Projects

UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT RIO GRANDE VALLEY

MULTI-MODAL TRANSPORTATION IMPACT ANALYSIS (MTIA)

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Project Overview

DeShazo Group, Inc. was retained by the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) to prepare a comprehensive Multi-Modal Transportation Impact Analysis (MTIA) for modifications and expanded game-day operations at Robert & Janet Vackar Stadium in Edinburg, Texas — an existing venue recently repurposed from soccer to host FBS-level football games and other large events with up to ~12,500 attendees.  

The study addresses historical parking overflow into nearby neighborhoods by evaluating peak demand (4,755 vehicles including tailgating), identifying remote park-and-ride sites (IDEA School lots, Edinburg Municipal Park, CESS lots) to achieve surplus capacity, and delivering detailed game-day traffic management plans, pedestrian safety improvements, shuttle/transit strategies, variable message signage recommendations, police-directed signal optimizations, and intersection mitigations to ensure efficient ingress/egress, minimize local roadway impacts, and provide safe multi-modal access for sold-out events.

🎓 Higher Education | 📍 Edinburg, Texas
🅿️Scope: Multi-modal transportation impact analysis, parking demand analysis, traffic impact assessment, pedestrian LOS analysis: Game-Day MTIA Report for UT RGV Vackar Stadium Expansion
🏟️ Client: University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley

🅿️ Parking Demand Analysis & Management

1. Performed comprehensive game-day parking demand analysis for sold-out 12,500+ attendee sold-out scenarios, determining a peak surge demand of 4,755 vehicles including tailgating, staff, VIP, and media.

2. Identified and incorporated multiple remote park-and-ride sites (IDEA School, Edinburg Municipal Park, CESS lots) with shuttle operations to deliver surplus capacity and eliminate neighborhood parking overflow.

3. Delivered full parking management package including real-time variable message signage, parking attendants, static signage, assigned zones, and staged lot openings.

👟 Pedestrian Circulation Design & Safety

1. Developed safe, high-capacity pedestrian routes from all remote parking locations to stadium gates using temporary lighted walkways, fencing, and protected crossings.

2. Conducted HCM pedestrian Level of Service analysis for peak 30-minute surges, confirming LOS C or better on every route.

3. Recommended enhanced accessibility and safety measures including temporary lighting, golf cart/ADA shuttles, dedicated event staff, and wayfinding.

🚦 Vehicular Traffic Assessment & Mitigation

1. Executed trip generation, distribution, and capacity analyses for pre-game arrivals and post-game departures under maximum attendance conditions.

2. Designed police-officer traffic control posts with manual signal overrides to manage critical intersections during peak hours.

3. Provided targeted intersection improvements and operational mitigations that reduce post-game delays from LOS F to LOS C/D and achieve sub-60-minute stadium clearance.

🚌 Multi-Modal Transportation & Transit Operations

1. Created complete shuttle and transit operations plan featuring Vaquero Express routes, dedicated loading zones, and staged remote lot activation.

2. Integrated ride-hailing drop-off zones, bicycle accommodation, and emergency vehicle access while minimizing impacts to local roadways.

3. Specified real-time variable message signage network with Intelligent Transportation System capabilities to dynamically guide vehicles to available parking and alternate routes.

Strategic Highlights

🚦 Innovative Game-Day Multi-Modal Transportation & Parking Solutions

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Multimodal Transportation Coordination

1. Developed fully integrated Vaquero Express shuttle network with staged remote lot activation, dedicated transit lanes, and real-time coordination to seamlessly move thousands of fans while protecting surrounding neighborhoods.

2. Collaborated closely with UTRGV to incorporate bicycle accommodations, ride-hail zones, lighted temporary pedestrian paths, and ADA golf cart shuttles ensuring safe, inclusive access for every attendee.

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Game-Day Operational Excellence

Project delivers zero parking overflow into residential areas, surplus capacity for sold-out crowds, pedestrian LOS C or better on all routes, post-game intersection performance at LOS C/D, and full stadium clearance in under 60 minutes.