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September 11, 2021 <br />Page 8 <br />Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic <br />The timeframe during which this analysis was conducted coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic. <br />During this health crisis, lower traffic volumes were observed in response to social gathering <br />restrictions, school and business closures, and increased telecommuting. Lower traffic volumes on <br />study area highways meant that system performance in 2020 and 2021 was very different than <br />performance reflected in the pre-COVID traffic data collected for this feasibility analysis. <br />In recognition of this difference, and in response to uncertainty about how future traffic volumes <br />will respond, this study includes a review of year 2020 congestion and sensitivity analysis to compare <br />forecasts based on pre-COVID traffic conditions to forecasts based on conditions observed during <br />the pandemic. This analysis showed that existing and forecasted congestion at several locations was <br />reduced or eliminated due to increased levels of telecommuting. Other locations, however, remain <br />congested under forecasts with increased telecommuting, including segments with traffic signals on <br />Highways 10, 101, and 169. <br />The study's traffic sensitivity analysis is presented in Sections VI: Traffic Forecasts & Analysis; <br />Section VII: Benefit Cost Analysis; and Section VIII: Operation Analysis. Sensitivity analysis <br />findings are used to test the sensitivity of traffic volumes, congestion, and concept effectiveness with <br />respect to telecommuting assumptions. <br />Northwest Metro Mississippi River Crossing Feasibility Analysis <br />