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2025.0071-2025.0463.PR0003 03 - Panda Express Yelm Ave - Traffic Impact Analysis (531) Panda Express Yelm, WA Traffic Impact Analysis May 16, 2025 Prepared for: Atwell, LLC 25 Central Way Kirkland, WA 98033 Prepared by: 520 Kirkland Way, Suite 100 Kirkland, WA 98033 (425) 889-6747 Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page i TABLE OF CONTENTS FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS.................................................................................................................................................1 INTRODUCTION...................................................................................................................................................................2 Project Description.......................................................................................................................................................2 Project Approach ..........................................................................................................................................................2 Primary Data and Information Sources...................................................................................................................2 EXISTING CONDITIONS......................................................................................................................................................4 Study Area.......................................................................................................................................................................4 Roadway Network.........................................................................................................................................................4 Transit Service................................................................................................................................................................4 Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities ................................................................................................................4 Traffic Volumes..............................................................................................................................................................4 Crash History..................................................................................................................................................................6 Intersection Levels of Service.....................................................................................................................................6 FUTURE CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................................................................7 Planned Transportation Improvements..................................................................................................................7 Project Trip Generation...............................................................................................................................................7 Project Trip Distribution..............................................................................................................................................7 Traffic Volumes..............................................................................................................................................................7 Intersection Levels of Service..................................................................................................................................11 Site Access Evaluation...............................................................................................................................................11 LOS and Queuing....................................................................................................................................................11 MITIGATION........................................................................................................................................................................12 APPENDICES Appendix A – Preliminary Site Plan Appendix B – Existing Traffic Counts Appendix C – Level of Service (LOS) Methodology and Calculations Appendix D – Trip Generation Calculations Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page ii LIST OF FIGURES AND TABLES Figure 1 Project Site Vicinity.............................................................................................................................................3 Figure 2 2025 Existing Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes...........................................................................5 Figure 3 Weekday PM Peak Hour Project Trip Assignment......................................................................................8 Figure 4 2027 No Action Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes.......................................................................9 Figure 5 2027 With Project Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes................................................................10 Table 1 Existing Roadway Network Summary............................................................................................................4 Table 2 Crash Data Summary by Year, January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 ...............................................6 Table 3 Crash Data Summary by Type, January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024...............................................6 Table 4 Existing 2025 Weekday PM Peak Hour LOS Summary..............................................................................6 Table 5 Trip Generation Summary................................................................................................................................7 Table 6 Future 2027 Weekday PM Peak Hour LOS Summary.............................................................................11 Table 7 Future 2027 Weekday PM Peak Hour Site Access LOS and Queue Summary.................................11 Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 1 FINDINGS/CONCLUSIONS This Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) has been prepared for the proposed Panda Express project located at 1104 Yelm Ave E. Project Proposal. The proposed project would include the development of a new 2,600 square foot (SF) Panda Express restaurant with drive-through window. The existing site is currently vacant. Vehicular access to and from the site is proposed via one (1) existing shared right-in/right-out driveway off SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) and one (1) new full-access driveway off NE Plaza Dr. Full project buildout is expected in 2027. Trip Generation. The proposed Panda Express project is estimated to generate 547 new weekday daily trips with 39 trips occurring during the weekday PM peak hour (20 in, 19 out). No AM peak hour trips are anticipated to be generated by the site since Panda Express is not open during the AM peak period. Intersection Level of Service (LOS). Weekday PM peak hour LOS analysis was conducted at the adjacent NE Plaza Dr/SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) off-site stop-controlled study intersection. The study intersection is anticipated to operate at LOS A during the weekday PM peak hour in 2027 with or without the proposed Panda Express project. Site Access Evaluation. Based on the results of the analysis, the individual movements entering and exiting the site at each of the proposed stop-controlled site access locations on SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) and NE Plaza Dr are expected to operate at LOS B or better with minimal queuing during the weekday PM peak hour in 2027. Mitigation. Off-Site Improvements. Based on the results of the traffic analysis, the study intersection is expected to meet City of Yelm LOS standards with full buildout of the proposed project. Therefore, no project-specific off-site transportation improvements are proposed. Transportation Impact Fees. The City of Yelm requires payment of transportation impact fees to help fund planned roadway improvements throughout the City. Transportation impact fees in the City of Yelm are assessed upon new development based on a cost per PM peak hour trip. The current transportation impact fee is $3,449.25 per PM peak hour trip. Impact fees shall be paid at the rate in effect at the time the building permit is issued by the City. Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 2 INTRODUCTION This Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) has been prepared for the proposed Panda Express project located at 1104 Yelm Ave E in the City of Yelm as shown in Figure 1. Project Description The proposed project would include the development of a new 2,600 square foot (SF) Panda Express restaurant with drive-through window. The existing site is currently vacant. Vehicular access to and from the site is proposed via one (1) existing shared right-in/right-out driveway off SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) and one (1) new full-access driveway off NE Plaza Dr. Full project buildout is expected in 2027. A preliminary site plan is included in Appendix A. Project Approach To analyze the traffic impacts from the proposed Panda Express project, the following tasks were undertaken: •Assessed existing conditions through field reconnaissance and reviewed existing planning documents. •Described and assessed existing transportation conditions in the area. •Documented existing (2025) traffic volumes and intersection levels of service (LOS) at one (1) off- site study intersection during the weekday PM peak hour. •Documented future planned transportation improvements in the project vicinity. •Developed trip generation estimates for weekday daily and PM peak hour conditions based on the proposed land use. •Documented trip distribution and assignment of weekday PM peak hour project-generated traffic. •Documented traffic forecasts and assumptions for year 2027 conditions at one (1) off-site study intersection without and with the proposed project. •Analyzed weekday PM peak hour LOS for future year 2027 conditions without and with the proposed project at one (1) off-site study intersection. •Evaluated weekday PM peak hour LOS and queuing for future year 2027 conditions at the two (2) proposed site access locations. •Documented proposed traffic mitigation. Primary Data and Information Sources •2025 weekday PM peak hour traffic counts, Traffic Count Consultants. •Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition, 2021. •Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE), Trip Generation Handbook, 3rd Edition, 2017. •Yelm 2025-2030 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). •Transportation Research Board (TRB), Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), 7th Edition, 2022. •Yelm Engineering Specifications and Standard Details, 2024. •Yelm Municipal Code, 2025. Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 3 Figure 1 Project Site Vicinity Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 4 EXISTING CONDITIONS Study Area Based anticipated project trip travel patterns, the following one (1) off-site study intersection is included in this traffic impact analysis: 1. SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) / NE Plaza Dr (stop-controlled) Roadway Network Table 1 describes the existing characteristics of the streets that would be used as primary routes to and from the site. Roadway characteristics are described in terms of orientation, arterial classification, posted speed limits, parking, sidewalks, and bicycle facilities. The relationship of these roadways to the project site is shown in Figure 1. Table 1 Existing Roadway Network Summary Roadway Orientation Classification1 Speed Limit Parking Sidewalks Bicycle Facilities SR-507 (Yelm Ave E)NW/SE Major Arterial 35 None Both Sides Both Sides NE Plaza Dr N/S Local Access Commercial 25 None East Side, Intermittently West Side None 1. Source: City of Yelm Engineering Specifications and Standard Details, 2024. Transit Service The nearest transit stops to the project site are along SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) and are served by Intercity Transit. These bus stops are served by Intercity Transit Route 94, which provides access between Yelm and Olympia. Non-Motorized Transportation Facilities Non-motorized transportation facilities in the project site vicinity include sidewalks and bike lanes on both sides of SR-507 (Yelm Ave E). There is also a sidewalk present on the east side of NE Plaza Dr. Marked pedestrian crossings with pedestrian pushbuttons exist at the Vancil Road SE/SE-507 (Yelm Ave E) signalized intersection located northeast of the project. Traffic Volumes Existing weekday PM peak hour traffic volumes at the study intersections were based on counts collected by Traffic Count Consultants in May 2025. The PM peak hour traffic volumes represent the highest hour of traffic between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. Figure 2 illustrates the existing 2025 weekday PM peak hour traffic volumes at the study intersection. The existing traffic count sheets are included in Appendix B. Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 5 Figure 2 2025 Existing Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 6 Crash History Crash history at the off-site study intersection was analyzed for the five-year period from 2020 to 2024 (the most recent 5-year period as provided by WSDOT). Summaries of the total and yearly average during this period are provided in Table 2. Summaries of crashes by type over the five-year period are provided in Table 3. Table 2 Crash Data Summary by Year, January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 Study Intersection 20 2 0 20 2 1 20 2 2 20 2 3 20 2 4 5-Year Total Crashes Average Annual Crash Rate 1. SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) / NE Plaza Dr 0 0 1 2 0 3 0.60 Table 3 Crash Data Summary by Type, January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2024 Crash Type Study Intersection 5-Year Total Crashes Average Annual Crash Rate An g l e ( L e f t / R i g h t ) An g l e ( T ) Si d e S w i p e Re a r E n d Pa r k e d V e h / Fi x e d O b j e c t Pe d / C y c l i s t Ot h e r 1. SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) / NE Plaza Dr 3 0.60 0 0 1 2 0 0 0 Intersection Levels of Service An existing weekday PM peak hour level of service (LOS) analysis was conducted at the SR-507 (Yelm Ave E)/NE Plaza Dr stop controlled off-site study intersection. Intersection LOS was calculated using the methodology and procedures outlined in the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 7th Edition) and WSDOT Synchro Protocol using the Synchro 12 software program. It should be noted that the LOS reported at the stop-controlled study intersections is based on the average delay of all legs per Yelm Municipal Code Section 18.16.030. The 2025 existing weekday PM peak hour LOS analysis results for the study intersection are summarized in Table 4. The LOS methodology and calculations are included in Appendix B. Table 4 Existing 2025 Weekday PM Peak Hour LOS Summary Study Intersection LOS Delay (sec) Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersection1: 1. SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) / NE Plaza Dr A 2.3 1. LOS reported at the stop-controlled study intersections is based on the average delay of all legs. As shown in Table 4, the study intersection currently operates at LOS A during the weekday PM peak hour. Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 7 FUTURE CONDITIONS Planned Transportation Improvements Based on a review of the current Yelm 2025-2030 Six Year Transportation Improvement Program (TIP), there are no planned improvements within the project study area. Project Trip Generation The trip generation estimates for the proposed Panda Express project were based on methodology documented in the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual, 11th edition for Land Use Code (LUC) 934 (Fast-Food Restaurant with Drive-Through Window). Adjustments to the trip generation estimates were made to account for pass-by trips, which are trips that are made by vehicles that are already on the adjacent streets and make intermediate stops at a commercial use on route to a primary destination (i.e. on the way from work to home). The pass-by reduction is based on studies documented in the appendices of the ITE Trip Generation Manual, 11th Edition. The resulting new trip generation associated with the proposed Panda Express project is summarized in Table 5. Detailed trip generation calculations are included in Appendix D. No AM peak hour trips are anticipated to be generated by the site since Panda Express is not open during the AM peak period. Table 5 Trip Generation Summary New Trips Generated Weekday Time Period In Out Total Daily 273 274 547 PM Peak Hour 20 19 39 Project Trip Distribution The distribution of vehicle trips generated by the proposed Panda Express project was based on existing and anticipated travel patterns in the area. The new weekday PM peak hour project-generated trips (shown graphically in Figure 3) were generally distributed to the vicinity street system as follows: •5% to/from the north on NE Plaza Dr •45% to/from the west on SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) •50% to/from the east on SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) Traffic Volumes To estimate the future 2027 No Action (Without Project) weekday PM peak hour traffic volumes, a 2 percent annual growth rate was applied to the 2025 existing traffic volumes based on other projects in the area and review of historic traffic volumes on SR-507 (Yelm Ave E). The growth factor is used to account for new development in the study area and growth in existing traffic. The resulting future 2027 No Action weekday PM peak hour traffic volumes at the study intersections are shown in Figure 4. Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 8 The future 2027 With Project traffic volumes at the study intersection and site accesses were determined by adding the project-generated trips (shown in Figure 3) to the No Action 2027 traffic volumes. The 2027 With Project volumes are shown in Figure 5. Figure 3 Weekday PM Peak Hour Project Trip Assignment Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 9 Figure 4 2027 No Action Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 10 Figure 5 2027 With Project Weekday PM Peak Hour Traffic Volumes Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 11 Intersection Levels of Service Weekday PM peak hour level of service (LOS) analyses were conducted for future (2027) conditions at the SR-507 (Yelm Ave E)/NE Plaza Dr stop controlled off-site study intersection. The study intersection is categorized as being under the C-1 Commercial Zone in the City of Yelm. Per the Yelm Municipal Code Section 18.16.030, the LOS standard in all commercial zones is LOS D. The LOS results at the study intersection without and with the proposed project are summarized in Table 6. The detailed LOS worksheets are included in Appendix C. Table 6 Future 2027 Weekday PM Peak Hour LOS Summary No Action With Project Study Intersection LOS Delay (sec)LOS Delay (sec) Two-Way Stop-Controlled Intersections1: 1. SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) / NE Plaza Dr A 2.4 A 2.9 1. LOS reported at the stop-controlled study intersections is based on the average delay of all legs. As shown in Table 6, the study intersection is anticipated to operate at LOS A during the weekday PM peak hour with or without the proposed Panda Express project, meeting City of Yelm LOS standards. Site Access Evaluation Vehicular access to the site is proposed via one (1) existing shared right-in/right-out driveway off SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) and one (1) new full-access driveway off NE Plaza Dr. This section includes evaluation of the proposed site access locations including LOS and queuing. LOS and Queuing To assess operations at the proposed site access locations, LOS and queuing was conducted during the weekday PM peak hour for future year 2027 (year of opening) conditions. The reported queues for the individual movements at each of the proposed site access locations are 95th-percentile queues, which are only exceeded five (5) percent of the time. The 2027 weekday PM peak hour traffic volumes at the proposed site access locations were shown previously in Figure 6. The weekday PM peak hour site access analysis for future year 2027 (year of opening) is summarized below in Table 7. The LOS worksheets are included in Appendix C. Table 7 Future 2027 Weekday PM Peak Hour Site Access LOS and Queue Summary Site Access / Movement LOS Delay (sec) 95th % Queue (ft) A. West Site Access / SR-507 (Yelm Ave E) Southbound Approach B 13.7 < 25’ B. NE Plaza Dr / East Site Access Northbound Left-Turn A 7.5 < 25’ Eastbound Approach A 9.1 < 25’ Traffic Impact Analysis Panda Express (Yelm) May 16, 2025 Page 12 As shown in Table 7, the individual movements entering and exiting the site at the proposed stop- controlled site access locations are expected to operate at LOS B or better during the weekday PM peak hour in 2027 (year of opening). Additionally, the estimated 95th-percentile queues at each of the site access locations are anticipated to be 25 feet (1 vehicle) or less with buildout of the proposed project during the weekday PM peak hour. MITIGATION Off-Site Improvements. Based on the results of the traffic analysis, the study intersection is expected to meet City of Yelm LOS standards with full buildout of the proposed project. Therefore, no project-specific off-site transportation improvements are proposed. Transportation Impact Fees. The City of Yelm requires payment of transportation impact fees to help fund planned roadway improvements throughout the City. Transportation impact fees in the City of Yelm are assessed upon new development based on a cost per PM peak hour trip. The current transportation impact fee is $3,449.25 per PM peak hour trip. Impact fees shall be paid at the rate in effect at the time the building permit is issued by the City. Appendix A Preliminary Site Plan P P P P P P P P C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G G CM CM C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P C M CM CM C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M C M CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM CM P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P P OP OP OP F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M F M (A S B) 4"( GIS) ( A S B ) W W P W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 8" P V C (GIS) W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W W 6"PVC (GIS) 6"PVC (GIS) S S S S SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS 3"(GIS) 4"(GIS) ( G I S ) S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S S 8"(GIS) S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D S D SD SD SD P CIVIL PROJECT #: PANDA PROJECT #: DRAWN BY: ISSUE DATE: REVISIONS: All ideas, designs, arrangement and plans indicated or represented by this drawing are the property of Panda Express Inc. and were created for use on this specific project. None of these ideas, designs, arrangements or plans may be used by or disclosed to any person, firm, or corporation without the written permission of Panda Express Inc. 1683 Walnut Grove Ave. Rosemead, California 91770 Telephone: 626.799.9898 Facsimile: 626.372.8288 PANDA EXPRESS, INC. PANDA STORE #: PANDA HOME R4 24009835 TAC - D37983 YELM, WA 98597 1104 YELM AVE SE PANDA HOME PANDA EXPRESS 25 CENTRAL WAY, SUITE 400 KIRKLAND, WA 98033 P: 425.216.4051 WWW.ATWELL.COM C-03.0 SITE PLAN 0 10 20 40 SCALE: 1" = 20' N Appendix B Existing Traffic Counts Prepared for: TENW Traffic Count Consultants, Inc. Phone: (253) 770-1407 FAX: (253) 770-1411 E-Mail: Team@TC2inc.com WBE/DBE Intersection:Stril Mall Access/Safeway West Access & SR-507 Date of Count:Thu 05/01/2025 Location:Yelm, Washington Checked By:Jen Time From North on (SB)From South on (NB)From East on (WB)From West on (EB)Interval Interval Strip Mall Access Safeway West Access SR-507 SR-507 Total Ending at T L S R T L S R T L S R T L S R 4:15 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 14 10 14 172 4 7 0 165 7 377 4:30 P 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 9 3 25 166 10 6 3 151 9 376 4:45 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 2 21 188 6 2 1 140 5 373 5:00 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 5 19 175 3 2 2 151 8 370 5:15 P 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 20 2 17 168 4 5 1 148 12 371 5:30 P 0 0 0 3 0 2 0 28 2 19 166 7 2 0 154 11 390 5:45 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 18 2 18 174 4 5 3 139 8 364 6:00 P 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 20 0 11 131 8 4 3 181 11 368 6:15 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6:30 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6:45 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7:00 P 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Survey 0 0 0 6 0 6 1 133 26 144 1340 46 33 13 1229 71 2989 Peak Hour: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM Total 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 72 11 76 697 20 11 4 593 36 1504 Approach 3 75 793 633 1504 %HV n/a n/a 1.4% 1.7% 1.5% PHF 0.25 0.63 0.92 0.96 0.96 Strip Mall Access 27 3 24 1 Bike SR-507 3 0 0 4 Ped SR-507 20 703 Ped 0 697 793 Bike 0 76 1458 1336 4 0 Bike 633 593 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM 0 Ped 665 36 PEDs Across:N S E W Ped 2 3 0 72 1560 1.0 PHF Peak Hour Volume INT 01 0 0 0 0 0 Bike 0 PHF %HV INT 02 0 1 0 0 1 EB 0.96 1.7% INT 03 3 2 0 0 5 112 75 Check WB 0.92 1.4% INT 04 0 0 0 0 0 In:1504 NB 0.63 n/a INT 05 1 0 0 0 1 187 Out:1504 SB 0.25 n/a INT 06 0 0 0 0 0 Safeway West Access T Int.0.96 1.5% INT 07 1 2 0 0 3 Bicycles From: N S E W Conditions: INT 08 3 1 0 0 4 INT 01 2 0 0 0 2 INT 09 0 INT 02 0 0 0 0 0 INT 10 0 INT 03 0 0 0 0 0 INT 11 0 INT 04 0 0 0 0 0 INT 12 0 INT 05 1 0 0 0 1 8 6 0 0 14 INT 06 0 0 0 0 0 Special Notes INT 07 0 0 0 1 1 INT 08 0 0 1 0 1 INT 09 0 INT 10 0 INT 11 0 INT 12 0 3 0 1 1 5 TENW25036M_01P