Project Highlight
For the I-71 Western Row Interchange Modification Study, Bayer Becker was selected to assist Stantec with the engineering study by performing the necessary traffic data collection. The City of Mason wanted to create a greater presence as you exit Interstate 71 onto Western Row Road. Several design alternatives are currently being evaluated, but before any final design can begin, traffic counts, saturation flow studies, and time travel studies had to be conducted to understand the existing roadway conditions. Once the existing conditions were presented and analyzed, the appropriate alternative could be selected.
Bayer Becker’s Transportation Engineering department performed several mechanical traffic counts on the ramps to and from Interstate 71 at Fields Ertel Road and Kings Mills Road, along Western Row Road, and along Kings Island Drive. Turning movement traffic counts and saturation flow studies were also conducted at multiple intersections along Western Row Road. Bayer Becker performed time travel studies along Kings Mills Road, Kings Island Drive, and Western Row Road. Safety for the engineering technicians installing the standard tube mechanical counters along Interstate 71 was a concern. Consequently, an alternative radar traffic counter (Wavetronix SmartSensor HD), was considered.
Bayer Becker submitted the radar counter’s product information to the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for review and approval. With ODOT's permission, the radar counter was used to obtain the necessary Interstate 71 traffic counts. The radar counter provided the same accurate results while providing safer working conditions and a cost savings for the project.
The close proximity of Bayer Becker’s office with respect to the traffic count locations assisted in the cost savings of the project and allowed for timely mobilization with respect to weather and traffic influences.