Kenai Fjords National Park traffic classification and people-per-vehicle survey: 2019 summary report

Balstad, Tyler

doi:10.36967/nrr-2274036

The objectives for the Traffic Classification and People-Per-Vehicle Survey in the Exit Glacier Developed Area of Kenai Fjords National Park (KEFJ) were to: 1) evaluate the ability of the Omega X3 traffic classifier to differentiate commercial and private vehicle use at Exit Glacier; 2) update the park’s people-per-vehicle (PPV) factor; 3) explore the other capabilities and uses of the classifier and its potential utility to KEFJ. This study included collection of observational data on vehicle class, arrival time, lane of travel, number of axles, and people-per-vehicle. The results of the observational data were compared with the classifier’s own data in order to assess the classifier’s accuracy. The classifier was found to be 99.5% accurate at counting the number of vehicles entering the park and 94.8% accurate at properly classifying vehicles by axle length. The data gathered on people-per-vehicle were used to calculate new PPV factors and update the park’s method for estimating visitor use in the Exit Glacier Area. The overall PPV factor was found to have increased from 2.9 to 3.5, and new PPV factors were calculated for each specific vehicle class. I also analyzed data from the classifier to see if it could help assess modes of visitor access, identify times of congestion in the parking lot, and monitor long term changes in vehicle class composition. Distinguishing between commercial and non-commercial vehicles is beyond the ability of the classifier (Objective 1). This is because commercial and non-commercial vehicles can be of similar dimensions despite their difference in use, in particular certain passenger vans. Tour buses are a notable exception and were consistently distinguished by the Omega X3. However, using an updated PPV for each individual vehicle classes, the Omega X3 is able to provide a more precise estimate of visitation as well as patterns of visitation reflected through vehicle use (e.g. whether tourists arrive by tour bus or in passenger cars, Objective 2). Finally, the Omega X3 produces data that can be used to analyze changes in vehicle numbers each hour, each day, day of the week, or over longer periods of time. This added precision will help the park make more informed decisions related to vehicle and visitor management in the Exit Glacier Area.

Kenai Fjords National Park traffic classification and people-per-vehicle survey: 2019 summary report

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