Hunts Point Truck Access Study, Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), Bronx, NY
At over 300 acres and $2 billion in revenue generated, the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center, located in the Hunts Point Peninsula section of the Bronx, is the largest in the world. However, it lacks direct access to the adjacent Bruckner Expressway (I-278). The purpose of this project was to determine the feasibility and effect of providing connecting ramps between the Bruckner Expressway and the Hunts Point Peninsula. As a supplement to the extensive data collection effort, existing information and data were used from previous studies including the Bruckner/Sheridan Interchange EIS, Bruckner Viaduct Rehabilitation Project, Arthur Sheridan Enhancement Project, and the NYCDOT TIGER II study.
SIMCO developed balanced existing traffic volume networks for 85 intersections during nine time periods using traffic count data. SIMCO also developed balanced future No Action condition volumes for these time periods out to 2025, 2035, and 2055. The balanced future Build condition volumes for 2025, 2035, and 2055 were developed using AIMSUM model output that considered the proposed changes in the traffic network and new ramp connections.
SIMCO conducted existing and future conditions intersection capacity analyses using Synchro for the 85 study intersections during four peak time periods. Mitigation measures were developed for impacted intersections including signal timing and progression along both the local and express Bruckner Boulevard corridor roadways for the Design Report and EIS and as inputs for air quality and noise analyses. Travel time runs were recorded along key routes through the study area for calibrating the AIMSUM model. Highway, accident, and parking analyses were also conducted as part of the study.