Marketplace Avenue and Kyle Center Traffic Study

The City of Kyle initiated a traffic study at the intersection of Marketplace Avenue and Kyle Center Drive to better understand existing and future operational challenges in the area. What began as a localized analysis was expanded to include the adjacent FM 1626 corridor, recognizing that issues at individual intersections are influenced by regional travel patterns, nearby commercial development, and future growth. The study aimed to provide both immediate solutions and long-term strategies that support safe, efficient travel in a rapidly evolving part of the city.

Rather than relying solely on traditional tools like Synchro, a layered analysis approach, incorporating Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) and CAP-X modeling to evaluate the performance of different traffic control strategies across multiple future scenarios, provides a more comprehensive analysis. These tools enabled a deeper look at not only how intersections perform under traffic volume projections but also how proposed improvements would align with long-term development patterns. Safety was also assessed using the Safety Performance Intersection Control Evaluation (SPICE) methodology, which evaluated alternatives through the lens of conflict points and system complexity—reflecting a more holistic, safe-system approach.

Field data, traffic counts, and crash histories showed congestion and operational issues, particularly along FM 1626, with queuing affecting adjacent intersections like Kyle Center Drive. Based on this analysis, the study recommended a signalized thrucut at Marketplace and Kyle Center Drive and a partial displaced left-turn (DLT) at FM 1626—both context-sensitive solutions that minimize right-of-way impacts while improving flow and safety.

By expanding the scope and integrating corridor-level planning, the City of Kyle now has a more comprehensive foundation to coordinate with TxDOT and regional partners on the future of FM 1626. The study represents a shift toward smarter infrastructure planning—balancing mobility, growth, and safety using innovative tools and a systems-level view.

Project Highlights:

• Broadened study scope to address corridor-wide impacts beyond a single intersection
• Used ICE process to assess operations, safety, and scalability
• Conflict-based analysis over volume-based metrics prioritizing safety
• Context-sensitive solutions minimizing ROW and utility impacts
• Short-term improvements and long-term planning