For the Existing Conditions Report, I analyzed traffic and safety data. This included motor vehicle, pedestrian, and bike crashes in the Downtown Loop, but particularly the North side of the Loop. I also analyzed the local streets immediately adjacent to the North side of the Loop.

Safety

Starting with the motor vehicle crash data, it’s evident that the north side of the loop is fairly comparable to the south or east sides as far as overall crash density, however, from 2018-2022, the intersection at Broadway and I-70 is overrepresented. I’m curious if crash data for the next 5 years will show a reduction at that location since I-35 traffic can flow freely to and from the Buck O’Neil bridges.

Next, with the pedestrian- and bike-involved crash data, it’s clear to see that the majority are located on or next to the highway facility itself. With potential future pedestrianization or overall reductions in traffic volume, this data will likely decline along the north side of the loop.

AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) volumes

For AADT, it’s important to note that the East and South sides of the loop carry larger volumes of traffic than the North and West sides (see first image). Additionally, while the West side has been increasing in traffic, likely due to the Buck O’Neil bridge replacement, the North side has actually seen a reduction (see second image).

This reduction provides an initial justification for potential removal of the North Loop. While there would certainly be barriers such as highway rerouting, as well as obvious funding challenges, the removal is generally supported by the traffic patterns.

If removed, it is likely that the south side of the loop in particular would experience a large increase in traffic. This means that, in conjunction with a removal, the south leg would need to be redesigned, including potential ramp reconfigurations or closures in order to promote traffic flow, as well as potential widening or lane redesignations.

Takeaways

Overall, removal of the North Loop would likely come with safety benefits for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike, and seems relatively in line with current traffic volumes and growth patterns. However, in order to minimize potential disruptions and safety negatives, the south side of the loop would need to be reworked in conjunction with a removal of the North Loop.