11.3.9 Other Considerations (Impacts)
An alternative may address the intersection needs from an operational and safety perspective, but several other considerations may determine whether it is a practical option to pursue. These include the following:
- ROW, environmental impacts, and construction costs;
- Constructability timelines, staging, temporary traffic control needs, and project delivery;
- Acceptability of the alternative by the public, local jurisdictions, and other important stakeholders; and
- Consistency within interregional corridors or other highways where a corridor study has been prepared.
The suitability of each interchange alternative for pedestrians and bicyclists should be assessed with an emphasis on convenience and accessibility and consideration of pedestrian and bicyclist network information from local and community plans. Potential items to consider include number of lanes to cross, protected versus permitted turning movements, and motorist approach speeds. Additionally, the multimodal assessment should consider the suitability of each alternative for transit, freight, and other large vehicle operations when applicable. The Stage I scoping analysis with respect to freight and other large vehicle operation can be informed by whether an intersection is part of a designated Truck Route or Over-Size-Over-Weight Route. Transit assessments can be informed by discussions with the transit provider about different treatment options and any operating restrictions associated with different intersection and control types.