3.1.2.b Roadway Level of Service Discussion

LOS A:

Free flowing conditions. The operation of vehicles is virtually unaffected by the presence of other vehicles and operations are constrained only by the geometric features of the highway and driver preferences. 

LOS B:

Indicative of free flow, but the presence of other vehicles begins to have a noticeable impact on speeds and freedom to maneuver. 

LOS C:

Represents a range in which the influence of traffic density on operations becomes marked. The ability to maneuver within the traffic stream and to select an operating speed, is now clearly affected by the presence of other vehicles. 

LOS D:

Borders on unstable flow. Speeds and ability to maneuver are severely restricted because of traffic congestion. 

LOS E:

Operations at or near capacity and are quite unstable. 

LOS F:

Represents forced or breakdown flow. 

 

The city of Surprise strives to achieve a level of service “D” or better on all roadways. Any roadway where the level of service falls to a level of service “E” or “F” is considered congested and requires review for improvements. Where feasible, capacity improvements or other remedial actions are usually recommended if the level of service is worse than “D.”