2.2.2 Traffic Operational Data

Traffic operational data is based on traffic control devices and roadway characteristics other than roadway geometry. Below is a list of general traffic operational data needed to perform traffic analysis. This is not an exhaustive list.
  • Speed limits, operating speeds, and/or design speeds if available;
  • Traffic control types and locations;
  • Traffic signal timing plans;
  • Driveway spacing/location;
  • Parking occupancy (e.g., supply, temporal demand, turnover);
  • Parking type (e.g., angled, parallel, backin);
  • Roadway functional classification;
  • Area type (e.g., rural, urban, suburban);
  • Driver behavior (e.g., rate of acceleration, rate of deceleration, lane changing behaviors, car following parameters);
  • Lane utilization;
  • School zones;
  • Railroad preemption; and
  • Signage types and locations (e.g., regulatory, warning, guidance signs)
Multiple sources of data may be needed to gather all the traffic operational data used to perform a traffic operational analysis. Data such as speed limits, intersection control, and roadway classification is available in the field or with online aerial imagery, a Geographic Information System (GIS) database, or other online resources. Other data, such as the timing for signals or the parking occupancy rate, may necessitate coordination with the governing public agency. Data such as lane utilization and driver behavior field observations to verify traffic operational conditions.