Just
Traffic Volume Counts
Prepare
Select Location
Complete Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
Communicate with other staff/departments
Review historical data trends
Review citizen input
Request traffic control
1. Select the proper location
2. Plan the data collection preparations
3. Complete the pre-study documentation
1. Collect the data
2. Evaluate the data
3. Calculate the traffic volume trends
Document
1. Finalize the report
2. File the report
3. Communicate the results
INTRODUCTION
Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the number, movements, and classifications of roadway vehicles at a given location. These data can help identify critical flow time periods, determine the influence of large vehicles or pedestrians on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume trends. The length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being taken and the intended use of the data recorded.
For example, an intersection count may be conducted during the peak flow period. If so, manual count with 15-minute intervals could be used to obtain the traffic volume data.
U S I N G C O U N T P E R I O D TO D E T E R M I N E S T U D Y M E T H O D
Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume counts: (1) manual and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle classification, turning movements, direction of travel, pedestrian movements, or vehicle occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or seasonal variations and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.
The selection of study method should be determined using the count period. The count period should be representative of the time of day, day of month, and month of year for the study area. For example, counts at a summer resort would not be taken in January. The count period should avoid special event or compromising weather conditions
Prepare
Select Location
Complete Study
1.
2.
3.
4.
Communicate with other staff/departments
Review historical data trends
Review citizen input
Request traffic control
1. Select the proper location
2. Plan the data collection preparations
3. Complete the pre-study documentation
1. Collect the data
2. Evaluate the data
3. Calculate the traffic volume trends
Document
1. Finalize the report
2. File the report
3. Communicate the results
INTRODUCTION
Traffic volume studies are conducted to determine the number, movements, and classifications of roadway vehicles at a given location. These data can help identify critical flow time periods, determine the influence of large vehicles or pedestrians on vehicular traffic flow, or document traffic volume trends. The length of the sampling period depends on the type of count being taken and the intended use of the data recorded.
For example, an intersection count may be conducted during the peak flow period. If so, manual count with 15-minute intervals could be used to obtain the traffic volume data.
U S I N G C O U N T P E R I O D TO D E T E R M I N E S T U D Y M E T H O D
Two methods are available for conducting traffic volume counts: (1) manual and (2) automatic. Manual counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle classification, turning movements, direction of travel, pedestrian movements, or vehicle occupancy. Automatic counts are typically used to gather data for determination of vehicle hourly patterns, daily or seasonal variations and growth trends, or annual traffic estimates.
The selection of study method should be determined using the count period. The count period should be representative of the time of day, day of month, and month of year for the study area. For example, counts at a summer resort would not be taken in January. The count period should avoid special event or compromising weather conditions
References: Currin, T. R. 2001. Turning Movement Counts. In Introduction to Traffic Engineering: A Manual for Data Collection and Analysis, ed Homburger, W. S., J. W. Hall, R. C. Loutzenheiser, and W. R. Reilly. 1996. Volume Studies and Characteristics FHWA. 2001. Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices: Millennium Edition. Washington, D.C.: Federal Highway Administration, U.S Robertson, H. D. 1994. Volume Studies. In Manual of Transportation Engineering Studies, ed. H. Sharma, S. C. 1994. Seasonal Traffic Counts for a Precise Estimation of AADT. ITE Journal, Vol.