traffic engineering
traffic engineering
College of Engineering
V. Trend Chart
If from trend chart rate of growth of traffic volume is computed to be r%, then future traffic in given by A=P(1+r)n
• Visualizing Growth: The trend chart helps identify whether traffic volume is increasing or decreasing over time. For
example, a steady rise in traffic volume over a year could indicate economic growth, increased urbanization, or the
opening of new businesses in the area.
• Detecting Seasonality: Seasonal variations often affect traffic volumes. For instance, higher traffic volumes might occur
during summer months due to vacation travel or in December because of holiday shopping.
• Identifying External Impacts: Road construction, new traffic regulations, or significant local events may cause
irregularities in traffic trends. For example, a sudden dip in traffic volume during a particular month may correlate with
roadwork that restricted access to major routes.
• Roadway Design: The 30th highest hourly volume helps determine road
capacity requirements, preventing overdesign. This approach ensures roads can handle heavy traffic without
unnecessary excess capacity.
• Traffic Management: Understanding the 30th highest hourly volume aids in managing congestion during peak times.
Traffic engineers can use this information to plan signal adjustments, lane expansions, or alternative routes.
VII. Volume Flow Diagram at Intersection
A volume flow diagram is a visual tool used to show the traffic flow at an
intersection. This diagram illustrates how vehicles move through different
directions—such as left turns, right turns, and straight movements—and provides a
clear representation of traffic distribution across all approaches of the intersection.
• Signal Timing and Control: Understanding traffic volume in each direction allows for optimized signal timings, reducing
wait times and improving flow efficiency by prioritizing specific movements as needed.
• Seasonal Effects: Traffic volume can vary significantly due to seasonal events like holidays and school breaks. For
instance, summer often sees increased volumes from vacation travel, while winter may experience reductions due to
adverse weather.
Implications:
Understanding traffic volume variations aids in planning for both routine operations and exceptional circumstances
(e.g., special events, extreme weather). This data allows cities to implement dynamic traffic control measures, such as adjusting
speed limits, adding temporary lanes, or deploying traffic personnel during high-volume periods.
Conclusion
Presenting traffic volume data using trend charts, 30th highest hourly volume, volume flow diagrams, and variation
charts provides a comprehensive picture of traffic behavior over time. These tools enable engineers and policymakers to identify
patterns, design more efficient roadways, and implement targeted traffic management strategies. By using these visual aids,
complex traffic data becomes more accessible and actionable, ultimately contributing to better traffic flow, reduced congestion,
and enhanced road safety.