Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) is one of the most fundamental measures in traffic engineering and transportation planning. It represents the average number of vehicles that travel on a roadway segment each day over the course of an entire year. Put simply, it is a way to smooth out traffic variations across weekdays, weekends, and […]
Why Roads Must Adapt to a Changing Climate Roads and highways form the backbone of global transport networks. Yet, they are increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change—flooding, extreme heat, erosion, and storm damage. As weather patterns intensify, traditional road designs are no longer sufficient. Engineers and planners must now integrate resilience strategies to
Why Climate Resilience Matters Climate change is no longer a distant risk—it is a present-day reality. Rising temperatures, heavier rainfall, stronger storms, and frequent flooding are directly affecting how transport systems operate. Road and rail networks, designed for “historical” weather conditions, are increasingly vulnerable to climate extremes that disrupt connectivity, raise maintenance costs, and endanger
What is an ESAL? ESAL Formula Where: Typical Load Equivalency Factors (LEFs) (based on AASHTO & typical LEFs) Vehicle Type Axles Typical Load (kips per axle) Approx. ESAL per Pass Passenger Car (sedan) 2 2–3 0.0004 Pickup / SUV 2 3–4 0.001 Delivery Van (2-axle, light) 2 4–5 0.005 Single-Unit Truck (2-axle, 6-tire) 2 6–9
When planning a new road, street, or highway, one of the most important decisions you’ll face is whether to use flexible or rigid pavement. Each has its advantages, costs, and ideal use cases. Choosing the right type of pavement can save millions in construction and maintenance over the project’s lifecycle. In this post, we break
🛑 Facing a Problem with High Trip Generation? You’ve run your numbers.The Trip Generation Estimate is way above what the local road network can handle.Your Traffic Impact Study (TIS) or Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) shows intersections failing, and the city wants costly mitigation. Now what? This is where Travel Demand Management (TDM) can help. You
🚦 What Is a Traffic Impact Assessment? A Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA) — also known in some regions as a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) — is a formal analysis that evaluates how a proposed development or land use change will affect the existing transportation network. It helps local governments determine whether a project will: TIAs
In road design, traffic load isn’t just about how many vehicles pass each day — it’s about how much stress those vehicles place on the pavement over time. That’s where ESALs come in. If you’re involved in pavement design, planning, or construction, understanding Equivalent Single Axle Loads (ESALs) is essential. This article explains what ESALs
