The Challenge of Counting Traffic from Video Counting vehicles from video footage is a standard part of traffic studies, but it’s also one of the most time-consuming. Whether you’re working on, a Traffic Impact Assessment (TIA), an intersection turning movement count, or general traffic data collection, manual video review quickly becomes a bottleneck. In many […]
Traffic analysis using Synchro often involves reviewing detailed output reports to assess intersection performance. While Synchro provides comprehensive results, extracting Level of Service (LOS) data and organizing it into a clean, report-ready table can be a time-consuming step, especially for larger networks. This guide outlines the typical process for extracting LOS tables from Synchro reports
Categories, Study Levels, and Memo vs Report Requirements Across Jurisdictions Traffic Impact Assessments (TIAs) are a core component of development review, but requirements vary significantly by jurisdiction. While thresholds like “100 peak hour trips” are commonly cited, agencies such as TxDOT, FDOT, municipalities in New York, and the City of Toronto apply different criteria based
The ITE Trip Generation Manual 12th Edition provides both fitted curve equations and average trip rates for estimating trip generation. However, not all datasets are equally reliable. In many cases, there is either limited data points, or no equation provided. When preparing traffic impact studies for such land uses, engineers and planners must decide: Should
One of the most common questions in traffic impact assessments (TIAs) is whether to propose turning lanes, acceleration lanes, or deceleration lanes. While adding lanes may seem like a straightforward solution to congestion, proposing them without justification can create unnecessary cost, invite reviewer comments, or even compromise safety. In this post, we’ll explain when to
Road classification (or class) is a fundamental concept in transportation planning and traffic engineering. It provides a framework for organizing roads according to their function within the transportation network, specifically how they balance mobility (moving traffic efficiently) and access (serving adjacent land uses). Higher-class roads prioritize mobility, moving large volumes of traffic over longer distances
In signalized intersection analysis, few parameters influence results as strongly and as quietly as lost time adjustment. When using Synchro or applying the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodology, adjusting lost time can significantly change: Because of this sensitivity, lost time adjustments must be applied carefully, transparently, and defensibly. What is Lost Time? Lost time in
When performing signalized intersection analysis in tools such as Synchro or HCS, two commonly misunderstood parameters are Lane Utilization Factor (LUF) and Saturation Flow Rate (s). Both directly influence delay, capacity, and level of service calculations under the framework of the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM). This article provides a clear technical explanation of both terms
Pedestrian counts are an essential input for intersection analysis (the main element in Traffic Impact Studies), particularly when modeling signalized intersections in software such as Synchro, Sidra, or VISUM. Unlike vehicle counts, pedestrians interact differently with traffic flows, and their impact on vehicle movements is captured through conflicting pedestrian volumes rather than directional “pedestrian flows.”
Traffic counts are the foundation of any Traffic Impact Assessment (TIS/TIA) and even Transportation Master Plans. Accurate traffic data ensures that intersection analyses, turning movements, and operational recommendations are reliable and defensible. This guide provides professional best practices for conducting traffic counts, including count duration, vehicle classification, intervals, intersection coordination, and the use of AI
