The purpose of a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) is to analyze how a proposed development or infrastructure project will affect the surrounding transportation network. It evaluates existing traffic, forecasts future demands, and identifies necessary road improvements to ensure safe, efficient mobility for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.
A TIS is required during the zoning or site-planning phase, and it serves the following primary objectives:
- Assess Current and Future Capacity: Establishes a baseline of current traffic conditions and forecasts how many new vehicle trips the proposed project (such as a shopping center or residential complex) will generate.
- Identify Safety Hazards: Pinpoints high-risk intersections or roadway segments to prevent accidents caused by increased congestion or poor driveway placement.
- Determine Mitigation Measures: Recommends infrastructural changes required to accommodate the new traffic, such as adding traffic signals, turning lanes, or crosswalks.
- Allocate Costs: Provides the data-driven evidence municipalities and Departments of Transportation (DOT) need to determine a developer's fair share of funding for off-site road improvements.
TIS Process- Determine if Project Requires TIS
- Gather Required Data
- Analyze Data
- Report Data
- TIS, LOS, Concurrency, & Trip Generation (county-initiated)
Additional Resources