This project is necessary to alleviate vehicle congestion, improve safety, provide turning lanes, and improve pedestrian facilities. Huffman Road between Old Seward Highway and New Seward Highway is a three-lane, high volume roadway (approximately 15,761 vehicles per day in 2004) that serves a busy commercial area.

Huffman Road between the New Seward Highway and Lake Otis Parkway is a two lane high volume road (approximately 12,849 vehicles per day in 2004). This section of Huffman Road does not have a center turn lane or turn pockets that allow turning vehicles to move out of the way of through traffic. There are 15 driveways and intersections within the project area. These intersections create high demand for left turns into commercial and residential areas.

Both Sections of Huffman Road provide primary access to the Hillside area which has been experiencing substantial growth in recent years, a growth that is expected to continue. There are a number of public and private schools within and around the project corridor, resulting in an increased demand for pedestrian facilities.