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<br />frontage road. In this ca.se. drivers had to go about 2 miles out of their way to <br />reach the frontage road and the gas stations \yent out of business. <br /> <br />. The results provide strong anecdotal evidence that except in extreme factual <br />situations. changes in access or traffic patterns did not cause a change in the <br />highest and best use of abutting properties. <br /> <br />Texas <br /> <br />A study of the economic impacts of left-turn restrictions was conducted for the Texas <br />Department of Transportation in the mid-1990s. The study was intended both to <br />identify potential impacts and to establish an assessment methodology. Researchers <br />found that prearranged on-site interviews worked far better than telephone or mail <br />surveys. which had very low response rates. Another suggested method was to <br />obtain the endorsement of area Chambers of Commerce prior to approaching <br />business owners for information. A letter of endorsement. signed by the appropriate <br />Chamber of Commerce representative was sent to each of the business owners <br />asking for their cooperation in the study. <br /> <br />Due to the sensitivity of information on business activity. researchers did not ask for <br />sales details. but for general perceptions as to whether business activity had <br />changed over time using ranges (e.g. better/worse/same). Information on historical <br />property values was obtained through the use of appraisal district computers or by <br />purchasing CDs from private companies with this information. Key findings <br />included the following:2 <br /> <br />. Perceptions of business owners before a median was installed were more <br />pessimistic than what usually happened. <br /> <br />. Business owners reported no change in pass-by traffic after median <br />installations. <br /> <br />. Most business types (including specialty retail. fast-food restaurants and sit- <br />down restaurants) reported increases in numbers of customers per day and <br />gross sales. except for gasoline stations and automotive repair shops, which <br />reported decreases in the numbers of customers per day and gross sales. <br /> <br />. Most adverse economic impacts were realized during the construction phase <br />of the median installations. <br /> <br />. Employment within the corridors experienced upward trends overall, with <br />some exceptions during construction phases. <br /> <br />. When asked what factors were important to attracting customers. business <br />owners generally ranked "accessibility to store" lower than customer service, <br />product quality and product price. and ahead of store hours and distance to <br />travel. <br /> <br />2Eisele, W.L., W.F. Frawley, "A Methodology for Determining Economic Impacts of Raised Medians: <br />Data Analysis on Additional Case Studies." Research Report 3904 -3, Te~s Transportation Institute, <br />College Station, Texas. October 1999. <br /> <br />Prepared by Kristine M. Williams. AlCP, Center for Urban Transportation Research"University of South <br />Florida. Tampa, January 28, 2000. <br />