1998-09-28 Engineering Traffic Forcast Review=S~ MEMORANDUM
3535 VADNAIS CENTER DRIVE, 200 SEH CENTER, ST. PAUL, MN 55110-5116 612 490-2000 600 325-2055 612 490-2150 FAX
TO: Pete Carlson
FROM: Cynthia Drake C 5 ~
DATE: September 28, 1998
RE: Minneapolis Factory Shopper
We have reviewed the traffic forecast information you sent to us regarding the proposed Minneapolis
Factory Shoppes in Albertville, MN. The information included the traffic section from the
Environmental Assessment Worksheet (EAW) and a sheet of information from J & J Properties (the
developer). We have been researching why the numbers from the two sources are incompatible.
EAVV Forecasted Traffic Volumes
The forecasted traffic volumes in the EAW were developed by Benshoof & Associates, Inc
(Benshoof). The development of the forecasted volumes are detailed in the Application for an Indirect
Source Pernut report completed in November, 1996 by Benshoof. This report was completed for the
developer.
The forecasted volumes in the Benshoof report and EAW were developed using standard industry
traffic forecasting practices. Traffic generation rates are taken for a retail outlet center from the Trip
Generation manual published by the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). Since the rates from
ITE are national averages, the rates are adjusted as needed to reflect local and surrounding
socioeconomic conditions. The forecasted trips are then distributed to the surrounding roadways.
These trips are added to the traffic volumes projected to be on the surrounding roadways without the
proposed development.
We developed forecasted traffic volumes for the proposed development independent of the Benshoof
report. The development assumptions included a 267,000 square feet outlet retail center, 85,000
square feet of additional retail, and 7,000 square feet of restaurants. Table 1 shows a comparison of
An Afftrnwtive Action,
Equal Opportunity Employer