed on the existing roadway network, with existing roadway capacities. As the figure shows, the area where demand exceeds capacity is in the commercial and industrial 411 core of the City. T.H. 10 is deficient through the entire length of the downtown district. Another significant problem area is Proctor Avenue north from T.H. 10, through the intersection with School Street and CTP-230.156 -10- 230-156-80