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4.Environmental Analysis In some instances, the travel model predicts negative growth. However, a minimum annual — growth rate of 2.5 percent was maintained for each turning movement. Because travel models can be unreliable in rural areas, this minimum growth rate was applied to maintain a conservative approach to the anticipated growth in traffic volumes. Based on data provided in the Draft — Environmental Impact Report dated September 10, 1993 by ESA for the Granite Construction Company project, the average daily traffic volume on State Route 132 was 13,500 in 1992. Data available on the Caltrans web site(<www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/saferesr/trafdatal>) indicates an average daily traffic volume of approximately 18,000 in 2002. This equates to an average annual growth rate of 2.9 percent. Therefore, a minimum annual growth rate of 2.5 percent for each — turning movement was applied in cases where the model predicts less than 2.5 percent annual growth. Future traffic volumes without the project are presented in Figures 23 and 24(Appendix C). Future-with-project traffic volumes are presented in Figures 25 through 28 for Haul Route Options I and 2(Appendix C). _ Future Traffic Operation and Levels of Service Based on the calculations conducted as part of this analysis, a discussion of conclusions regarding future levels of service is presented below. Intersection of Bird Road and Blewett Road The analyses indicate that the intersection of Bird Road and Blewett Road is currently operating at an acceptable level of service and is expected to continue to function at adequate levels of — service through the year 2025 under all project scenarios with construction of the project. Intersection of Koster Road and Blewett Road The analyses indicate that the intersection of Bird Road and Blewett Road is currently operating at acceptable levels of service and is expected to continue to function at acceptable levels of service through the year 2025 with construction of the project with the following exception. However, if access to the mining site is provided from Koster Road or Haul Route Option 2 is approved,the intersection will require widening to accommodate truck turning movements. — Intersection of Bird Road and SR 132 The existing traffic volumes indicate that the intersection of Bird Road and SR 132 was operating at acceptable levels of service at the time the traffic counts were taken(January 2004). However, with seasonal adjustments the level of service for the southbound approach is LOS D,and based on cumulative conditions without the project, the levels of service for the northbound and southbound approaches will drop to LOS F and LOS E, respectively. Caltrans has approved a Project Study Report for an interchange to replace the existing intersection. The proposed interchange is expected to mitigate the cumulative impacts to the intersection. The project will be — required to contribute an equitable share of the cost of the interchange. RMC Pacific Vernalis Quarry Mining and Reclamation Project 4.4-14 ESA 1203015 Draft Environmental Impact Report May 2006