TRAFFIC IMPACT STUDY

When any new development or the proposed land use will generate a peak hour traffic volume of
the adjacent street or of generator of 60 trips or more, or when considered necessary by the City,
the applicant shall provide a traffic impact study. The study shall be completed and sealed by a
Colorado registered professional engineer with adequate experience in Transportation
Engineering.
Responsibility for Traffic Studies
The traffic study shall provide the necessary data and analysis to adequately assess the impacts
of a development proposal on the existing and/or planned street system. The primary
responsibility for assessing the traffic impacts associated with a proposed development will rest
with the developer, with the City serving in a review capacity.
Typically, staff will review any first submittal traffic study within 10 working days of the date of
submittal to the Citys Traffic Division office. If study revisions are needed, staff will normally
review these within 5 working days of the date of re-submittal. Longer time periods will be
necessary if the Colorado Department of Transportation is involved in the review process. No
building permits shall be issued until the traffic impact study is reviewed and approved by the
City as part of the civil plans package.
All previous traffic studies relating to the development that are more than two years old will have
to be updated, unless the City determines that conditions have not changed significantly.
Where access points are not defined, or a site plan is not available at the time the traffic study is
prepared, additional traffic work may be required when a site plan becomes available or the
access points are defined.
The applicant will be notified at the pre-planning stage if a traffic study will be required,
provided sufficient information is available for the City to determine whether the trip generation
criterion has been met. If sufficient information is unavailable but the property appears to
involve sufficiently intense land use, the applicant will be informed that a traffic study is
required.
The contents and extent of a traffic impact study will depend on the location and size of the
proposed development and the conditions prevailing in the surrounding area. Larger
developments proposed in congested areas obviously require more extensive traffic analysis,
whereas smaller sites may only require minimal analysis of traffic on site and at immediate
adjacent intersections. Transportation consultants are required to discuss projects with the City
prior to starting the study. As a minimum, topics for possible discussion will include trip
generation, directional distribution of traffic, trip assignment, definition of the study area,
intersections requiring critical lane analysis, and methods for projecting build-out or horizon year
volumes. This will provide a firm base of coordination and communication between the City, the
owner or developer, and the projects consultants in forecasting future traffic characteristics that
realistically define traffic movements associated with the proposed development. Specific
requirements will vary depending on the site location.

TRAFFIC STUDY FORMAT

In order to provide consistency and to facilitate staff review of traffic studies, the following format shall
be followed in the preparation of such studies by transportation consultants. A summary outline is
provided (as an attachment). Selected items from the following list may be excluded if not applicable to
the situation and exclusion is specifically authorized by the City.
1. Introduction- The following portion of the report must contain the following:
a. Land Use, Site and Study Area Boundaries- A brief description of the size of the land
parcel, general terrain features, the location within the jurisdiction and the region must be
included in this section. In addition, the roadways adjacent to the site must be identified,
along with a description of the roadways characteristics. The exact limits of the study
area should be based on engineering judgment, and an understanding of existing traffic
conditions surrounding the site. In all instances, however, the study area limits must be
mutually agreed upon by the developer, his engineer, and the City. These limits will
usually result from initial discussions with staff. A vicinity map that shows the site and
the study area boundaries, in relation to the surrounding transportation system, must be
included.
b. Existing and Proposed Site Uses- The existing and proposed uses of the site must be
identified in terms of the various zoning categories of the City. In addition, the specific
use for which the request is being made must be identified if known, since a number of
uses may be permitted under the existing ordinances. It will be the intent of the traffic
study to evaluate the reasonable worst-case traffic impacts for the proposed development
allowed by the zoning. If several different uses are permitted by the zoning, the highest
trip generation uses must be assumed for the study.
c. Existing and Proposed Uses in Vicinity of Site- A complete description (including a
map) of the existing land uses in the study area as well as their current zoning and use
must be included. In addition, all vacant land within the study area and its assumed future
uses must be identified. This latter item is especially important where large tracts of
undeveloped land are in the vicinity of the site, and within the prescribed study area.
Generally much of this information can be obtained from the Citys Planning and
Development Department staff or from the neighboring jurisdiction if the study area
extends beyond the Wheat Ridge city boundary.
d. Existing and Proposed Roadways and Intersections- Within the study area, the
applicant must describe and provide volumes for existing roadways and intersections
including geometrics and traffic signal control as well as improvements contemplated by
government agencies. This would include the nature of the improvement project, its
extent, implementation schedule, and the agency or funding source responsible. A map
must be provided showing the location of such facilities.
2. Trip Generation and Design Hour Volumes- A summary table listing each type of land use, the
size involved, the average trip generation rates used (total daily traffic and A.M./P.M. peaks of
generator or adjacent street traffic), and the resultant total trips generated must be provided. Trip
generation must be calculated for the maximum uses allowed under the existing and proposed
zoning based on the data contained within the most current edition of Institute of Transportation
Engineers (ITE) Trip Generation Manual. In the event data is not available for the proposed land
use, the City must approve estimated rates prior to acceptance. The calculation of design hour
volumes used to determine study area impacts must be based on:
a. Peak hour trip generation rates as published in the most current edition of ITE Trip
Generation Manual.

b. Traffic volume counts for similar existing uses, if no published rates are available.
c. Additional sources from other jurisdictions if acceptable to the City.
3. Trip Distribution- The estimates of percentage distribution of trips from the proposed
development to destinations in the metro region must be clearly stated in the report using the
north, south, east, and west compass points. Market studies and/or information concerning origin
of trip attractions to the proposed development may be used to support these assumptions where
available. A map showing the percentage of site traffic on each street must be provided as part of
the traffic study graphic material.
4. Trip Assignment- The direction of approach of site-generated traffic via the areas street system
will be presented in this section. The technical analysis steps, basic methods, and assumptions
used in this work must be clearly stated and agreed to by the City. The assumed trip distribution
and assignments must represent the most logically traveled routes for drivers accessing the
proposed development. These routes can be determined by observation of travel patterns to
existing land uses in the study area.
5. Existing and Projected Traffic Volumes- Graphics must be provided which show the following
traffic impacts for private access points, intersections and streets:
a. A.M. peak hour site traffic (in and out) including turning movements.
b. P.M. peak hour site traffic (in and out) including turning movements.
c. A.M. peak hour total traffic including site generated traffic (in and out). These volumes
must include through and turning movement volumes for current conditions and a
separate set of numbers that also includes 20-year projections or build-out (whichever is
specified by the City).
d. P.M. peak hour traffic total including site generated traffic (in and out). These volumes
must include through and turning movement volumes for current conditions and a
separate set of numbers that also includes 20-year projections or build-out (whichever is
specified by the City).
e. Any other peak hour which may be critical to site traffic and the street system in the
study area should be included in the graphics and show the same information as is
provided for the A.M./P.M. peak hours.
f. Actual counts of existing total daily traffic for the street system in the study area at the
time the study is being prepared.
g. Projected total daily traffic for the street system in the study area based on traffic from
the proposed development and counts of existing daily traffic obtained in item f. The
component of the existing daily traffic attributable to the existing uses must be identified
and the increase to total daily traffic from the proposed uses.
h. Projected total daily traffic for the street system in the study area on traffic from the
proposed development, counts of existing daily traffic obtained in item f above, and
traffic projections based on build-out of land use within the study area or a 20-year
projection (whichever is specified by the City).
6. All raw traffic count data (including average daily volumes and peak hour turning movements)
and analysis worksheets must be provided in the appendices of the report. Computer techniques,
and the associated printouts may be used as part of the report.
7. Volume projections for background traffic growth will be provided by the City, or alternatively a
method for determining these volumes will be recommended by the City.
8. All total daily traffic counts must be actual machine counts and not based on factored peak hour
sampling. Latest available machine counts from Colorado Department of Transportation, the City,
and other agencies may be acceptable if not more than two years old.

Level of Service
Level of service C will be the design objective for all movements and under no circumstances will
be less than the level of service D be accepted for site and non-site traffic including existing traffic
at build-out of the study area. The design year will be approximately 20 years following construction
and include volumes generated by build-out of the study area or a 20-year projection in background
traffic (whichever is specified by the City). The interpretations of Level of Service shall be based
on the definition specified in the TRB Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209.
9. Capacity Analysis- A capacity analysis will be conducted for all public street intersections
impacted by the proposed development and for all private property access points to streets
adjacent to the proposed development as specified in the traffic study requirements form and
within the limits of the previously defined study area. The A.M., P.M., and any other possible
peak period will be tested to determine which peak hours need to be analyzed. Capacity
calculations should also include an analysis for 20th year projections or study area build-out
conditions. The capacity analysis calculations should be based on the analysis techniques
contained in the TRB Highway Capacity Manual Special Report 209. All capacity analysis work
sheets must be included in the appendices of the report.
10. Traffic Signals- The need for new traffic signals will be based on warrants contained in the latest
edition of Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. In determining the location of a new
signal, traffic progression is of paramount importance. Generally a spacing of one-half mile for
all signalized intersections should be maintained. This spacing is usually desirable to achieve
good speed, capacity, and optimum signal progression. Pedestrian movements must be considered
in the evaluation and adequate pedestrian clearance provided in the signal cycle split assumptions.
To provide flexibility for existing conditions and ensure optimum two-way signal progression, an
approved traffic engineering analysis must be made to properly locate all proposed accesses that
may require signalization. The section of roadway to be analyzed for signal progression will be
determined by the City and will include all existing and possible future signalized intersections.
The progression pattern calculations must use a cycle consistent with current signal timing
policies of the City. A desirable bandwidth of 50% of the signal cycle must be used where
existing conditions allow. Where intersections have no signals presently, but are expected to have
signals, typically a 60% mainline, 40% cross street cycle split should be assumed. Cycle split
assumptions must relate to the volume assumptions in the capacity analysis of individual
intersections, and where computerized progression analysis techniques are used, they must be of
the type which utilizes turning movement volume data and pedestrian clearance times in the
development of time/space diagrams. The green time allocated to the cross street will be
considered no less than the time which is required for a pedestrian to clear the main street using
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices standards. Those intersections which would reduce
the optimum bandwidth if a traffic signal were installed may be required by the City to remain
unsignalized and have turning movements limited by access design or median islands.
11. Traffic Accidents- Traffic accident data for affected street corridors may be required for the
study. The study period will normally be three years. Such locations will be specified by the City.
Where this is necessary, estimates of increased or decreased accident potential must be evaluated
for the development, particularly if the proposed development might impact existing traffic safety
problems in the study area, and safely improvement recommended where necessary.
12. Noise Attenuation- If a residential development is planned adjacent to a freeway or arterial
roadway, the need for noise attenuation measures may be required as part of the impact analysis.
It is recommended that the need for noise attenuation measures be determined using the methods

outlined in Fundamentals and Abatement of Highway Traffic Noise Textbook, FHWA,

September 1980.
13. Conclusions- This chapter of the report must be a clear, concise description of the study findings.
It is anticipated that this conclusion chapter will serve as an executive summary
14. Recommendations- In the event that analysis indicates unsatisfactory levels of service on the
study area roadways, a description of proposed improvements to remedy deficiencies must be
included. These proposals would include projects by the City or the Colorado Department of
Transportation for which funds have been appropriated and obligated. The assumptions regarding
all future roads and laneages in an analysis will require approval from the City. In general, the
recommendation section should include:
a. Proposed Recommended Improvements- This section must describe the location,
nature, and extent of proposed improvements to assure sufficient roadway capacity. A
sketch of each improvement (similar to Figure 1) should be provided showing the length,
width and other pertinent geometric features of the proposed improvements.
b. Volume/Capacity Analysis at Critical Points- Another iteration of the volume/capacity
analysis must be described, which demonstrates the anticipated level of service as a result
of making these improvements. This level of service must be D or better.
c. Traffic Volume Proportions- Percentage based on the traffic impact analysis may be
required by the City to determine the proportion of traffic using various public
improvements (both existing and proposed) from several developments with the study.

Revisions to the Traffic Study

Revisions to the traffic study must be provided as required by the City. The need to require revisions
will be based on the completeness of the traffic study, the thoroughness of the impact evaluation and
the compatibility of the study with the proposed access and development plan. The revised study or
report shall be signed and sealed by the Professional Engineer.
.

Traffic Study Checklist

Project Name:
Date:

Introduction

Land Use, Site and Study Area Boundaries

Size of parcel
General terrain features
Location w/in City
Region of City
Adjacent roadways w/ characteristics
Vicinity map w/ transportation system

Existing and Proposed Site Uses

Existing zoning categories

Proposed zoning categories
Specific proposed uses

Existing and Proposed Uses in Vicinity of

Site w/ map
Existing zoning and uses
Vacant land w/ future use

Existing and Proposed Roadways and

Intersections w/ map
Volumes of streets & intersections
Geometrics & traffic signal control
Future improvements w/ schedule,
agency, & funding

Trip Generation and Design Hour Volumes

Summary table

Each type of land use w/ size

Average trip rates w/ ADT & am & pm
peak of site or streets
Total trips with site and streets

Project Location:
Engineer:

Trip Distribution

% distribution in N, S, E, & W
Map of street distribution

Trip Assignment

% distribution at each access & intersection

Diagram of each access & intersection

Existing and Projected Traffic Volumes

Diagrams showing in/out & turning for each

access, intersection, & street

am peak hour site traffic
pm peak hour site traffic
am peak hour total traffic for current &
20-yr
pm peak hour total traffic for current &
20 yr
Other peak hour total traffic for current
& 20yr
Existing total daily traffic for streets
Projected total daily traffic for streets for
current
Projected total daily traffic for streets for
20-yr

Traffic count data and analysis worksheets

Volume projections for background traffic
growth

Existing daily volumes traffic based on

counts not estimates