Factors Affecting Transportation

Accident Rates

Accident rates on City streets have been consistent with no significant variability noted that would indicate a specific intersection or roadway segment might warrant improvement or modification based on accident data alone.

Traffic Volumes

The City of Oakwood conducts regular traffic counts on City roadways. The MVRPC, through its regional travel demand model, predicts traffic volumes for most roadway facilities larger than local streets. These traffic volumes are forecasted for the year 2000 and 2030, as well as intermediate planning years.

Through these forecasts, needs for potential future widening or improvements of facilities can be identified for future study. Generally there are no significant congestion problems within Oakwood due to regional travel with the exception of Far Hills Avenue in the vicinity of Dorothy Lane during peak commuting times.

Traffic volumes are indicated in Table 1, based on 2003 average daily traffic data provided by the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission with specific counts taken from 1997 to 2002. The average traffic volumes in the table are based on 24-hour counts that are seasonally adjusted to represent an average day of the year. All volumes are bi-directional.

Traffic Signalization

The City has recently completed the replacement of all City maintained traffic signal controllers and is exploring coordination of traffic signals with the City of Kettering. These efforts should maximize the efficiency of the existing signal system and reduce congestion attributable to ill-timed traffic signals. Additionally, Oakwood has interconnected and modernized traffic signals and has installed a municipal fiber optic network. These efforts should result in increased operational efficiency.

Speeding

Speeding in residential areas is a concern in some locations, particularly where streets are seen as cut-through routes. These areas should be evaluated on a case by case basis with a variety of means to reduce speeding, including signage, pavement markings, and geometric or pavement modifications. Specific areas identified for future evaluation are Harman Blvd., Schantz Avenue west of Far Hills Avenue and Oakwood Avenue from its intersection with Far Hills to the north corporation line, as well as Hathaway Road and Delaine Avenue. The City of Oakwood has aggressively enforced speed limits in order to deter excessive speeds, especially in residential areas.

Parking

Parking in residential and commercial areas is provided in both on-street and off-street parking facilities. There is concern from residents that parking in the commercial districts overflows into the adjacent residential streets, leading to a lack of on-street parking. This issue is discussed in more detail in the Land-Use Plan.