NOTICE

The U.S. Government does not endorse products of manufacturers. Trademarks or manufacturers’

names appear in this report only because they are considered essential to the objective of the 

document.

QUALITY ASSURANCE STATEMENT

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides high-quality information to serve Government,

industry, and the public in a manner that promotes public understanding. Standards and policies are 

used to ensure and maximize the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of ITS information. FHWA 

periodically reviews quality issues and adjusts ITS programs and processes for continuous quality 

improvement.

iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TMG Executive Summary.....................................................................................................ES-1

ES.1 Background ........................................................................................................................ES-1

ES.2 Scope..................................................................................................................................ES-1

ES.3 Users ..................................................................................................................................ES-2

ES.4 Manual Organization..........................................................................................................ES-2

Chapter 1 Traffic Monitoring Theory, Technology and Concepts..............................1-1

1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.2 Terminology ........................................................................................................................ 1-1

1.3 Detection Theory ................................................................................................................ 1-9

1.4 Detection Technology ....................................................................................................... 1-15

1.5 Variation of Traffic Data.................................................................................................... 1-24

Chapter 2 Traffic Monitoring Program – Business Planning and Design.................2-1

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 2-1

2.2 Program Design................................................................................................................... 2-1

2.3 Program Evaluation............................................................................................................. 2-5

2.4 Coordinating Count Programs and Sharing Data ................................................................ 2-9

2.5 Traffic Monitoring Calibration, Processing, and Compliance Reviews.............................. 2-10

2.6 Quality Assurance – Starts with The Data Quality Act (DQA) Requirements.................... 2-11

2.7 Documentation and Metadata.......................................................................................... 2-11

Chapter 3 Traffic Monitoring Methodologies.................................................................3-1

3.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 3-1

3.2 Continuous Data Program................................................................................................... 3-3

3.3 Short Duration Data Program ........................................................................................... 3-63

3.4 Calculations and Computations for End Of Year Processing ............................................. 3-78

Chapter 4 Traffic Monitoring for Non-Motorized Traffic ............................................4-1

4.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 4-1
iv

4.2 Non-Motorized Traffic Monitoring Technology .................................................................. 4-1

4.3 Variability and Traffic Monitoring Concepts..................................................................... 4-20

4.4 Permanent Data Program ................................................................................................. 4-26

4.5 Short Duration Data Program ........................................................................................... 4-33

Chapter 5 Transportation Management and Operations ..............................................5-1

5.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 5-1

5.2 Traffic Management and Operations.................................................................................. 5-1

5.3 Special Monitoring for Evacuations/Emergency/Planned Events....................................... 5-7

5.4 Commercial Vehicle Enforcement....................................................................................... 5-9

5.5 Safety ................................................................................................................................ 5-10

5.6 Planning ............................................................................................................................ 5-10

Chapter 6 HPMS Requirements for Traffic Data ...........................................................6-1

6 . 1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 6-1

6.2 HPMS Requirements........................................................................................................... 6-3

6.3 Guidelines for Collecting Traffic Data to Support HPMS................................................... 6-21

6.4 Calculation of Data Items.................................................................................................. 6-23

Chapter 7 Traffic Monitoring Formats .............................................................................7-1

7.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 7-1

7.2 Station Description Data Format ........................................................................................ 7-2

7.3 Traffic Volume Data Format.............................................................................................. 7-18

7.4 Speed Data Format ........................................................................................................... 7-23

7.5 Vehicle Classification Data Format.................................................................................... 7-36

7.6 Weight Data Format.......................................................................................................... 7-43

7.7 Detailed Per Vehicle Data Format (PVF) ........................................................................... 7-48

7.8 Data Submittal Frequency................................................................................................. 7-70

7.9 Non-Motorized Count Station Description Data Format .................................................. 7-70

7.10 Non-Motorized Count Data Format.................................................................................. 7-80

Appendix A. Glossary of Terms.......................................................................................A-1

Appendix B.Acronyms............................................................................................................B-1
v

Appendix C. Vehicle Types ..............................................................................................C-1

Appendix D. Compendium of Designing Statewide Traffic Monitoring ...............D-1

D.1 Case Study #1: Designing a Statewide Traffic Monitoring Program - Texas Department of 

Transportation (TxDOT) ................................................................................................................D-1

D.2 Case Study #2: Designing a Statewide Traffic Monitoring Program - Idaho Transportation 

Department (ITD)..........................................................................................................................D-6

D.3 Case Study #3: State Data Sharing – Colorado DOT (CDOT) .............................................D-14

D.4 Case Study #4 (Part 1): Local Agency Data Sharing Delaware Valley Regional Planning 

Commission (DVRPC) ..................................................................................................................D-16

D.5 Case Study #4 (Part 2): State Data Sharing – Pennsylvania DOT (PennDOT) ....................D-23

D.6 Case Study #5: Alabama....................................................................................................D-29

D.7 Case Study #6: Connecticut...............................................................................................D-30

Appendix E.Compendium of Data Quality Control Criteria .......................................... E-1

E.1 Case Study #1: Innovations in Data Quality QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data........................... E-1

E.2 Case Study #2: QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data ............................................................... E-15

E.3 Case Study #3: PennDOT – QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data ............................................ E-18

E.4 Case Study #4: QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data – Washington State Department of 

Transportation (WSDOT)............................................................................................................. E-21

E.5 Case Study #5: New York State DOT (NYSDOT) QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data ............. E-25

Appendix F.Compendium of Equipment Calibration Procedures, Current 

Practices, and New Procedures ........................................................................F-1

F.1 Case Study #1: Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), Statewide 

Travel and Collision Data Office (STCDO).......................................................................................F-1

F.2 Case Study #2: New York State DOT ...................................................................................F-3

F.3 Case Study #3: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) ...F-16

F.4 Case Study #4: Private Sector Contracting for Quality Installations and Data-Site Select, 

Install, Calibrate and Maintain.....................................................................................................F-18

F.5 Case Study #5: NCHRP and AASHTO Recommendations...................................................F-28

Appendix G. North Carolina Department of Transportation Clustering 

Methodology for NC Traffic Data Inputs for MEPDG..............................G-1

G.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................G-1

G.2 Factors Affecting Clustering Requirements ........................................................................G-1
vi

G.3 Sensitivity of Models to North Carolina Traffic Data ..........................................................G-2

G.4 Hourly Distribution Factor Input.........................................................................................G-3

G.5 Monthly Adjustment Factor Input ......................................................................................G-4

G.6 Vehicle Class Distribution Input ..........................................................................................G-4

G.7 Vehicle Class Seasonal Factor Groups.................................................................................G-5

G.8 Axle Load Distribution Factor Input ..................................................................................G-10

G.9 Summary ...........................................................................................................................G-17

G.10 References ........................................................................................................................G-18

Appendix H. Traffic Data for Pavement Design...........................................................H-1

H.1 Background .........................................................................................................................H-1

H.2 Vehicle Related Terminologies............................................................................................H-1

H.3 Traffic Data Associated with ESAL.......................................................................................H-1

H.4 Traffic Data Associated with Mechanistic and Empirical Pavement Design .......................H-4

H.5 Summary ...........................................................................................................................H-13

Appendix I. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ............................................................. I-1

Appendix J. TMAS 2.0 Quality Control Checks ................................................................. J-1

Appendix K. Length Based Class Memo........................................................................K-1

Appendix L.Additional State Traffic Monitoring Program Examples .......................... L-1

L.1 Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.................................................L-1

L.2 Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) ..................................................................L-1

L.3 Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).................................................................L-3

Appendix M. References ...................................................................................................M-1

Appendix N. Index..............................................................................................................N-1
vii

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1-1 Example Calculation of the Number of Axles per Vehicle .................................................................. 1-4

Table 1-2 Strengths and Weaknesses of Commercially Available Sensor Technologies for Motorized Traffic 1-10

Table 1-3 Motorized Sensor Comparison......................................................................................................... 1-14

Table 1-4 Common Technologies Used for Counting Vehicles Versus Axles.................................................... 1-17

Table 1-5 Common Technologies for Classifying Motorized Vehicles.............................................................. 1-20

Table 1-6 Intrusive and Non-Intrusive Technologies........................................................................................ 1-22

Table 1-7 Sensors for Motorized Vehicle Data Collection for Short Duration Counts ..................................... 1-33

Table 1-8 Sensors for Motorized Vehicle Data Collection for Permanent Count Locations............................. 1-35

Table 2-1 Examples of Highway Traffic Data Uses ............................................................................................. 2-2

Table 3-1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Season Pattern Group Types..................................................... 3-11

Table 3-2 Minimum Recommended Volume Factor Groups............................................................................ 3-12

Table 3-3 HPMS Vehicle Class Groups/FHWA Vehicle Classes......................................................................... 3-24

Table 3-4 Example Combination Unit Truck (CU) Factor Groups..................................................................... 3-28

Table 3-5 Example of Monthly Factors By Vehicle Class At a Single Site ......................................................... 3-29

Table 3-6 Motorcycle Traffic Estimation .......................................................................................................... 3-33

Table 3-7 ADMT By Day of Week ..................................................................................................................... 3-33

Table 3-8 ADT Calculation Example.................................................................................................................. 3-34

Table 3-9 Motorcycle ADT Example ................................................................................................................. 3-34

Table 3-10 Example of a Normalized Load Spectrum for Vehicle Class 9 Single and Tandem Axles.................. 3-39

Table 3-11 Example Daily Load Distribution Table (All Vehicle Classes Combined) and Computation of Total 

(Flexible) ESAL Loading..................................................................................................................... 3-42

Table 3-12 Example Truck Loading Groups........................................................................................................ 3-49

Table 3-13 Example of Statistic Computation for Precision Estimates .............................................................. 3-52

Table 3-14 Statistics Used For Sample Size Computation .................................................................................. 3-54

Table 3-15 Example Effects of Sample Size on the Precision of GVW Estimates ............................................... 3-55

Table 3-16 Example Effects of Sample Size and Confidence Interval on Precision of GVW Estimates for the 

Revised Truck Weight Group............................................................................................................ 3-56

Table 3-17 Estimating Spacings of Short-Duration Counts................................................................................. 3-64

Table 3-18 Traffic Segments and Classification Short Duration Program Based on Functional Classification and 
viii

Truck Activity.................................................................................................................................... 3-70

Table 3-19 Calculation of Average Travel by Time of Day for Combination Trucks at an Example Continuous 

Counter Site...................................................................................................................................... 3-79

Table 3-20 Number of Axles per Vehicle............................................................................................................ 3-80

Table 4-1 Commercially-Available Bicyclist and Pedestrian Counting Technologies ......................................... 4-7

Table 4-2 2011 Mixed-Mode Traffic Count Statistics for Midtown Greenway near Hennepin Avenue, 

Minneapolis, Minnesota................................................................................................................... 4-39

Table 6-1 HPMS Traffic Data Items .................................................................................................................... 6-6

Table 6-2 Combined Area Type and Functional System Groups...................................................................... 6-20

Table 7-1 Station Description Record................................................................................................................. 7-3

Table 7-2 FIPS State Codes................................................................................................................................. 7-5

Table 7-3 Direction of Travel Codes................................................................................................................... 7-6

Table 7-4 Lane of Travel Codes .......................................................................................................................... 7-6

Table 7-5 Functional Classification Codes.......................................................................................................... 7-8

Table 7-6 Values to be Entered to Define Vehicle Classification Groupings.................................................... 7-10

Table 7-7 Posted Route Signing Codes............................................................................................................. 7-13

Table 7-8 Station Description Record Examples............................................................................................... 7-15

Table 7-9 Hourly Traffic Volume Record .......................................................................................................... 7-18

Table 7-10 Hour Covered Fields......................................................................................................................... 7-21

Table 7-11 Hourly Traffic Volume Record Examples......................................................................................... 7-22

Table 7-12 Vehicle Speed Record....................................................................................................................... 7-23

Table 7-13 Total Number of Speed Bins Record Length.................................................................................... 7-26

Table 7-14 3 Speed Bin Table Examples............................................................................................................. 7-31

Table 7-15 Vehicle Classification Record............................................................................................................ 7-36

Table 7-16 Vehicle Classification Record Example ............................................................................................. 7-41

Table 7-17 Weight Record.................................................................................................................................. 7-43

Table 7-18 Weight Record Example ................................................................................................................... 7-47

Table 7-19 Units of Measurement ..................................................................................................................... 7-49

Table 7-20 Individual Vehicle Record Collected by Volume Device (V Variant)................................................. 7-50

Table 7-21 Volume Site (South Bound Lane 1, Note – Record Length Ends with 4 Blanks) per Vehicle Format 7-52

Table 7-22 Individual Vehicle Record Collected by Speed and Length Class Measuring Device (T Variant)...... 7-53
ix

Table 7-23 Speed site (North bound lane 2) Per Vehicle Format....................................................................... 7-54

Table 7-24 Individual Vehicle Record Collected by Classification Device (C Variant)......................................... 7-55

Table 7-25 Classification Site (East bound lane 4) per Vehicle Format .............................................................. 7-57

Table 7-26 Individual Vehicle Record Collected by Weight (Axle) Device (W Variant) ...................................... 7-58

Table 7-27 Weight Site (West Bound Lane 3) per Vehicle Format..................................................................... 7-62

Table 7-28 Individual Vehicle Record Collected by Weight (left and right) Device (Z Variant).......................... 7-64

Table 7-29 Left and Right Weight Site (West Bound Lane 1) per Vehicle Format.............................................. 7-68

Table 7-30 Data Submittal Frequency ................................................................................................................ 7-70

Table 7-31 Non-Motorized Count Station Description Record .......................................................................... 7-71

Table 7-32 FIPS State Codes............................................................................................................................... 7-72

Table 7-33 Classification Codes.......................................................................................................................... 7-73

Table 7-34 Direction of Travel Codes................................................................................................................. 7-74

Table 7-35 Posted Route Signing Codes............................................................................................................. 7-78

Table 7-36 Non-Motorized Count Station Description Record Example............................................................ 7-79

Table 7-37 Non-Motorized Count Record .......................................................................................................... 7-80

Table 7-38 Direction of Travel Codes................................................................................................................. 7-82

Table 7-39 Non-Motorized Count Record Example ........................................................................................... 7-87

Table E-1 Message Urgency Levels .................................................................................................................... E-2

Table E-2 ADR Advanced Loop Logic .................................................................................................................. E-7

Table E-3 Quality Checks for Vehicle Classification Counts.............................................................................. E-17

Table E-4 Table 650: Traf Raw Count Load Error Report Error Checks ............................................................ E-18

Table E-5 Table 660: Traf Raw Count Error Extract Report Error Checks......................................................... E-19

Table E-6 Table 661: Traf Extrapolation Report Error Checks AADT and Truck Percent Variance Edits .......... E-20

Table G-1 Sensitivity of MEPDG to North Carolina Based Traffic Inputs ............................................................G-3

Table G-2 Principal Components of North Carolina Monthly VCD .....................................................................G-7

Table G-3 Assignment Criteria of PVC to North Carolina Seasonal Factor Groups...........................................G-10

Table G-4 North Carolina Axle Spacings Defining Axle Types for ASTM E 1572-93 ..........................................G-12

Table G-5 Load Bins Retained for ALF Cluster Analysis.....................................................................................G-13

Table G-6 Results of the Principal Component Analysis for Single-Tandem ALF..............................................G-14

Table G-7 Selection Criteria for North Carolina ALF .........................................................................................G-17
x

Table H-1 Traffic Data Summary.........................................................................................................................H-2

Table H-2 ESAL Computation Illustration............................................................................................................H-3

Table H-3 Illustration of MAF Computation from MADTT ..................................................................................H-6

Table H-4 Vehicle Class Distribution Computation Illustration ..........................................................................H-7

Table H-5 Truck Hourly Distribution Factor Computation Illustration................................................................H-7

Table H-6 Illustration of Single Axle Load Factors for January, February and December...................................H-9

Table H-7 Average Number of Axles.................................................................................................................H-12

Table H-8 Traffic Data Summary.......................................................................................................................H-13

Table I-1 Length Based Classification Boundaries.............................................................................................. I-4

Table I-2 Misclassification Errors Caused by Using Only Total Vehicles Length as the Classification Criteria ... I-4
xi

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1-1 FHWA’s 13 Vehicle Category Classification ...................................................................................... 1-18

Figure 1-2 Basic Time of Day Patterns............................................................................................................... 1-25

Figure 1-3 Weekday/Weekend Truck Percentages ........................................................................................... 1-26

Figure 1-4 Typical Day-of-Week Traffic Patterns............................................................................................... 1-27

Figure 1-5 Typical Monthly Volume Patterns.................................................................................................... 1-28

Figure 2-1 Steps for Establishing a Continuous Data Program............................................................................ 2-8

Figure 2-2 Traffic Monitoring Program Business Process Review Steps.............................................................. 2-9

Figure 3-1 Chapter Map....................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Figure 3-2 Continuous Data Program Volumes ................................................................................................... 3-5

Figure 3-3 Hour of Day for Urban, Rural, and Recreational Sites........................................................................ 3-9

Figure 3-4 Day of the Week for Urban, Rural, and Recreational Sites .............................................................. 3-10

Figure 3-5 Steps for Creating and Maintaining a Continuous Data Collection Program For Developing and Using 

Knowledge of the Traffic Patterns for Each Class of Vehicle ............................................................ 3-18

Figure 3-6 Example of Differences in DOW Travel By Vehicle Class in Iowa ..................................................... 3-22

Figure 3-7 Example of Differences in Monthly Travel Patterns By Vehicle Class in Iowa.................................. 3-22

Figure 3-8 Ratio of Average Weekday Traffic Per Month to Annual Average Daily Traffic for Combination Trucks 

(FHWA Classes 8-10) at Interstate Sites........................................................................................... 3-30

Figure 3-9 Steps for Creating and Maintaining a Continuous Data Program Weight........................................ 3-36

Figure 3-10 Example GVW Flow Map .................................................................................................................. 3-41

Figure 3-11 Tandem Axle Load Distributions At Three Sites With Different Loading Conditions ....................... 3-45

Figure 3-12 Best Practice for WIM Lane .............................................................................................................. 3-59

Figure 4-1 Simplified Flowchart for Selecting Non-Motorized Count Equipment............................................... 4-4

Figure 4-2 Example: Selecting Non-Motorized Count Equipment....................................................................... 4-5

Figure 4-3a Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Quadrupole Shape.............. 4-10

Figure 4-3b Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Diagonal Quadrupole Shape .. 4-

10

Figure 4-3c Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Double Chevron Shape ....... 4-11

Figure 4-3d Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Double Chevron Shape: Photo 4-

11

Figure 4-3e Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Alternative Double Chevron 
xii

Shape................................................................................................................................................ 4-12

Figure 4-3f Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Alternative Double Chevron 

Shape: Photo .................................................................................................................................... 4-12

Figure 4-3g Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Elongated Diamond Shape. 4-12

Figure 4-3h Examples of Inductance Loop Detector Shapes for Bicyclist Counting Elongated Diamond Shape: 

Photo ................................................................................................................................................ 4-13

Figure 4-4 Example of Passive Infrared Sensor Combined with Inductance Loop Detectors............................ 4-14

Figure 4-5 Different Types of Infrared Counters for Non-Motorized Traffic ..................................................... 4-14

Figure 4-6 Typical Configuration for Active Infrared Sensor ............................................................................. 4-15

Figure 4-7 Wireless Magnetometer Being Installed for Motorized Traffic........................................................ 4-16

Figure 4-8 Example of Pneumatic Tube Configuration for Counting Directional Bicyclist Traffic ..................... 4-17

Figure 4-9 Examples of Pressure Sensors on Natural (a) and Paved (b) Surfaces ............................................. 4-18

Figure 4-10 Example of Video Image Processing for Tracking and Counting Non-Motorized Traffic ................. 4-19

Figure 4-11 Time-of-Day Patterns for a Colorado Shared Use Path .................................................................... 4-21

Figure 4-12 Average Time-of-Day Patterns for 43 Short-Duration Monitoring Locations in Minneapolis, 

Minnesota ........................................................................................................................................ 4-22

Figure 4-13 DOW Patterns for a Colorado Shared Use Path ............................................................................... 4-23

Figure 4-14 Monthly Patterns for a Colorado Shared Use Path .......................................................................... 4-24

Figure- 4-15 Monthly Patterns for Six Shared Use Path Locations in Minneapolis, Minnesota ........................... 4-25

Figure 4-16a Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Commuting Trips; B90007 6th

Avenue/Vaughn Street; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Hour of Day............................................................... 4-29

Figure 4-16b Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Commuting Trips; B90007 6th

Avenue/Vaughn Street; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Day of Week.............................................................. 4-30

Figure 4-16c Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Commuting Trips; B90007 6th

Avenue/Vaughn Street; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Month ....................................................................... 4-30

Figure 4-17a Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Recreational Trips; B90004 US36; 

1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Hour of Day ................................................................................................. 4-31

Figure 4-17b Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Recreational Trips; B90004 US36; 

1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Day of Week ................................................................................................ 4-31

Figure 4-17c Typical Traffic Patterns for Locations with Higher Percentage of Recreational Trips; B90004 US36; 

1/1/2011-12/31/2011 Month.......................................................................................................... 4-32

Figure 5-1 Cooperative Approaches for Traffic Monitoring ................................................................................ 5-4

Figure 5-2 Step 4: Traffic Monitoring on Day-of-Event ....................................................................................... 5-8

Figure 6-1 HPMS TOPS Development Process..................................................................................................... 6-2
xiii

Figure 6-2 HPMS Data Model Structure .............................................................................................................. 6-5

Figure 6-3 Typical Diamond Interchanges........................................................................................................... 6-9

Figure 6-4 Diamond Interchange Ramp Estimation Problem............................................................................ 6-11

Figure 6-5 Typical Trumpet and Three-Legged Directional Interchanges ......................................................... 6-12

Figure 6-6 Trumpet Interchange Ramp Estimation Problem............................................................................. 6-14

Figure 6-7 Typical Cloverleaf Interchange ......................................................................................................... 6-15

Figure 6-8 Cloverleaf Interchange Ramp Estimation Problem .......................................................................... 6-17

Figure 7-1 Direction and Lane Code Example...................................................................................................... 7-7

Figure C-1 FHWA 13 Vehicle Category Classification........................................................................................... C-2

Figure D-1 District 1 North Idaho .........................................................................................................................D-9

Figure D-2 Permanent Site Location ATR #46 ....................................................................................................D-10

Figure D-3 ATR Tabular Report Site #46.............................................................................................................D-11

Figure D-4 Partial District 1 Flow Map ...............................................................................................................D-12

Figure D-5 DVRPC Map of Region ......................................................................................................................D-17

Figure D-6 DVRPC Region Traffic Count Locations.............................................................................................D-18

Figure D-7 DVRPC Traffic Counts Report ...........................................................................................................D-18

Figure D-8 DVRPC Traffic Count Detail Report...................................................................................................D-19

Figure D-9 Pedestrian and Bicycle Counts Disclaimer, How to Use and Contact Information ..........................D-20

Figure D-10 Pedestrian and Bicycle Count Locations...........................................................................................D-20

Figure D-11 Bicycle Counts Walnut Street Bridge; From Schuylkill Avenue to 23rd Street...................................D-21

Figure D-12 Bicycle Counts Report.......................................................................................................................D-22

Figure D-13 Adams County Map ..........................................................................................................................D-24

Figure D-14 Specific Traffic Count Location .........................................................................................................D-25

Figure D-15 Site Specific Information ..................................................................................................................D-26

Figure D-16 Limit Specific Information ................................................................................................................D-26

Figure D-17 County Traffic Volume Map .............................................................................................................D-27

Figure E-1 VDOT Quality Analysis Software......................................................................................................... E-3

Figure E-2 Vehicle Class and Percent of Lane Volume......................................................................................... E-4

Figure E-3 Piezo Health and Performance (Vehicles) .......................................................................................... E-5

Figure E-4 Piezo Health and Performance (Trucks) ............................................................................................. E-6
xiv

Figure E-5 West Bound 21 Bin Graphs (From Collected Raw Data)..................................................................... E-8

Figure E-6 Vehicle Volumes and Bin Classification Data...................................................................................... E-8

Figure E-7 VDOT Traffic Service Call April 2012................................................................................................... E-9

Figure E-8 VML Print-Out .................................................................................................................................. E-10

Figure E-9 VDOT Traffic Service Call Report April 2012..................................................................................... E-11

Figure E-10 Overall View of Roadway Facing East............................................................................................... E-12

Figure E-11 Overall Sensors Facing East.............................................................................................................. E-12

Figure E-12 Piezos 1 and 2 Looking South ........................................................................................................... E-13

Figure E-13 Piezos 1 and 2 Looking South ........................................................................................................... E-13

Figure E-14 Looking South at Loops 4 and 1, and Loops 3 and 2 ........................................................................ E-14

Figure E-15 New York State Thruway and Continuous Count Sites..................................................................... E-26

Figure F-1 New York State Thruway and Continuous Count Sites........................................................................F-4

Figure F-2 FAW/GVW Chart..................................................................................................................................F-6

Figure F-2 FAW/GVW Chart (continued)..............................................................................................................F-7

Figure F-3 WIM Field Worksheet..........................................................................................................................F-8

Figure F-4 WIM Calibration Sheet ........................................................................................................................F-9

Figure F-5 NYSDOT Standard Report Example ...................................................................................................F-12

Figure F-6 Volume, Speed, and Classification Reports.......................................................................................F-13

Figure F-6 Volume, Speed, and Classification Reports (continued) ...................................................................F-14

Figure F-7 Traffic Data Collection Site Plans.......................................................................................................F-19

Figure F-8 Loop Field Connections Destroyed by Lightning Induced Surge .......................................................F-25

Figure G-1 North Carolina Hourly Distribution Factors........................................................................................G-4

Figure G-2 North Carolina Monthly Adjustment Factors.....................................................................................G-4

Figure G-3 North Carolina VCD Clusters...............................................................................................................G-5

Figure G-4 MADTT/AADTT for North Carolina Single Unit Truck SF Groups........................................................G-9

Figure G-5 MADTT/AADTT for North Carolina Multi Unit Truck SF Groups.........................................................G-9

Figure G-6 Percent Damage by Axle Type at North Carolina WIM Stations ......................................................G-13

Figure G-7 Average Aggregated Single-Tandem ALF for Two-Dimensional Clusters.........................................G-15

Figure G-8 Average Vehicle Class Distribution for Two-Dimensional ALF Clusters............................................G-15

Figure G-9 Average Single and Tandem ALF for North Carolina ........................................................................G-16
xv

Figure H-1 Temporal Data Sequence ...................................................................................................................H-1

Figure L-1 ADOT&PF Regional Traffic Data Collection .........................................................................................L-1

Figure L-2 Colorado DOT High-Level Business Processes.....................................................................................L-4
ES-1

TMG EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

ES.1 BACKGROUND

This edition of the Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG) is intended to provide the most up to date 

guidance to State highway agencies in the policies, standards, procedures, and equipment typically 

used in a traffic monitoring program. The TMG presents recommendations to help improve and 

advance current programs with a view towards the future of traffic monitoring and with 

consideration for recent transportation legislation resulting from MAP-21. The needs for traffic data 

at both the Federal and State levels will continue to require that States have a well-designed traffic 

monitoring program to support all business areas. Traffic data and information is needed to assess 

current and past performance and to predict future performance. Improved traffic data, including 

data on ramps, is needed for reporting in the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) and 

there are now opportunities to utilize traffic data from Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to 

support coordination of planning and operations functions at the Federal and State levels. 

Improvements in traffic data collection technology since the publication of the TMG in 2001, has 

allowed States to improve their data collection processes and to streamline QA/QC procedures, 

thereby replacing manual procedures with new automated ones. New technology also now enables 

States to collect data on non-motorized travel including bicycle and pedestrian traffic. This new 

capability is addressed in more detail in Chapter 4. The use of non-motorized travel data and 

information supports analysis regarding the impact to the transportation network (from a volume 

and safety perspective), resulting from the use of bicycles as an alternative method for travel 

compared to the traditional motor vehicle. The new technologies and procedures for traffic 

monitoring presented in this Guide are supplemented (in the appendices) with practical examples 

from actual State experiences in improving traffic monitoring programs. 

The guidance presented in the TMG should be used to help States manage and improve their traffic 

monitoring programs, with consideration for overall business needs for traffic data and information. 

Chapter 2 explains the importance of having a well-designed traffic monitoring program to support 

typical business needs. This Guide is written to assist both experienced traffic data collection 

personnel and those who are less-experienced, or who are new to traffic data collection. Quick 

references to topics are available in the Index and may also be found in the Table of Contents. Other 

reference material that may benefit traffic data collection personnel and traffic program managers is 

found in Appendix M, References. 

This edition of the TMG also includes new data formats as an option for reporting traffic data. These 

new formats are known as the Per Vehicle Formats for reporting volume, speed, vehicle classification, 

and vehicle weight data. Data formats are also provided for reporting non-motorized data for those 

States with capabilities to collect this type of data. This edition of the TMG has been developed with 

considerable input from State traffic data program managers and the vendors who design and build 

traffic data collection equipment. This approach has resulted in a guidance document that FHWA 

anticipates will continue to be beneficial to States in improving their business processes, technology, 

and equipment used to successfully manage their traffic monitoring programs.

ES.2 SCOPE

The scope of State traffic monitoring programs has grown over the last decade to now include the 

capability to collect speed data, which is critical for analysis in supporting State highway safety 

programs. While the collection of volume, classification, and weight data continues to be the 
ES-2

foundation of a State’s traffic monitoring program, the addition of speed data greatly enhances the 

capabilities of the traffic programs to meet additional business needs, particularly in the area of 

improving performance measures related to safety. New requirements for performance monitoring 

based on MAP-21 legislation will also be supported by the guidance presented in this Guide. Traffic 

data from the States continues to be required to meet the reporting requirements of the Federal 

Highway Administration (FHWA) under United States Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) title 23, 

420.105(b), which requires States to provide data that supports FHWA’s reporting responsibilities to 

Congress and to the public. Traffic data reported under this Federal regulation is submitted as part of 

the annual Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) report from each State.

ES.3 USERS

Traffic data is typically used to support highway agency activities including design, maintenance, 

operations, safety, environmental analysis, finance, engineering economics, and performance 

management. Each State has its own traffic data collection needs, priorities, budgets, geographic and 

organization constraints. These differences cause agencies to select different equipment for data 

collection, use different data collection plans, and emphasize different data reporting outputs. This 

Guide is intended to provide guidance to highway agencies in some of the successful approaches in 

data collection, analysis, and reporting based on best practice examples, which are highlighted in the 

appendices. 

ES.4 MANUAL ORGANIZATION

The organization of the material presented in this Guide begins with explaining the theory, 

technology, and concepts typically used in a traffic monitoring program (Chapter 1). The Guide also 

highlights the business needs for traffic monitoring programs (Chapter 2) and provides 

comprehensive guidance on the methodologies used for motorized (Chapter 3) and non-motorized 

traffic monitoring practices (Chapter 4). The importance of traffic data in supporting transportation 

management and operations activities is also discussed in Chapter 5, with HPMS reporting 

requirements for traffic data explained in Chapter 6. The final chapter (Chapter 7) defines the record 

formats used for submitting traffic data for both motorized and non-motorized data, along with a 

table explaining the deadlines for submitting traffic data to the FHWA Office of Highway Policy 

Information. 

Several appendices are also included as part of the Guide to provide a glossary of terms, list of 

acronyms, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and best practice examples from States and the 

private sector in designing statewide traffic monitoring programs, establishing data QA/QC criteria, 

and setting up and calibrating data collection equipment. Other appendices include guidance on the 

use of traffic data for pavement design purposes, guidance on length-based classification, and the QC 

checks performed on the traffic data by the Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS) software. This 

Guide also includes an appendix of References and an Index for quick location of a particular topic 

related to traffic monitoring.

The chapters and appendices in this Guide include the following:

Chapter 1 – Traffic Monitoring Theory, Technology, and Concepts – This chapter discusses the 

terminologies used in traffic monitoring and defines the types of traffic counts conducted (i.e., 

continuous, short duration), explains factor computations, and defines data products derived from 

the collection of traffic data.

Chapter 2 – Traffic Monitoring Program – Business Planning and Design – This chapter explains how 

data business planning can be used to support and improve the design of a traffic monitoring 

program in accordance with the Code of Federal Regulations.

Chapter 3 – Traffic Monitoring Methodologies – This chapter is the most comprehensive chapter in 

the TMG. It provides guidance on the following:
ES-3

 Methods used to determine the number of data collection sites needed;

 How factor groups are assigned;

 How to derive Daily, Monthly, Weekly and Annual Average Daily Traffic values;

 Recommended methodologies and steps used to establish Continuous Count and Short Duration 

Count programs to collect volume, speed, vehicle classification, and weight data; and

 Estimating motorcycle Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT).

Chapter 4 – Traffic Monitoring for Non-Motorized Traffic – This chapter provides basic guidance on 

non-motorized traffic volume monitoring. The term non-motorized pertains to bicycles, pedestrians, 

and other non-motorized road and trail users. The chapter highlights the challenges in collecting nonmotorized data compared with traditional collection of motorized traffic data. It also provides several 

examples of the types of data collection equipment available and describes procedures that can be 

used to collect this type of data.

Chapter 5 – Transportation Management and Operations – This chapter provides guidance and 

examples on coordinating activities for transportation management and operations functions within 

State DOTs. The specific types of functions covered include:

 Traffic management and operations (freeway, freight, arterial) including traveler information, 

incident management, and planning for operations (including performance measures);

 Special monitoring for evacuations/emergency/planned events;

 Commercial vehicle enforcement;

 Safety; and

 Planning (including access management, modeling and long range planning).

Chapter 6 – HPMS Requirements for Traffic Data – This chapter provides guidance to State DOTs in 

meeting the reporting requirements for the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). Traffic 

data represents a significant portion (25%) of the HPMS data reported to FHWA annually. Much of 

this data is provided from a State’s traffic monitoring program. The traffic data items reported in 

HPMS are identified and the uses of this data are also explained in this chapter. 

Chapter 7 – Traffic Monitoring Formats – This chapter defines the data record formats and data 

submittal frequency to be used for reporting volume, speed, vehicle classification, and weight data 

for motorized data and also describes the data formats for reporting non-motorized data. It includes 

new formats now available, known as Per Vehicle Formats, as an alternative method for submitting 

traffic data to FHWA. The traffic data formats described in this chapter are in addition to the traffic 

data which is required to be submitted annually to FHWA as part of the HPMS submittal.

Appendices: There are also several appendices included in the TMG to provide additional guidance to 

the user. Of particular significance, this edition of the TMG includes best practice examples in traffic 

monitoring in appendices D, E, F, and L. 

The appendices in the TMG include the following:

Appendix A – Glossary of Terms

Appendix B – Acronyms

Appendix C – Vehicle Types

Appendix D – Compendium of Designing Statewide Traffic Monitoring

Appendix E – Compendium of Data Quality Control Criteria

Appendix F – Compendium of Equipment Calibration Procedures, Current Practices, and New 

Procedures
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Appendix G – North Carolina Department of Transportation Clustering Methodology for NC Traffic 

Data Inputs for MEPDG

Appendix H – Traffic Data for Pavement Design

Appendix I – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Appendix J – TMAS 2.0 QC Checks

Appendix K – Length Based Class Memo

Appendix L – Additional State Traffic Monitoring Program Examples

Appendix M – References

Appendix N – An Index is also included in the TMG to assist users with quickly locating information on 

a particular topic
1-1

Chapter 1 TRAFFIC MONITORING THEORY, TECHNOLOGY AND CONCEPTS

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Traffic monitoring is performed to collect data that describes the use and performance of the 

roadway system. This chapter describes the types of data that should be collected, the technologies 

that are currently available for collecting those data, how agencies should examine those 

technologies for meeting their traffic monitoring needs, and the characteristics of traffic data that 

should be incorporated into the design of a strong and effective traffic monitoring program.

Background information on the science and concepts used in traffic monitoring is discussed to guide 

the States in developing a traffic monitoring program that not only meets their needs, but also

supports the need for traffic data at the national and local levels.

This chapter is organized into the following four sections:

1.2 Terminology – introduces the technical terms used in the Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG).

1.3 Detection Theory – introduces the theoretical concepts behind current traffic monitoring 

technologies and compares the strengths and weaknesses of each.

1.4 Detection Technology – describes the types of data useful to a traffic monitoring program and 

introduces the sensors used for traffic monitoring. 

1.5 Variation of Traffic Data – provides background information about what variation occurs in the 

traffic stream, and how that variation shapes the design of a strong traffic monitoring program.

1.2 TERMINOLOGY

The purpose of this section is to frame the basic definitions of terms for the remainder of the TMG, 

and it is supplemented with a more comprehensive Glossary of Terms in Appendix A.

There are many different terms used in the TMG to discuss the development and implementation of 

a traffic monitoring program. It is recognized that some of these terms are used in different manners 

by the various States. For the purposes of the TMG, the terms will be used as described below. 

Each term is listed, followed by a brief explanation of its meaning/use within a traffic monitoring 

program. The terms are organized in the following categories: methods, equipment, location, count 

types and programs, factors and data products.

Unless otherwise noted most of the text in this chapter refers to motorized vehicles.

1.2.1 METHODS

There are two general methods used to collect traffic data: automatic and manual.

Automatic – Refers to the collection of traffic data with automatic equipment designed to 

continuously record the distribution and variation of traffic flow in discrete time periods (e.g. by 5 

min., 15 min., hour of the day, day of the week, and month of the year from year to year). Automatic 

methods may include both permanent and portable counters. 

Manual – Refers to visually observing number, classification, vehicle occupancy, turning movement 

counts, or direction of traffic. Methods include using tally sheets or electronic counting boards. These 

methods are not described extensively in this version of the TMG.

1.2.2 EQUIPMENT 

Traffic Counter – Any device that collects vehicular characteristics data (such as volume, classification, 
1-2

speed, weight).

Automated Traffic Recorder (ATR) or Counter – This is a traffic counter that is placed at specific 

locations to record the distribution and variation of traffic flow by hour of the day, day of the week, 

and/or month of the year. The ATR may be used to collect data continuously at a permanent site or at 

any location for shorter periods.

Continuous Count Station (CCS) – permanent counting site provides 24 hours a day and 7 days a 

week of data for either all days of the year or at least for a seasonal collection. 

Portable Traffic Recorder (PTR) or Counter – This is a traffic vehicle counter or classifier that is 

portable/mobile (can be moved to different locations) and not permanently installed in the 

infrastructure. 

NOTE – These terms (ATR, PTR) are often used together and in different contexts. For example, some 

States refer to an ATR as a site where traffic is collected continuously. However, according to the 

strict definition an ATR is simply an automated traffic recorder. To further describe the type of count, 

one should indicate whether the count is continuous or short duration. 

Weigh-In-Motion (WIM) – The process of measuring the dynamic tire forces of a moving vehicle and 

estimating the corresponding tire loads of the static vehicle. A WIM detector is a device that 

measures these loads and forces.

1.2.3 LOCATION

Traffic counts are recorded at a specific point on the roadway. This point is referred to as a “count 

station” or “site.” The point often represents the characteristics of a road segment. For example, a 

count location is often assigned to a segment of road. The definition of a segment varies by State; 

here it refers to a section of roadway defined by the State. Since collecting traffic data is not feasible 

on every possible point within a segment, traffic data collected and representing a point on a 

segment is extrapolated to represent the entire segment. The extrapolation of point data to the line 

segments is known as the traffic data and linear referencing system (LRS) integration process. All 

States should extrapolate point data to a common linear referencing system that is for Highway 

Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) reporting purposes. The word “segment location” may also 

be known as LRS location or HPMS location.

1.2.4 COUNT TYPES AND PROGRAMS

Count – Refers to how the data is collected to measure and record traffic characteristics such as 

vehicle volume, classification (by axle or length), speed, weight, lane occupancy or a combination of 

these characteristics. These characteristics are defined in more detail in other parts of the TMG.

There are two primary categories of traffic count programs: continuous and short duration. They are 

described in detail below.

Continuous

Continuous Count Station – A site that uses an automated traffic counter and is recording traffic 

distribution and variation of traffic flow by hour of the day, day of the week, and/or month of the 

year. It is recording the data 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The goal of a continuous count site is to 

capture data for 365 days of the year. On occasion due to equipment failure, construction, special 

event detours, etc., there can be gaps in the data that occur. Some stations only collect continuous 

count data for part of the year due to weather and road closings. These sites can also be considered 

continuous count stations.

The word “continuous” may also be known as permanent. The word “count” may also be known as 

monitoring. The word “station” may also be known as site.
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Continuous Counts – Continuous counts are volume counts derived from permanent counters for a 

period of 24 hours each day over 365 days (except for leap year) for the data-reporting year.

Continuous Data Program – Refers to the program management aspects of maintaining, storing, 

accessing, and reporting data from continuous counters within an overall travel monitoring program. 

In some States, this is referred to as “permanent count program.” For the purposes of the TMG, the 

program will be referred to as the “continuous data program.” Chapter 3 provides more detail.

Short Duration

Short Duration Count Station – A site that uses an automated traffic counter and is recording traffic 

distribution and variation of traffic flow for a specified period (less than 365 days per calendar year.) 

The counter may be permanently installed or moved to accommodate count locations. The goal of a 

short-duration count station is to collect data that can be adjusted by factoring and creating an 

annual average daily traffic (AADT) number that representing a typical traffic volume number any 

time or day of the year. Short-duration count stations typically are defined as stations where 24-hour, 

48-hour, or one week of data is collected.

The word “duration” may also be known as term. Some States refer to these count stations as 

“portable” because they may have permanent loops in the pavement that connects a 

portable counting device to the loops.

Short Duration Counts – Counts that are collected on less than a continuous basis (i.e., may be a 

period of 24, 48 or 72 hours). 

Short Duration Count Program – Refers to the non-continuous data collection program management 

aspects of an overall travel monitoring program. Provides the majority of the geographic diversity 

needed to generate traffic information on the State roadway system. Short duration provide more 

spatial/geographic count coverage (in addition to the continuous program) for HPMS or for special 

traffic studies and are taken for various periods on roadway segment-specific locations, typically on a 

rotating schedule over time. A State’s overall travel monitoring program typically includes both a 

short-duration count and a continuous count program. The counts within a short duration count 

program are taken for 48 or 72 hours or at times as long as a week. 

Some States also refer to their short duration program as the “coverage count program” and some 

include a subsection of the short duration program as special needs counts. Other States refer to the 

short duration count program as “portable.” 

1.2.5 FACTORS

Factors are used to process the data collected. A factor is a number that represents a ratio of one 

number to another number. K, D, T, and peak hour factor are factors best computed from data 

collected at continuous count stations and are used in engineering analyses. 

Axle, seasonal, monthly, and day-of-week (DOW) factors are computed from continuous count 

station data for use in adjusting short count data to estimates of AADT.

Axle Factor/Axle Correction Factors – Factors developed to adjust axle counts into vehicle counts. 

Axle correction factors are developed from classification counts by dividing the total number of 

vehicles counted by the total number of axles on these vehicles. However, the prevalence of data 

collection equipment that is dependent on pneumatic tubes that count axles rather than vehicles 

requires adjustments by applying an axle correction factor to represent vehicles. Equipment that 

detects vehicles directly (such as inductive loops or vehicle classification counters) does not require 

axle adjustment. In general, the higher the percentage of multi-axle vehicles on a road, the more 

error you will introduce into the data by not using axle correction factors.

Axle correction factors can be applied at either the individual point or the system level; specifically, 

from either specific vehicle classification counts at specific locations or from a combination of vehicle 
1-4

classification counts averaged together to represent an entire system of roads. This is an example of 

creating axle factor groups. Another example is described below.

Because truck percentages (and consequently axle correction factors) change dramatically from road 

to road, even within functional classes and HPMS strata, the TMG recommends that axle correction 

factors be developed for specific roads from vehicle classification counts taken on that road 

whenever possible. 

Where possible, the axle correction factor applied to an axle count should come from a classification 

count performed nearby, on that same road, and from a vehicle classification count that was taken 

during the same approximate period as the volume count. For roads where these adjustment factors 

are not available, a system wide factor is recommended. The systemwide factor should be computed 

by averaging all of the axle correction factors computed in the vehicle classification count sample 

within a functional classification of roads. However, other methods can also be used. Where State 

highway agencies have developed a truck route classification system, this classification system may

be substituted for the functional class strata.

Computation of Axle Correction Factors

Emphasis on the collection of classification data should minimize the need for axle correction. 

Whenever possible, axle correction factors needed to convert axle counts to vehicles should be 

developed from vehicle classification counts taken on the specific road. In addition, the classification 

count should be taken from the same general vicinity and on the same day of week (a weekday 

classification count is usually sufficient for a weekday volume count) as the axle count it will be used 

to adjust. Where a classification count has not been taken on the road in question, an average axle 

correction factor can be estimated from the WIM and continuous classification sites. Methods used 

should be detailed in the traffic count metadata. The computation is the same whether the data 

comes from a single short duration count or from a continuous WIM scale. 

Table 1-1 illustrates the process. In the table, vehicle volume is computed by dividing the total 

number of axles counted by the average number per vehicle. The table provides a conservative 

estimate of the number of axles per vehicle for the FHWA 13 vehicle category classes. Appropriate 

numbers should be computed at each site. States have different axle class systems. Some States have 

automated software to create these factors by axle factor groups; not all States are the same; and not 

all States group axle factors the same way.

TABLE 1-1 EXAMPLE CALCULATION OF THE NUMBER OF AXLES PER VEHICLE

Road ID

Daily 

Vehicle Volume Count 

(A)

Daily Number of Axle 

Count (B)

Average Number 

of Axles Per Vehicle

(K)=B/A

R200B 54,267 135,124 2.5

R120A 1,968 4,546 2.3

R280K 240,656 579,019 2.4

Seasonal Factors – The seasonal factor is used to correct for seasonal bias in short duration counts. 

Directions on how to create and apply seasonal factors are provided in the general discussion of 

factoring in Chapter 3. States may choose to select alternative seasonal adjustment procedures if 

they have performed the analytical work necessary to document the applicability of their chosen 

procedure. 

Monthly Factors – The monthly factor is used to correct for month of year bias in short duration 

counts. Directions on how to create and apply monthly factors are provided in the general discussion 
1-5

of factoring in Chapter 3. Those procedures are recommended for the HPMS reporting, discussed 

further in Chapter 6. States may choose to select alternative monthly adjustment procedures if they 

have performed the analytical work necessary to document the applicability of their chosen 

procedure. 

Day of week factors are used to correct for bias according to the day of the week. 

Other Factors

K-Factor (K) – The proportion of AADT occurring in the peak hour is referred to as the peak hour 

proportionality K-factor. It is the ratio of peak hour to annual average daily traffic. It is used in design 

engineering for determining the peak loading on a roadway design that might have similar traffic 

volumes. For example, by applying the K-factor to a volume, a design engineer can estimate design 

hour volume. The K30 is the 30th (K100 is the 100th) highest hour divided by the annual average daily 

traffic.

D-Factor (D) – The directional distribution factor. It is the proportion of traffic traveling in the peak 

direction during a selected hour, usually expressed as a percentage. For example, a road near the 

center of an urban area often has a D-factor near 50% with traffic volumes equal for both directions. 

Peak Hour Factor (PHF) – The hourly volume during the maximum traffic volume hour of the day 

divided by 15-minute volume multiplied by four, a measure of traffic demand fluctuation within the 

peak hour. It represents one hour of data at the peak time.

1.2.6 DATA PRODUCTS

ADT – Average Daily Traffic – The total volume during a given time period (in whole days), greater 

than one day and less than one year, divided by the number of days in that time period. Also known 

as raw data and unadjusted or non-factored data.

AADT – Annual Average Daily Traffic – The total volume of vehicle traffic of a highway or road for a 

year divided by 365 days. It is meant to represent traffic on a typical day of the year.

There are two basic procedures for calculating AADT:

 A simple average of all days; and 

 An average of averages (the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials 

(AASHTO) method).

In the first of these techniques, AADT is computed as the simple average of all 365 days in a given 

year (unless a leap year). When days of data are missing, the denominator is simply reduced by the 

number of missing days.

The advantage to this approach is that it is simple and easy to program. The disadvantage is that 

missing data can cause biases (and thus inaccuracy) in the AADT value produced. In particular, blocks 

of missing days of data (for example, data from June 15 to July 15) can bias the annual values by 

removing data that have specific characteristics. On a heavy summer recreational route, missing data 

from June 15 through July 15 would likely result in an underestimation of the true AADT for that road.

When the simple average is used to compute average monthly traffic, the missing data can bias the 

results when an unequal number of weekday or weekend days are removed from the dataset. 

Because continuous count stations may have some equipment down time during a year and miss a 

considerable numbers of days, AASHTO adopted a different approach for calculating AADT. The 

AASHTO approach first computes average monthly days of the week. These 84 values (12 months × 7 

days) are then averaged to yield the AADT. This method explicitly accounts for missing data by 

weighting each day of the week the same, and each month the same, regardless of how many days 

are actually present within that category; however, there must be between one and five records for 

each day of the week in each month. For example, if only two Saturdays and two Sundays are present 
1-6

for June, but there are three days of data for all five weekdays, in the simple average technique the 

weekdays would be over-represented in the average June day computation. In the AASHTO 

procedure, the first computation of the seven average days of the week allows the two Saturdays to 

be used to estimate the average June Saturday, while three Mondays are used to compute the 

average June Monday. When these seven values are then averaged to compute the average June day, 

the proper balance between weekdays and weekend days can be maintained.

The resulting two versions of AADT are very close to each other. The study, Traffic Count Estimates 

for Short-Term Traffic Monitoring Sites: A Simulation Study (Wright, et al.), indicates that the 

differences are so small as to be unimportant. The simple average method is certainly easier to 

compute. However, where data is likely to be missing the AASHTO method will provide a more 

reliable and accurate value.

The AASHTO method for computing AADT is recommended. This is because it allows factors to be 

computed accurately even when a considerable number of data is missing from a year at a site, and 

because it works accurately under a variety of data conditions (both with and without missing data). 

Conversely, the simple average works accurately only when the data set is complete, or when little 

bias is present in the missing data. Because a common method should be used for all AADT 

computations, the AASHTO method is preferred.

The AASHTO formulation for AADT is as follows:

Where: 

VOL = daily traffic for day k, of DOW i, and month j

i = day of the week

j = month of the year

k = 1 when the day is the first occurrence of that day of the week in a month, 4 when it is 

the fourth day of the week

n = the number of days of that day of the week during that month (usually between one 

and five, depending on the number of missing data)

AADTT – Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic – The total volume of truck traffic on a highway segment 

for one year, divided by the number of days in the year. Computation of AADTT (by vehicle class) 

from a short duration count requires the application of one or more factors that account for 

differences in time-of-day, DOW, and seasonal truck traffic patterns. 

AAWDT – Annual Average Weekday Traffic – The estimate of typical traffic during a weekday 

(Monday through Friday) calculated from data measured at continuous monitoring sites.

AVDT – Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled – The number of miles that vehicles are driven in one year. 

AVDT is one of the values used in the Federal apportionment formula, and is calculated in distance 

units reported in HPMS for the roadway segment, usually in miles. This definition was added for 

accommodating distance measurements in the metric system.

The annual vehicle distance traveled (AVDT) is computed by multiplying the daily vehicle distance 

traveled (DVDT) by the number of days in the year. The HPMS software calculates the DVDT, and the 

AVDT is computed manually by FHWA. 

The DVDT is calculated by multiplying the section AADT by the section length to compute sectionspecific DVDT. (A roadway section or subsection is a State-owned or off-system roadway identified 
1-7

by an eight-digit code. Each roadway section is defined by a beginning and ending milepost in the 

Roadway Characteristics Inventory (RCI)). These are then summed for an entire stratum to compute 

DVDT. Aggregate estimates at any stratification level (volume group, functional class, area type, 

statewide, or other combinations of these) can be derived by summing the DVDT of the appropriate 

strata. For example, to obtain estimates of rural interstate DVDT, sum the DVDT estimates for each 

volume group strata within the rural interstate functional system group. 

Estimates of DVDT or AVDT for specific HPMS vehicle classes also can be derived by multiplying DVDT 

strata figures by the appropriate percentages derived from the vehicle classification counts and 

aggregating to the strata totals as done for volume.

An estimate of the standard error of a stratum DVDT estimate is given by the following equation:

Sh = √

Nh(Nh−nh)

nh(nh − 1)

[∑Dhi

2 +(

∑ Dhi

∑ Lhi

)

2

(∑Lhi

2

)− 2 (

∑ Dhi

∑ Lhi

)∑Dhi Lhi]

Where:

Sh = standard error of DVDT estimate in stratum h

Nh = number of full extent sections in stratum h

nh = number of sample sections in stratum h

Dhi = DVDT of section i in stratum h

Lhi = length of section i in stratum h.

Example:

If:

Nh = 10

nh = 5

Dhi = 5.00 miles

Lhi = 1.00 mile

Then:

Sh = ± 5%

This equation is presented in Sampling Techniques (Cochran). A complete discussion of ratio 

estimation procedures is included in the reference. The estimates produced by this process are 

conservative since the errors introduced by using factors to develop AADT estimates have been 

ignored. The assumption is that these errors are normally distributed and therefore will cancel out 

when aggregated. The equation shows that estimates of the standard error of aggregate VDT for 

HPMS strata are derived by summing the squared standard errors of the appropriate strata and 

taking the square root of the total. Coefficients of variation and confidence intervals can be derived 

by standard statistical procedures.

As a rule of thumb, the precision of statewide DVDT estimates (excluding local functional class) is 

expected to approximate ±5 percent with 95 percent confidence, although the analysis assumed that 

the AADT values reported were exact. Because of this assumption, precision estimates are 

conservative. Computation of annual DVDT estimates with the complete HPMS standard sample by 

using the AADT from each HPMS standard sample would be expected to approximate the stated 

precision. It is important to note that precision and accuracy are different concepts from variability. 

For example, you can have variable traffic volumes from year-to-year but still have accurate volumes.

The HPMS standard sample sizes are defined in terms of AADT within strata (described in the HPMS 

Field Manual). To estimate the precision of DVDT estimates, a complex procedure is needed to 

account for the variation in AADT and for the variation in section length. The equation to estimate the 
1-8

sampling variability of aggregate DVDT estimates is given in Sampling Techniques. In an early HPMS 

study, the precision of statewide estimates of interstate DVDT approximated ±2-3 percent with 95 

percent confidence, but these results considered only sampling variability and ignored error 

introduced by equipment or the factoring process used to estimate sample section AADT.

MADT – Monthly Average Daily Traffic – This can be computed by adding the daily volumes during 

any given month and dividing by the number of days in the month. For MADT, most of the calendar 

month of data should be included with a a minimum of at least one Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, 

Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday . 

MAWDT – Monthly Average Weekday Daily Traffic – The MADT for Monday through Friday are 

summed and then divided by five.

MAWET – Monthly Average Weekend Daily Traffic – The MADT for Saturday and Sunday are summed 

and then divided by two.

VDT – Vehicle Distance Traveled – The distance traveled by all vehicles for a given period, usually 

measured in miles and reported as vehicle miles traveled (VMT) for a geographic region. There is a 

relationship between VDT and VMT, although each is distinctly different. While VDT is measuring a 

distance traveled, VMT is counting the number of vehicles traveled over a distance. Depending upon 

the formulas used, these numbers may be the same.

VMT – Vehicle Miles Traveled – Indicates how many vehicles have traveled over the distance of a 

route or functional classification or geographic area in one day. VMT is calculated by multiplying the 

AADT value for each section of road by the section length (in miles) and summing all sections to 

obtain VMT for a complete route. VMT is not the same as daily vehicle distance traveled (DVDT), 

which measures the distance traveled by vehicles in a day, not how many (VMT) vehicles traveled 

over a given distance in a day. Depending upon the formulas used, these numbers may be the same.

1.2.7 OTHER TERMS

Vehicle – Vehicles include one powered unit and may include one or more unpowered full-trailer or 

semi-trailer units (ASTM E17.52).

Vehicle Length – This refers to the overall length of a vehicle measured from the front bumper to the 

rear bumper including permanent equipment that may extend beyond the rear bumper such as that 

used to improve aerodynamic performance. 

Vehicle Axle – The vehicle axle is the axis oriented transversely to the nominal direction of vehicle 

motion and extending the full width of the vehicle about which the wheel(s) at both ends rotate 

(ASTM E17.52, E1318-09).

Axle Spacing – For each vehicle axle, the horizontal distance between the center of that axle and that 

of the preceding axle is the vehicle axle spacing (ASTM E17.52, E1572-93).

Vehicle Counts

Vehicle counting is the activity of measuring and recording traffic characteristics such as vehicle 

volume, classification, speed, weight, or a combination of these characteristics (ASTM E17.52, E1442-

94).

Speed (Vehicle) – Measurement of how fast a vehicle is traveling in miles/hour (mph).

Weigh In Motion – Gross-vehicle weight of a highway vehicle is due only to the local force of gravity 

acting upon the composite mass of all connected vehicle components, and is distributed among the 

tires of the vehicle through connectors such as springs, motion dampers, and hinges. Highway WIM 

systems are capable of estimating the gross weight of a vehicle as well as the portion of this weight, 

called load, that is carried by the tires of each wheel assembly, axle, and axle group on the vehicle.
1-9

FHWA Vehicle Classes

The FHWA vehicle classification system separates vehicles into categories depending on whether they 

carry passengers or commodities. Non-passenger vehicles are further subdivided by the number of 

axles and the number of units, including both power and trailer units. Note that the addition of a light 

trailer to a vehicle does not change the classification of the vehicle.

Axle-based automatic vehicle classifiers rely on an algorithm to interpret axle spacing information and 

correctly classify vehicles into these classes. The FHWA does not endorse any specific algorithm or 

system for interpreting axle spacings. Axle spacing characteristics for different vehicle classes are 

known to change from State to State, by region of the country. As a result, no single algorithm is best 

for all cases. It is the responsibility of each agency to develop, test and calibrate the classification 

algorithm they use. FHWA vehicle classes with definitions are identified in Appendix C of the TMG.

1.3 DETECTION THEORY

This section reviews the theory of vehicle detection, including the physics and electronics used with 

the various types of sensors.

The theory and operation of vehicle sensors is discussed in detail in the sensor technology chapter of 

the Traffic Detector Handbook (FHWA-HRT-06-108). The handbook also discusses the operation and 

uses of the following types of modern vehicle presence technologies:

 Inductive Loop Detectors – A sensor capable of detecting vehicle passage and presence. Advanced 

signal processing can be used to derive certain vehicle class characteristics. It consists of four 

parts, namely one or more turns of wire embedded in the pavement, a lead-in wire running from 

the wire loop in the pavement to the pull box, and a lead-in cable spliced to the lead-in wire at the 

pull box, which connects to the inductive loop detector electronic circuit on a card or device 

within the equipment cabinet or traffic counter.

 Magnetic Sensor – Passive devices that detect the presence of a ferrous metal object through the 

perturbation (known as a magnetic anomaly) it causes in the Earth's magnetic field. Its output is 

connected to an electronics unit. The two types of magnetic sensors are fluxgate magnetometers 

and induction magnetometers, referred to as magnetic detectors as described in the Traffic 

Detector Handbook.

 Magnetic Detector (Induction or Search Coil Magnetometer) – A device that detects changes in 

the Earth’s magnetic field caused by the movement of a ferrous metal vehicle in or near its

detection area. It is placed under or in the roadway to detect the passage of a vehicle over the 

sensor. These sensors generally detect only moving vehicles. Their output is connected to an 

electronics unit.

 Microwave Radar Sensors – Vehicle detection devices that transmit electromagnetic energy from 

an antenna towards vehicles traveling the roadway. When a vehicle passes through the antenna 

beam, a portion of the transmitted energy is reflected back towards the antenna. The energy then 

enters a receiver where the detection is made and traffic flow data, such as volume, speed, and 

vehicle length are calculated.

 Microwave Doppler – The constant frequency signal (with respect to time) allows vehicle speed 

to be measured using the Doppler principle. Accordingly, the frequency of the received signal is 

decreased by a vehicle moving away from the radar and increased by a vehicle moving toward the 

radar. Vehicle passage or count is denoted by the presence of the frequency shift. Vehicle 

presence cannot be measured with the constant frequency waveform since only moving vehicles 

are detected. 

 Passive Infrared Sensors – Transmit no energy of their own. Rather they detect energy from two 

sources: 1) energy emitted from vehicles, road surfaces, and other objects in their field of view; 
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and 2) energy emitted by the atmosphere and reflected by vehicles, road surfaces, or other 

objects into the sensor aperture. The energy captured by passive infrared sensors is focused by an 

optical system onto an infrared-sensitive material mounted at the focal plane of the optics. 

With infrared sensors, the word “detector” takes on another meaning, namely the infrared 

sensitive element that converts the reflected and emitted energy into electrical signals. Real-time 

signal processing is used to analyze the signals for the presence of a vehicle. The sensors are 

mounted overhead to view approaching or departing traffic. They can also be mounted in a sidelooking configuration. Infrared sensors are used for signal control; volume, speed, and class 

measurement; detection of pedestrians in crosswalks; and transmission of traffic information to 

motorists.

 Passive Acoustic Array Sensors – Measure vehicle passage, presence, and speed by detecting 

acoustic energy or audible sounds produced by vehicular traffic from a variety of sources within 

each vehicle and from the interaction of a vehicle’s tires with the road. When a vehicle passes 

through the detection zone, an increase in sound energy is recognized by the signal-processing 

algorithm and a vehicle presence signal is generated. When the vehicle leaves the detection zone, 

the sound energy level drops below the detection threshold, and the vehicle presence signal 

is terminated.

 Ultrasonic Sensors – Transmit pressure waves of sound energy at a frequency between 25 and 50 

kHz, which is above the human audible range. Most ultrasonic sensors operate with pulse 

waveforms and provide vehicle count, presence, and occupancy information.

 Laser Radar Sensors – Active sensors that transmit energy in the near infrared spectrum. Models 

are available that scan infrared beams over one or two lanes or use multiple laser diode sources 

to emit a number of fixed beams that cover the desired lane width. Laser radars provide vehicle 

presence at traffic signals, volume, speed, length assessment, queue measurement, 

and classification.

 Video Detection Systems – Typically consist of one or more cameras, a microprocessor-based 

computer for digitizing and analyzing the imagery, and software for interpreting the images and 

converting them into traffic flow data. A video detection system can replace several in-ground 

inductive loops, providing detection of vehicles across several lanes.

 Sensor Technology Combinations – Various types of sensors in combination used for traffic 

management, including ultrasonic-infrared-microwave Doppler.

Table 1-2 describes the strengths and weaknesses of the types of technology used for presence 

detection. Presence detection refers to the ability of a vehicle detector to sense that a vehicle, 

whether moving or stopped, has appeared in its zone of detection. 

TABLE 1-2 STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES OF COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE SENSOR 

TECHNOLOGIES FOR MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

Technology Strengths Weaknesses

Inductive loop  Flexible design to satisfy large 

variety of applications

 Mature, well-understood 

technology

 Large experience base

 Provides basic traffic parameters 

(e.g., volume, presence, 

occupancy, speed, headway, and 

gap)

 Insensitive to inclement weather 

 Installation requires pavement cut

 Improper installation decreases pavement 

life

 Installation and maintenance require lane 

closure

 Wire loops subject to stresses of traffic

 Multiple loops usually required to 

monitor a location

 Detection accuracy may decrease when 

design requires detection of a large 
1-11

Technology Strengths Weaknesses

such as rain, fog, and snow

 Provides best accuracy for count 

data as compared with other 

commonly used techniques

 Common standard for obtaining 

accurate occupancy measurements

 High frequency excitation models 

with advanced signal processing 

can provide axle classification data

variety of vehicle classes

 Does not detect axles in commonly 

used configurations

Piezo/

Quartz

 High accuracy in 

vehicle classification 

 Insensitive to inclement weather 

such as rain, fog, and snow

 Common standard for obtaining 

axle count and classification

 Can be used to collect weight 

classification data (WIM); quartz 

performance comparable to 

bending plates

 Mature, well-understood 

technology

 Installation requires pavement cut

 Improper installation decreases pavement 

life

 Installation and maintenance require lane 

closure

 Piezo sensitive to temperature

 Does not detect vehicle overall length

 Does not work well in slow or 

stopped traffic

Air switch/ 

Road tube

 Common standard for obtaining 

axle count and classification in 

portable applications

 Mature, well-understood 

technology

 Installation may require lane closure

 Does not detect vehicle overall length

 Does not work well in high volume or 

slow or stopped traffic

Magnetometer

(two-axis 

fluxgate 

magnetometer)

 Less susceptible than loops to 

stresses of traffic

 Insensitive to inclement weather 

such as snow, rain, and fog

 Some models transmit data over 

wireless radio frequency (RF) link

 Installation requires pavement cut

 Improper installation decreases pavement 

life

 Installation and maintenance require lane 

closure

 Models with small detection zones 

require multiple units for full 

lane detection

 Cannot detect stopped vehicles, axles

Magnetic

(induction or 

search coil 

magnetometer)

 Can be used where loops are not 

feasible (e.g., bridge decks)

 Some models are installed under 

roadway without need for 

pavement cuts; however, boring 

under roadway is required

 Insensitive to inclement weather 

such as snow, rain, and fog

 Less susceptible than loops to 

stresses of traffic

 Installation requires pavement cut or 

boring under roadway

 Cannot detect or classify stopped vehicles 

or axles unless special sensor layouts and 

signal processing software are used

Microwave 

radar

 Typically insensitive to inclement 

weather at the relatively short 

ranges encountered in traffic 

management applications

 Direct measurement of speed

 Multiple lane operation available

 Detects stopped and slow-

 Detector can miss occasional vehicles 

traveling side-by-side (occlusion)

 Calibration and sensor position are crucial 

to proper operation

 Does not detect axles
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Technology Strengths Weaknesses

moving vehicles

 Lane assignment and changes can 

be accommodated for at a location

Microwave 

doppler

 Typically insensitive to inclement 

weather at the relatively short 

ranges encountered in traffic 

management applications

 Direct measurement of speed

 Cannot detect stopped vehicles, axles

Active infrared 

(laser radar)

 Transmits multiple beams for 

accurate measurement of vehicle 

position, speed, and class

 Multiple lane operation available

 Good motorcycle detection

 Non-intrusive installation

 Operation may be affected by fog when 

visibility is less than ≈ 20 feet (6 meters) 

or blowing snow is present

 Installation and maintenance, including 

periodic lens cleaning, require lane 

closure (should not require a lane closure for 

cleaning and maintenance of a side-fired 

laser)

 Side fire axle detection will not work with 

roads that have a substantial crown or 

median obstructions

Passive infrared  Multizone passive sensors measure 

speed

 Good motorcycle detection

 Non-intrusive installation

 Passive sensor may have reduced vehicle 

sensitivity in heavy rain, snow, and dense 

fog

 Some models not recommended for 

presence detection

 No accurate vehicle length or axle 

detection (requires periodic lens cleaning)

Ultrasonic  Multiple lane operation available

 Capable of overheight 

vehicle detection

 Environmental conditions such as 

temperature change and extreme air 

turbulence can affect performance; 

temperature compensation is built into 

some models

 Large pulse repetition periods may 

degrade occupancy measurement on 

freeways with vehicles traveling at 

moderate to high speeds

 Cannot detect stopped vehicles, axles

Acoustic  Passive detection

 Insensitive to precipitation

 Multiple lane operation available in 

some models

 Cold temperatures may affect vehicle 

count accuracy

 Specific models are not recommended 

with slow-moving vehicles in stop-and-go 

traffic

 Cannot detect stopped vehicles, axles

Video detection 

system

 Monitors multiple lanes and 

multiple detection zones/lane

 Easy to add and modify 

detection zones

 Rich array of data available

 Generally cost effective when 

many detection zones within the 

camera field of view or specialized 

data are required

 Installation and maintenance, including 

periodic lens cleaning, require lane 

closure when camera is mounted over 

roadway (lane closure may not be 

required when camera is mounted at side 

of roadway)

 Performance affected by inclement 

weather such as fog, rain, and snow; 

vehicle shadows; vehicle projection into 

adjacent lanes; occlusion; day-to-night 
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Technology Strengths Weaknesses

transition; vehicle/road contrast; and 

water, salt grime, icicles, and cobwebs on 

camera lens

 Reliable nighttime signal actuation 

requires illumination

 Requires 30- to 50-ft (9- to 15-m) camera 

mounting height (in a side-mounting 

configuration) for optimum presence 

detection and speed measurement

 Cannot detect axles

 Some models susceptible to camera 

motion caused by strong winds or 

vibration of camera mounting structure

Source: Adapted from Traffic Detector Handbook, 2006. 

The Traffic Detector Handbook summarizes the comparison of in-roadway and over-roadway sensors 

and indicates that good performance of in-roadway sensors such as inductive loops, magnetic, and 

magnetometer sensors is based, in part, on their close location to the vehicle. Thus, in-road sensors 

are insensitive to inclement weather due to a high signal-to-noise ratio. Their main disadvantage is 

their in-roadway installation, necessitating physical changes in the roadway as part of the installation 

process. Over-roadway sensors often provide data not available from in-roadway sensors and some 

can monitor multiple lanes with one unit.

In traffic monitoring applications, in-road sensors can effectively discriminate vehicle characteristics 

(e.g. axle spacing, class, length) on a lane by lane basis, without being subject to errors introduced by 

multiple vehicles simultaneously in the field of view of the sensor.

The following table adapted from the Traffic Detector Handbook lists and describes the traffic flow 

sensor technologies and their capabilities. Most measure count, presence, and occupancy. Some 

single detection zone sensors, such as the range-measuring ultrasonic sensor and some infrared 

sensors do not measure speed. Continuous wave Doppler radar sensors do not detect stopped or 

slow moving vehicles.
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TABLE 1-3 MOTORIZED SENSOR COMPARISON

Sensor Technology

Count Presence Speed

Output 

Data Classification

Multiple Lane, Multiple 

Detection Zone Data

Communication 

Bandwidth

Sensor 

Purchase Cost

Inductive Loop X X X

a X Xb

Low to moderate Lowh

Magnetometer

(2-Axis Fluxgate)

X X X

a X Low Moderateh

Magnetic Induction Coil X X

c Xa X Low Low to moderateh

Microwave Doppler

Microwave Radar X X

d X Xd Xd Xd Moderate Low to moderate

Active Infrared X X X

e X X X Low to moderate Moderate to high

Passive Infrared X X X

e X Low to moderate Low to moderate

Ultrasonic X X X Low Low to moderate

Acoustic Array X X X X X

f

Low to moderate Moderate

Video Detection System X X X X X X Low to highg Moderate to high

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

a

 Speed can be measured by using two sensors a known distance apart or estimated from one sensor, the effective detection zone and vehicle lengthsb with specialized electronics 

unit containing embedded firmware that classifies vehicles.

c With special sensor layouts and signal processing software.

d

 With microwave radar sensors that transmit the proper waveform and have appropriate signal processing.

e With multi-detection zone passive or active mode infrared sensors.

f

 With models that contain appropriate beam-forming and signal processing.

g

 Depends on whether high-bandwidth raw data, lower-bandwidth processed data, or video imagery is transmitted to the TMC.

h

 Includes underground sensor and local detector or receiver electronics. Electronics options are available to receive multiple sensors, multiple lane data.

1 There are different types of classification schemes (axle-based, length-based and visual schema )
1-15

1.4 DETECTION TECHNOLOGY

This section describes the kinds of technologies that are available to support traffic monitoring 

programs at the State level, including the technology and equipment used for collecting counts and 

the general strengths and weaknesses of each of those technologies. This section summarizes a large 

amount of previously published material and acknowledges that additional literature continues to be 

published as vendors bring new technologies to market and update existing technologies. An 

additional excellent source of information on the selection of traffic monitoring equipment can be 

found in Chapter 3 of the report AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs (2009).

Traffic monitoring technology is evolving quickly due to a combination of the availability of modern, 

low cost computing and communications technology, but is also driven by the need for more timely 

information. Not all equipment vendors produce equipment of equal quality. Some equipment has 

been heavily tested and operates very robustly. Even within a single technology, equipment 

performance can vary widely from vendor to vendor based on each vendor’s internal software 

algorithms and the components that make up their equipment. 

The reason different vendor’s equipment can produce different results for any given sensor 

technology is that the data collection electronics and the software that resides in those electronics 

may perform in different ways. (For example, two different video image-counting devices may 

produce very different results if one uses a robust image-processing algorithm, while the other does 

not.) 

Consequently, as agencies make decisions on what type of hardware and supporting software to 

purchase, they should continue to consult the available and more detailed literature (such as from 

pooled funds, FHWA Highway Community Exchange, and FHWA Long Term Pavement Performance

(LTPP)) that describes the performance of specific technologies. They should work cooperatively with 

their peers to share their working experience with specific equipment. Using these resources 

effectively is a key to selecting the best data monitoring equipment for each agency’s needs. A very 

good source of additional information on traffic data collection technologies is available on the

FHWA’s Travel Monitoring Policy website. A variety of other excellent technical resources are 

included in Appendix L. 

It is also important that agencies carefully test equipment before they purchase specific devices from 

a vendor, and once they have purchased devices that meet their needs, they should routinely 

calibrate and continue to test the performance of their equipment in the field. The first of these steps 

ensures that the equipment they purchase performs as advertised. The second step ensures that the 

equipment they are using is being correctly installed in the field, and that the performance of the 

sensors and electronics has not degraded over time due to use and changing environmental 

conditions. Careful site selection, use of high quality materials, and rigorous attention to detail during 

the installation process will facilitate the reliable collection of high quality traffic data on a continuous 

basis.

1.4.1 TRAFFIC ATTRIBUTES 

A good way to categorize traffic monitoring devices is based on the type of data they collect. Given 

the goals of the Traffic Monitoring Guide, traffic monitoring equipment can be categorized as being 

able to collect several different types of data:

 Non-Motorized:

- Bicycle volumes;

- Pedestrian volumes; and

- Bicycle and pedestrian total volumes.
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 Motorized:

- Vehicle volumes;

- Vehicle classification (including motorcycles);

- Speed;

- Axle spacing;

- Vehicle and axle weight;

- Gap;

- Headway; and

- Lane occupancy.

The technology used to sense the passing traffic stream determines what each data collection device 

physically counts. The electronics connected to that sensor interpret the sensor’s signal, processes 

the signal (usually using a proprietary algorithm specific to that equipment’s vendor), and produces 

some subset of the data items listed in the bullets above. The next paragraphs describe the different 

types of data that are collected by traffic data collection equipment.

Non-Motorized Traffic Programs

Chapter 4 provides basic guidance related to the state of the practice in non-motorized traffic 

monitoring. It includes discussion of the following:

 Various technologies that are commonly used to count non-motorized (i.e., bicycles and 

pedestrians) traffic volumes at fixed locations;

 Discussion of non-motorized traffic variability;

 Process for collecting continuous non-motorized traffic data; and

 Non-motorized short-duration counts.

Motorized Traffic Programs

Vehicle Volume

A wide variety of technologies can count vehicles. Some technologies actually count each passing 

object, where in most cases an object is a vehicle, whether it is a car or multi-unit truck. Other 

sensors do not detect a vehicle, but instead count the axles of those vehicles. Additional information 

is then used to convert the axle count data into measures of vehicle volume. In many cases, this extra 

information comes from a second sensor. But for simple, single sensor, axle-based counters, an

adjustment factor (the axle correction factor) is applied against the total axle count in order to 

provide an estimate of vehicle volume. Table 1-4 summarizes which of the currently available traffic 

monitoring technologies directly count vehicle volumes, and which count axles requiring conversion 

of that data to vehicle volume estimates. 
1-17

TABLE 1-4 COMMON TECHNOLOGIES USED FOR COUNTING VEHICLES VERSUS AXLES

Presence Sensing Technologies Axle Sensing Technologies

Inductive loops

Magnetic

Video detection system

Acoustic 

Ultrasonic

Microwave radar

Laser radar

Passive infrared

Infrared

Laser (most) 

Piezo-electric

Quartz sensor

Fiber optic

Capacitance mats

Bending plates

Load cells

Inductive Signatures 

Contact switch closures (e.g., road tubes)

This table shows the most common application of this technology. In some cases, specific 

implementations of the technologies can be used in different ways. For example, one very specific 

implementation of loop sensors has been shown to be able to count axles very accurately. However, 

most loop installations are not capable of detecting axles.

Vehicle Classification

Collecting traffic volume data by vehicle classification differs from simple volume counting in that 

each vehicle is not only recognized as a vehicle, but that vehicle is also classified into one of several 

defined categories. Adding to the difficulty of categorizing vehicles is the fact that different users 

have different definitions into which they would like vehicles classified. In traffic monitoring, the most 

commonly used vehicle classification system is the 13 vehicle category classification system 

developed by FHWA and is used in each State’s HPMS submittal. Figure 1-1 provides representative 

examples that depict the 13 vehicle categories.
1-18

FIGURE 1-1 FHWA’S 13 VEHICLE CATEGORY CLASSIFICATION

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Certain truck configurations utilize axles that can be lifted when the vehicle is empty or lightly-loaded. 

The position of these axles—sometimes called lift axles, drop axles, or tag axles—affects the 

classification category into which the vehicle falls. To maintain consistency between visual and axlebased counts, the TMG recommends that only axles that are in the dropped position be considered 

when classifying the vehicle. While this promotes consistency, it may induce difficulty when 

interpreting summary classification statistics at certain locations. For example, a site may exhibit 

directional differences in vehicle classification even though the same trucks may be travelling one 

direction loaded (with axles down) and the other direction empty (with axles lifted).

This recommendation was developed as a compromise between a wide variety of competing 

interests. It is really a visual system. Most vehicles can be easily classified into this system by a human 
1-19

observer. However, work performed by John Wyman and others at Maine DOT (Wyman, Gary, and 

Stevens, 1985) resulted in computer algorithms that allow most vehicles to be correctly classified into 

these categories based on the number and spacing of their axles. This system has been refined over 

time by a wide variety of researchers, State agencies, and vendors to help it function effectively in 

their respective States. These modifications from the original system were necessary because truck 

size and weight laws vary from State to State and, consequently, common truck dimensions and 

configurations can change slightly from State to State. In addition, some States permit specific vehicle 

types that are not legal in other States. (For example, some western States allow tractors to pull three 

trailers, while most States do not allow more than two trailers.) States often wish to track these 

unusual vehicle types, and therefore add additional vehicle categories to FHWA’s 13 categories that 

meet their specific traffic monitoring needs. When these States purchase vehicle classification 

counters, they require that the vendors install their State-specific classification algorithms in the data 

collection electronics or post processing software. 

However, these modified FHWA classification systems are not the only classification systems of 

interest. Many engineering and planning analyses do not require data in the detailed FHWA 13 

categories, but do require information on truck volumes versus car volumes. Thus, many engineering 

and planning analyses use either a simple car/truck split or they use a very simplified truck 

classification system; commonly a 3- or 4-bin classification system based on vehicle length.

The most common length classification systems essentially consist of four generalized length bins that 

approximate the following four categories of vehicles: cars, small trucks, large trucks, and multitrailer trucks. States that use only three truck classes combine the large truck and multi-trailer truck 

classes. (These States tend to be States where multi-trailer trucks are rare.) Unfortunately, unlike the 

FHWA 13 vehicle category classification, there is no common definition across the States that 

indicates the vehicle length at which a car becomes a truck. The States, therefore, set their own 

length definitions for these classification systems. 

Besides its simplicity, one advantage of the length classification systems is that vehicle length can be 

easily calculated by a number of sensor technologies that do not require axle sensors. Thus, many of 

the sensor technologies that can collect volumes by vehicle length can be placed above or beside the 

roadway, limiting or eliminating the need for staff placing those sensors to work in the lane of travel. 

The primary disadvantage of the length-based classification is that they do not correlate as well as the 

FHWA 13 vehicle category classification system to several of the key vehicle attributes used in specific 

types of analyses. For example, a major input to pavement design is traffic load, and that in turn is 

driven by the number and weight of axle loads being applied. The FHWA 13 vehicle category 

classification system directly accounts for the number of axles within the classification system. The 

FHWA classification system also does a good job of identifying specific vehicle types (e.g., classes 7 

and 10) that are often particularly heavy. This results in better traffic load estimation and thus better 

pavement analysis. 

Jurisdictions should adopt classification systems that are compatible with the 13 vehicle category 

classification system. Systems with fewer categories should be combinations of the FHWA classes, 

and systems with more categories should be subdivisions of the FHWA classes.

Length-based classification systems do not account for specific axle configurations, and thus the 

connection between the number and weight of axles within the different length classifications is far 

more nebulous. Similarly, the FHWA axle-based system does a good job of differentiating the number

of multi-unit vehicles on the roadway, while the length-based systems are not able to track the 

number of vehicles pulling one or more other units. The number of units in a given vehicle is a key 

variable being tracked for safety purposes, thus the length classification systems are much less useful 

for the kinds of safety analyses that are interested in the exposure rates associated with multi-unit 

vehicles. 

Some State agencies use some combination of both FHWA’s 13 vehicle category classification system 

and a simpler length-based system. The length-based system is used in those physical road segments 
1-20

where it is not possible to place axle sensors. Length-based is also used when the advantages of 

simplicity outweigh the loss of detail and precision that comes from using the more sophisticated 

axle-based classification system. Approval is required by a State’s FHWA office for use of length class 

in any data submitted to FHWA. 

Table 1-5 describes which vehicle counting technologies can also classify vehicles. 

TABLE 1-5 COMMON TECHNOLOGIES FOR CLASSIFYING MOTORIZED VEHICLES

Technologies for Axle-Based 

Vehicle Classification

Technologies for Length-Based 

Vehicle Classification

Infrared (passive)

Laser radar

Piezo-electric

Quartz sensor

Fiber optic

Inductive Loop Signatures

Capacitance mats

Bending plates

Load cells

Contact switch closures (e.g., road tubes)

Specialized inductive loop systems

Any of the above combined with inductive loops

Dual inductive loops

Inductive loops (loop signature)

Magnetic (magnetometer)

Video detection system

Microwave radar

CW Doppler sensors

Speed

Vehicle speed is also a commonly desired traffic monitoring attribute. Interest in monitoring and 

reporting roadway performance is growing at the State and Federal levels. This means that States are 

being asked to collect and report on where, how often, for how long, and to what extent roads are 

becoming congested. At the same time, safety and environmental studies are interested in the 

relative distribution of vehicle speeds, and the number and type of vehicles that are speeding.

Most modern traffic monitoring technologies produce a measure of speed as part of their routine 

traffic monitoring function. Roadway agencies are well advised to consider collecting and reporting 

speed data that can be used by their agency.

The selection of equipment to collect speed data should consider the fact that some technologies are 

particularly well suited for reporting individual vehicle speeds (that is tracking how fast each specific 

vehicle is moving), while others are designed to provide average facility speed over a given reporting 

interval. Although both data represent speed information, the usefulness of those data is very 

different. 

How the speed data is collected is as much a function of the equipment connected to the sensor as it 

is of the sensor technology itself. For example, the traditional method for estimating speeds when 

using a single inductive loop is to measure total sensor on time (lane occupancy) over a set period, 

along with the total number of vehicle observations during that period. By dividing the lane 

occupancy by the volume and multiplying by a constant that represents the average vehicle length for 

that location, average speed for that reporting period can be computed and reported. However, 

more modern electronics can take the same basic single loop signal, and by analyzing that signal, 

directly calculate vehicle speed from the shape of the loop signature. Another approach to using loop 

technology is to place two loops in the lane at a known distance apart configured one after the other, 

thus forming a speed trap. When these loops are properly calibrated, the distance between the 
1-21

leading edge of the two detectors (d12) divided by the difference in time it takes for the passing 

vehicle to activate the second loop after it activates the first loop (T2 – T1) yields the speed of the 

vehicle (d12 / (T2 – T1)). 

The key to collecting speed data is that the agency needs to understand both what use they need 

from the data, and what their available equipment can supply. 

Speed data can also be obtained from other sources. One such source is vehicle probe data; however, 

guidance on how to combine speed data collected from vehicle probes within the overall roadway 

performance-monitoring program of an agency is not covered in this edition of the TMG. FHWA now 

has a speed format that allows for flexibility with a minimum of 15 speed bins to a maximum of 

25 speed bins (all in 5 mph increments).

Vehicle and Axle Weight

The final traffic attributes that should be addressed as part of a traffic monitoring program is axle 

weights and spacings. A specific subset of traffic monitoring devices is capable of weighing vehicles 

while they travel down the road. These devices are commonly referred to as weigh-in-motion (WIM) 

scales. The sensors used are designed to not only detect the presence of an axle, but to measure the 

force being applied by that axle during the duration of the time the axle is in contact with the axle 

sensor. Sophisticated analysis is then applied to the signal produced by each sensor in order to 

establish the weight of each passing axle. Weights for all axles associated with a given vehicle are 

then combined to estimate total vehicle weight. Axle spacings are also recorded.

The most common of WIM technologies used in the U.S. are piezo-electric and bending plate 

systems. There are a variety of different piezo-electric and quartz sensor technologies, each of which 

has specific strengths and weaknesses. In addition, other technologies such as fiber optic cables, load 

cells (both hydraulic and mechanical), capacitance mats, and strips, along with bridges and culverts 

instrumented with strain gauges can also be used as weight sensors. 

In almost all cases, secondary sensors (e.g., inductive loop detectors) are used in combination with 

the primary axle and weight sensors to provide information on presence. Combining vehicle speed 

and presence information with the time between axle weight measurements allows the WIM system 

to correctly assign specific axles to specific vehicles and to group the axles correctly (that is, are the 

observed axles single axles, tandem axles, tridems, or even larger groups of axles), and thus correctly 

classify each vehicle and compute its total weight. It is important to note that WIM measures the 

dynamic axle weights, and these are different from static axle weights.

Motorcycle Counting

The relatively small amount of metal in many motorcycles combined with the fact that many 

motorcyclists ride near lane lines in order to give themselves more time to avoid cars moving into 

their lanes means that inductive loop detectors and half lane axle sensors often undercount 

motorcycles. When motorcycles ride in closely spaced groups, the closely spaced axles and cycles 

often confuse available traffic monitoring equipment, which have not been designed to identify the 

resulting pattern of closely spaced axles and vehicles. Guidance for how to address these issues is 

included in Chapter 3. 

1.4.2 LOCATION OF THE SENSOR

For much of the 20th century, most traffic monitoring devices were placed on top of or in the 

pavement (e.g., road tubes versus inductive loops). These sensors are commonly referred to as 

“intrusive” sensors. Micro loops are placed in a tube below the ground (shuttle). 

As traffic volumes have grown over time, it has become both increasingly difficult and costly to 

quickly and safely place sensors on, or in, the travel lane. The most common reasons for not wanting 

to place sensors in or on the lane of travel are as follows:
1-22

 It may be unsafe for data collection crews to place the sensor in position;

 It is too expensive to supply the traffic control needed to place and/or maintain intrusive sensors;

 When pavement condition is poor, intrusive sensors often perform poorly and have a greatly 

shortened life span;

 If the intrusive sensor is not properly installed, it can shorten the life of the pavement where it 

is placed;

 Disruption of traffic occurring with the placing of sensors introduces safety as well as 

performance issues; and

 It may be difficult to close the lane because of high traffic volumes.

As a result, considerable work has been done during the last 20 plus years to bring to market nonintrusive sensors that can be put in place and/or maintained without personnel having to enter the 

travel lane. Table 1-6 describes which sensors are intrusive and which are non-intrusive.

TABLE 1-6 INTRUSIVE AND NON-INTRUSIVE TECHNOLOGIES

Intrusive Non-Intrusive

Inductive loops

Piezo-electric

Quartz sensor

Fiber optic

Magnetic (most sensor designs)

Contact closures

WIM scales (bending plates, load cells, 

capacitance mats and strips)

Infrared (passive)

Video detection system

Microwave radar (overhead or side mounted)

CW Doppler sensor

Acoustic

Ultrasonic

Laser radar

Non-intrusive sensors can be further divided into overhead mounted sensors and side-fired sensors. 

Side-fired sensors have the advantage of being mounted beside the road. This makes them easy to 

install, access, and maintain. The drawback is that on multi-lane roadways, traffic using the roadway 

lanes farthest away from the sensor location can be obscured from the side-fired sensors by vehicles 

(and particularly trucks) traveling in the lanes closer to the sensor. This is called occlusion. Occlusion

results in undercounting of total volume and can bias speed estimates if the traffic on the inside of 

the roadway is traveling at a different speed than traffic on the outside lanes. 

Generally, the higher above the roadway the non-intrusive sensor is placed, the smaller the problem 

with occlusion. However, raising the sensor vertically can 1) increase the cost of installation and 

maintenance; 2) decrease the resolution with which the sensor detects vehicles in the road; and 

3) create movement in the sensor (as the pole on which the sensor sits sways), which may result in 

other forms of accuracy degradation. 

Mounting the sensor directly above the lane of travel is one way of significantly reducing the 

opportunity for occlusion to occur. Thus, overhead mounted sensors tend to be more accurate than 

side-fired sensors of that same technology. The disadvantage of overhead mounted sensors is that 

the lane of travel must normally be shut down in order for the sensors to be installed and then again 

each time maintenance is performed because of fears that material could be dropped onto the 

roadway during those activities. This can be problematic for some high volume roadways. Axle 

weights are the one form of data that cannot be collected non-intrusively. (Some bridge WIM 

systems are designed to operate without sensors being placed in the lane of travel. But to date, these 

systems only work on a very limited set of bridges and are still primarily in the research phase.) 
1-23

1.4.3 OTHER CONSIDERATIONS 

Selecting Motorized Traffic Monitoring Technologies

In addition to the basic functional requirements discussed above, roadway agencies should consider a 

variety of other functionalities when selecting traffic monitoring technologies. These topics include:

14. Number of lanes of data collection performed by any one piece of equipment and/or sensor;

15. Cost of the equipment (initial cost, placement cost, operating cost, and expected 

maintenance costs);

16. Expected life of the sensors and data collection electronics;

17. Warranties supplied by the manufacturer/vendor;

18. Environmental conditions under which the equipment is expected to operate relative to the 

strengths and weaknesses of each specific technology;

19. Whether the agency staff has the required knowledge and equipment for placing, calibrating, 

and maintaining the equipment;

20. Available communications capabilities (i.e., what options does the agency have for retrieving 

data from the data collection electronics, and how do those options fit within the agency’s 

current or planned traffic data processing procedures?);

21. Type of power source to be used (AC/DC, solar, luminary, internal battery);

22. Ability of the vendor to supply data outputs in a format that works seamlessly with the agency’s

existing or planned data processing system (ability to integrate data into a centralized system 

and utilize information to calculate and summarize statewide year-end statistics);

23. Vendor agreement for software support, equipment maintenance, warranty work;

24. Pavement condition for surface sensor like piezos and WIM; and

25. Installation materials and methods.

The first four of these issues are straightforward and provide the reviewer with the ability to trade-off 

cost and performance. Of particular importance is the warranty provided by the vendor, as it provides 

an important level of assurance that the first three cost estimates are accurate. 

The fifth topic relates to the fact that some technologies work better in some specific environmental 

and traffic conditions than others. Some equipment might work very well in specific instances while 

work poorly in other circumstances. For example, road tubes generally work well for short duration 

counts (48 hours) on lower volume, rural roadways. However, they do not work effectively on higher 

volume, multi-lane urban roadways. While vendors can create product modifications/versions to help 

technologies function in conditions for which they are generally not suited, when selecting 

technologies, agencies should be very aware of the increased likelihood of count issues/failures from 

those technologies in those conditions. 

The answer to the sixth topic determines whether the agency needs to purchase additional 

equipment to place, operate, and maintain new technologies, as well as have staff undergo new 

training in order to perform those tasks. 

Finally, the last six topics describe how efficiently and reliably the vendor’s implementation of the 

selected technology will work within the existing or planned data processing system of the roadway 

agency. Collection, calibration, processing, reporting, accessing, and storing of traffic monitoring data 

can be resource intensive and roadway agencies should consider how much effort would be required 

for any given device. 
1-24

Optimizing Motorized Traffic Monitoring Efforts

Regardless of the traffic monitoring technology selected, every roadway agency should routinely 

perform the following tasks to ensure that the equipment they purchase works to the best of its 

capability:

 The equipment should be tested and meet the users accuracy level before being placed into 

service;

 The equipment should be routinely calibrated as it is placed in service;

 The equipment performance should be validated periodically to ensure that it continues to 

perform as intended;

 The collected data should be routinely subjected to quality assurance tests;

 The data should be analyzed and then quickly and routinely supplied to users so that data quality 

concerns not caught by the primary data quality process can be quickly identified by users; and

 A feedback process should be in place so that the traffic monitoring group obtains this feedback 

from users, and effectively responds to improve the quality of the data.

These tasks, described in more detail in Chapters 2 and 3, ensure active management from those 

collecting and using the data so that the technology performs well.

Equipment that is not actively monitored for quality performance eventually goes out of calibration, 

regardless of a vendor’s assurances of self-calibration capabilities. Validation checks when equipment 

is initially installed are an essential first step in that process. Following a formal quality assurance and 

field maintenance program and providing resources to fix problems that are identified by that 

process ensures that funding available for collecting data is spent on collecting valid, 

useful information. 

The next section describes the concepts regarding variability in traffic patterns, which should be 

considered when establishing traffic data collection programs.

1.5 VARIATION OF TRAFFIC DATA

This section discusses the concepts of different types of variability found in traffic patterns and 

describes how this variability affects the design of a strong traffic monitoring program. Traffic 

volumes typically vary over time and space. That is, traffic volumes are different at 8 a.m. than they 

are at 8 p.m. Similarly, traffic patterns are different on urban freeways and on rural farm to market 

roads. A good traffic monitoring program collects data to meet many needs; therefore, a roadway 

agency should design data collection efforts that provide the roadway agency with an accurate 

understanding of exactly what these patterns are and how they are changing over time. 

The next paragraphs introduce the concepts of traffic variability and describe the program and 

technology designs that are used to account for this variability.

1.5.1 TRAFFIC VARIABILITY

Technology allows agencies to collect enough data to accurately describe how traffic varies over time 

and space (Wright et al., 1997). Traffic varies over a number of different time scales, including:

 Time of day (year-to-year, event-driven);

 Day of week;

 Month (season) of the year; and

 Year to year.
1-25

Traffic varies from place to place and directionally too. Not only do roads carry different volumes of 

traffic, but also the characteristics of the vehicles using those roads change from facility to facility. 

One road with 5,000 vehicles per day may have very little truck traffic, while another road with the 

same volume of vehicles may have 1,000 trucks per day mixed in with 4,000 cars. Similarly, one road 

section may be traversed by 1,000 heavily loaded trucks per day while a nearby road is used by 1,000 

partially loaded trucks. Directional variations also exist.

Time-Of-Day Variation

Since the early development of roads, it has been known that the use of a road changes during the 

course of the day. In most locations, traffic volumes increase during the day and decrease at night. A 

1997 study for the Federal Highway Administration (Hallenbeck, et al., 1997) determined that most 

truck travel falls into one of two basic time-of-day patterns; one pattern is centered on travel during 

the business day, and the other pattern shows almost constant travel throughout the twenty-fourhour day.

Most passenger car travel also falls into one of two time-of-day patterns, but these patterns are 

different from those of trucks. These four patterns are illustrated in Figure 1-2.

FIGURE 1-2 BASIC TIME OF DAY PATTERNS

Source: Hallenbeck, et al., Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, 1997.

As can be seen in Figure 1-2, cars tend to follow either the traditional two-humped urban commute 

pattern or the single-hump pattern commonly seen in rural areas, where traffic volumes continue to 

grow throughout the day until they begin to taper off in the evening. Trucks also exhibit a single 

mode. However, the truck pattern differs from the rural car pattern in that it peaks in the early 

morning (many trucks make deliveries early in the morning to help prepare businesses for the coming 

workday) and tapers off gradually, until early afternoon, when it declines quickly. The other truck 

pattern (travel constantly occurring throughout the day) is common with long haul 

trucking movements. 
1-26

The traffic at any given site comprises some combination of these types of movements. In addition, at 

any specific location, time-of-day patterns may differ significantly as a result of local trip generation 

patterns that differ from the norm. For example, Las Vegas, Nevada, generates an abnormal amount 

of traffic during the night because that city is very active late at night. In heavily congested urban 

areas, the commute period traffic volume peaks flatten out and can last three or more hours. Local 

patterns also have a significant effect on the directional time-of-day pattern for any given road. On 

some urban roadways, there is very heavy directional traffic movement – inbound to the central city 

in the morning and outbound to the suburbs in the afternoon. On other roadways, especially 

freeways serving multiple suburban cities, traffic can be equally strong in both directions during both 

commute periods. 

Because the volumes of cars and trucks are very different from one site to another, the effect of 

these different time-of-day patterns on summary statistics such as percent trucks, percent bicycles, 

percent pedestrians, and total volume can be unexpected. Often, in daylight hours, car volumes are 

so high in comparison to truck volumes that the car travel pattern dominates and the percentage of 

trucks is very low. However, at night on that same roadway, car volumes may decrease significantly 

while through-truck movements continue so that the truck percentage increases considerably and 

total volume declines less than the car pattern would predict. Figure 1-3 shows how typical values of 

truck percentages change during the day for urban and rural settings on both weekdays and 

weekends.

Because these changes can be so significant, it is important to account for them in the design and 

execution of the traffic monitoring program as well as in the computation and reporting of 

summary statistics.

FIGURE 1-3 WEEKDAY/WEEKEND TRUCK PERCENTAGES

Source: Hallenbeck, et al., Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, 1997.
1-27

Day-Of-Week Variation

Time-of-day patterns are not the only way car and truck patterns differ. DOW patterns also differ in 

large part because of the use of cars for a variety of non-business related traffic, whereas for the 

most part, trucks travel only when business needs require.

Similar to the time-of-day patterns, DOW patterns for cars fall into one of two basic patterns as 

shown in Figure 1-4. In the first pattern (traditional urban), volumes are fairly constant during 

weekdays and then decline slightly on the weekends, with Sunday volumes usually being lower than 

Saturday volumes. This pattern also exists on many rural roads. The alternate pattern, usually found 

on roads that contain recreational travel, shows constant weekday volumes followed by an increase 

in traffic on the weekends.

FIGURE 1-4 TYPICAL DAY-OF-WEEK TRAFFIC PATTERNS

Source: Hallenbeck, et al., Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, 1997.

Trucks also have two patterns that are both driven by the needs of businesses. Most trucks follow an 

exaggerated version of the traditional urban car pattern. That is, weekday truck volumes are 

constant, but on weekends, truck volumes decline considerably more than car volumes (unlike cars, 

the decline in truck travel caused by lower weekend business activity is usually not balanced by an 

increase in truck travel for other purposes). However, as with the time-of-day pattern, long haul 

through trucks often show a very different DOW pattern. Since long-haul trucks are not concerned 

with the business day (they travel as often as the driver is allowed), they travel equally on all seven 

days of the week. Thus, roads with high percentages of through-truck traffic often maintain high truck 

volumes during the weekends, even though the local truck traffic declines. Note that through-truck 

traffic is still normally generated during normal business hours. Thus, through-traffic generated from 

any one geographic location has the same 5-day on, 2-day off pattern seen in the local truck pattern. 

Where a road carries through-truck traffic from a single dominant area, the two-day lag in truck 

volumes is often apparent. However, the lag appears at some other time in the week. This pattern is 
1-28

visible in truck volume counts only when through-truck traffic is a high percentage of total truck 

volume. What happens more commonly is that weekend truck volumes do not drop as precipitously 

as they do at sites where little through-truck traffic exists.

These significant changes in traffic volumes during the course of the week have several effects on the 

traffic monitoring program. Most importantly, the monitoring program should collect data that allow 

a State to describe these variations. Second, the monitoring program should allow this knowledge to 

be shared with the users of the traffic data and applied to individual locations. Without these two 

steps, many of the analyses performed with traffic monitoring data will be inaccurate. Pavement 

designers need to account for reductions in truck traffic on the weekends if they are to accurately 

predict annual loading rates. Likewise, accident rate comparisons for different vehicle classifications 

are not realistic unless these differences are accounted for in estimates of vehicle miles traveled by 

class.

Monthly (Seasonal) Variation

Further complicating the analysis of temporal variation in traffic patterns is the fact that both car and 

truck traffic change over the course of the year. Monthly changes in total volume have been tracked 

for many years with permanent counters, traditionally called Continuous Count Station. Total volume 

patterns from these devices show a variety of patterns, including common patterns such as the flat 

urban and rural summer peak shown in Figure 1-5. 

FIGURE 1-5 TYPICAL MONTHLY VOLUME PATTERNS

Source: Hallenbeck, et al., Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, 1997.

Most States track four or more monthly patterns and they base the patterns being followed on some 

combination of functional classification of roadway and geographic location. Geography and 

functional classification are used as readily available surrogate measures that describe roads that 

follow that basic pattern. Geographic stratification is particularly important when different parts of a 

State experience very different travel behavior. For example, travel in areas that experience heavy 
1-29

recreational movements follow different travel patterns than those in areas without such 

movements. Even in urban areas where travel is more constant year round, cities with heavy 

recreational activity have different patterns than cities in the same State without heavy recreational 

movements.

Not surprisingly, truck traffic has monthly patterns that are different from automobile patterns. Some 

truck movements are stable throughout the year. These movements are often identified with specific 

types of trucks operating in specific corridors or regions. Other truck movements have high monthly 

variability, for example, in agricultural areas. It has even been shown that the weights carried by 

some trucks vary by season. This is particularly true in States where monthly load restrictions are 

placed on roads and where weight limits are increased during some winter months. Where this 

happens, States should track monthly changes for the development of adjustment factors.

As with day-of-week patterns, tracking of monthly changes in volumes is useful to calculate 

adjustments needed for various analyses. If annual statistics are needed for an analysis, it is necessary 

to adjust a short duration traffic volume count taken in mid-August to account for the fact that 

August traffic differs from the annual average condition. 

Research has shown that monthly monitoring and adjustment should be done separately for trucks 

and cars (Hallenbeck, et al., 1997). Truck volume patterns can vary considerably from car volume 

patterns. Roads that carry significant volumes of through-trucks tend to have very different monthly 

patterns than roads that carry predominately local freight traffic. Roads that carry large volumes of 

recreational traffic often do not experience similarly large increases in truck traffic, but do often 

experience major increases in the number of recreational vehicles, which share many characteristics 

with trucks but have significant differences in weights.

Thus, it is highly recommended that States monitor and account for monthly variation in truck traffic 

directly, and that these procedures be independent of the procedures used to account for variations 

in car volume.

Directional Variation

Most two-way roads exhibit differences in flow by direction by time of day. The traditional urban 

commute involves a heavy inbound movement in the morning and an outbound movement in the 

afternoon. On many suburban roads, this directional behavior has disappeared, replaced by heavy 

peak movements in both directions during both peak periods. When these directional movements are 

combined, the time-of-day pattern shown in Figure 1-2 is still evident, but when looked at separately, 

new time-of-day patterns become apparent.

In areas with high recreational traffic flows, directional movements change the DOW traffic patterns 

as much as the time-of-day patterns. Travelers often arrive in the area starting late Thursday night 

and depart on Sunday.

Truck volumes and characteristics can also change by direction. One example of directional 

differences in trucks is the movement of loaded trucks in one direction along a road, with a return 

movement of empty trucks. This is often the situation in regions where mineral resources are 

extracted. Volumes by vehicle classification can also change from one direction to another, for 

example when loaded logging trucks (classified as 5-axle tractor semi-trailers) move in one direction, 

and unloaded logging trucks (which carry the trailer dollies on the tractor and are classified as 3-axle 

single units) move in the other.

Tracking these directional movements as part of the statewide monitoring program is important for 

not only planning, design, and operation of existing roadways, but as an important supplement to the 

knowledge base needed to estimate the impacts that new development will generate in previously 

undeveloped rural lands. 
1-30

Geographic Variation

The last type of variation discussed is spatial variation. That is, how volumes change from one 

roadway to another, or from one location on a road to another location on that same road. This type 

of differentiation is taken for granted for traffic volumes. Some roads simply carry more vehicles than 

others do. This concept is readily expanded to encompass the notion discussed above, that many of 

the basic traffic volume patterns are geographically affected (e.g., California ski areas have different 

travel patterns than California beach highways). It is important to extend these concepts even further 

to recognize that truck travel also varies from route to route and region to region. It is just as 

important to realize that differences in truck travel can occur irrespective of differences in 

automobile traffic.

One important area of interest in traffic monitoring is the creation of truck flow maps and/or tonnage 

maps. These maps (analogous to traffic flow maps) show where truck and freight movements are 

heaviest. This is important for the following:

 Prioritizing maintenance and roadway improvement funding;

 Instituting geometric and pavement design and maintenance guidelines that account for expected 

truck traffic; and 

 Studying the effects of regulatory changes in freight and goods movements (such as the 

abandonment of existing freight rail lines).

When these truck flow maps are developed, they often reveal that truck routes exist irrespective of 

the total traffic volume and/or the functional classification of the roads involved. Trucks use specific 

routes because those roads lead from the truck’s origin to their destination, and the route has 

sufficient geometric capacity to accommodate them. Truck drivers do not select a route because it is 

designated as a rural principal arterial. They select a route because of how it serves their route 

purposes. Consequently, functional classification is a very poor predictor of truck volume or 

percentage. As an example, interstates that serve major through truck movements (even in urban 

areas) tend to have high truck volumes, but interstates that do not service major freight movements 

tend to have low truck volumes. While both of these are functionally classified as interstates, they do 

not have the same truck flow characteristics.

Because truck flows (both truck volumes and weights) play such an important (and growing) role in 

highway engineering functions, it is vital that States collect truck volume data that describe the 

geographic changes that exist. Which roads carry large freight movements? Which roads carry large 

truck volumes, even if those volumes are a small percentage of total traffic volume? Which roads 

restrict or carry light volumes of freight?

1.5.2 PROGRAM AND TECHNOLOGY DESIGNS THAT ACCOUNT FOR TRAFFIC VARIABILITY

The variability described in the previous paragraphs should be measured and accounted for in the 

data collection and reporting program that a State designs and implements. The data collection 

program should also identify changes in these traffic patterns as they occur over time. To meet these 

needs in a cost effective manner, statewide traffic monitoring programs generally include:

 A large number of short duration data collection efforts; and 

 A smaller number of permanent, continuously operating, data collection sites.

The short duration counts provide the geographic coverage needed to understand traffic 

characteristics on individual roadways, as well as on specific segments of those roadways. They 

provide site-specific data on the time-of-day and DOW variation in travel, but are mostly intended to 

provide current general traffic volume information throughout the larger monitored roadway 

network. However, short duration counts cannot be directly used to provide many of the required 

data items desired by users. Statistics such as annual average traffic or design hourly volume cannot 

be accurately measured during a short duration count. Instead, data collected during short duration 
1-31

counts are factored or adjusted to create these estimates. The procedures to develop and apply these 

factors are discussed in Chapter 3 of the TMG. 

To develop those factors, an agency should have a modest number of permanently operating traffic 

monitoring sites. Permanent data collection sites provide data on seasonal and day-of-week trends. 

Continuous count summaries also provide very precise measurements of changes in travel volumes 

and characteristics at a limited number of locations.

Importantly, while the basic traffic variables required for short- and permanent-duration counts is the 

same (i.e., volume, volume by class, speed, weights), these two types of data collection efforts place 

different demands on data collection technology, and thus the equipment well suited for short 

duration counts is not always well suited for permanent counting and vice-versa. The implications of 

these different types of data collection durations on equipment selection are discussed in the 

following sections. 

1.5.3 SHORT-TERM TEMPORARY COUNTS

The key to short duration counts is that they should be easy and inexpensive to perform, while the 

sensors should remain in place and function properly for the duration of the count. Because they are 

designed to give wide geographic coverage, most highway agencies typically perform a large number 

of short duration counts, each being performed at a new location. As a result, short count programs 

tend to be staff intensive, with the data collection staff working frequently within the roadway rightof-way to place and retrieve data collection sensors and equipment. This leads to two major priorities 

when selecting the appropriate technologies for performing short duration counts (in addition to the 

issues discussed in the previous paragraphs, and the accuracy and price of the equipment). 

Technologies used for short duration counts should:

 Be easy and quick to put in place and calibrate (because this saves large amounts of staff time 

when even small savings are multiplied by a large number of counts); and

 Allow placement of the traffic sensors safely.

Other attributes that are less dependent on sensor technology but also very important when 

selecting short duration count equipment include:

 The data collection electronics should contain a sufficiently large power source to allow the device 

to operate until it is retrieved.

 The data collection sensors should stay in place, and operate correctly for the duration of short 

count, usually between 24 and 72 hours, but sometimes extending to one week. 

 The data collection equipment should be theft and vandalism resistant. (Traditionally, this has 

meant that the data collection electronics have been stored in a rugged case that can be chained 

to a permanent fixture to prevent theft.)

 The data collection electronics should have a robust mechanism for transferring data from the 

data collection electronics to the central traffic data repository.

 Software should be intuitive and allow for calibration of the equipment to ensure it is working 

properly before the technician leaves the site.

The speed of sensor placement and related equipment set up and calibration is important because 

staff usually perform a large number of short duration counts. As a result, considerable cost is 

involved in the placement and retrieval of equipment. The faster sensors and data collection 

equipment can be placed, the more count locations a given staff member can place in a day and the 

lower the cost of collecting that data. Nevertheless, at the same time, the placement (and pick up) of 

those sensors must not endanger the staff placing that equipment. This need to safeguard data 

collection staff, without having to go to the cost of applying full-scale traffic control, is one of the 

reasons so much effort has been spent on exploring non-intrusive data collection technologies. 
1-32

However, on lower volume roads where low cost road-tube axle sensors can be easily placed, 

intrusive sensors are still commonly used. 

Where intrusive sensors cannot be safely and easily placed, agencies either use non-intrusive sensors 

or accept the cost of substantial traffic control each time a sensor must be placed in the roadway. 

Where short counts are used routinely at such locations, but the agency is not interested in investing 

permanent equipment, another option is to place permanent intrusive sensors in the roadway but 

not to connect those sensors to permanent power and communications. Instead, to use these 

sensors, the agency simply connects portable data collection electronics to the sensor leads, which 

are stored in a weatherproof enclosure until they are needed again. This approach saves the agency 

both the initial capital expenditure of bringing power and communications to the site, and the cost of 

traffic control during subsequent site visits. However, this approach is only cost effective if the 

permanent sensors are long lived, and if that location is to be visited for data collection routinely. 

If non-intrusive sensors are the desired option, U.S. DOT has worked with several State highway 

agencies to develop new ways of deploying modern non-intrusive traffic monitoring technologies for 

short duration counts (Kotzenmacher, Minge, and Hao, 2005). The most common of these 

approaches is to affix the non-intrusive sensors to an extendable pole, which is placed on a trailer. 

The trailer is then towed to the roadside locations, placed in a safe position behind a barrier, and the 

pole raised. The sensors are then calibrated and the entire trailer system left in place for the duration 

of the count. 

Short counts are commonly made for all of the traffic attributes, including volume, volume by 

classification of vehicle (including bicycles), speed, and axle weights. (Note that axle weights can only 

be collected with a high degree of accuracy using intrusive technologies that cannot be put in place 

quickly (Hallenbeck and Weinblatt, 2004). This means that most roadway agencies collect axle weight 

data from permanent data collection sites.) Table 1-7 describes the sensor technologies that are 

commonly used for short duration counts and the motorized vehicle attributes they routinely collect. 
1-33

TABLE 1-7 SENSORS FOR MOTORIZED VEHICLE DATA COLLECTION FOR SHORT DURATION COUNTS

Technology

No. Sensors 

Needed for 

Speed Data 

Collection

Types of Vehicle

Classifications 

Collected

Number of Lanes of 

Data Collected by 

Each Sensor

Environmental 

Issues/Concerns Other Issues/Concerns

Road Tubes –

traditional

2 (One lane 

only)

Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

1 per pair of sensors

(Only lanes bordering 

shoulders)

Not suited to snowy conditions Accuracy limitations under very heavy 

traffic volumes or stop-and-go conditions

Road Tubes –

multi-lane design

2 per lane Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

1 per pair of sensors Not suited to snowy conditions Accuracy limitations under very heavy 

traffic volumes or stop-and-go conditions

Tape Switches 2 per lane Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

1 per pair of sensors Placement difficulties in wet 

conditions

Needs protection of lead wires if placed on 

lanes not adjacent to shoulders

Magnetometer

(several different 

variations on this 

technology exist)

2 per lane Length-Based 

(for most sensor 

designs)

1 per sensor (2 sensors 

per lane if speed or 

vehicle length 

is needed)

Most magnetic technology 

sensors require a short lane 

closure for sensor placement

Some magnetic sensors are placed in the 

pavement, others on the pavement, and 

others under the pavement

Video Detection 

System

1 camera Length-Based Multiple Does not work well in snow, fog, 

or dust storms

Short duration counter is mounted on an 

extendible pole on a trailer pulled to the 

count site; generally slow to set up

Piezo-sensors 

(piezo-film, piezocable)

2 per lane Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

1 per pair of sensors Very cold weather may affect 

performance

Needs protection of lead wires if placed on 

lanes not adjacent to shoulders

Infrared 1 (transmitter 

+ receptor)

Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

Multiple Fog and heavy snow can 

degrade performance and large 

crown in road will block beams;

Occlusion

Microwave radar 1 per direction 

(side-fired), 1 

per lane 

(overhead)

Length-Based Multiple Can have occlusion issues with 

heavy or stop-and-go traffic and 

multiple lanes

Short duration counter is mounted on an 

extensible pole on a trailer pulled to the 

count site

Acoustic 1 sensor None Multiple Background noise/sound 

may interfere

Short duration counter is mounted on an 

extensible pole on a trailer; the sensor 

should be mounted higher than 25 feet

Laser Radar 1 sensor 13+ Maximum of 4 Snow, fog, heavy rain No in-road installation required

Source: Hallenbeck and Weinblatt, 2004.
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1.5.4 PERMANENT COUNTS

Permanent, continually operating traffic monitoring equipment is used to provide both current 

measures of traffic flow and to provide a time series record of traffic flow attributes that describe 

how traffic flow changes over time at that location. Permanent traffic monitoring locations should 

have:

 Long lived sensors that can withstand the harsh roadway environment;

 Power sources (either electrical power or solar power with battery backup);

 Communications (land lines or cellular communications); and

 Environmental protection (temperature, moisture, dirt, electrical surge protection on power and 

communications lines, and protection against animal and insect infestation).

Permanent sensors represent both a large financial investment and a large data resource. As a result, 

the selection, installation, and calibration of that equipment is particularly important. Sensors that 

are poorly installed, inadequately calibrated, or that fail quickly because of poor design or 

construction, not only do not generate useful data, they waste resources (both money and staff time) 

that are needed for other data collection tasks. In part, this is because the funds spent on equipment 

and installation could be used elsewhere, but also because it requires considerable staff time to 

determine that the data being provided by poorly performing sensors are not an accurate 

representation of the traffic stream.

Unlike short duration counts, the speed of sensor installation is much less of an issue for selecting 

permanent count technology and equipment. The real key for permanent count technologies is that 

once installed, the equipment should operate accurately for long periods, with only a modest level of 

maintenance. In high volume locations, maintenance of an intrusive sensor may not actually be 

possible unless lane closures are planned for some other purpose. (In a growing number of urban 

areas, traffic lane closures are very limited due to the size and scope of traffic congestion those 

closures cause, even at night.) 

One of the great advantages of non-intrusive detectors as permanent traffic monitoring devices is the 

ability of the roadway agency to work on that equipment when it starts to have performance 

problems. Of course, not all non-intrusive equipment has this advantage, and in other instances, nonintrusive equipment can be placed either beside the roadway (fully accessible) or above the roadway 

(requiring lane closures for maintenance), but the side-fired equipment positions come with penalties 

to the accuracy with which the devices work. 

Table 1-8 summarizes the technologies currently used for permanent vehicular traffic monitoring.
1-35

TABLE 1-8 SENSORS FOR MOTORIZED VEHICLE DATA COLLECTION FOR PERMANENT COUNT LOCATIONS

Technology

Intrusive or 

Nonintrusive

Types of Vehicle

Classifications 

Collected WIM?

Number of Lanes of 

Data Collected by 

Each Sensor

Environmental 

Issues/Concerns Other Issues/Concerns

Piezo-Electric Cable Intrusive Axle Based

(FHWA 13+) 

Can be used for WIM

1 per pair of sensors

Susceptible to damage 

from mill and resurface 

and oversized trucks

Susceptible to snowplow 

damage, if not flush with 

surface

Temperature sensitive (for weight classification); doesn’t 

work well in stop-and-go traffic

Piezo-Polymer Film Intrusive Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

Can be used for WIM

1 per pair of sensors Temperature sensitive (for weight classification); doesn’t 

work well in stop-and-go traffic

Piezo-Quartz Cable Intrusive Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

A good WIM sensor

1 per set of sensors Piezo-Quartz sensors are typically 1⁄2 lane in width, so a 

site may require 4 sensors/lane; it is possible to 

instrument only on wheel path, with modest loss of 

volume and classification accuracy

Other Pressure Sensors Intrusive Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

1 per pair of sensors Doesn’t work well in stop-and-go traffic

Inductive Loop 

(conventional)

Intrusive Length-Based 1 per pair of sensors Freeze/thaw can 

break loops

Single loops can be used to collect volume and lane 

occupancy, from which speed can be estimated

Inductive Loop 

(undercarriage profile)

Intrusive Variousa 1 per set of sensors New technology, not currently in widespread use

Side-Mounted 

Microwave Radar

Non-intrusive Length-Based Multiple Not as accurate as overhead-mounted, forward-, or rearfacing radar (getting close)

Overhead Microwave 

Radar 

Non-intrusive Length-Based 1 per sensor

Doppler Radar Non-intrusive None Multiple Generally used only for speed data collection, often not 

accurate as a volume counting device

Infrared Non-intrusive 

1 (transmitter 

+ receptor)

Axle Based

(FHWA 13+)

Multiple Fog and heavy snow can 

degrade performance

Most common device requires equipment on both sides 

of the right of way

Magnetometer

(3-axis flux gate)

IntrusivebLength-Based 1 per pair of sensors
1-36

Technology

Intrusive or 

Nonintrusive

Types of Vehicle

Classifications 

Collected WIM?

Number of Lanes of 

Data Collected by 

Each Sensor

Environmental 

Issues/Concerns Other Issues/Concerns

Magnetometer

(magnetic imaging)

Intrusive Length-Based 1 lane

Video Detection 

System

(trip wire)

Non-intrusive Length-Based Multiple Can be affected by heavy 

fog, snow, glare, dust

Requires proper mounting height

Video Detection 

System

(object analysis) 

Non-intrusive Variousc Multiple Can be affected by heavy 

fog, snow, glare, dust

Requires proper mounting height;

new technology, not currently in widespread use

Ultrasonic Non-intrusive Length-Based 1 per pair of sensors Temperature variation and 

air turbulence can affect 

accuracy

New technology, not currently in widespread use

Acoustic Non-intrusive None 1 per pair of sensors Must be carefully calibrated

Bending Plate Intrusive Axle Based (FHWA 13+)

A good WIM sensor

1 per set of sensors Too expensive unless used as a WIM scale

Bridge WIM Non-intrusive Axle Based (FHWA 13+)

a WIM scale

Only works on specific types and sizes of bridges and 

culverts; not really a conventional traffic monitoring 

device

Load Cell Intrusive FHWA 13+ 1 per wheel path Large upfront cost Maintenance costs are yearly and require lane closure

Source: Hallenbeck and Weinblatt, 2004.

a There are two basic undercarriage loop classifier technologies. One uses the “signature” from existing loops to determine classification by matching the shape of that loop to expected 

profiles. The other uses specific types of loops to detect changes in inductance associated with wheels, and uses that information to detect and measure axles. This device can classify 

by “axle,” while the other defines classes that relate strongly to axle-based classes but are not specifically based on the number and spacing of axles.

b Overhead-mounted, non-intrusive detectors require a structure (usually a bridge or gantry) upon which to be mounted. The expense of sensor installation increases dramatically where 

these do not already exist.

c Video image analysis will define classes based on the features the software can detect. The simplest detection algorithms are based on length. More complex algorithms can detect 

and classify using axle information, provided the camera angles are capable of “seeing” different axles.
1-37

This chapter discussed the theory, technology, and concepts that are used as the basis for developing 

a traffic monitoring program. The strengths and weaknesses of the various types of technology and 

equipment were also presented. The States should consider which combinations of technology and 

equipment best suit their needs when establishing their traffic data collection programs.
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Chapter 2 TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM – BUSINESS PLANNING 

AND DESIGN

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter addresses the high-level design of a traffic monitoring program and how data business 

planning can be used to support the design and development of the program at State highway 

agencies. It provides guidance on designing a traffic monitoring program and explains the importance 

of having such a program from three perspectives: statewide, regional/sub-area, and roadway 

facility/corridor-specific traffic monitoring. It also describes recommendations for a traffic program 

evaluation to be conducted by States every five years. More detail regarding guidance and examples 

of traffic monitoring programs are provided in Chapter 3 and the Appendices. 

2.2 PROGRAM DESIGN

Many transportation agencies have recognized that traffic data programs support a growing variety 

of functions and critical decision processes within their agencies. The need for data and the benefits 

that result from the required data must be balanced against available and potential resources to 

implement an effective and efficient traffic monitoring program.

Therefore, in planning and designing a traffic monitoring program it is critical to consider one’s 

customer needs and the benefits that result from the timely delivery of quality traffic data for 

decision support. The customers of traffic data programs generally fall into the following categories:

 National Agencies – Such as FHWA for supporting national transportation policy development and 

in compiling national reports such as traffic volume trends or Highway Performance Monitoring 

Programs (HPMS), or the National Condition and Performance Report;

 State DOT Partners – Such as State operations, safety, bridges, planning, design, construction, 

maintenance, environmental, enforcement, and freight offices;

 Local Agencies – Local governments and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs); and

 Public – Including public requests.

The components of traffic data programs include planning, design, calibration, collection, distribution, 

analysis, reporting, and maintenance. Uses of traffic data include project and resource allocation 

programming; performance reporting; operations and emergency evacuation; capacity and 

congestion analysis; traffic forecasts; project evaluation; pavement design; safety analyses; emissions 

analysis; cost allocation studies; estimating the economic benefits of highways; preparing vehicle size 

and weight enforcement plans; freight movement activities; pavement and bridge management 

systems; and signal warrants, air quality conformity analysis, etc.

The following table is a useful resource detailing some of the uses of traffic data collection that 

includes traffic counting, vehicle classification, vehicle weighing, and speed monitoring.
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TABLE 2-1 EXAMPLES OF HIGHWAY TRAFFIC DATA USES

Highway 

Activity

Traffic 

Counting

Vehicle

Classification

Vehicle

Weighing

Speed 

Monitoring

Design  Highway 

geometry

 Pavement 

design, 

bridge design

 Pavement 

design, bridge 

design, and 

monitoring

 Highway geometry

Engineering 

Economics

 Benefit of 

highway 

improvements

 Cost of vehicle 

operation

 Benefit of truck 

climbing lane

 Costs associated 

with congestion

Finance  Estimates of 

highway revenue 

and toll revenue

 Highway 

cost allocation

 Highway 

cost allocation

 User travel 

time costs

Legislation  Selection of 

highway routes

 Speed limits and 

oversize vehicle 

policy

 Speed limits

Maintenance  Selecting the 

timing of 

maintenance, by 

lane volume for 

lane 

closure policies

 Selection of 

maintenance 

activities

 Pavement 

management, 

bridge 

management

 Work zone safety 

measures

Operations  Signal timing, by 

lane volumes

 Traveler 

information 

emergency 

evaluation

 Development of 

control 

strategies and 

speed by class

 Freight

 Weight 

enforcement 

activities

 Freight

 Setting speed 

limits and speed 

by class

 Traveler 

information

Planning  Location and 

design of 

highway systems

 Forecasts of 

travel by 

vehicle type

 Truck lanes

 Truck ramps

 Freight

 Congestion 

measurement 

systems

Environmental 

Analysis

 Air quality 

analysis, noise 

impact analysis

 Forecasts of 

emissions by 

type of vehicle

 Emissions by 

type of vehicle

 Project-level 

analyses

Safety  Design of 

traffic control 

systems and 

accident rates

 Safety conflicts 

due to vehicle 

mix and accident 

rates

 Weight limits 

and regulations

 Design of 

safety systems

Statistics  Average 

daily traffic

 Travel by vehicle 

type

 Average weight 

by vehicle class

 85th percentile

Private Sector  Location of 

service areas

 Development 

planning

 Marketing keyed 

to particular 

vehicle types

 Trends in freight 

movement

 Truck lanes

 Accessibility to 

service areas

Administration, Other  Performance 

measurement, 

resource 

allocation, 

emergency 

operations, asset 

management

 Lane use

 Tax 

administration

 Enforcement
2-3

The TMG is designed to provide guidance to States, MPOs and local agencies in establishing and 

maintaining a traffic monitoring program. Other national reference material includes the AASHTO 

Guidelines for Traffic Programs and the ASTM Loop Detector Handbook. Many States have developed 

their own statewide versions of traffic monitoring guidelines including Florida, California, and Texas 

(Appendix D, Case Study 1). 

The following text describes the purpose and framework for establishing a traffic monitoring 

program. These programs are designed to collect traffic data and monitor travel within a defined 

geographic area for a State, region, or at the roadway-specific level. The types of data collected 

primarily consist of volume, classification, weight, and speed data. Many traffic programs are also 

adding bicycle and pedestrian counting. In the TMG, motorized programs include traditional traffic 

and non-motorized refers to bicycle and pedestrian counting programs. Chapter 4 is dedicated to 

guidance on bicycle and pedestrian counting.

2.2.1 STATEWIDE TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM DESIGN

A traffic monitoring program is important from a statewide perspective to meet Federal and State 

requirements and is used to monitor travel primarily on State system roads. Traditionally, statewide 

traffic monitoring programs were designed to collect primarily three types of data: volume, 

classification, and weight. Speed data has now been included to address the need for data related to 

travel times and to determine the impact of speed on traveler safety. Each type of data can be used 

for many purposes, including tracking traffic volume trends on important roadway segments; 

providing input to traffic management and traveler information systems; determining truck travel 

patterns; providing input for safety and design studies along with roadway performance monitoring; 

and for providing data for programs such as the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). 

Traffic data reported to FHWA is used to apportion funding to States from the U.S. Highway Trust 

Fund. Proper support and funding of traffic counting programs is critical to ensure the State data 

collection remains up to date and is providing the best possible data.

The information obtained from statewide traffic monitoring programs is also the primary information 

resource for almost all general queries about road use in a State. Many users, both inside and outside 

of State highway agencies, periodically need basic traffic statistics, and those statistics should be 

readily available and comparable throughout the State. The statewide traffic monitoring program is 

responsible for collecting and providing that information. Requests for statewide data can range from 

how vehicle miles of travel are changing in order to compute carbon emissions to whether specific 

roads carry enough volume to warrant new retail construction activity. Having a strong statewide 

counting program allows an agency to answer a wide range of key policy and business questions 

confidently and effectively. Roadway agencies that cannot provide direct, timely, and accurate 

answers to these basic queries risk losing their credibility and subsequently the support of decision 

makers and the taxpaying public. 

Traffic counts are fundamental to almost every task a highway agency performs and critical to a 

comprehensive performance measurement system. The timely delivery of high quality data can serve 

as a critical framework for effective decision making. The ability to describe how much traffic is using 

a road reflects positively on the agency’s ability to effectively perform its responsibilities and manage 

its budget. Consequently, collecting, summarizing, using, and reporting this data is a critical task for 

any roadway agency, delivering more relevant and cost effective data for operations, construction, 

and maintenance decisions and planning with benefits across the transportation system. Additional 

information with an example of the design of a statewide traffic monitoring program is found in 

Appendix D. 

The measurement of traffic volumes and its composition (class, weight, speed) is one of the most 

basic functions of highway planning and management. Traffic volume counts are the most common 

measure of roadway use and count data is needed as input to nearly all traffic engineering analyses. 

While several traffic volume statistics are used in traffic analyses, of primary interest for the design of 

statewide traffic monitoring programs are annual average daily traffic (AADT) and average daily 
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vehicle distance traveled (DVDT). Because DVDT is computed by multiplying the roadway segment 

AADT by the length of that segment, the primary goal of most traffic monitoring programs is to 

develop accurate AADT estimates, which can then be expanded to estimates of travel.

The recommended framework for a traffic monitoring program consists of two basic components:

1. Continuous counts (temporal); and

2. Short-duration counts (spatial) including periodic coverage counts and special needs counts.

Continuous Count Program (Volume, Speed, Classification, and Weight)

All highway agencies should have access to data collected from continuous counters. Agencies 

should work with each other to ensure that enough data is collected and shared to allow calculation 

of accurate adjustment factors needed to convert short-duration traffic counts into estimates of 

AADT. Chapter 3 in the TMG provides considerable guidance on how to structure continuous count 

programs, how to determine the appropriate number of counters for adjustment factor 

development, and how to apply those factors. 

The continuous counts help the agency understand temporal (time-of-day, DOW, month-of-year and 

multi-year) changes in traffic volume, speed, class, and weight and allow development of the 

mechanism needed to convert short-duration counts into accurate estimates of annual conditions. 

Adjustments to short-duration count data are normally required to remove temporal bias from data 

used for AADT computation. 

Short-Duration Count Program Design (Volume, Speed, Classification,

and Weight)

Highway agencies perform short-duration counts for a variety of purposes including meeting Federal 

reporting needs (HPMS), supplying information for individual projects (pavement design, planning 

studies, etc.), and providing broad knowledge of roadway use. The portable short-duration counts 

also ensure geographic diversity and coverage. The short-duration counting program is most efficient 

if these various data collection efforts are coordinated so that one count program meets multiple 

needs. Examples of coordination include: sharing counting schedules with city/county/MPO staff; 

putting technology solutions in place that include access to software that encourages the 

integration/dissemination/conversion of schedules/data collected from city/county/MPO and State 

agencies; and establishing a data governance committee that crosses agency jurisdictions including 

national, State, county, city, and MPO boundaries. 

The two types of short duration counts are described in the following sections.

Short-Duration Coverage Counts and Special Needs Counts

The coverage count subset covers the roadway system on a periodic basis to meet both point-specific 

and area needs, including the HPMS reporting requirements. The TMG recommends that the shortcount data collection consist of a periodic comprehensive coverage program over the entire system 

on a maximum six-year cycle. The coverage plan includes counting the HPMS sample and full-extent 

sections on a shorter (maximum) three-year cycle to meet the national HPMS requirement. 

The coverage program is supplemented with a special needs element where additional counts are 

performed as needed to meet other more specific data needs. The special needs program represents 

many different operations and may include the following:

 Pavement design counts performed to provide data for pavement design, maintenance, repair, 

rehabilitation, and reconstruction; 

 Traffic operations counts performed to provide inputs to traffic control studies (e.g., the creation 

of new signal timing plans); 
2-5

 Traffic counts for other special purpose studies; and

 Lane closure policies, corridor studies, inclement weather, and construction management.

The specific requirements (what is collected, when and where it must be collected) for these and 

other special needs studies vary from agency to agency. The ways in which agencies balance the 

benefits and costs of addressing these all-encompassing needs against their limited traffic counting 

budgets lead to the very different data collection programs that exist around the country.

Classification Data Needs

Vehicle classification data is a critical component of a well-designed traffic monitoring program 

because substantial amounts of classification data are needed to understand motorcycle, bus, and 

truck travel on highways. To address the need for classification data, the TMG recommends a 

coverage program structure for both volume and vehicle classification programs. More detail is 

provided in Chapter 3.

2.2.2 REGIONAL AND SUB-AREA TRAFFIC MONITORING DESIGN

A traffic monitoring program is used at the regional and sub-area level to address information needs 

on roads that are not met as part of a general statewide program. Traffic monitoring at this level is 

generally more detailed than the statewide program, and may include roads that are not part of the 

statewide program. 

Regional or sub-area monitoring plans are generally designed to answer specific questions of regional 

importance. They often provide additional detail on traffic movements that cross-jurisdictional 

borders (e.g., they may provide data that are used to allocate State resources between jurisdictions 

within the region), or provide data needed to answer key scoping questions for upcoming regional 

projects. For example, urban areas often collect congestion and travel time reliability data. Similarly, 

geographic areas that depend on recreational traffic movements often collect data in different ways 

or times than would otherwise be collected for general State traffic monitoring purposes. Detailed 

regional traffic counts can be vital to maintaining or improving the economic vitality of communities 

that depend on recreational movements. Additional information with an example of the design of a 

regional traffic monitoring program is found in Appendix D, Case Study 4. 

2.2.3 ROADWAY FACILITY SPECIFIC TRAFFIC MONITORING DESIGN

Facility-specific monitoring plans are the most detailed level of the three types of traffic monitoring 

programs. Roadway facility-level monitoring provides data needed at the project level. A minimum of 

four data items are typically produced as part of these monitoring efforts: AADT, K-Factor, D-Factor, 

and truck percentages. However, monitoring efforts may also collect data items that are needed for 

specific project purposes such as vehicle speed distributions and turning movements. 

Facility-specific traffic monitoring programs are designed to provide the site-specific traffic statistics 

needed for roadway improvement and planning studies. They are also used to collect the detailed 

data needed to design, implement, and refine traffic operations plans (e.g., traffic signal timing or 

event planning). Well-designed facility monitoring plans are fundamental to the effective 

management and operation of heavily used roadways. 

2.3 PROGRAM EVALUATION

It is in a DOT agency’s best interest to strategically conduct a comprehensive evaluation of their 

traffic monitoring program at a minimum of once every five years. This comprehensive evaluation 

should include all aspects of the program including equipment inventories, site selection procedures, 

data collection practices, validation, quality control, analyzing data, and data dissemination practices. 

A comprehensive travel monitoring program evaluation should provide an agency with a strategic 

business plan that documents program strengths and deficiencies with targeted recommendations 
2-6

for minimizing deficiencies and leveraging data program assets for a broad range of agency needs. A 

comprehensive program evaluation is recommended every five years because travel monitoring 

equipment and technology, as well as Federal regulations requiring travel monitoring data, can 

change over time, ultimately requiring travel monitoring program changes. 

Conducting a program evaluation can benefit a DOT agency by saving the agency time, resources, and 

money by implementing newly recommended business practices that eliminate unnecessary or 

inefficient processes or data management practices. Examples include (but are not limited to) the 

following: 

 Sharing of data with partner agencies and eliminating duplication of data collection efforts;

 Eliminating of travel monitoring sites by consolidating data sources that are overlapping within 

an agency;

 Implementing of automated software technologies to eliminate manual or electronic processing 

of data as well as eliminating inefficient or unnecessary business process steps;

 Purchasing and integrating private sector data to supplement existing data sources within the

program;

 Upgrading site equipment to include cellular (preferred)/dial-up modems or establishing fiber 

network access eliminating the need for site visits to download data; and

 Integration of travel monitoring program data with Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) data 

eliminating duplication of efforts within an agency – this requires coordination and 

standardization of data collection efforts (time of collection 24 hours without gaps), resources, 

data export formats, etc.

Many agencies already rely on obtaining advice from partner Federal, State, and local agencies 

related to budgeting, monitoring equipment, resource allocations, etc. When conducting a 

comprehensive program evaluation a similar industry practice is advised. 

Managing a travel monitoring program requires many different skills including budgeting; resource 

allocations; statistical analyses and quality evaluation of the travel monitoring program’s data. The 

travel monitoring program industry currently lacks the ability to evaluate and rank data programs 

based on a national standardized performance matrix. Although the Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) has the ability to evaluate continuous count programs by the number and quality of 

continuous count station data by State, currently there are no metrics for other travel monitoring 

program aspects such as short-duration counts programs, weigh-in-motion, etc. The remainder of this 

section describes the steps for conducting the program evaluation.

The program evaluation review should include the following elements. 

1. Goals and Objectives – Identify a clear statement of goals and objectives of the traffic monitoring 

program and how it fits into the planning process at the agency, and supports other agency 

needs.

2. Stakeholders – Identify all stakeholders and customers of the data. Customers of the traffic data 

program should include internal customers, external partners (MPOs, local governments and the 

public) and FHWA (for reporting purposes). The stakeholders should include both data collectors 

and users. (See Appendix D.)

3. Benefits of the Traffic Monitoring Program – Document the benefits of a traffic monitoring 

program for a State transportation agency and all of the internal and external stakeholders. This 

can include fiscal decision-making abilities and resource benefits.

4. Documentation of Federal, State, Local Requirements and Guidelines for Traffic Monitoring 

Program – Document any Federal, State, and local requirements and guidelines that must/should 

be followed in establishing traffic monitoring programs. Federal guidelines are contained in the 

TMG. State-specific requirements should be documented separately. In some States, a manual or 
2-7

handbook documenting existing State traffic program equipment and resources is also 

developed.

5. Documentation of Existing Processes – Document the physical infrastructure of existing data 

programs. This documentation serves as customer data supply and demand documentation 

helping all stakeholders including the managers, the collection staff, analysts, and customers of 

the statewide traffic database. Some States apply use-case diagrams or other forms of 

diagramming and flowcharting to indicate which data elements are collected, how they are 

processed, analyzed and reported, who is involved, and which databases are integrated and 

published. Staffing responsibilities should also be documented for future planning. 

This documentation is extremely important in succession planning. It should (minimally) 

include the following elements: 

 Calibration protocols and procedures for all data types;

 Standardized specifications for factoring process;

 Data distribution and delivery methods;

 Reporting requirements and methods;

 Number of counts and samples taken and the logic used with how they are done;

 Inventory and age of equipment; Database management and storage procedures including data 

archiving, retrieval, network connectivity/access/security and storage; Data retention methods 

and what formats are employed; and

 Personnel and worker’s technical and safety training. 

6. Review of Stakeholder Needs – This review can be accomplished through surveys, informal 

discussions, meetings, or focus groups. The objective is to determine stakeholder needs (data 

demand) with respect to the following dimensions of traffic data quality (data supply):

 Accuracy – The measure or degree of agreement between a data value or set of values and a 

source assumed to be correct. 

 Completeness (also referred to as availability) – The degree to which data fields and respective 

values are present in the attributes database (e.g., volume and speed are database fields that 

have values such as a volume (AADT) of 1500 or a speed value of 55 miles per hour attributes of 

traffic) that require them. Completeness can refer to both the temporal and spatial aspect of data 

quality, in the sense that completeness measures how much data is available compared to how 

much data should be available.

 Validity – The degree to which data values satisfy acceptance requirements of the validation 

criteria or fall within the respective domain of acceptable values. 

 Timeliness – The degree to which data values or a set of values are provided at the time required 

or specified. Examples are real-time data, near-real time, and annual or historical data. The data 

collection/usage purpose and context may or may not require real-time data. 

 Coverage – The degree to which data values in a sample accurately represent the whole of that 

which is to be measured. 

 Accessibility (also referred to as usability) – The relative ease with which data can be delivered or 

retrieved and manipulated by data consumers to meet their needs. 

 How the data is being used.

 Formats of data (storing, reporting, exporting, integrating, converting).

7. Identification of Gaps – Includes a review of resources and allocation of resources to priorities, 

identification of gaps, and overlaps in the data program. These can include the number of 
2-8

collection devices, processes, data gaps, and resources. For example, a State may identify that 

the factor groups they are using are not adequate, or there may be a need to add more ramp 

counts. Other gaps could include the need for more or different report formats. An example of 

an overlap may be the identification of an opportunity to share traffic data with a local agency or 

duplicated count locations. The key in this step is to document all needs and carefully prioritize 

them against available or potential resources. This step allows for the provision of expectations 

regarding needs and a vision of the State’s future traffic monitoring programs.

8. Review Program Components – Chapter 3 of the TMG contains specific guidance related to 

traffic data programs. During the program evaluation (recommended at least every five years) 

States should review all steps documented to determine if they are meeting the requirements. 

The figures in Chapter 3 outlining steps for establishing elements of traffic data programs will be 

particularly useful in the assessment (Steps for Establishing a Continuous Data Program, Steps 

For Creating and Maintaining a Continuous Data Collection Program, and Steps for Creating and 

Maintaining a Continuous Data Program).

FIGURE 2-1 STEPS FOR ESTABLISHING A CONTINUOUS DATA PROGRAM

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

9. Implementation Plan – Develop an implementation plan to make the improvements identified in 

Step 7 and deemed necessary in Step 8. In documenting improvement needs, the traffic 

monitoring staff may wish to conduct a benefits analysis and risk assessment. This assessment 
2-9

would involve identifying the benefits accruing from traffic monitoring program data and 

products, and the risks of not providing the traffic data at the desired level of quality. More 

information related to risk assessment and corresponding risk management programs can be 

found in NCHRP Report 666: Target-Setting Methods and Data Management to Support 

Performance-Based Resource Allocation by Transportation Agencies, Volume II, and in Assessing 

the Value of the ADOT&PF Data Programs White Paper, September 2009. These steps are 

illustrated in Figure 2-2.

FIGURE 2-2 TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM BUSINESS PROCESS REVIEW STEPS

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

This business process review should be updated annually to ensure the optimum use of resources 

with respect to stakeholder needs. States have embarked on business process reviews to document 

their processes, identify gaps, and improve their traffic monitoring programs. Good examples are 

provided in Appendix K for Georgia DOT and Colorado DOT.

Data Business Planning is an important component of any State DOT traffic monitoring program 

because it ensures that customer needs are met and the most efficient methods are deployed. It also 

provides accountability, transparency, and other strategic management benefits such as answering 

“what does your data program staff do?” Several States including Texas, Florida, Colorado, Virginia 

and Ohio have well-documented programs and can be used as references (see Appendices D, E, and 

K).

2.4 COORDINATING COUNT PROGRAMS AND SHARING DATA

This section recommends best practices in coordinating count programs between State highway 

agencies and external agencies, and the methods used for sharing data.
2-10

Access to data collected from continuous counters is encouraged for all highway agencies. 

Considerable benefit can be obtained by sharing these data collection resources. Access to additional 

counts will provide data for quality assurance, filling of count gaps, saving money, and ease of 

reporting because all data can be integrated into one platform. On the other hand, the challenges to 

sharing data among agencies can be many, but are not insurmountable. For example, data may exist 

in different formats or be collected with different standards (e.g., 24-hour versus 48-hour counts). 

With carefully planned and implemented management strategies in place, (such as creating a data 

governance committee, implementing QA/QC data procedures, and having a scalable enterprise-wide 

data warehousing solution) an agency can not only overcome data sharing challenges, but benefit 

significantly through data sharing best practices.

Agencies should work together to reduce duplication in the number and location of permanent, 

continuous data collection devices. Agencies should share the data they collect (e.g., a State DOT 

could use monthly and DOW information collected at permanent sites operated by a county or city as 

part of developing adjustment factors for a specific urban area). A single count location can supply 

information for many purposes (e.g., permanent, continuous weigh-in-motion scales supply weight, 

classification, speed, and volume data). Opportunities to share data exist not only among agencies 

but also within agencies. Ensuring that planning, operations, maintenance, and construction groups 

share the data they collect can substantially increase the availability of traffic monitoring data and 

benefits derived, while reducing the overall cost of data collection.

A key source for urban traffic data is the traffic surveillance systems used for traffic management and 

control. The Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) program (see more information in Chapter 5) 

offers highway agencies the ability to collect continuous traffic monitoring data at high volume 

locations. Access to these data requires proactive efforts by the traffic monitoring groups, as 

archiving and analysis of surveillance data are traditionally less important to the operations groups 

that build, operate, and maintain these ITS systems. Without proactive efforts by the traffic 

monitoring groups, the benefits of ITS data can be lost because operations groups spend their scarce 

resources on operational improvements rather than on the archiving and analysis software needed to 

convert surveillance data into useful traffic statistics. Traffic monitoring assets can also supplement 

ITS assets and when configured appropriately can also provide critical information for operations.

Examples of best practices related to sharing traffic data can be found in Appendix D.

2.5 TRAFFIC MONITORING CALIBRATION, PROCESSING, AND 

COMPLIANCE REVIEWS

This section describes the use of calibration procedures (explained more fully in Appendix F), the 

processing of data, and the use of compliance reviews to assess how well the State’s traffic 

monitoring program is performing in meeting MPO, State, and Federal requirements. This 

combination of tasks ensures that the traffic data collection equipment is working correctly, and that 

the data collected in the field is correctly processed to ensure that the summary statistics being 

reported accurately reflect the traffic conditions that are occurring on the roadway. 

On-site and in-office calibration and tracking of site information should occur regularly (daily, 

monthly, and annually as needed). Having a robust traffic monitoring calibration program in place 

includes:

 Implementing software tools that help automate the process;

 Performing daily diligence activities such as business processes that ensure checking the quality of 

data as it is collected/processed/stored in the master (centralized or distributed) traffic database; 

 Evaluating data using monthly trends and yearly trends to determine validity; 

 Conducting field calibration; 
2-11

 Collecting manual counts and comparing counts against portable equipment collected counts; and 

 Performing manual and electronic calibration of classification, weigh-in-motion, volume, speed, 

and portable hardware annually. 

Calibration includes performing a variety of tests on equipment to ensure that it functions as 

intended and correctly collects, processes, and reports the traffic data. The calibration process can 

identify both major errors (such as failed sensors) and minor errors (such as errors in site set-up, or 

the wrong classification algorithm installed on a shipment of devices) that can result in the collecting, 

processing, storing, and disseminating of inaccurate traffic statistics. The entire traffic monitoring 

program credibility is at stake when erroneous data is collected, processed, stored and disseminated. 

To avoid the risk of producing and disseminating erroneous data, traffic data programs should

calibrate often.

Errors associated with calibration inaccuracies significantly increase the cost and decrease the 

usability of data from the entire traffic monitoring program. 

However, once the data have been physically collected, more work remains to be done. To convert 

data into published statistical information, an agency must process (integrate, convert, calculate, 

QA/QC, store, manage, and provide access, etc.) the data consistently and correctly. Correct and 

consistent data processing ensures that AADT estimates produced from a simple axle counter can be 

accurately compared with AADT estimates collected using a sophisticated vehicle classifier. 

Consistent processes also ensure that agency credibility which allows an agency to easily defend their 

reported statistics and show through transparent audit processes that their data accurately reflect 

current traffic conditions. This allows States to pass Federal compliance reviews used to ensure that 

reported VMT statistics, a key variable used in funding allocation, are being accurately reported, and 

assures decision-makers the data deliverables are appropriate for critical decisions.

2.6 QUALITY ASSURANCE – STARTS WITH THE DATA QUALITY ACT 

(DQA) REQUIREMENTS

Data quality assurance processes are a critical component of any well-designed traffic monitoring 

program. The TMG recommends that each agency improve the quality of reported traffic data by 

establishing quality assurance processes for traffic data collection and processing. Each highway 

agency should have formal, documented rules and procedures for their quality control efforts. 

The Data Quality Act (DQA) directs the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to issue 

government-wide guidelines that provide policy and procedural guidance to Federal agencies for 

ensuring and maximizing the quality, objectivity, utility, and integrity of information (including 

statistical information) disseminated by Federal agencies.

A comprehensive and quality documented process will also assist in a smooth succession when there 

is turnover in staff.

2.7 DOCUMENTATION AND METADATA

Another critical factor of a well-designed traffic monitoring program is thorough and complete 

documentation. States are encouraged to maintain adequate documentation to support the decisions 

made and to allow future reexamination of those decisions as experience is gained in such areas as 

the factoring process. Documentation, such as the HPMS annual report which includes a requirement 

for reporting of metadata pertaining particularly to traffic and pavement data, is also recommended 

for any processes or methods used in data collection and analysis that may affect the outcome of the 

traffic data reported. 

Metadata is documentation used to describe specific data items and datasets. HPMS recommends

reporting of metadata that contains data that captures and explains variability in the collection and 
2-12

reporting of traffic (and pavement) data. For example, the traffic metadata may be used to describe if 

AADT values have been seasonally adjusted, if AADT values are directly (raw unadjusted data) from 

vehicle count data, or if AADT is adjusted by annual growth/change. 

NCHRP Report 666: Target-Setting Methods and Data Management to Support Performance-Based 

Resource Allocation by Transportation Agencies also explains that it is becoming more common for 

documentation of data programs to be a shared responsibility between IT divisions and business units 

within the organization. The business units have a responsibility to document the business needs and 

benefits for the traffic programs so that executives internally, as well as external entities such as 

legislatures, are aware of the importance of continued funding and resource allocation to support 

these critical programs. Establishing structured documentation procedures includes having well 

defined change tracking mechanisms to ensure that the prioritization of requested system changes is 

in accordance with the primary goals and objectives of the agency (NCHRP 666, 2010).

All types of documentation that are used to support traffic monitoring programs become a significant 

part of the repository of information about the program. This important information can be used at 

the national level for modeling travel trends, conducting highway safety and weight studies, as well 

as supporting State needs and uses for the data. Appendix D contains an example case study from 

Texas that demonstrates the importance of documentation in supporting its statewide traffic 

monitoring program.
3-1

Chapter 3 TRAFFIC MONITORING METHODOLOGIES

3.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter describes Federal guidelines for establishing and maintaining traffic monitoring 

programs. Detailed guidance is provided for traffic monitoring methodologies ranging from 

determining the number of data collection stations, to how to assign factor groups using cluster 

analysis as one of the tools. 

This chapter is organized into the following sections:

 Continuous Data Program;

 Short Duration Data Program; and

 Calculations and Computations.

The Figure 3-1 is a chapter map showing how the sections relate to each other. Please note that some 

of the sections repeat certain information and guidance. This is to ensure all relevant points are made 

in every relevant section.
3-2

FIGURE 3-1 CHAPTER MAP

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Methodology 

or

Calculation?

Continuous 

or Short 

Duration?

3.3

Short Duration

Page 3-63

3.2

Continuous

Page 3-3

3.4.1

AADTT

Page 3-78

3.4.2

Daily Volumes 

from Less-thanDaily Counts

Page 3-78

3.4.3

AADTV from 

More Than 24-

Hour Counts

Page 3-79

3.4.4

Axle Correction 

Factors

Page 3-80

3.4.5

Convert Daily

Counts to 

AADTT 

Page 3-80

Methodology Calculation

3.2.1

Volume 

Page 3-3

3.2.2

Speed

Page 3-17

3.2.3 

Classification

Page 3-18

3.2.5

Lane Occupancy 

Page 3-62

3.2.4

Weight 

Page 3.35

3.3.1

Volume 

Page 3.63

3.3.2

Speed

Page 3-68

3.3.3 

Classification

Page 3.68

3.3.4 

Occupancy

Page 3-74

3.3.5 

Motorcycles

Page 3-74
3-3

3.2 CONTINUOUS DATA PROGRAM

In most States, the continuous count stations form the basis for the overall traffic monitoring 

program. The definitions related to continuous count programs are included in Chapter 1. A 

continuous count is a volume count derived from permanently installed counters for a period of 24 

hours each day over 365 days (except for leap year) for the data-reporting year. There is an attempt 

to collect 365 days of data per year, but sometimes data is not available for some of those days. In 

some States, this is referred to as the permanent count program. In the TMG, the program will be 

referred to as the continuous count program. 

The objectives of continuous count programs are many and vary from State to State. Continuous 

count stations can be used to develop adjustment factors, track traffic volume trends on important 

roadway segments, and provide inputs to traffic management and traveler information systems. The 

number and location of the counters, type of equipment used, array, sensor technology, and the 

analysis procedures used to manipulate data supplied by these counters are functions of these 

objectives. As a result, it is of the utmost importance for each organization responsible for the 

implementation of the continuous count program to establish, refine, and document the objectives of 

the program. Only by thoroughly defining the objectives, and designing the program to meet those 

objectives, will it be possible to develop an effective and cost-efficient program. 

3.2.1 VOLUME

Volume data is normally collected as part of a State’s continuous count program. The primary 

objective of the program is to develop hour of day (HOD), day of week (DOW), month of year (MOY) 

and yearly factors to expand short-duration counts to AADT. This objective is the basis for 

establishing the number and location of continuous count sites operated by the State highway 

agency. Secondary objectives of the continuous count program include the following:

 Provide peak hour, 30th highest hour, and directional distribution data used by traffic forecasters 

and roadway designers;

 Track volume trends on specific roadway sections on the State highway system;

 Provide an anchor point for using ramp-balancing methods;

 Understand geographic differences in travel trends;

 Integrate with the HPMS volume sample; and

 Collect data on roadway sections where it is not possible or prohibitively expensive to collect data 

with portable counters. 

Each agency develops its own balance between having larger numbers of continuous count stations 

(increasing the accuracy and reliability of analyses that depend on data supplied by those counters) 

and reducing the expenditures required to operate and maintain those counters. The TMG

recommendations provide sufficient flexibility for each agency to find an appropriate compromise 

among objectives.

When determining the balance point, the objectives of the continuous count program should be 

statewide in nature, and the focus should reflect this statewide perspective (see Appendix D, Case 

Studies #1 and #2). As a result, the continuous count program should be developed to meet the 

minimum requirements of the State highway agency for ensuring statistical validity. Sub-area and 

roadway-specific data collection needs should be secondary considerations in the design of the 

continuous count program as desired by the appropriate agency. 

Consequently, the TMG recommends that the division responsible for factor development operate at 

least the minimum number of continuous count locations needed to meet the accuracy and reliability 

requirements of the factoring program. Expansion of the data available through the program should 

come from other available count programs. That is, data available through other count programs 
3-4

such as intelligent transportation systems (ITS), MPOs, cities, counties and WIM programs (if 

separate), where the funding for the installation and operation of the counters comes from other 

sources, should be considered to supplement and expand the continuous count database (See 

Chapter 5, Case Studies #1 through #5). However, while the cost of equipment installation and 

operation of these supplemental continuous count programs is the responsibility of those other 

programs, the statewide traffic monitoring division should be responsible for ensuring its accuracy 

and making this data available to users. Determining how best to obtain, summarize, and report this 

data is an issue best addressed at the State level. Data management best practices can be learned 

from advanced travel monitoring programs. These examples are provided in Appendices D, E, and L.

Several steps should be followed in establishing and evaluating a continuous count program for 

statewide traffic monitoring. The results of those steps will allow for benchmarking and improving 

the monitoring program. The lists were designed for 1) developing a new program; 2) checking to 

ensure compatibility with the guidance; and 3) evaluating a program. 

The following figure shows the steps to be followed in establishing a volume program.
3-5

FIGURE 3-2 CONTINUOUS DATA PROGRAM

VOLUMES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Step 1: Review the Existing Continuous Count Program

A. Current Program – The first step in refining the continuous count system is to define, analyze, and 

document the current continuous count program. A clear understanding of the current program 

will increase confidence in later decisions to modify the program. The review should explore the 

historical design, procedures, equipment, personnel, objectives, and uses of the information. This 

review should start with an inventory of the continuously operating traffic data collection 

equipment available (this would include features, limitations, age, and repair/failure rates). It 

should then progress to determining how the data is being used, who is using it, and how it would 

be used if tools for using it in new ways were available. 
3-6

B. Traffic Patterns – Next, the data should be reviewed to determine hourly, daily, and monthly 

traffic patterns that exist in the State and whether previous patterns have changed in order to 

establish whether the monitoring process should also change.

C. Data Adjustment – The next step is to review how the data is being adjusted, and whether those 

data adjustment steps can be improved or otherwise made more efficient. Of considerable 

interest in this review is how the quality of the data being collected and reported is maintained. 

Establishing the quality of the traffic data reported by the system and the outputs of the analysis 

process is a prerequisite for future improvements. Continuous traffic data is subject to 

discontinuities due to equipment malfunctions and errors. The way a State identifies and handles 

errors or anomalies (i.e., due to weather, construction, special events, etc.) in the data stream is a 

key component of the program. Data adjustment should be made according to ASTM E27-59 

Standard Practice for Highway Traffic Monitoring Truth-In-Data. The emphasis is on documenting 

the process and implementing of the documented process.

D. Quality Control – Each State highway agency should have formal rules and procedures for these 

important quality control efforts. Truth-in-data implies that agencies maintain a record of how 

data is adjusted, and that each adjustment has a strong basis in statistically rigorous analysis. Data 

should not be discarded or replaced simply because they appear atypical. Instead, each State 

should establish systematic procedures that provide the checks and balances needed to identify 

invalid data, control how those invalid data are handled in the analysis process, and identify when 

those quality control steps have been performed. 

E. Finally, the State highway agency should periodically review whether these procedures are 

performed as intended or need to be revised. For States that currently do not have formal quality 

control procedures, Appendix E provides several examples of how States use data quality 

control procedures. 

F. Summary Statistics – The last portion of the review process should entail the steps for creating 

summary statistics from the raw data collected by continuous counters. These procedures should

be consistent from year to year, be replicable, and should accurately account for the limitations 

(such as gaps in data) that are often present in continuous count data. 

Step 2: Develop an Inventory of the Available and Needed Continuous 

Count Locations and Equipment

A. Existing Data Sources – The inventory of existing (and planned) continuous count sites ensures 

that the State’s traffic monitoring effort obtains all of the continuous count data that are 

available. As noted earlier, the key to the inventory process is for the agency to identify not just 

the traditional continuous count sites but also other data collection devices that can supply 

continuous volume data. These secondary sites include, but are not limited to:

 Continuous classification counters;

 Continuous weigh-in-motion sites;

 Traffic management systems;

 Regulatory monitoring sites such as international border crossings and toll plazas;

 NPS Counters;

 MPO, City, and Town Counts; and

 Signalized intersections and ramp metering.

Other Sources – Posing more challenges are devices operated by other divisions within the State 

highway agency. Obtaining this data can be difficult, particularly when internal cooperation 

within the agency is limited. However, the current emphasis on improved cost-efficiency in 

government means that in most States there is strong upper management support for full 

utilization of data resources, wherever they exist. The key to taking advantage of this support is 
3-7

to make the transfer of the data as automated as possible, so that little or no staff time need be 

expended outside of the continuous count data collection group to obtain the data.

The State highway agency should also look for data outside of its own agency. While it may not 

be possible to obtain this data at the level provided by standard continuous count devices (i.e., 

hourly records by lane for all days of the year), it is often possible to obtain useful summary 

statistics such as AADT and seasonal volume patterns from these locations. These summary data 

can be used to supplement the State's data at those locations and geographic areas. The 

accessibility of data from supplemental locations reduces the cost of collecting and increases 

access to useful data. Local data can also be provided to FHWA. To obtain this data, the State 

highway agency may have to acquire software that automatically collects and reports this data. 

The intent is to reduce the operating agency's staff time needed to collect and transmit the data. 

The easier this task is for the agency collecting the data, the more likely that this data can be 

obtained and integrated. 

B. Uses of Data – This step involves determining how the continuous count data is currently being 

used, who the customers are for those data, and which data products (raw data? summary 

statistics? factors?) are being produced. Data should be collected for a purpose, and the users and 

uses of those data should be prioritized. Data has benefit when it answers important questions. 

Understanding by whom and how the data is being used creates a clear understanding of what 

value the data collection effort has to the organization. Understanding this value, and being able 

to describe it, is crucial to defending the data collection budget when budget decisions are made. 

Several State DOTs find the use of a data business plan to be a useful tool for documenting the 

business needs for data and information (Chapter 2). Data business plans help to document how 

data systems support current business operations, identify data gaps (i.e., where new data and 

information are needed to support current needs), and provide a structured plan for the 

development of enhanced data systems to meet future needs and include life cycle costs to 

make best use of limited resources. 

Step 3: Determine the Traffic Patterns to Be Monitored 

One of the tasks integral to the existence of the continuous counter program is the monitoring of 

traffic volume trends. Foremost among these trends is the monitoring of AADT at specific highway 

locations, and the tracking of seasonal and DOW patterns around the State. The Traffic Monitoring 

Analysis System (TMAS) is a good way to evaluate volume trends over time. The inventory process 

should document how the continuous count program is being used to create and apply adjustment 

factors to short duration traffic counts to estimate AADT, as well as which highway locations require 

continuous counters simply because of the importance of tracking volume with a high degree of 

confidence.

The collection of continuous data to determine AADT should only be necessary at a limited number 

of locations.

A. Time Pattern Variations – Monthly and DOW patterns are of much greater concern in the 

refinement of the continuous count program, since the effectiveness of the seasonal factoring 

process (and consequently the accuracy of most AADT counts) is a function of the seasonal 

patterns observed around the State. Understanding what patterns exist, how those patterns are 

distributed, and how they can be cost-effectively monitored is a major portion of the factor review 

process. Obtaining data from other sources (both volumes and speeds) and integrating the data 

with existing sources can be beneficial for monitoring traffic and congestion patterns for factoring.

The review of monthly patterns can be undertaken using one of a number of analytical tools. 

Two of the most useful are cluster analysis (that can be performed using any one of several 

major statistical software packages such as SAS or SPSS) and graphic examination (that uses GIS 

tools) of seasonal pattern data from individual sites.
3-8

The intent of the MOY pattern review is to assess the degree of seasonal (monthly) variation that 

exists in the State as measured by the existing continuous count data and to examine the validity 

of the existing factor grouping procedures that produces the seasonal factors. The review 

consists of examining the monthly variation (attributed to seasonality) in traffic volume at the 

existing continuous count locations, followed by a review of how roads are grouped into 

common patterns of variation. The goal of this review is to determine whether the State’s 

procedures successfully group roads with similar seasonal patterns, and whether individual road 

segments can be correctly assigned to those groups.

B. Monthly Factors – The review process begins by computing the monthly average daily traffic 

(MADT) and the monthly factors at each continuous count location. The monthly factors are then 

used as input to a computerized cluster analysis procedure. The patterns for individual sites can 

also be plotted on paper or electronically so that patterns from different sites can be overlaid to 

visually test for similarities and/or differences. If the groups of roads reported by the cluster 

analysis are similar to the groups of roads already in use, or if the visual patterns of all continuous 

counts in each factor group are similar, then it can be concluded that the factor groups are 

reasonably homogeneous. Specifically, all of the continuous counts that make up each factor 

group have the same or reasonably similar MOY pattern. 

Factor groups are not necessary to be identical to the cluster analysis output for two reasons. For 

any given year, the cluster output is likely to be slightly different, as minor variations in traffic 

patterns are likely to be reflected in minor changes in the cluster analysis output. In addition, the 

cluster analysis output will require adjustment to create identifiable groups of roads. 

C. Assignment – The remaining review step is to make sure that the groups are defined by an easily 

identifiable characteristic that allows complete assignment of all short duration counts to a factor 

group. The definition of each group must be complete so that analysts can correctly select the 

appropriate factor for every applicable roadway section.

D. HOD Distribution – The repeatability of hourly variability is of great importance. Typical hourly 

variation in traffic volume on the traffic monitoring sites from Arizona DOT is shown in the 

figure below. The typical morning and evening peak hours are evident for urban routes on 

weekdays. The evening peak generally has somewhat higher volumes than the morning peak. 

Rural routes do not show two prominent peaks, while recreational routes shows a single daily 

peak (as travelers go to their recreational destination). Figure 3-3 shows an example of the HOD 

distribution.
3-9

FIGURE 3-3 HOUR OF DAY FOR URBAN, RURAL, AND RECREATIONAL SITES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

E. DOW distribution – Volume variation by day of the week is also related to site location (urban or 

rural) and the type of highway on which observations are made. Typical DOW variation in traffic 

volume on the traffic monitoring sites from Arizona DOT is shown in the figure below. Monday to 

Thursday traffic is similar and close to an average while the weekend traffic is generally lower than 

weekday traffic on urban routes. Friday traffic is generally higher than the rest of the days. States 

are allowed flexibility in how they design their DOW adjustment factor process to account most 

effectively for their own traffic patterns and data analysis process. At a minimum, weekday and 

weekend factors should be developed. However, individual DOW factors may be more 

appropriate in many cases due to the variability in traffic volumes from Friday through Monday on 

many roads.
3-10

FIGURE 3-4 DAY OF THE WEEK FOR URBAN, RURAL, AND RECREATIONAL SITES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Step 4: Establish Monthly Pattern Groups

If the factor groups are not reasonably homogeneous, the definition of the groups is not clear, or new 

traffic patterns are emerging, it may be necessary to re-form the monthly factor groups. 

The basic statistic used to create factor groups can be either the ratio of AADT to MADT, or the ratio 

of AADT to MAWDT. In many States there are patterns of variation related to rural roads, urban 

roads, and recreational areas. However, in some States, significant geographic differences in travel 

need to be accounted for in the seasonal factoring process. For example, rural roads in the northern 

half of the State may have different travel patterns than rural roads in the southern half of the State. 

In addition, in some States clear patterns have failed to emerge. 

The three prominent types of analysis are described as follows:

A. Traditional Approach – The more subjective traditional approach to grouping roads and identifying 

like patterns is based on a general knowledge of the road system combined with visual 

interpretation of the monthly graphs. The advantage of the traditional approach is that it allows 

the creation of groups that are easier for agency staff to identify and explain to users. This 

happens because the grouping process starts by defining road groups that are expected to behave 

similarly. The hypothesis is then tested by examining the variation of the seasonal patterns that 

occur within these expected groups. 

The initial groups of roads that behave similarly could consist of roads of the same functional 

classification, or a combination of functional classifications. The groups should be further 

modified by the State highway agency to account for the specific characteristics of the State. 

Note that these are simply examples; there are other ways to accomplish this. Expected revisions 

include the creation of specific groups of roads that have travel patterns driven by large 

recreational activities, or that exhibit strong regional differences. 

Deciding on the appropriate number of factor groups should be based on the actual data analysis 

results and the analyst’s knowledge of specific, relevant conditions. As a general guideline, a 

minimum of three to six groups is usually needed. More groups may be appropriate if a number 

of recreational patterns need to be monitored or if significant regional differences exist.

B. Cluster Analysis – The cluster procedure is illustrated by an example in Appendix G where the 

monthly factors (ratio of AADT to MADT) at the continuous count stations are used as the basic 
3-11

input to the statistical procedures. An understanding of the computer programs used for 

statistical clustering procedures is helpful but not required to interpret the program results. 

The cluster analysis procedures have two major weaknesses. One is the lack of theoretical 

guidelines for establishing the optimal number of groups. Determining how many groups should 

be formed is difficult. The cluster analysis process starts with all continuous counts in a single 

group, and proceeds until each continuous count is in an individual group. The difficulty is in 

determining at what point to stop this sequential clustering process. Unfortunately, the optimal 

number of groups cannot be determined mathematically. 

The second weakness in the cluster analysis approach is that the groups that are formed often 

cannot be adequately defined, since the cluster procedure considers only variability at the 

continuous counts, not applicability to the short counts. Plotting the sites that fall within a 

specific cluster group on a map is sometimes helpful when attempting to define a given group 

output by the cluster process, but in some cases, the purely mathematical nature of the cluster 

process simply does not lend itself to easily identifiable groups.

Two advantages of cluster analysis are that it allows for independent determination of similarity 

between groups, therefore making the groups less subject to bias, and it can identify travel 

patterns that may not be intuitively obvious to the analyst. Accordingly, it helps agency staff 

investigate road groupings that might not otherwise be examined, which can lead to more 

efficient and accurate factor groups and provide new insights into the State’s travel patterns.

C. Volume Factor Groups – Because of the importance and unique inter-regional nature of travel on 

the interstate system, States should consider maintaining separate volume factor groups for the 

interstate functional categories. When interstate intrusive continuous count stations are not 

fiscally or logistically feasible, agencies utilize non-intrusive technologies to collect data. The 

interstate system will always be subject to higher data constraints because of its national 

emphasis and high usage levels. Most States maintain many continuous counts on the interstate 

system; therefore, separate interstate groups are easily created. 

The following table shows the advantages and disadvantages of seasonal factor groups.

TABLE 3-1 ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF SEASON PATTERN GROUP TYPES

Type Advantages Disadvantages

Traditional 1 – Creation of groups is easier

2 – Application for factoring can be explained

3 – Easier to assign short-term count to a 

group

1 – May not stand 

statistical scrutiny

Cluster 

Analysis

1 – Independent determination of similarity 

of groups without bias

2 – Traffic pattern can be found which may 

not be intuitively obvious

3 – Efficient and accurate factor groups

1 – Lack of guidelines for 

establishing optimal number 

of groups

2 – Groups that are formed often 

cannot be adequately defined

3 – Difficult to assign short-term 

count to a group

Volume 

Factor Group

1 – Consistent national framework for 

comparison among the State

2 – The precision of the seasonal factors can 

be calculated

1 – Functional or road classification 

may not be based on travel 

characteristics

2 – May not stand 
3-12

Type Advantages Disadvantages

3 – Easier to assign short-term count to a 

group

statistical scrutiny 

The TMG recommends the groups illustrated in Table 3-2 as a minimum.

TABLE 3-2 MINIMUM RECOMMENDED VOLUME FACTOR GROUPS

Recommended Group HPMS Functional Code

Interstate Rural 1

Other Rural 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Interstate Urban 1

Other Urban 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Recreational Any

The first four groups are self-explanatory. The recreational group relies on subjective judgment and 

knowledge of the travel characteristics of the State. Usually, recreational patterns are identifiable 

from an examination of the continuous count data. The existence of a recreational pattern should be 

verified by knowledge of the specific locations and the presence of a recreational travel generator. A 

roadway is likely a recreational road when the difference between the ratio of the highest hourly 

volume to AADT and the ratio of the thirtieth highest hourly volume to AADT is greater than one. No 

single method exists for determining recreational patterns. A typical commuter pattern roadway can 

operate as a recreational pattern on weekends or a weekday depending on events, etc. The best way 

to determine trip purpose absolutely is to conduct intercept surveys. 

Distinct recreational patterns cannot be defined based simply on functional class or area boundaries. 

Recreational patterns are obvious for roads at some locations but non-existent for other, almost 

adjacent, road locations. The boundaries of the recreational groups should be defined based on 

subjective knowledge. The existence of different patterns, such as for summer and winter, further 

complicates the situation. Therefore, the recommendation is to use a strategic approach to 

determine subjectively the routes or general areas where a given recreational pattern is clearly 

identifiable, establish a set of locations, and subjectively allocate factors to short counts based on the 

judgment and knowledge of the analyst. The road segments where these recreational patterns have 

been assigned should be carefully documented so that these recreational factors can be accurately 

applied and periodically reviewed.

While this may appear to be a capitulation to ad hoc procedures, it is a realistic acknowledgement 

that statistical procedures are not directly applicable in all cases. However, recreational areas or 

patterns are usually confined to limited areas of the State and, in terms of total vehicle distance 

traveled (VDT), are small in most cases. The direct statistical approach will suffice for the majority of 

cases.

The procedure for recreational areas is then to define the areas or routes based on available data (as 

shown by the analysis of continuous and control data) and knowledge of the highway systems to 

subjectively determine which short counts will be factored by which continuous count (recreational) 

location. The remaining short counts should be assigned based on the groups defined by the State. 
3-13

The minimum group specification can be expanded as desired by each State to account for regional 

variation or other concerns. However, more groups result in the need for more continuous count 

stations, with a corresponding increase in program cost and complexity. Each State highway agency 

will have to examine the trade-offs carefully between the need for more factor groups and the cost of 

operating additional continuous count stations.

The above definition of these seasonal patterns based on functional class provides a consistent 

national framework for comparisons among States and more importantly, provides a simple 

procedure for allocating short duration counts to the factor groups for estimating annual average 

daily traffic (AADT). It also provides a direct mechanism for computing the statistical precision of the 

factors being applied. 

The precision of the seasonal factors can be computed by calculating the mean, standard deviation, 

and coefficient of variation of each adjustment factor for all continuous count locations within a 

group. The mean value for the group is the adjustment factor that should be applied to any short 

count taken on a road section in the group. The standard deviation and coefficient of variation of the 

factor describe its reliability. The error boundaries can be expressed in percentage terms using the 

coefficient of variation, where the error boundaries for 95 percent of all locations are roughly twice 

the coefficient of variation. 

Typical monthly variation patterns for urban areas have a coefficient of variation under 10 percent, 

while those of rural areas range between 10 and 25 percent. Values higher than 25 percent are 

indicative of highly variable travel patterns, which reflect recreational patterns but which may be due 

to reasons other than recreational travel.

Step 5: Determine Appropriate Number of Continuous Count Locations

Having analyzed the data, established the appropriate seasonal groups, and allocated the existing 

continuous count locations to those groups, the next step is to determine the total number of 

locations needed in each factor group to achieve the desired precision level for the composite group 

factors. To carry out this task, statistical sampling procedures are used. Since the continuous count 

locations in existing programs have not been randomly selected, assumptions may be made. The 

basic assumption made in the procedure is that the existing locations are equivalent to a simple 

random sample selection. Once this assumption is made, the normal distribution theory provides the 

appropriate methodology. The standard equation for estimating the confidence intervals for a simple 

random sample is:

Where:

B = upper and lower boundaries of the confidence interval

= mean factor

T = value of student’s T distribution with level of confidence and n-1 degrees of 

freedom

n = number of locations

d = significance level

s = standard deviation of the factors

The precision interval is:

Where:
3-14

D = absolute precision interval

s = standard deviation of the factors

Since the coefficient of variation is the ratio of the standard deviation to the mean, the 

equation can be simplified to express the interval as a proportion or a percentage of the 

estimate. 

The equation becomes:

Where:

D = precision interval as a proportion or percentage of the mean

C = coefficient of variation of the factors.

Note that a percentage is equal to a proportion times 100, i.e., 10 percent is equivalent to a 

proportion of 1/10.

Estimating the sample size needed to achieve any desired precision intervals or confidence levels is 

possible using this formula. Specifying the level of precision desired can be a difficult undertaking. 

Very tight precision requires large sample sizes, which translate to expensive programs. Very loose 

precision reduces the usefulness of the data for decision-making purposes. Traditionally, traffic 

estimates of this nature have been considered to have a precision of plus or minus 10 percent. A 

precision of 10 percent can be established with a high confidence level or a low confidence level. The 

higher the confidence level desired, the higher the sample size required. Furthermore, the precision 

requirement could be applied individually to each seasonal group or to an aggregate statewide 

estimate based on more complex, stratified random sampling procedures.

The reliability levels recommended are 10 percent precision with 95 percent confidence for each 

individual seasonal group, excluding recreational groups where no precision requirement is specified. 

When these reliability levels are applied, the number of continuous count locations needed is 

usually five to eight per factor group, although cases exist where more locations are needed. The 

actual number of locations needed is a function of the variability of traffic patterns within that group 

and the precision desired; therefore, the required sample size may change from group to group. 

Recreational factor groups usually are monitored with a smaller number of continuous counters, 

simply because recreational patterns tend to cover a small number of roads; it is not economically 

justifiable to maintain five to eight stations to track a small number of roads. The number of stations 

assigned to the recreational groups depends on the importance assigned by the planning agency to 

the monitoring of recreational travel, the importance of recreational travel in the State, and the 

different recreational patterns identified. 

Step 6: Select Specific Count Locations 

Once the number of groups and the number of continuous count locations for each group have been 

established, the existing locations can be modified if revision is necessary. The first step is to examine 

how many continuous counters are located within each of the defined groups. This number is then 

compared to the number of locations necessary for that group to meet the required levels of factor 

reliability. If the examination reveals a shortage of current continuous count locations, the agency 

should select new locations to place continuous counters within that defined group. Since the 

number of additional locations may be small, the recommendation is to select and include them as 

soon as possible. Additional issues that should be considered when selecting locations to expand the 

sample size are reviewed in the following paragraphs.

If a surplus of continuous counters within a group exists, then redundant locations are candidates for 

discontinuation unless needed for ramp balancing and anchors. If the surplus is large, the reduction 

should be planned in stages and after adequate analysis to ensure that the cuts do not affect 
3-15

reliability in unexpected ways. For example, if 12 locations are available and six are needed, then the 

reduction could be carried out by discontinuing two locations annually over a period of three years. 

The sample size analysis should be recomputed each of the three years before the annual 

discontinuation to ensure that the desired precision has been maintained. Location reductions should 

be carefully considered. Maintaining a few (two to three) additional surplus locations may help 

supplement the groups and compensate for equipment downtime or missing data problems.

Matters for consideration are as follows:

 Other uses of existing information or other reasons the sites are important – As mentioned 

previously, seasonality is not the only objective for use of continuous count data. Each State 

should ensure that these other criteria are met before discontinuation. It should be clear that 

additional locations increase the reliability of the data. 

 Quality of the traffic data – Continuous counter data is subject to many discontinuities due to 

downtime, which results in missing data, and to the issues of data adjustment and imputation. 

 Existing locations – Available locations from control or other programs may be candidates for 

upgrading to continuous status. 

 Location on or near HPMS sites – Because of the direct linkage to the HPMS sample sections, 

these locations should be given priority. 

 Tie-in to the classification, speed, or weight programs – Coordination with other programs is 

essential. 

 Distribution over geographical areas of the State.

 Distribution by functional class system.

 Random selection to reduce bias – New locations should be randomly selected.

 Quality of continuous count equipment of sites – Older or malfunctioning equipment should be 

given higher priority for discontinuation. 

Step 7: Compute Temporal Factors

MOY factors are most accurately developed and applied on a year-by-year basis. That is, a short 

count taken in 2009 should be adjusted with factors developed exclusively from continuous count 

data collected in 2009. This allows the adjustment process to account for economic and 

environmental conditions that occurred in the same year the short count was taken. 

This recommendation creates problems for the timing of factor computation and application. That is, 

if a short count is taken in the summer of this year, the true adjustment factor for this year cannot be 

computed until January of next year at the earliest, which may not be timely enough for many users. 

The recommendation is to compute temporary adjustment factors for estimating AADT before the 

end of the year, and then to revise that preliminary estimate once the year's true adjustment factors 

can be computed in January. 

Temporary factors can be developed in one of three ways:

 Applying last year's factors;

 Computing an average of the three previous year's factors; and

 Computing a monthly rolling average (for example, the temporary July 2009 factor would be 

computed as the factor for the 12 consecutive months from August 2008 through July 2009).

The first of these approaches is the easiest but also the least accurate, because the effects of this and 

last years’ economic/environmental conditions are likely to be different. The second approach 

reduces the biases that occur from using a single year’s factors. The last approach produces the most 

accurate adjustment factor but also requires the most labor-intensive data handling and processing 
3-16

effort. (See Appendix D, Case Study #6 for an example of computing monthly rolling average.)

The procedures for developing and using monthly factors to adjust short volume counts to produce 

AADT estimates follow directly from the structure of the program. The individual monthly factors for 

each continuous count station are the ratio of the AADT to MADT. Alternatively, the State can 

combine the DOW adjustment and monthly adjustment into a single factor, for example the ratio of 

annual average daily traffic to monthly average weekday traffic (AADT / MAWDT). This term, or a 

similar seasonal adjustment, can be substituted directly for the ratio of AADT / MADT in the factor 

grouping and application process if desired.

For a counter site that operates 365 days per year without failure, the AADT can be computed by 

adding all of the daily volumes and dividing by 365. Similarly, the MADT can be computed by adding 

the daily volumes during any given month and dividing by the number of days in the month.

Challenges with this approach are that few continuous count stations operate reliably during any 

given year. Most suffer at least small amounts of downtime because of power failures, 

communications failures, and other equipment or data handling problems. These missing hours or 

days of data can cause biases and other errors in the calculations, particularly when a moderate 

amount of data is lost in a block. As a result, a modified formula for computing these types of 

statistics that directly accounts for missing data has been adopted. 

The following methodology has been adopted by AASHTO, has been researched and verified by 

FHWA, is used by many States, and is recommended by FHWA.

Where: 

VOL = daily traffic for day k, of DOW i, and month j

i = day of the week

j = month of the year

k = 1 when the day is the first occurrence of that day of the week in a month, 4 when it is 

the fourth day of the week

n = the number of days of that day of the week during that month (for which you have 

data).

This formula computes an average DOW for each month, and then computes an annual average value 

from those monthly averages, before finally computing a single annual average daily value. This 

process effectively removes most biases that result from missing days of data, especially when those 

missing days are unequally distributed across months or days of the week. The method used should 

be detailed in the Traffic Monitoring System (TMS) that States keep on record with the local FHWA

district office.

The calculation of MADT is similar to that of AADT. An average DOW is first computed for a given 

month, and then all seven-day values are averaged. MAWDT is similarly computed. However, each 

State can define the specific days present in the MAWDT calculation. For example, some States do 

not count Fridays for routine short duration traffic counts and therefore, choose not to include 

Fridays in the computation of MAWDT.

Monthly factors for each continuous count are computed by the ratio of AADT to MADT or AADT to 

MAWDT. Group monthly factors are computed as the average of the factors for all continuous 

counter locations within the group. Both the individual continuous count and the group factors 
3-17

should be made available to users in tabular and computer accessible form. (See Appendix K for 

examples of these computations. See Appendix D, Case Study #5 for an example from Alabama 

regarding incorporating data collected by local governments.)

3.2.2 SPEED 

Measurements of vehicle speeds are used for a wide variety of studies, but particularly for safety 

studies and roadway performance monitoring. The data needed for these two types of studies are 

highly related but can be significantly different in both content and format. Safety studies rely on 

statistically valid measures of vehicle speed distributions during the study periods. Of particular 

interest in most safety studies is the speed distribution that occurs under free flow conditions (e.g., 

how many vehicles are speeding and how fast are they going? Is there a large difference in speed 

between the fastest and slowest vehicles in the traffic stream?). On the other hand, those conducting 

roadway performance monitoring are more interested in how the average speed of the facility 

changes by time of day and from one day to the next (e.g., is congestion forming, and if so, how 

often, how badly, and how long does it last?).

Consequently, speed data for most safety studies are gathered with traditional traffic monitoring 

devices, which collect speed data for all vehicles passing a selected point in the roadway over a 

defined period. Speeds are then reported either as individual vehicle observations or as summary 

data that indicate the volume of vehicles moving within defined speed ranges (speed bins). 

Conversely, speed data for performance monitoring purposes traditionally come from sensors used 

for traffic management purposes. Average facility speeds are the primary reporting statistic 

calculated with data from these sensors, and individual vehicle speeds are often not collected. Recent 

decreases in the cost of both GPS equipment and wireless communications costs have also meant 

that privately collected vehicle probe data sets can now also meet many performance-monitoring 

needs. Unfortunately, these probe vehicle data only include a small sample of vehicles using a 

roadway, which can be used to estimate average facility speeds along entire roadway corridors across 

all days of the year. These data sets are less useful for most safety studies because they do not 

capture an unbiased measure of the distribution of speeds. 

This edition of the TMG provides guidance on the collection and submission of speed data that are of 

particular use for safety studies. It does not contain guidance on the collection and use of vehicle 

probe based speed data useful for more general, area-wide, or corridor long roadway 

performance monitoring. 

Travel speed data is used to determine travel time reliability, and is important for planning, program 

effectiveness evaluation, and investment analysis. Many other divisions within State DOTs need 

speed data for travel time, performance measures, safety studies, and other analysis. Multiple 

divisions within an agency could consider funding a permanent site, collecting the data once and 

using it many times across divisions/agencies.

Many continuous traffic-monitoring devices are deployed specifically to collect vehicle speed data; 

others collect speed data as a by-product of some other traffic data collection function. By taking 

advantage of all of their devices collecting speed data—whether intentionally or as a by-product—

highway agencies frequently have access to a wealth of vehicle speed data. Many continuous 

counters are equipped with dual loops simply because the cost of the second loop is low in 

comparison to the initial investment at that site, and the provision of the second loop both provides 

redundancy in volume data collection and allows that location to be used for other purposes (speed 

monitoring and length classification). 

The deployment of continuous equipment specifically to collect vehicle speed data is becoming 

popular in States. In an effort to leverage the capabilities of the current equipment, FHWA 

investigated speed data collection practices of States and found that 94 percent have speed data; all 

of the States collect speed data themselves, and five of the States use third parties to collect speed 

data.
3-18

Chapter 5, Transportation Management and Operations discusses ideas for sharing resources with 

other offices to collect speed data.

Data already collected at States are as follows:

 By lane;

 In 5 mph bins;

 Counter location identified by latitude/longitude; and

 Reported every 15 minutes (FHWA will accept one hour intervals).

This flexible structure would enable the reporting of spot speed without changing the data collection 

methodology currently being used by States. The final format for submission is identified in 

Chapter 7.

A well-designed monitoring program stores, summarizes, and makes available the speed data already 

collected by these devices for both internal agency use and submittal to U.S. DOT.

3.2.3 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION (AXLE AND LENGTH)

This section discusses the process for establishing a continuous vehicle classification count program 

and presents two alternative methods for the development of factor groups for classification. The 

continuous vehicle classification data collection program is related to, but can be distinct from, the 

traditional continuous count program. In addition, factoring of vehicle classification counts (i.e., 

heavy vehicle volume counts) may be performed independently from the process used to compute 

AADT from short duration volume counts. Highway agencies should collect classification data (which 

also supply total volume information) in place of simple volume counts whenever possible. 

Figure 3-5 shows the steps for the classification process and are explained in the following 

paragraphs.

FIGURE 3-5 STEPS FOR CREATING AND MAINTAINING A CONTINUOUS DATA 

COLLECTION PROGRAM

FOR DEVELOPING AND USING KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR EACH 

CLASS OF VEHICLE

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
3-19

Step 1: Review the Existing Vehicle Continuous Classification Count 

Program

A. Current Program – The first step in developing the continuous vehicle classification count program 

is to define, analyze, and document the current program. This assessment should include the 

historical design, procedures, equipment, personnel, objectives, and uses of the information. This 

review should begin with an inventory of the State’s continuous vehicle classification data 

collection equipment. The uses of the data should be identified, as well as who is using it and how 

it might be used if additional application tools were available. 

B. Traffic Patterns – The data should be reviewed to determine what unique traffic patterns exist for 

each major classification of vehicle in the State and whether previously identified patterns have 

changed in order to establish whether the monitoring process should be adjusted.

C. Data Adjustment – The details of the data adjusted/processed should be reviewed with attention 

to whether the data adjustment steps can be improved or otherwise made more efficient. Of 

considerable interest in this review is how the quality of the data being collected and reported is 

maintained. Establishing the quality of the vehicle classification data reported and the outputs of 

the data analysis process is a prerequisite for future improvements. Continuous traffic data 

collection is subject to discontinuities due to equipment malfunctions and errors. The way a State 

identifies and handles errors in the data stream is a key component of the vehicle classification 

program. Subjective editing procedures for identifying and imputing missing or invalid data is 

discouraged, since the effects of such data adjustments are unknown and may bias the resulting 

estimates. Instead, the quality control procedures listed below should be followed to ensure that 

invalid data is appropriately and consistently identified and replaced. 

D. Quality Control – Each State highway agency should have formal rules and procedures for these 

important quality control efforts. The implementation of truth-in-data concepts as recommended 

by the AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs will greatly enhance the analytical results and 

help in establishing objective data patterns. Truth-in-data implies that agencies maintain a record 

of how data is manipulated, and that each manipulation has a strong basis in statistically rigorous 

analysis. Data should not be discarded or replaced simply because they appear atypical. Instead, 

each State should establish systematic procedures that provide the checks and balances needed 

to identify invalid data, control how those invalid data are handled in the analysis process, and 

identify when those quality control steps have been performed. 

E. Finally, the State highway agency should periodically review whether these procedures are 

performed as intended or need to be revised. For States that currently do not have formal quality 

control procedures, Appendix E provides several examples of how States use data quality control 

procedures. In addition, AASHTO has also provided guidance on how to develop and implement a 

quality control process for traffic data collection.

F. Summary Statistics – The last portion of the review process should entail the steps for creating 

summary statistics from the raw data collected by vehicle classification equipment. These 

procedures should be consistent and should accurately account for the limitations that are often 

present in continuously collected classification data. 

Step 2: Develop an Inventory of Available Vehicle Classification Count 

Locations and Equipment

Correctly manipulating continuous vehicle classification count data after they have been collected 

is vital. 

A. Existing Data Sources – The inventory of existing (and planned) continuous vehicle classification 

ensures that the State’s traffic monitoring effort is comprehensive and effective. As noted earlier, 

the key to the inventory process is for the agency to identify not only the traditional continuous 
3-20

vehicle classification, but also other data collection devices that can supply continuous class data. 

These secondary sites include, but are not limited to:

 Continuous weigh-in-motion sites;

 Traffic management systems; and

 Regulatory monitoring sites (such as international border crossings and toll plazas).

B. When available, data collection devices operated by the same group that operates the vehicle 

classification sites are the easiest from which to obtain data, but a number of State highway 

agencies do not make use of this data as part of their vehicle classification process. 

C. Other Sources – Posing more challenges are devices operated by other divisions within the State 

highway agency. Obtaining this data can be difficult, particularly when internal cooperation within 

the agency is limited. However, the current emphasis on improved cost-efficiency in government 

means that in most States there is strong upper management support for full utilization of data 

resources, wherever they exist. The key to taking advantage of this support is to make the transfer 

of the data as automated as possible, so that little or no staff time is expended outside of the 

traffic data collection group to obtain the data.

D. The State highway agency should also seek data outside of its own agency. (See Chapter 5, case 

study examples.) While it may not be possible to obtain this data at the level provided by 

continuous vehicle classification equipment, it is often possible to obtain useful summary statistics 

from these locations. These summary data can be used to supplement the State's data at those 

locations and geographic areas. The availability of data from supplemental locations reduces the 

cost of collecting and increases access to useful data. To obtain this data, the State highway 

agency may have to acquire software that automatically collects and reports this data. The intent, 

once again, is to reduce the operating agency's staff time needed to collect and transmit the data. 

The easier this task is for the agency collecting the data, the more likely it is that this data can be 

obtained. However, data should only be used from calibrated sites (all sites including classification 

should be calibrated yearly).

E. Uses of Data – Another element is to inventory data uses and users. This step involves 

determining how the vehicle classification data is currently being used, who the customers are for 

those data, and which data products are being produced. Data should be collected for a purpose, 

and the users and uses of those data should be prioritized. Data only have value when they 

answer important questions. By understanding how the data is being used, it is possible to 

develop a clear understanding of what value the data collection effort has to the organization. 

Understanding this value, and being able to describe it, is crucial to defending the data collection 

program when budget decisions are made. 

F. States should be checking the accuracy of their class data and taking appropriate action to 

evaluate and adjust their vendor-specific classification algorithm to correctly classify all of the 

vehicle types on their roadways (within 10% by class). 

G. This inventory process may uncover the circumstance that some data and/or summary statistics 

are not being used. If that is the case, then those data and statistics may be eliminated in favor of 

the collection of data or production of statistics that will be used. This results in better use of 

available resources, makes the data collection system more focused on products actively desired 

by agency users, and results in more support for the data collection program from others in the 

agency. Several State DOTs find the use of a data business plan to be a useful tool for 

documenting the business needs for data and information (Chapter 2). Data business plans help to 

document how data systems support current business operations, identify data gaps (i.e., where 

new data and information are needed to support current needs), and provide a structured plan for 

the development of enhanced data systems to meet future needs. 
3-21

Step 3: Determine the Traffic Patterns to Be Monitored 

If sufficient data is available, it should be evaluated to determine what unique traffic patterns exist 

for each of the different classes of vehicles. For example, motorcycles have different DOW and 

monthly travel patterns than single unit trucks. The development of factor groups and factor 

procedures for different classes of vehicles should be undertaken. At a minimum, States should 

investigate whether they need different factor groups and processes for six aggregate classes of 

vehicles: motorcycles (MC), passenger cars (PV), light duty trucks (LT), buses (BS), single unit trucks 

(SU), and multi-unit combination trucks (CU). In some cases, two or more classes of vehicles may be 

included in one set of factors when these vehicles can be shown to have similar travel patterns.

The inventory process should document whether and how the continuous vehicle classification 

program is being used to create and apply adjustment factors to short duration vehicle classification 

traffic counts to estimate annual average volumes by type of vehicle. The inventory review process 

should also determine which highway locations require continuous vehicle classification equipment 

to capture the travel patterns effectively of all vehicle classes with a high degree of confidence.

The review of seasonal patterns can be undertaken using one of a number of analytical tools. Two of 

the most useful are cluster analysis, which can be performed using any one of several major statistical 

software packages such as SAS or SPSS, and the graphic examination, using GIS tools, of seasonal 

pattern data from individual sites.

The intent of the seasonal pattern review is to assess the degree of seasonal (monthly) variation that 

exists in the State as measured by the existing vehicle classification data and to examine the validity 

of the existing factor grouping procedures that produce the seasonal factors. The review consists of 

examining the monthly variation (attributed to seasonality) in vehicle traffic volume for each class of 

vehicles (at a minimum of MC, PV, BS, LT, SU and CU) at the existing vehicle classification locations, 

followed by a review of how roads are grouped into common patterns of variation. The goal of this 

review is to determine whether the State's procedures successfully group roads with similar seasonal 

patterns, and whether individual road segments can be correctly assigned to those groups.

It is not necessary for the factor groups to be identical to the cluster analysis output for two reasons. 

For any given year, the cluster output is likely to be slightly different, as minor variations in traffic 

patterns are likely to be reflected in minor changes in the cluster analysis output. In addition, the 

cluster analysis output will require adjustment to create intuitively rational and identifiable groups of 

roads. The use of cluster analysis is explained in further detail in Appendix G. 

The remaining review step is to make sure that the groups are defined by an easily identifiable 

characteristic that allows easy assignment of short counts to the group. The definition of each group 

must be complete enough to allow analysts to select the appropriate factor for every applicable 

roadway section.

Step 4: Establish Monthly Pattern Groups

Each State highway agency should operate a set of continuous classification counters to measure 

vehicle-travel patterns and provide the factors to convert short classification counts to annual 

averages. As an example of one vehicle type, research has shown that truck travel does not follow the 

same time-of-day, DOW, and seasonal patterns as total volume (Schneider and Tsapakis 2009, 

Hallmark and Lamptey 2004, Hallenbeck and Kim 1993, Weinblatt 1996, Hallenbeck et al 1997). For 

example, see Figures 3-6 and 3-7 below. 

Analysis of continuously collected data sets also indicates that truck volumes on many roads (even 

high volume interstate) can change significantly due to changes in the national and local economy. 

Similarly, continuous count data have shown that motorcycle traffic follows different patterns than 

other passenger vehicles with much more travel occurring on weekends than weekdays, especially on 

some rural roads used for recreational travel by motorcyclists. Continuously operating classification 

counters are needed to monitor these travel patterns so that these patterns can be detected and 
3-22

accounted for in engineering and planning analyses. For example, if the large increases in weekend 

motorcycle travel are not accounted for, short duration classification counts will significantly 

underestimate the number of miles traveled annually on motorcycles, thus biasing national and State 

safety analyses.

FIGURE 3-6 EXAMPLE OF DIFFERENCES IN DOW TRAVEL BY VEHICLE CLASS IN IOWA

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

FIGURE 3-7 EXAMPLE OF DIFFERENCES IN MONTHLY TRAVEL PATTERNS BY VEHICLE CLASS

IN IOWA

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

All State highway agencies have been operating permanently installed continuous count stations 

(CCS) (commonly referred to as ATRs) for many years. It has only been since the mid-1980s that 

0.00

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Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun Fraction of Volume

Station 005843

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Combination Unit (CU)

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Fraction of Volume

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3-23

technology allowed the installation and operation of similar counters to collect continuous 

classification data. A significant increase in the number of these counters has taken place since 1990 

because of the start of traffic data collection for the Strategic Highway Research Program's (SHRP) 

Long Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) project. Many States have also converted continuous 

installations to classification as the old equipment was replaced.

Data from these continuous classification devices have shown that motorcycle, single unit truck, and 

combination unit truck volumes have time-of-day, DOW, and by month variations that are different 

from those of cars. In addition, sources of continuous classification data may be obtained from 

installations from regulatory, safety, and traffic management systems installed to operate and 

manage the infrastructure. To obtain these existing data, highway agencies often need to establish 

working relationships with other public agencies, including MPOs, county and regional planning 

councils, to coordinate count programs and sharing of data. The effort may result in considerable 

improvement to the available classification data. FHWA is working on establishing length-based 

classification (see Appendix J, FHWA Memo on Establishing Length Based Classification).

The objective of seasonal factor procedures is to remove the temporal bias in current estimates of 

vehicles with unique temporal variances that are different from the total volume. Four primary 

reasons for installing and operating permanent, continuously operating, vehicle classifiers for traffic 

monitoring purposes include the ability to:

 Provide a highly accurate measure of MC, PV, LT, BS, SU, CU volumes at a limited number of 

specific sites around the State; 

 Track the changes in those volumes over time with a high degree of accuracy; 

 Determine the travel patterns of different vehicle types on different roadways across the State; 

and

 Create adjustment factors and factor groups that allow application of the factors for converting 

short duration classification counts into annual average estimates of vehicle volume by vehicle 

type.

Vehicle Classes Used for Factoring

Regardless of the approach taken for the computation and application of factors, it is recommended 

that adjustment factors be computed for a maximum of six generalized vehicle classes (see VM-1 and 

HPMS Summary types). These are: 

 Motorcycles (MC)

 Passenger vehicles under 102” (PV)

 Light trucks over 102” (LT)

 Buses (BS)

 Single-unit trucks (SU)

 Combination trucks (tractor-trailers) (CU)

Table 3-3 compares the six-vehicle class groupings used in one of the HPMS datasets to the FHWA 13 

vehicle category classes.
3-24

TABLE 3-3 HPMS VEHICLE CLASS GROUPS/FHWA VEHICLE CLASSES

HPMS Summary Table Vehicle Class Group* FHWA 13 Vehicle Category 

Classification Number

Group 1: Motorcycles (MC) 1

Group 2: Passenger Vehicles equal to or under 102” (PV) 2

Group 3: Light trucks over 102” (LT) 3

Group 4: Buses (BS) 4

Group 5: Single-unit vehicles (SU) 5,6,7

Group 6: Combination Unit (CU) 8,9,10,11,12,13

* These groupings are used to report travel activity by vehicle type in the Vehicle Summaries dataset for HPMS.

Highway agencies may adjust these categories to reflect their vehicle fleets and travel patterns best, 

as well as the capabilities of the classification equipment in their programs. (Note that where data 

shows similar patterns, the passenger car and light truck categories can be combined into one set of 

factor groups.)

Several reasons support these recommendations. The factoring process does not work well with low 

traffic volumes. With low volumes, even small changes result in high-percentage changes that make 

the computed factors highly unstable and unreliable. Even on moderately busy roads, many of FHWA’s 

13 category vehicle classes (illustrated in Appendix C) will have mathematically unstable vehicle flows 

simply because their volumes are low. Aggregating the vehicle classes provides for more stable and 

reliable factors.

A second reason is that computing factors for the individual 13 vehicle classes may introduce too 

much complexity. There is no gain in separately annualizing extremely variable and rare vehicle 

classification categories.

Some issues presenting challenges to the factor development and application process remain 

unanswered, such as adequate editing procedures, resolution of the assignment of vehicles to 

classification categories, inability of equipment to collect a standard set of vehicle classes in all 

conditions, and disparities in the available equipment. Unnecessary complications at this stage of 

development should be avoided.

Alternative Factor Procedures

The following alternative truck volume factor procedures both have advantages and disadvantages. 

Both are complementary and can be combined as appropriate. States are encouraged to develop 

these alternative factor procedures or other alternatives that effectively remove temporal bias. 

The first procedure involves the use of roadway-specific factors. The second is an extension of the 

traditional traffic volume factoring process involving the creation of groups and the development of 

average factors for each of the groups.

Either applying factors to a road or fitting road segments into groups involves making decisions to 

resolve difficulties. A factor process may result in one set of factors for cars, another set of factors for 

trucks, and the combination of both to arrive at a total volume. A factor process may also require 

more than one set of factors for trucks where different truck types are factored separately. Some 

roads could conceivably fit in one factor group for cars, a second factor group for single unit trucks, 

and a third factor group for combination trucks. Resolutions should be made by each State between 

the need for accuracy and reductions in unnecessary complexity in the approach to removing 

temporal bias. 
3-25

Two basic elements to the factoring process are the computation of the factors to apply to the short 

counts and the development of a process that assigns these factors to specific counts taken on 

specific roadways. The roadway-specific and the traditional procedures approach these two aspects 

of the factoring process differently. The result is two different mechanisms for creating and applying 

factors, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.

Alternative #1: Roadway-Specific Factors

One option is the process that was developed by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in 

the late 1990s. VDOT operates continuous counters on all major roads and the counters are used to 

develop road-specific factors. A short classification count taken on a specific road is adjusted using 

factors taken from the nearest continuous classification counter on that road. A factor computed for 

a specific road is not applicable to any other road. 

As a result, a continuous classification counter should be placed on every road for which an 

adjustment factor is needed. This requires a large number of continuous vehicle classification 

counters and substantial resources. However, it ensures that a road can be directly identified with an 

appropriate factor and provide considerable insight into the movement of freight and goods within 

the State. The rule for assigning factors to short counts is simple and objective.

Identifying a specific road with a specific factor removes a major source of error in the computation 

of annual traffic volumes by removing the spatial error associated with applying an adjustment factor. 

Further, it produces factors that are applicable to all trucks using that road. The fact that different 

truck classes (single-unit versus combination trucks) exhibit different travel patterns is irrelevant, 

since all patterns are computed for that road. Having road-specific continuous classification counters 

also greatly reduces the number of short duration counts that are needed, since the continuous 

counters provide classification data for road sections near the count locations. The quality of data 

from continuous classification counters is superior to that of short counts.

Finally, this approach has the advantage of simplifying the calculation of adjustment factors, the 

application of those factors, and the maintenance of the program. For example, there is no need to 

develop groups and the application is performed one road at a time. Problems with continuous 

counters only apply to the affected roads and prioritization of counter problem correction can be 

based on road priority.

The most important disadvantage with this approach is cost. It is expensive to install, operate, and 

maintain large numbers of continuous traffic counters. The larger the system to be covered, the 

larger the cost. Even for smaller States, the cost to install a large counter base may be prohibitive. 

However, this approach may apply effectively to the interstate, where sufficient continuous counters 

may be available. It can also be applied to roads where current counters are installed.

A second disadvantage is that many roads are quite long and the character of any given type of 

vehicle traffic over their length can change drastically. This is why short count short duration 

programs are valuable. An adjustment factor taken on a road segment may not be applicable to 

another segment a few (two to three) miles down the road, particularly if a significant vehicle 

generation activity takes place along that stretch of roadway. Traffic patterns change because of 

economic activity, traffic generators, or road junctions. Not only does this further increase the 

number of continuous counters required, it also creates difficulty in selecting between the two 

continuous classification counters when a short count falls in between.

That is, specific road factors may be used for the most important truck roads and the traditional 

factor groups for routes without continuous classification counters. When continuous counters fail, 

traditional factoring techniques can then be used to provide adjustment factors on those roads. This 

combination of the traditional and roadway-specific factors may be an effective compromise 

between these two techniques.
3-26

One final consideration with the roadway-specific technique is that there is no mathematical 

mechanism that allows computation of the accuracy/precision of the factors as they are applied to a 

given roadway section. Caution is recommended when significant traffic generators in the intervening 

space between the count and the continuous counter exist. When these factors are applied to count 

locations that are close to the continuous counter, they can be assumed to be quite accurate. 

However, as the distance between the short count and the continuous counter grows, and 

particularly as more opportunity exists for trucking patterns to change, the potential for error in the 

factor being applied grows, and at an unknown (but potentially substantial) rate.

Alternative #2: The Traditional Factor Approach

The traditional factor process involves categorizing roads that have similar individual vehicle traffic 

patterns. A sample of data collection locations is then selected from within each group of roads, and 

factors are computed and averaged for each of the data collection sites within a group. A definition is 

provided for each group to describe characteristics that explain the observed pattern, which is used 

to allow the objective assignment of short counts to the groups. For example, a group might be 

defined as all roads in counties that experience heavy beach traffic, as these roads have unique 

seasonal and DOW recreational traffic. Similarly, for truck factors a logical grouping might be all roads 

serving heavy north/south or east/west through trucking movements, versus those roads that serve 

primarily local delivery movements.

For traffic volume, the traditional characteristics for grouping roads have been the functional class of 

the road (including urban or rural designation) and geographic location within the State. These 

groups are then supplemented with an occasional recreational (or geographic) designation for roads 

that are affected by large recreational traffic generators. 

This same technique can be applied to truck traffic patterns. However, the characteristics that need 

to be accounted for can be different. Functional class of roadways has been shown to have an 

inconsistent relationship to truck travel patterns (Hallenbeck et al 1997, Schneider and Tsapakis 

2009). Instead, truck travel patterns appear to be governed by the amount of long distance truck 

through-traffic versus the amount of locally oriented truck traffic, the existence of large truck traffic 

generators along a road (e.g., agricultural or major industrial activity), and the presence or absence of 

large populations that require the delivery of freight and goods. Understanding how these and other 

factors affect truck traffic is the first step toward developing truck volume factors. Developing this 

understanding requires analysis of the existing continuous vehicle classification data already being 

collected by the State, and analyzing it within the context of the commodity movements happening in 

the State. The steps required to gain this understanding are described below. 

Create Initial Factor Groups 

The creation and application of adjustment factor groups (time of day, DOW, and monthly) by class of 

vehicle is a topic that is still new. Most State DOTs have yet to develop these factoring procedures, 

and considerable research still needs to be accomplished. 

States should depend on available classification data and knowledge to begin the development of 

truck traffic patterns. Truck traffic patterns are governed by a combination of local freight 

movements and through-truck movements. Extensive through-truck movements are likely to result in 

higher night truck travel and higher weekend truck travel. Through-traffic can flatten the seasonal 

fluctuations present on some roads while creating seasonal peaks on other roads not associated with 

the economic activity occurring in the land abutting that roadway section. Similarly, a road primarily 

serving local freight movements will be highly affected by the timing of those local freight 

movements. For example, if the factory located along a given road (not subject to significant amounts 

of through-traffic) does not operate at night, there may be little freight movement on that road at 

night.
3-27

Functional road classification can be used to a limited extent to help differentiate between roads with 

heavy through-traffic and those with only local traffic. Interstates and principal arterials tend to have 

higher through-truck traffic volumes than lower functional classes. However, there are interstates 

and principal arterial highways with little or no through-truck traffic, just as some roads with lower 

functional classifications can carry considerable through-truck volumes. Therefore, functional 

classification of a road by itself is a poor identifier of truck usage patterns. To identify road usage 

characteristics, additional information should be obtained from either truck volume data collection 

efforts or the knowledge of staff familiar with the trucking usage of specific roads. The truck volume 

data patterns, especially time of day patterns from short counts and DOW and monthly patterns from

continuous classifiers, identify travel patterns for different types of vehicles. These patterns should

then be discussed with staff working on freight planning activities to understand and help identify 

trucking patterns in ways that allow both grouping of continuous counters and assignment of short 

count location to those groups. 

Among the types of patterns that can be identified through this combination of data and 

communication with staff are various local, regional, and through travel patterns. For example, local 

truck traffic can be generated by a single facility such as a factory, or by wider activity such as 

agriculture or commercial and industrial centers. These point or area truck-trip generators create 

specific seasonal and DOW patterns, much as recreational activity creates specific passenger car 

patterns. Truck trips produced by these generators can be highly seasonal (such as from agricultural 

areas) or constant (such as flow patterns produced by many types of major industrial plants). Where 

these trips predominate on a road, truck travel patterns tend to match the activity of the geographic 

point or area that produces those trips. In addition, changes in the output of these facilities can have 

dramatic changes in the level of trucking activity. For example, a labor problem at a West coast 

container port may produce dramatic shifts in container truck traffic to other ports. This results in 

significant changes in truck traffic on major routes serving those ports. Expansion or contraction of 

factory production at a major automobile plant in the Midwest can cause similar dramatic changes on 

roads that serve those facilities.

Truck trip generators can also affect the types of trucks found on a road. Specific commodities tend 

to be carried by specific types of trucks. However, State-specific truck size and weight laws can mean 

that trucks typical in one State may not be common in others. For example, multi-trailer trucks are 

common in most western States, while they make up a much smaller percentage of the trucking fleet 

in many eastern States. Understanding the types of trucks used to carry specific commodities is 

critical to understanding the trucking patterns on a road and how those patterns are likely to change 

(e.g., coal trucks in Kentucky and Pennsylvania).

Many other elements affect truck travel. For example, construction trucks operate in an area's roads 

until the construction project is completed and then they move somewhere else. This type of truck 

movement is difficult to quantify. Roads near truck travel generators, such as quarries or trash 

dumps, carry consistent truck traffic and the type of truck is well known. Summarizing the different 

patterns in a way that allows creation of accurate factor groups is difficult. Obviously, the more 

knowledge that exists about truck traffic on a road, the easier it is to characterize that roadway. 

Geographic stratification and functional classification can be used to create truck factor groups that 

capture the temporal patterns and are reasonably easy to apply. An initial set of factor groups might 

look something like that shown in Table 3-4. However, the two keys to the creation of groups is that 

the data should show that traffic patterns within grouped sites are in fact similar, and those groups 

should be designed in such a manner that short counts can be easily and accurately assigned to the 

correct factor groups. Therefore, as groups are formed, specific roads may need to move from one 

group to another to ensure that both of these constraints remain true. 

Definitions like those above group roads with as homogenous truck travel patterns as possible, and 

provide easy identification of the groups for application purposes. They present a starting point to 

begin the identification process necessary to form adequate groups.
3-28

Performing a cluster analysis using truck volumes (as illustrated in Section 3.2.1 for total volume) will 

help to identify the natural patterns of variation and to place the continuous counters in variation 

groups. This will help in identifying which groups may be appropriate and in determining of how 

many groups are needed. One of strengths of the cluster analysis is that it identifies groups only by 

variation. The weakness is that it does not describe the characteristics of the group that allow 

application of the resulting factors to other short counts. The example definition in Table 3-2 does 

exactly the opposite. It clearly establishes group characteristics but cannot indicate whether the 

temporal variation is worth creating separate groups or not. As is the case for AADT group 

procedures, a combination of statistical methods and knowledge should be used to establish the 

appropriate groups.

TABLE 3-4 EXAMPLE COMBINATION UNIT TRUCK (CU) FACTOR GROUPS

Rural Urban

Interstate and arterial major through-truck routes Interstate and arterial major truck routes

Other roads (e.g., regional agricultural 

roads) with little through traffic

Interstate and other freeways 

serving primarily local truck traffic

Other non-restricted truck routes Other non-restricted truck routes

Other rural roads (e.g., mining areas) Other roads (non-truck routes)

Special cases (e.g., recreational, ports)

Step 5. Develop Monthly Factors 

All roads within the defined factor groups should have similar types of vehicle volume patterns. To 

verify this condition, the continuous counter data available within the groups should be examined. 

For each continuous classification counter in a group, compute the temporal adjustment factors of 

interest (DOW, month, or combined) for each of the vehicle types desired, and then compute the 

mean and standard deviation for the group as a whole. Plots of the volumes and the factors over time 

can also help to determine whether the travel patterns at the continuous sites are reasonably similar.

In most cases, only a few roads within each group will have sufficient data (continuous classification 

counters) needed to estimate travel patterns. The assumptions this analysis makes are similar to 

those made for AADT factors. The implication is that the continuous counters typify the existing 

temporal variation. Then the continuous counter variation reflects the variation existing at locations 

where no continuous counters exist. A combined monthly and weekday factor is computed as follows 

(This formulation assumes a multiplicative application. AADTT is equal to the average 24-hour count 

times the adjustment factor. Many States use the inverse of this formula and apply the resulting 

factor by dividing the average 24-hour volume obtained from their short count by the adjustment 

factor. See Table 3-9 for example):

Adjustment FactorC, June = AADTTC / MAWDTTC, June

Where: 

Adjustment FactorC, June = a multiplicative factor for a specific vehicle type C used to 

convert a 24-hour count taken on any weekday in June to an estimate of annual average 

daily traffic

AADTTC= annual average daily (truck) traffic volume for a specific vehicle type C

MAWDTTC, June = monthly average weekday (truck) traffic volume for the month of June 

for a specific vehicle type C
3-29

An example of how these monthly adjustment factors differ by vehicle class is shown below in 

Table 3-5. 

TABLE 3-5 EXAMPLE OF MONTHLY FACTORS BY VEHICLE CLASS AT A SINGLE SITE

MC Car and 

Light Trucks Buses Single Unit Trucks

Combination 

Trucks

Total 

Volume

MADTVehicle_Class 35 4,874 52 227 1,639 6,826

AADTVehicle_Class 33 5,499 57 288 1,653 7,530

Monthly Factor

(AADTc/MADTc)

0.95 1.13 1.10 1.27 1.01 1.10

Computing the mean (or average) for the June factor for all sites within the factor group yields the 

group factor for application to all short counts (weekdays in June) taken on road segments within the 

group. The standard deviation of the factors within the group describes the variability of the group 

factor. The variability can be used to determine whether a given factor group should be divided into 

two or more factor groups, to compute the precision of the group factor, and to estimate the number 

of continuous classification counter locations needed to compute the group factor within a given 

level of precision. An example of this is in Table 3-9.

The variability of each statistic computed for the factor group will have a different level of precision. 

For example, the June factor will have different precision than the July factor. The precision will also 

vary for each of the vehicle types analyzed.

Test the Quality of the Selected Groups

The information on variability must be reviewed to determine whether the roads grouped together 

have similar individual vehicle travel patterns. A number of methods can be used to determine 

whether various sites belong together. A statistically rigorous approach to testing the precision of the 

selected groups requires the use of fairly complex statistics, an examination of all the truck classes 

used, and the comparison of statistical reliability for all the different types of statistics produced, with 

the reliability users need for those statistics. This is a complex and difficult analysis. The analysis can 

be simplified by concentrating on the most important vehicle classes and statistics produced. 

However, even with the simplifications suggested, trade-offs are necessary. No designed group will 

be optimal for all purposes or apply perfectly to all sites. For example, in one group of roads, the 

single tractor-trailer volumes on roads within each group may have similar travel characteristics, but 

the single-unit truck volume patterns are quite different from each other. By changing the road 

groups, it may be possible to classify roads so that all roads have similar travel patterns for single-unit 

trucks, but then the single tractor-trailer patterns become highly variable. 

At some point, the analyst will need to determine the proper balance between the precision of the 

group factors developed for these two classes of trucks, or they will have to accept different factor 

groups for different vehicle classes. Each road may end up in multiple factor groups depending on 

what vehicle classification volume is being factored. Use of multiple groups may result in a more 

accurate factor process but will certainly result in a more complicated and confusing procedure.

The trade-offs between alternative factor groups can only be compared by understanding the value 

of the precision of each statistic to the data user. In most cases, this is simply a function of 

determining the relative importance of different statistics. For example, if 95 percent of all trucks are 
3-30

single tractor-trailer trucks, then having road groups that accurately describe tractor-trailer vehicle 

patterns is more important than having road groups that accurately describe single-unit truck 

patterns. Similarly, if single-unit trucks carry the predominant amount of freight (this occurs in 

mineral extraction areas), then the emphasis should be on forming road groups that accurately 

measure single-unit truck volume patterns. 

The quality of a given factor group can be examined in two ways. The first is to examine graphically 

the traffic patterns present at each site in the group. Figure 3-8 is an example of a set of monthly 

truck volume patterns for a group of sites in Washington State that could be considered a single 

factor group. Graphs like these give an excellent visual description of whether different data 

collection sites have similar travel patterns. The second method is to compute the mean and standard 

deviation for various factors that the factor group is designed to provide. If these factors have small 

amounts of deviation, the roads can be considered to have similar characteristics. If the standard 

deviations are large, the road groupings may need to be revised.

FIGURE 3-8 RATIO OF AVERAGE WEEKDAY TRAFFIC PER MONTH TO ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY 

TRAFFIC FOR COMBINATION TRUCKS (FHWA CLASSES 8-10) AT INTERSTATE SITES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Determine the Precision of the Factor

An estimate of the precision of the group factor can be derived from the standard deviation. For 

example, the precision of the June adjustment factor computed above can be estimated using the 

standard deviation of that estimate. The precision of the group factor can be estimated with 95 

percent confidence as approximately plus or minus 1.96 times the standard deviation divided by the 

square root of the number of sites in the group. (This is a relatively crude approximation because it 

assumes that the standard deviation calculated from the seven sample sites is equal to the actual 

standard deviation of the population of the group of roads. The value 1.96 should be used only for 

sample sizes of 30 sites or more. A more statistically correct estimate would use the student’s t

distribution, which for six degrees of freedom (seven classification sites) is 2.45. The calculation also 

assumes that the factors are normally distributed and that sites are randomly selected.)
3-31

Increasing the number of continuous counter locations within a group will improve the precision of 

the group factor. However, increasing the number of continuous classification counter locations only 

marginally improves the precision of the group factor application at specific roadway sections. That is, 

increasing the sample size makes the group factor itself a better measure of the mean for the group, 

but the mean value may or may not be a good estimate of the pattern at any given roadway section 

within that group. The standard deviation of the group factor measures the diversity of the site 

factors within the group. 

There can be cases where the factors will not improve the annual volume estimates, particularly in 

high variability situations. An alternative is to take multiple site-specific classification counts at 

different times during the year to measure seasonal change. This can be an effective way to estimate 

annual individual vehicle traffic accurately for high profile projects that can afford this additional data 

collection effort. This alternative can also be used to test the accuracy of the annual estimates 

derived from the group factors.

Refine the Factor Groups

If the factor groups selected have reasonably homogenous travel patterns (i.e., the variability of the 

factors is low), then the groups can be used for factor development and application. If the factors for 

the group are too variable, then the groups may need to be modified. These modifications can 

include the creation of new groups (by removing the roads represented by some continuous 

classification counters from one group and placing them in a new group), and the realignment of 

counters within existing groups (by shifting some classification counters and the roads they represent 

from one existing factor group to another). This process continues until a judgment is made that the 

groups are adequate.

Be aware, as noted earlier, that if precise adjustment factors are desired, it is possible that the factor 

process will require different factor groups for each vehicle class. That is, traffic patterns for 

combination trucks may be significantly different (and affected by different factors) than the traffic 

patterns found for smaller, short-haul trucks. These patterns may in turn be sufficiently different 

from passenger vehicle patterns that three different factor groupings may need to be developed. In 

such a case, passenger car volumes may need to be adjusted using the State's existing factor process 

since total volume tends to be determined by passenger car volumes in most locations, while single 

unit trucks are factored with data obtained from different groups of counters. Combination trucks are 

factored with counts obtained from those same counters but aggregated in a different fashion. Then 

the three independent volume estimates will need to be added to produce the total AADT estimate.

Step 6. Determine the Appropriate Number of Continuous Vehicle

Classification Locations

Once groups have been established and the variability of the group factors computed, it is possible to 

determine the number of count locations needed to create and apply factors for a given level of 

precision. Note that because each statistic computed for a group has a different level of variability, 

each statistic computed will have a different level of precision. 

The first step in determining the number of sites per group is to determine which statistics will guide 

the decision. In general, the key statistics are those that define the objective of the formation of 

groups, that is, the correction for temporal bias in truck volumes. The combined DOW and monthly 

factor, computed for the truck-trailer combination vehicles during the months when short duration 

counts are taken, may well be the most appropriate statistic to guide the group size for the 

interstate/arterial groups. For other groups, the single-unit truck may be more appropriate.

If counts are routinely taken over a nine-month period, the one month with the most variable 

monthly adjustment factor (among those nine months) should be used to determine the variability of 

the adjustment factors and should thus be used to determine the total sample size desired. In that 

way, factors computed for any other month have higher precision.
3-32

For most factor groups, at least six continuous counters should be included within each factor group. 

This is an initial estimation based on AADT factor groups. If it is assumed that some counters will fail 

each year because of equipment, communications, or other problems, a margin of safety may be 

achieved by adding additional counters.

Collect Additional Data and Refine the Established Process

States are encouraged to convert as many of their continuous counters to classification as possible 

and to analyze the available data to understand individual vehicle travel patterns and variation. A 

substantial continuous vehicle classification program allows States to refine the classification count 

factoring process as needed. The addition of new continuous count locations allows the comparison 

of newly measured truck travel patterns with previously known patterns. This is true even for the 

road-specific factoring procedure, since traffic patterns along a road can change dramatically from 

one section to another. One way of adding new count locations is to move counter locations when 

equipment or sensors fail and need replacement at an existing continuous site. 

If a new data collection site fits well within the expected group pattern, that site can be incorporated 

into the factor group. However, if a new site shows a truck travel pattern that does not fit within the 

expected group pattern, a reassessment of the truck volume factoring procedures may be 

appropriate. Modifications include moving specific roads or road sections from one factor group to 

another, creating new factor groups, and even revising the entire classification factoring process.

The factoring process should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it is performing as intended. For 

the first few years after initial development or until the process has matured, these evaluations 

should be conducted every year. After that, the classification process should be reviewed periodically 

every three years (or the same review cycle used for the AADT group factor process).

Motorcycle Correction Factors

Current practice applies seasonal adjustments to the total volume and then estimates volumes for 

vehicle types using the observed classification proportions. This will work fine if the traffic profile of 

all vehicle types is the same as the total volume profile. Otherwise, traffic volume for some vehicle 

types will be under-estimated or over-estimated.

The day of week traffic pattern for motorcycles differs from that of other vehicle types, so short 

counts for motorcycles should be factored. The TMG allows flexibility in the creation of DOW factors. 

It suggests that factors may be computed on an individual basis (seven daily factors) or as combined 

weekday and weekend factors. The definition of “weekday” and “weekend” is a function of traffic 

patterns. In urban areas, Fridays are more similar to weekdays than weekends. In some rural areas, 

they are closer to weekends. It is also permissible to treat weekdays as Monday – Thursday; treat 

weekends as Saturday and Sunday, and treat Fridays as a third factor adjustment group. 

In practice, few short duration counts are taken on weekends, unless the State performs seven day 

short duration counts, so the only data available for weekends are from continuous traffic counters 

and classifiers. This is a problem for correctly estimating motorcycle VMT, as motorcycles may have 

significant weekend travel on routes or areas that are not near a continuous classifier, therefore 

underestimating annual motorcycle VMT, which is an important statistic for evaluating the safety of 

motorcycle travel. The solution is to: 1) install additional continuous vehicle classifiers; 2) make sure 

that at least some of the available permanent classifiers are placed on roads that are used for 

recreational motorcycle travel; or 3) take classification counts that include some weekdays and 

extend over weekends where recreational motorcycle travel is expected to occur in order to account 

for differences in DOW motorcycle travel on those roads.

The following example shows how to estimate correctly the annual average daily motorcycle traffic 

(AADMT). First, take the data from a continuous automatic vehicle classifier and determine the 

monthly average daily traffic (MADT) for the total volume. The seasonal (monthly) factors are the 

ratio of the MADTs with the AADT.
3-33

TABLE 3-6 MOTORCYCLE TRAFFIC ESTIMATION

Month Monthly ADT Monthly Factor

January 47,376 1.05

February 45,285 1.10

March 50,574 0.99

April 51,040 0.98

May 51,662 0.97

June 52,320 0.95

July 51,320 0.97

August 52,416 0.95

September 50,824 0.98

October 51,564 0.97

November 49,188 1.02

December 45,806 1.09

AADT 49,948 1.00

Next, calculate the average daily traffic by vehicle type for each day of the week for the year. Then 

compute DOW motorcycle correction factors (MCF) as the ratio of the annual ADMT and the DOW

ADMT. Table 3-7 shows an example of the annual ADMT by day of week.

TABLE 3-7 ADMT BY DAY OF WEEK

Day ADMT Resulting MC DOW Factors

Monday 396 1.26

Tuesday 403 1.24

Wednesday 405 1.23

Thursday 428 1.17

Friday 655 0.76

Saturday 725 0.69

Sunday 483 1.03

ADMT 499

1. Compute the Monday MCF = ADMTM/Monday ADMT

in this case 499/396 = 1.26

2. Compute the Tuesday MCF = ADMTTu/Tuesday ADMT

in this case 499/403 = 1.24

3. Compute the Wednesday MCF = ADMTW/Wednesday ADMT

in this case 499/405 = 1.23

4. Compute the Thursday MCF = ADMTTh/Thursday ADMT

in this case 499/428 = 1.17

5. Compute the Friday MCF = ADMTF/Friday ADMT

in this case 499/655 = 0.76
3-34

6. Compute the Saturday MCF = ADMTSa/Saturday ADMT

in this case 499/725 = 0.69

7. Compute the Sunday MCF = ADMTSu/Sunday ADMT

in this case 499/483 = 1.03

Therefore, a short class count would first be factored for seasonality and then for the day of week. As 

an example, at a short term monitoring site on the same route as the above site 10 miles to the 

south, two class counts were taken on weekdays in August with the following results for motorcycles.

TABLE 3-8 ADT CALCULATION EXAMPLE

Date ADMT ADT

Aug. 14 (Tues) 518 50,761

Aug. 15 (Wed) 494 51,231

Average 506 50,996

Since we are using separate DOW factors, we will do the adjustments and then average the adjusted 

values. The two counts are adjusted using both the seasonal (monthly) factor for August, which is 

0.95, and the appropriate DOW factors (1.24 and 1.23 respectively).

518  0.95  1.24 = 610

494  0.95  1.23 = 577

These two AADMT estimates are then averaged to provide the estimate of AADMT.

(610 + 577) / 2 = 594

Because of the special DOW MC factors, weekday motorcycle counts are increased to more 

accurately estimate the average annual daily motorcycle travel. This takes into account the likelihood 

of higher weekend motorcycle travel. The other vehicle classes would need to be adjusted for the day 

of week, too, so that the total volume is correct.

This same process should be performed with each of the vehicle classes. At the end of the process, 

the total of the different vehicle classes should then be compared against the AADT computed for the 

volume only factor and the various volumes adjusted proportionately to account for any differences 

in those two AADT estimates. (The AADT computed from volume only will be the more accurate 

estimate of total volume and should serve as the control total.)

A simplified example is shown in Table 3-9 below. (Note that this table shows the different day of 

week and monthly adjustments for each class.)

TABLE 3-9 MOTORCYCLE ADT EXAMPLE

Date

MC 

Volume

PV

Volume

LT 

Volume

Bus 

Volume

SU 

Volume

CU 

Volume ADT

Aug. 14 (Tues) 518 30,705 11,215 58 4,103 4,162 50,761

Aug. 15 (Wed) 494 31,689 11,834 48 3,697 3,469 51,231

Tuesday Factor 1.24 1.02 1.02 1.06 0.88 0.8

Wednesday Factor 1.23 1.00 1.00 1.03 0.89 0.79

August Factor 

By Class 0.95 0.97 0.97 0.81 0.84 0.91

AADT Based 610 30,380 11,096 50 3033 3030 48,199
3-35

Date

MC 

Volume

PV

Volume

LT 

Volume

Bus 

Volume

SU 

Volume

CU 

Volume ADT

on Tuesday

AADT Based 

on Wednesday 577 30,738 11,479 40 2764 2,494 48,092

Average 594 30,559 11,288 45 2898 2,762 48,145

AADT computed from total volume = (50,761 + 51,231) × 0.95 × 0.98 DOW factor) = 47,477

Difference of average computed from total volume minus average computed by class 

specific factors and then summed -668

Fraction of Traffic 0.012 0.635 0.234 0.001 0.060 0.057

Proportional 

Adjustment (Fraction 

of Vehicles × Error) -8 -424 -157 -1 -40 -38

Final AADT by Class 

(Volume + 

Proportional 

Adjustment) 585 30,135 11,131 44 2,858 2,724 47,477

This example illustrates the need for adjusting vehicle classification volumes if applicable.

Section 3.3.5 discusses the important reasons for collecting motorcycle data and describes the uses of 

this data. 

3.2.4 WEIGHT

This section examines the alternatives for collecting truck weight information and introduces truck 

weight data collection technology and data collection strategies. The basic user needs for truck 

weight data are identified and recommendations are made for a truck weight data collection program 

to meet those needs. Additional information regarding equipment validation for weigh-in-motion 

(WIM) equipment is found in Appendix F. 

Gathering truck weight data is the most difficult and costly of the four primary data collection 

activities. However, in many respects this data is the most important.

Data on the weight carried by trucks is used as a primary input to a number of a State highway 

agency’s most significant tasks. For example, traffic loading is a primary factor in determining the 

depth of pavement sections. It is used as a primary determinant in the selection of pavement 

maintenance treatments. The total tonnage moved on roads is used to estimate the value of freight 

traveling on the roadway system and is a major input into calculations for determining the costs of 

congestion and benefits to be gained from new construction and operating strategies. Vehicle

classification and weight information is also a key component in studies that determine the relative 

cost responsibility of different road users. The number, weight, and configuration of trucks are also 

major factors in bridge design and the analysis of expected remaining bridge life. 

Figure 3-9 summarizes the steps for creating and maintaining the weight portion of the continuous 

data program.
3-36

FIGURE 3-9 STEPS FOR CREATING AND MAINTAINING A CONTINUOUS DATA PROGRAM

WEIGHT

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Step 1. Review the Existing Weight Data Collection Program

Of all the traffic monitoring activities, WIM requires the most sophisticated data collection sensors, 

the most controlled operating environment (strong, smooth, level pavement in good condition), and 

the most costly equipment set up and calibration. (An excellent introduction to WIM is provided in 

the reference, State’s Successful Practices Weigh-in-Motion Handbook by McCall, Bill, and Vodrazka, 

Walter, FHWA, December 1997.) It is important that the review take into account these complex 

requirements.

Heavy Vehicle Weight User Needs

In addition to reviewing the physical requirements for WIM systems, the needs of the users should be 

taken into account. 

Heavy vehicle weight data is used for a wide variety of tasks. (In the TMG, heavy vehicle refers to 

buses and heavy trucks, not light trucks such as pick-ups. However, the term “truck” often references 

these vehicles as well, so often the terms are interchangeable.) These tasks include, but are not 

limited to, the following:

 Pavement design;

 Pavement maintenance;

 Bridge design;

 Geometric design;
3-37

 Air quality;

 Pavement and bridge loading restrictions;

 Development and application of equitable tax structures;

 Determination of the need for and success of weight law enforcement actions;

 Determination of the need for geometric improvements related to vehicle size, weight, and 

speed;

 Determination of the economic value of freight being moved on roadways; and

 Determination of the need for and effect of appropriate safety improvements.

Truck Weight Data Summaries

State highway agencies summarize and report truck weight data in many ways. Three types of 

summaries are commonly used including:

 Gross vehicle weight (GVW) per vehicle (usually by vehicle class);

 Load spectra, which are axle load distribution by type of axle (singles, tandems, tridems, quads) 

for specific vehicle types, are used as inputs to the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide

for pavement design and pavement analysis; and

 Equivalent single axle load (ESAL) values, which are developed from load spectra data and are 

used to both summarize and simplify those load spectra, are used as key inputs to the traditional 

AASHTO pavement design procedures. ESALs are most commonly reported for specific vehicle 

types. (ESALs are a measure of pavement damage developed by AASHTO researchers in the 1960s 

that are used for pavement design by many current design procedures. They are computed from 

load spectrum. For an example of this computation, see Table 3-11. Because of limitations in their 

use for pavement design, the use of ESALs is being phased out of many pavement design analyses. 

While ESALs have limitations as a measure of traffic loading for pavement design, they are still a 

very useful way of comparing the relative pavement damaging potential of different load 

spectrum. Consequently, they are a useful measure for grouping “like” load spectrum. Other 

summary statistics, such as GVW or the percent of axles equal to or greater than the legal limit, 

can also be used in place of ESALs to group or compare load spectrum. Each has limitations, and at 

the time of this writing, no single statistic has been widely adopted at the national level to replace 

the traditional ESAL as a way of describing a load distribution. Thus, ESALs are used to simplify the 

grouping and description of load spectrum in this chapter.)

Finally, it is important to note that for roads with separated right-of-way for different directions of 

travel, the two different directions of travel can be placed in different groups. For example, the 

loaded direction might be assigned to a group with a heavy loading pattern, while the other direction 

of travel (the side carrying primarily empty trucks) might be assigned to a light group. When the two 

directions share a single pavement design, the entire road should be assigned to the heavier group 

for pavement design purposes.

Summary statistics such as the GVW or ESAL for a given vehicle classification can be expressed as 

distributions, as mean values, or as mean values with specified confidence intervals, depending on 

the needs of the analysis that will use this information. Each of these summary statistics can be 

developed for a specific site, a group of sites, or an entire State or geographic region, depending on 

the needs of the analysis and the data collection and reporting procedures. 

The role of the traffic-monitoring program is to provide the user with the data summaries needed. 

The summaries can be required for any one of several levels of summarization. For example, it may 

be appropriate to maintain axle-loading distributions for each of the FHWA heavy vehicle classes 

(classes four through thirteen, see Appendix A for definitions of the FHWA 13 vehicle classes) so that 

these statistics are available when needed for pavement design – such as with the new AASHTO 
3-38

Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG). It is recommended that the per vehicle 

record axle loading (all or 4-13) be stored since it offers the most detail for later reporting. However, 

even if a more aggregated classification system is used for most analyses by an agency, the more 

detailed data collected by WIM systems should be retained for later use, as this raw data is the only 

source of other key statistics needed for some key analyses – such as the headway between trucks, or 

studies looking at changes in the truck characteristics like average tandem axle spacing – which are 

used as engineering design assumptions. 

The primary truck weight summary statistics can be computed with FHWA’s TMAS software, with 

software supplied by the WIM system vendor, or with software developed specifically for use by the 

State highway agency as part of its traffic database. Less commonly used statistics (e.g., the MEPDG 

uses as an input the percentage of heavy truck axle spacings greater than 12 feet but less than 15 

feet) can be extracted from the individual vehicle records obtained from a WIM system with other 

commonly available analytical software packages. 

A single statewide average statistic such as ESAL per truck may not be applicable to all parts of the 

State. Trucking characteristics can vary significantly by type of road or by geographic area within a 

State. When a single statewide summary is not representative of all roads, it is important to collect 

data and maintain summary statistics for different regions or roads in the State. For example, the 

truck traffic in urban areas often has different truck weight characteristics than those in rural areas. 

Roads that serve major agricultural regions often have different loading characteristics than roads 

that serve resource extraction industries. Roads that serve major industrial areas within an urban 

area tend to carry much heavier trucks than roads that serve general urban and suburban areas. 

Roads that serve major through-truck movements often experience different truck weights than 

roads that serve primarily local truck traffic. An effective truck weight program must identify these 

differences and include a data reporting mechanism to provide users with data summaries that 

correctly describe specific characteristics.

Truck Loading Estimates

The basis for all truck loading estimates is the axle load distribution table, also called a load spectrum 

(or the plural form called spectra). A load spectrum is produced from the data collected by WIM 

systems. It describes the distribution of axle weights by type of axle (single, tandem, tridem, or quad) 

for each class of vehicles. Load spectra are frequently normalized so that the table shows the fraction 

of axles within specific weight ranges for a given class of vehicles. A load spectrum can be produced 

for one specific WIM site or as an average of several WIM sites. Table 3-10 shows an example of 

normalized load spectra for single and tandem axles for class 9 trucks. It shows the specific axle 

weight ranges into which axles are binned and the fraction of axles in each of those bins.

Once developed, load spectra are often converted into other statistics. For traditional pavement 

design efforts, ESAL values are computed per truck, by classification of the truck. However, many 

States are moving towards use of the new AASHTO Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide for 

many of their more significant pavement analyses. The MEPDG does not use ESALs, but instead 

directly uses normalized load spectra as inputs. Thus, agencies should use their WIM data to develop 

the normalized load spectra needed for pavement design, and make sure those load spectrum are 

given to their pavement design offices. 
3-39

TABLE 3-10 EXAMPLE OF A NORMALIZED LOAD SPECTRUM FOR VEHICLE CLASS 9 SINGLE AND 

TANDEM AXLES

Single Axles Tandem Axles

Lower Bound 

(Pounds)

Fraction of 

Single Axles

Upper Bound 

(Pounds)

Lower Bound 

(Pounds)

Fraction of 

Tandem Axles

Upper Bound 

(Pounds)

0 0.00 3,000 0 0.00 6,000

3,001 0.00 4,000 6,001 0.00 8,000

4,001 0.01 5,000 8,001 0.01 10,000

5,001 0.01 6,000 10,001 0.02 12,000

6,001 0.01 7,000 12,001 0.03 14,000

7,001 0.01 8,000 14,001 0.05 16,000

8,001 0.01 9,000 16,001 0.06 18,000

9,001 0.05 10,000 18,001 0.07 20,000

10,001 0.22 11,000 20,001 0.08 22,000

11,001 0.34 12,000 22,001 0.08 24,000

12,001 0.18 13,000 24,001 0.08 26,000

13,001 0.05 14,000 26,001 0.08 28,000

14,001 0.02 15,000 28,001 0.10 30,000

15,001 0.02 16,000 30,001 0.14 32,000

16,001 0.03 17,000 32,001 0.13 34,000

17,001 0.02 18,000 34,001 0.06 36,000

18,001 0.01 19,000 36,001 0.02 38,000

19,001 0.00 20,000 38,001 0.00 40,000

20,001 0.00 21,000 40,001 0.00 42,000

21,001 0.00 22,000 42,001 0.00 44,000

22,001 0.00 23,000 44,001 0.00 46,000

23,001 0.00 24,000 46,001 0.00 48,000

24,001 0.00 25,000 48,001 0.00 50,000

25,001 0.00 26,000 50,001 0.00 52,000

26,001 0.00 27,000 52,001 0.00 54,000

27,001 0.00 28,000 54,001 0.00 56,000

28,001 0.00 29,000 56,001 0.00 58,000

29,001 0.00 30,000 58,001 0.00 60,000

30,001 0.00 31,000 60,001 0.00 62,000

31,001 0.00 32,000 62,001 0.00 64,000

32,001 0.00 33,000 64,001 0.00 66,000

These normalized load spectra will not only be useful within the MEPDG, they are also used to 

compute a variety of other key weight statistics. They are the basis for computing the ESAL/truck 

values used in the traditional (1993) AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement Structures. They also 

allow the computation of statistics such as the average GVW per truck. 

Load spectra and the resulting ESAL and GVW statistics can be derived directly only from WIM sites. 

Because WIM equipment is expensive to install and maintain, WIM data is available at only a few 
3-40

locations in the State. Thus, at most road sites, truck weight data items cannot be measured directly. 

Instead, the needed data is obtained by combining a representative, normalized axle load spectra 

collected elsewhere in the State and a site-specific count of volume by vehicle classification. 

Multiplying the truck volumes taken from the site specific count (adjusted for DOW and seasonal 

variation) by the load spectra and other factors associated with the load spectra, which describe the 

number of axles carried by each type of truck, yields the required site-specific estimate of traffic 

loading for that site.

That is, the site-specific classification count is used to determine how many trucks of a particular type 

travel on the road. The WIM data determines how many axles of each type are present for each class 

of trucks and how heavy each of those axles is likely to be. For example, if a road section carries 100 

Class 9 trucks in a day, it experiences approximately 100 single axles and 200 sets of tandem axles. 

(Directions for developing and applying representative load spectra are given later in this chapter.)

Multiplying the number of trucks within a given class by the average GVW for vehicles of that class 

yields the total number of tons applied by that class on that roadway. (Note that this value is the total 

tons of load carried by the roadway, not the total net tonnage of goods carried over that road (i.e., 

gross weight applied, not net commodity weight carried.)) Adding these values across all vehicle 

classes yields the total number of tons carried by that road. These values can be plotted graphically, 

creating an image similar to a traffic volume flow map (Figure 3-10). (The accuracy of these estimates 

is a function of the quality of the volume by vehicle classification estimate and the degree to which 

the GVW/vehicle value represents the trucks using that roadway. Like all flow maps, extrapolation is 

required to produce the map, and users should not assume high levels of precision when reading 

directly from such a map.)

The graphics are useful for both public presentations and as an information tool for decision makers. 

Map displays allow decision makers to graphically compare roads that carry large freight volumes 

with roads with light freight movements. The information can also be used to help prioritize potential 

road improvement projects. 

The axle distribution by axle weight range can also be easily converted into equivalent single axle 

loads (ESAL), the most common pavement design loading value currently used in the United States. 

To make this conversion, an ESAL (ESAL varies with pavement characteristics, flexible (asphalt) or 

rigid (Portland cement) pavement) value is assigned to each axle weight category for each type of 

axle (single, tandem, tridem, quad). This value times the number of axles within that weight range 

yields the total ESAL load for that type and weight range of axles. Summing these values across all 

axle types and weight ranges yields the total number of ESALs applied to that roadway (Table 3-11).

Finally, understanding and accounting for monthly variations in vehicle weights is becoming 

increasingly important for both economic analyses and pavement design procedures. New pavement 

design procedures being developed and refined require traffic-loading data for specific times of the 

year. For example, in many colder regions proposed pavement design procedures will require the 

average daily loading rate during the spring thaw period because the pavement will be designed to 

withstand loads when the roadway structure is at its weakest. Since pavement strength changes with 

many environmental conditions, the pavement designers are likely to require data on loads at 

different sites at different times during the year. The traffic data collection process should be able to 

detect and report differences if loads vary (because the number of trucks or the weights of individual 

trucks vary) during the year. Otherwise, the pavement design procedures will be unreliable. 
3-41

FIGURE 3-10 EXAMPLE GVW FLOW MAP

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Greater than 10M tons per year

5 to 10 M tons per year

Less than 5 M tons per year
3-42

TABLE 3-11 EXAMPLE DAILY LOAD DISTRIBUTION TABLE (ALL VEHICLE CLASSES COMBINED)

AND COMPUTATION OF TOTAL (FLEXIBLE) ESAL LOADING

SINGLE AXLES TANDEM AXLES TRIDEM AXLES

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

3,000 0.000 5 6,000 0.000 4 12,000 0.000 0

4,000 0.000 7 8,000 0.000 16 15,000 0.000 0

5,000 0.000 51 10,000 0.000 24 18,000 0.000 0

6,000 0.000 31 12,000 0.000 36 21,000 0.000 0

7,000 0.014 37 14,000 0.020 34 24,000 0.048 0

8,000 0.026 75 16,000 0.036 37 27,000 0.079 0

9,000 0.044 99 18,000 0.061 33 30,000 0.126 0

10,000 0.071 97 20,000 0.097 28 33,000 0.191 0

11,000 0.108 78 22,000 0.148 23 36,000 0.278 0

12,000 0.158 56 24,000 0.217 19 39,000 0.393 0

13,000 0.224 40 26,000 0.309 20 42,000 0.539 0

14,000 0.310 22 28,000 0.425 22 45,000 0.722 1

15,000 0.416 16 30,000 0.572 29 48,000 0.947 0

16,000 0.547 16 32,000 0.752 29 51,000 1.217 0

17,000 0.706 13 34,000 0.757 30 54,000 1.537 2

18,000 0.894 13 36,000 1.229 25 57,000 1.912 1

19,000 1.115 11 38,000 1.532 17 60,000 2.346 3

20,000 1.371 10 40,000 1.884 15 63,000 2.843 1

21,000 1.664 7 42,000 2.288 8 66,000 3.408 0

22,000 1.999 6 44,000 2.747 7 69,000 4.046 0

23,000 2.376 5 46,000 3.267 5 72,000 4.763 0

24,000 2.801 3 48,000 3.850 2 75,000 5.563 0

25,000 3.275 1 50,000 4.502 3 78,000 6.453 0

26,000 3.804 1 52,000 5.229 1 81,000 7.441 0

27,000 4.390 1 54,000 6.035 1 84,000 8.534 0

28,000 5.039 1 56,000 6.927 1 87,000 9.740 0

29,000 5.756 0 58,000 7.913 0 90,000 11.070 0

30,000 6.546 0 60,000 8.999 0 93,000 12.532 0

31,000 7.416 0 62,000 10.194 0 96,000 14.138 0

32,000 8.371 0 64,000 11.506 0 99,000 15.900 0

33,000 9.419 0 66,000 12.947 0 102,000 17.831 0

34,000 10.567 0 68,000 14.525 0 105,000 19.942 0

35,000 11.824 0 70,000 16.253 0 108,000 22.250 0

36,000 13.197 0 72,000 18.140 0 111,000 24.769 0

37,000 14.696 0 74,000 20.201 0 114,000 27.514 0

38,000 16.331 0 76,000 22.448 0 117,000 30.503 0
3-43

SINGLE AXLES TANDEM AXLES TRIDEM AXLES

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

Upper 

Weight 

Range 

(Pounds)

ESAL Per 

Axle

Number 

of Axles

39,000 18.111 0 78,000 24.895 0 120,000 33.753 0

40,000 20.047 0 80,000 27.556 0 123,000 37.283 0

41,000 22.149 0 82,000 30.446 0 126,000 41.111 0

Total ESAL by type 

of axle 

(ESAL/axle × Total 

Axles)

169.8 269.7 15.6

Total ESAL (all axle 

types combined)

455.1

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Step 2. Develop An Inventory Of Available Weight Data Collection Locations

And Equipment

The State should conduct a detailed inventory of its WIM assets. WIM systems are designed to 

measure the vertical forces applied by axles to sensors in the roadway even while the truck continues 

to travel down the highway. This measurement helps estimate the weight of those axles if the truck 

being weighed were stationary. The task is complicated by a number of factors, including the 

following:

 Each sensor feels the vertical force of each axle for only a brief time. 

 The weight reported by the WIM scale based on that measurement is approximately equal to the 

static weight of that axle. It varies because while the vehicle is in motion, the truck and its

components bounce up and down. If the truck mass is moving upward when an axle crosses the 

WIM sensor, the weight applied by that axle is lower than the static value. If the truck mass is 

landing, the weight applied is greater than the static value. (In addition, truck components such as 

shock absorbers are also in motion, affecting the axle weight at any given instant in time.) The 

scale systems are designed to account for this variation, but can only account for modest vertical 

truck movements.

 Some sensors (strip sensors) feel only a portion of the tire weight at any given time. Because the 

sensor is smaller than the footprint of the tire, the pavement surrounding the sensor physically 

supports some portion of the axle weight throughout the axle weight measurement.

 Sensors should be capable of weighing more than one axle in quick succession. That is, the sensor 

should be able to recover quickly enough so that one axle weight does not affect the 

measurement of the following axle.

 Roadway geometries such as grade, slope, horizontal and vertical curves can cause shifts in 

vehicle weight from one axle to another, which would not be present if the truck was at rest on a 

flat scale platform.

 Vehicle acceleration or braking, torque from the drive axles, wind, the style and condition of 

vehicle’s suspension system, and a variety of other factors can also cause shifts of weight from left 

to right and one axle to another.

The effects of many of these factors can be minimized through careful design of the WIM site. The 

site should be selected and designed to reduce the dynamic motion of passing vehicles. However, 

achieving these design controls requires restrictions on site selection, which means that WIM systems 
3-44

cannot be placed as easily or as universally as other traffic monitoring equipment. In particular, they 

should not be placed in rough pavement or pavement that is in poor condition. To help States identify 

those locations where pavement conditions are conducive to the placement and operation of WIM 

equipment, the FHWA-LTPP program has developed a software module called the Optimal WIM 

Locator (OWL) that is part of the Profile Viewing and Analysis (ProVAL) software system. The OWL 

software uses pavement profile information to identify optimal WIM sensor locations. Both ProVAL 

and the OWL module are free. Information on both ProVAL and the OWL module can be obtained 

through the LTPP Customer Support Service Center. WIM scales work most accurately when they are 

placed flush with the roadway. Sensors that sit on top of the roadway cause two problems with WIM 

system accuracy: 1) They induce additional short wave length dynamic motion in the vehicle; and 2) 

They can cause the sensor to measure the force of tire deformation (which includes a horizontal 

component not related to the weight of the axle) in addition to the axle weight. This means that 

permanent installation of the sensors and/or frames that hold the sensors is normally better for 

consistent, accurate weighing results. The use of permanently installed WIM sensors is recommended 

as a means of improving the quality of the data. (This recommendation does not prevent the use of 

less accurate portable equipment.)

Step 3. Determine The Roadway Groups To Be Monitored

The objective of the weight data collection program is to obtain a reliable measure of the axle 

weights and inter-axle spacings per vehicle.

The data collection plan for truck weight accounts for:

 The statistical needs of State and Federal agencies;

 The capabilities and limitations of WIM equipment;

 The resource constraints found at many State highway agencies; and

 The variability of truck weight data, as examined in the literature and as observed in data 

submitted to the FHWA.

The weight data collection program is based on collecting accurate axle weights for at least all heavy 

trucks that can be applied with confidence and statistical precision to all roads in a State. The 

procedure is to group the State’s roads into categories, so that each of those groups experiences 

freight traffic with reasonably similar characteristics and/or which are subject to reasonably similar 

axle weight and GVW limits (and the seasonal variations of these limits). For example, roads that 

experience trucks carrying heavy natural resources should be grouped separately from roads carrying 

only light, urban delivery loads. The weight data collection program is analogous to the continuous 

count programs for collecting seasonal and DOW pattern information for volume and vehicle 

classification data. The primary difference is that some of the truck weight data collection sites do not 

need to be operated in a continuous manner. It is acceptable if they are in operation only periodically 

during the year to confirm the truck weight patterns occurring at that location.

Within each of these groups of roads, the State should operate a number of WIM sites. These sites 

will be used to identify weight patterns that apply to all roads in the group. Where possible (given 

budget and staffing limitations), at least two WIM sites within each group should be monitored 

continuously to provide more reliable measures of seasonal change. The proper number of 

continuous sites that a State should operate is primarily a function of:

 Each State’s ability to supply the resources needed to monitor the sites to ensure the provision of 

accurate data throughout the year.

 The proven need to monitor differences in seasonal weight characteristics. (If extensive data 

collection shows that a group of roads has a very stable seasonal pattern, then relatively few 

continuous counters are needed to monitor the pattern. However, if the State has limited data on 
3-45

seasonal weight patterns or if prior data collection has shown the pattern to be inconsistent, then 

a larger number of continuous counters may be needed.)

 Performing additional vehicle weighing, both by operating continuous WIM sensors and by 

collecting data at more than the minimum number of sensor sites, will allow a State to determine 

whether the initial groups selected carry similar truck traffic. Where new data collection shows 

that monitored roads do not carry traffic with loading characteristics similar to those of other 

roads in the group, the State should either create new road groups (and collect more truck weight 

information) or revise the existing road groups to create more homogeneous groups. 

Step 4. Establish Roadway Weight Groups 

Figure 3-11 illustrates the reason why roads should be stratified into road groups. It shows the 

distribution of tandem axle weights for Class 9 trucks from three different truck weight sites. Each of 

these three sites exhibits a significantly different set of loading conditions, ranging from heavily 

loaded to very lightly loaded. Use of loading information from one of these sites at either of the other 

two sites would result in poor load estimates. If the heaviest of these load spectra were used as input 

to the new mechanical-empirical pavement design guide, it would result in predicted pavement 

damage that is more than three times the amount of damage that would be predicted if the lightest 

of these load spectrum were used. 

The key to the design of the truck weight data collection effort, and the use of the data that results 

from that process, is for the highway agency to be able to successfully recognize these differences in 

loading patterns, and to collect sufficient data to be able to estimate the loads that are occurring 

under these different conditions.

FIGURE 3-11 TANDEM AXLE LOAD DISTRIBUTIONS AT THREE SITES WITH DIFFERENT 

LOADING CONDITIONS 

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.12

0.14

0.16

6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 Maximum Weight in a Given Weight Group (x 1,000 lbs) Fraction of Axles in Each Weight Group Heavily Loaded Moderately Loaded

Lightly Loaded
3-46

One important consideration when creating truck weight road groups is whether different road 

groups will be created for each class of heavy vehicle (meaning a specific road segment can be 

assigned to nine different groups – one for each class of heavy vehicle), or whether each road 

segment is assigned to only one group that is primarily formed based on the loads of the most 

common or voluminous heavy vehicles. The most common approach historically has been to assign 

each roadway to one and only one truck weight road group. However, the FHWA Long Term 

Pavement Performance (LTPP) project recently completed a report in 2012, MEPDG Traffic Loading 

Defaults Derived from LTPP Pooled Fund Study, which grouped WIM sites differently for each class of 

vehicles. By grouping each set of WIM sites differently for each class of heavy vehicles, the LTPP study 

team was able to create more standardized groups for each type of vehicle.

Regardless of whether a single road segment is assigned to one or more groups, two key aspects of 

group formation are:

 The truck loading patterns at sites within each group should be similar; and

 It should be relatively easy to accurately and consistently assign each road in the State to a group 

so that the group values can be applied as needed.

Finally, it is important to note that for roads with separated right-of-way for different directions of 

travel, the two different directions of travel can be placed in different groups. For example, the 

loaded direction might be assigned to a group with a heavy loading pattern, while the other direction 

of travel (the side carrying primarily empty trucks) might be assigned to a light group. Where the two 

directions share a single pavement design, the entire road should be assigned to the heavier group 

for pavement design purposes.

For the LTPP project’s approach of assigning each site to multiple groups (one group per class of 

vehicle), the development of the groups is performed entirely mathematically. Analysis sites are then 

assigned to these groups based on professional knowledge. Because the assignment process has 

considerable error associated with it, users of the LTPP weight groups are strongly encouraged to 

apply sensitivity tests to their analyses that use these group load spectra (i.e., analysts are 

encouraged to perform their analyses at least twice, using two different load groups, to test the 

effects of potential errors caused by improper assignment of the roadway being analyzed to the 

wrong truck weight load groups).

Alternative Approaches to Forming Groups

As with the factor grouping processes described earlier for both vehicle classification and total 

volume, the basis for the group formation process can be either intuitive or mathematical, or some 

combination of these two approaches. The intuitive approach is where descriptive information is 

used along with professional knowledge to create groups of roads that should have similar truck 

loading patterns due to the nature of the truck traffic they carry. This approach is the easiest to apply 

but often produces groups that are more variable. The mathematical approaches (most commonly 

based on cluster analysis) generally create more homogeneous groups, but tend to result in groups 

that are harder to define, making assignment of roadway sections to groups more difficult. As a 

result, combination approaches are often tried that start with basic intuitive groups (e.g., geographic 

stratifications or geographic stratification along with descriptive road classifications such as 

urban/rural or interstate/non-interstate) and then apply cluster analysis within the initial groups to 

determine more uniform sub-groups within the basic geographic/roadway classifications.

Local Traffic Knowledge Grouping

With this approach, the initial roadway groups used to summarize truck weight characteristics should 

be based on a combination of known geographic, industrial, agricultural, and commercial patterns, 

combined with knowledge of the trucking patterns and legal weight limits that occur on specific 

roads. These initial concepts should then be tested by examining the actual truck weight data 

collected at WIM sites operated by the State to determine if roads that are expected to have similar 
3-47

loading patterns have similar patterns. The intent is simply to identify those roads that trucks are 

heavily loaded versus those routes where large numbers of trucks are not carrying very heavy 

weights.

The resulting road groups for truck weight data should be easily identified by users of truck weight 

data within the State. They must provide a logical means for discriminating between roads that are 

likely to have very high load factors and roads that have lower load factors (i.e., between roads where 

most trucks are fully loaded and roads where a large percentage of trucks are either partially loaded 

or empty). In addition, States should incorporate knowledge about specific types of very heavy 

vehicles into their weight grouping process so that roads that carry those heavy trucks are grouped 

together, and roads that are not likely to carry those trucks are treated separately. For example, 

roads leading to and from major port facilities might be treated separately from other roads in that 

same geographic area, simply because of the high load factor that is common to roads leading 

to/from most port facilities.

In the 1990s, Australia proposed a similar grouping technique in the chapter on traffic data collection 

in its pavement design guide (Update of the AUSTROADS Pavement Design Guide – Traffic Design 

Chapter, Final Draft Working Document, September 1998.) In the Australian guide, 25 different truckloading patterns are identified nationwide. These patterns are structured by type of trucking 

movement, and the infrastructure linkages being served. The Australian guide uses the following 

categories of haul activities:

 General Freight;

 General Freight in a Heavy Vehicle Increased Mass Permit Environment;

 Predominately Industrial;

 Quarry Products;

 Predominately Farm Produce;

 Live-Stock; and

 Logging Products.

NCHRP Project 1-37A, Development of the 2002 Guide for the Design of New and Rehabilitated 

Pavement Structures: Phase II developed a similar set of truck weight loading groups from data 

available in the Strategic Highway Research Program’s Long Term Pavement Performance project 

Central Traffic Database. The NCHRP project identified 17 different loading conditions and described 

them with terms similar to the short Australian list noted above. 

For a State, it is reasonable to start with less detailed truck weight stratification than these 

approaches. In fact, unless State data suggests the need for a definitive grouping process, it is 

recommended that initial intuitive groups be based on a more simplistic approach. For example, 

insight into geographic differences in truck travel can be used along with the percentage of throughtrucks that exist on a road to define roads where loading patterns are dominated by local industry or 

long haul truck traffic. 

Other professional knowledge based criteria that can be used to create truck load groups include: 

 The presence of agricultural products that create specific loading patterns and are carried in 

specific types of trucks. For example, wheat growing areas might need to be grouped separately 

from those that grow cherries because these two products have different densities, different 

weights on a truck, and because their harvest and hauling seasons are different.

 The types of industrial areas, such as resource extraction operations that ship large amounts of 

material by truck. For example, roads serving coal truck movements may be grouped separately 

from roads that experience few coal trucks. 
3-48

 The distance over which the trucks are likely to travel. For example, roads where trucks deliver 

cargo over long distances across multiple States, or roads with truck travel between cities within a 

region where drivers can make a round trip in one day, or roads with truck travel within a general 

urbanized area where drivers make multiple trips in a day. Trucks traveling longer distances are 

more likely to be full, and thus heavier, than trucks operating within half a day of their base, which 

are likely to be full leaving their depot but are often empty when returning.

 Urban or rural roads, because urban areas often have considerably higher numbers of partially 

loaded trucks and trucks that travel empty after unloading at urban destinations. Note that some 

roads functionally classified as rural that are located between two large cities (say within 300 km 

or 180 miles of each other) may experience urban rather than rural trucking patterns because 

trucks routinely make day-trips between those cities, traveling full in one direction and possibly 

empty in the other.

This simplistic approach would then be improved (as needed) over time as more weight data is 

collected and analysis carried out. A State may also be interested in discriminating between roads 

because of the industrial activities they serve. For example, roads leading into and out of major 

seaports may experience far heavier traffic (higher load factors) than other roads in the same area. 

Much information can be extracted from existing truck weight databases and planning programs to 

determine logical and statistical differences that can be accounted for in the formation of truck 

weight groups. 

As an example of a weight factor group, Washington State developed five basic truck-loading patterns 

as part of a study to determine total freight tonnage carried by all State highways. These five groups 

were defined as:

 Group A – Serves major statewide and interstate truck travel. These routes are the major regional 

haul facilities;

 Group B – Serves primarily intercity freight movements, with minor amounts of regional hauling. 

These routes also serve as produce transfer routes, serving rail and barge loading facilities;

 Group C – Serves farm to market routes and regional commerce;

 Group D – Serves suburban industrial activity; and

 Group E – Serves primarily local goods movement and specialized products.

A starting point for developing truck weight groups is shown in Table 3-12. The example begins with 

the groups identified in the vehicle classification section. The truck loading groups defined should be 

coordinated with the vehicle classification groups identified earlier. Differences in the two sets of 

groups are likely since the groups are defined to meet different purposes (seasonal differences in 

truck volume and loading variation). However, they both reflect truck travel characteristics that are 

directly related. A similar group definition will greatly simplify the understanding and applicability of 

the patterns. The groups may need further redefinition over time as information is gained.
3-49

TABLE 3-12 EXAMPLE TRUCK LOADING GROUPS

Rural Urban

Interstate and arterial 

major through-truck routes

Interstate and arterial major truck routes

Other roads (e.g., regional agricultural 

with little through trucks)

Interstate and other freeways serving 

primarily local truck traffic

Other non-restricted truck routes Other non-restricted truck routes

Other rural roads (mining areas) Other roads (non-truck routes)

Special cases (e.g., recreational, ports)

These are examples. Each State highway agency should select the appropriate number and definition 

of truck groups based on its economic and trucking characteristics and the need for heavy vehicle 

travel patterns in their State.

Cluster Analysis

The 2012 report, MEPDG Traffic Loading Defaults Derived from LTPP Pooled Fund Study, contains very 

detailed instructions on how to use cluster analysis to group load spectra. This document only 

summarizes that material. 

The cluster process consists of the following steps:

1. Develop a normalized load spectrum from well-calibrated WIM scales for each WIM site.

2. Compute a single statistic for each load spectrum that represents the nature of that spectrum. 

For example, if the primary reason the group is being created is for pavement design, then 

convert the normalized load spectrum to some form of estimate of the average damage caused 

per axle. An ESAL is this type of statistic. One ESAL value should be computed for each 

normalized load spectrum. If the main use of the truck weight road group is for estimating total 

tonnage on State routes, then mean axle weight may be used as the best single statistic that 

represents each normalized load spectrum.

3. If the load spectra for all heavy vehicle classes at a WIM site are to be assigned to only one truck 

weight road group, determine how different loading patterns for each class of vehicle will be 

weighed. (This step is not necessary if groups will be formed for each type of axle for each class 

of vehicle.)

4. Perform a cluster analysis, stopping when clusters reach the point where the difference between 

clusters becomes large enough that the use of different clusters causes statistically different 

outcomes when used in planned analyses. 

Steps 3 and 4 are discussed in more detail below. Step 1 requires no additional explanation. Step 2 

has been demonstrated already in Table 3-11 above.

Step 3 determines how to handle grouping because different classes of trucks will have different 

patterns at any given site. That is, some classes of trucks will be heavier at one site (Site A) than at 

other sites (e.g., Sites B through G), while a different set of vehicle classes will be lighter at Site A than 

at the remaining sites. Finally, other vehicle classes will have very similar patterns. The difficult task in 

grouping these sites is determining how to weigh the relative importance of these different vehicle 

classification weight patterns. 
3-50

For example, at Site A, the Class 9 truck weight pattern may be dominated by urban delivery trucking 

patterns where Class 9 trucks are equally split between load, unloaded, and partially loaded 

conditions. At the same site, Class 7 and Class 10 vehicles may all be carrying very heavy loads. At Site 

B, the majority of Class 9 trucks are fully loaded, while Class 7 and Class 10 are also carrying heavy 

loads. At Site C, the original Class 9 urban pattern is present, but the Class 7 and 10 vehicles are much 

lighter than elsewhere. In step 3, it is necessary to determine if these three sites should be grouped 

together or kept separately. (If groups are formed differently for each class of vehicles, Sites A and C 

would be grouped together for Class 9 trucks with Site B kept as a different group, but Sites A and B 

would be grouped together for Classes 7 and 10, with Site C separate this time.) If only one group can 

be formed, Step 3 should be used to determine which of these patterns is most important to the 

formation of the group. 

If all vehicle classes are treated equally, a statistically based cluster analysis might group all three of 

these test sites or it might separate all three sites, depending on the criteria set when applying the 

clustering approach. However, not all trucks are equal. Some truck classes are heavier than others 

(Class 5 is considered a truck, but is generally so light it creates little pavement damage, while Classes 

7 and 10 tend to always be heavy and can be extremely heavy.) Similarly, while some trucks are very 

heavy, there are often less of them compared to other moderately heavy trucks. Thus, while trucks in 

Classes 7 and 10 tend to be very heavy, in most States and on most roads, these classes are a very 

small percentage of truck traffic, and contribute a relatively modest amount of total pavement 

damage. On some roads, these trucks are very prevalent and drive the pavement design equation. In 

most cases, however, Class 9 tends to produce the vast majority of pavement loading from traffic. 

These trucks tend to be less damaging per vehicle, but they tend to constitute a very large percentage 

of truck volumes. Therefore, when deciding how to balance the importance of different truck classes 

to the grouping process, a combination of how heavy each class is and how frequently they are 

observed are important considerations.

While considerably more research is needed on the best methods for grouping truck-loading 

patterns, the recommendation in this report is to identify the one or two most significant truck 

patterns. This can be computed by multiplying the volume of that class of trucks times their average 

weight. Any truck class that provides more than 40 percent of the total load on a pavement should be 

considered in the grouping process. 

This simplifies the grouping process, although it downplays the importance of lower volume truck 

classes in that process. States can always refine their grouping process to better account for lower 

volume classes as they refine their traffic-monitoring program. 

In Step 4, the data that represents the vehicle class loading conditions being used to group sites are 

entered into a statistical clustering program. The output of that process can then be tested to 

determine the reliability of the groups created. (See subsection, “Testing the Quality of Selected 

Truck Weight Groups” on page 3-51.)

Combining the Intuitive and Clustering Approaches

The last approach described in this report combines features of the Intuitive and Clustering 

Approaches. In this approach, professional judgment is used to initially segregate roads into specific 

categories or groups. For example, based on data from classification counts, the State may know that 

specific roads carry large volumes of Class 7 and Class 10 trucks due to the nature of industry served 

by those roads (e.g., coal or other heavy natural resources.) These roads may be segregated from 

roads that carry more diverse heavy vehicle traffic prior to running cluster analyses. These roads may 

be used as one group, or a cluster analysis may be performed using only data from WIM sites on

these special roads – using Class 7 and Class 10 loading conditions as the key cluster variable. A 

separate cluster analysis may then be applied – using Class 9 loading conditions as the cluster 

variable – for all other roads in the State.
3-51

This hybrid approach to truck weight road group creation is intended to improve the group creation 

process by allowing application of professional knowledge in limited ways, while preserving the 

statistical integrity of the group creation as much as possible with the clustering approach whenever 

current knowledge does not provide clear definition of truck load groups. 

Testing the Quality of Selected Truck Weight Groups

Just as with the formation of groups used for factoring volume and classification counts, the initial 

formation of heavy vehicle weight groups should be reviewed to determine whether the road 

segments grouped together have similar truck weight characteristics. Examining available data from 

the existing truck weight sites is the first step. A substantial amount of judgment is required since the 

data is likely to be limited to that currently available from existing WIM sites.

For example, a State highway agency may find that in one group of roads, the Class 9 trucks all have 

similar characteristics, but the Class 11 truck characteristics are very different from each other. By 

changing the road groups, it may be possible to classify roads so that all Class 9 and Class 11 trucks 

within a road group have similar characteristics. More likely it will not be possible to form 

homogenous groups for different truck classes, and trade-offs will have to be made. The type of 

vehicle considered the most important should be given priority. 

The trade-offs can be made based on the relative importance of each weight statistic to the data 

user. In many cases, this is simply a function of determining the relative importance of different truck 

statistics. For example, if 95 percent of all trucks are in Class 9, then having truck weight road groups 

that accurately describe Class 9 truck weight characteristics may be more important than having road 

groups that accurately describe Class 11.

Determining the Precision of Estimates from Truck Weight Groups

An estimate of the precision of the mean of a variable that any truck weight road group will provide 

can be found by computing the standard deviation when computing the mean statistic for that 

variable. For example, the precision of the mean gross vehicle weight for a Class 9 truck within a truck 

weight group can be calculated while computing the mean GVW per Class 9 truck from all of the WIM 

sites within that group. The standard deviation of the estimate and the number of sites provide an 

approximate measure of the precision of the mean of the group. 

An example of this computation is shown below. In the example, assume that a State has determined 

that all rural interstate roads have similar truck weight characteristics based on seven WIM sites. 

Statistics from those WIM sites are shown in Table 3-13. Based on this data, it can be assumed that all 

rural interstate roads in the group have a mean gross vehicle weight of 25,000 kg for Class 9 trucks. 

To determine an estimate of precision of this group with respect to pavement design, the mean ESAL 

value for flexible pavements is also computed for these sites in Table 3-13. As can be seen, the 

average Class 9 truck in this group of sites applies an average of 1.63 ESAL. (When comparing ESAL 

values between sites, the ESAL computations assume the same pavement type and structure. All ESAL 

examples in this document are computed assuming flexible pavements. ESALs are used in this chapter 

as the measure of pavement damage because they are still in common use in most States. While they 

have limitations as a measure of traffic loading for pavement design, and are being phased out of 

many pavement performance analyses, they are still a very useful single statistic for comparing the 

load spectrum in terms of the amount of pavement damage that those load spectrum will cause. 

Other summary statistics can be used in place of ESALs to simplify the comparison between load 

spectrum.)

The precision of the group mean, referred to as the standard error of the mean, can be estimated 

with 95 percent confidence as approximately plus or minus 1.96 times the standard deviation divided 

by the square root of the number of sites. (This is a relatively crude approximation. The value 1.96 

should be used only for sample sizes of 30 sites or more. A more statistically correct estimate would 

use the student’s t distribution, which for six degrees of freedom (seven weigh sites) is roughly 2.45.)
3-52

TABLE 3-13 EXAMPLE OF STATISTIC COMPUTATION FOR PRECISION ESTIMATES

Site Mean Class 9 GVW Mean Class 9 ESAL

1 50,000 lb 1.64

2 57,000 lb 1.72

3 64,000 lb 1.84

4 46,000 lb 1.45

5 45,000 lb 1.34

6 55,000 lb 1.65

7 62,000 lb 1.78

Group Mean 54,000 lb 1.63

Group Standard Deviation 7,500 lb 0.18

Coefficient of Variation 0.14 0.11

Standard Errors of Mean 2,800 lb 0.07

In the above example, note that the coefficient of variation for the two statistics (GVW/vehicle and 

ESAL/vehicle) are different, even though both variables come from the same set of vehicle weights. 

Each statistic computed for a truck weight group is likely to have different statistical reliability 

because of the different levels of variation found in axle weights, GVW, and the various other 

statistics computed from weight records. 

To complicate matters further, each statistic has a different level of precision for each different 

vehicle class. Accordingly, the precision of the ESAL/vehicle value for Class 9 trucks will be different 

from that of the ESAL/vehicle value for Class 11 trucks. 

Step 5. Determine The Appropriate Number Of Weight Data Collection 

Locations

The precision calculations can be used to determine how many WIM systems should be included 

within each truck weight group. The State highway agency should determine what statistic it wants to 

use as the key to the analysis, select how precisely it wishes to estimate that statistic, and compute 

the number of WIM locations needed to obtain the desired degree of confidence. 

This step involves several decisions: 

 The State highway agency should determine whether the heavy vehicle weight groups would be 

developed to produce mean statistics within each group with a given level of precision (e.g., the 

mean ESAL/Class 9 truck for rural interstates is 1.56 + .15 with 95 percent confidence). This 

decision primarily affects the grouping process. 

- If the intention is to develop precise mean values for the group as a whole, the key tends to 

be the number of data collection locations included in each group. 

- If the intention is to develop good default values for individual sites, the key to the grouping 

process is to have more and very homogenous groups (groups in which truck weights are 

very similar for all sites within the group, making standard deviations very small). 

 States that emphasize predicting mean values for groups will have fewer groups but larger 

numbers of data collection sites within each group, whereas States that emphasize site-specific 

estimates will have more truck weight groups but fewer sites within each group.

 The second decision that affects the grouping process is the selection of the statistic to be the 

basis for the precision estimates. Because the precision of each statistic will vary, the State should 
3-53

select a single statistic to use as its benchmark. Normally, this means selecting a specific vehicle 

classification and a specific weight variable. The recommended statistics for use in selecting 

sample sizes are either the mean ESAL (ESAL varies with pavement characteristics, thus the ESAL 

formulation used for this purpose should be a generic formulation using default pavement 

characteristics)/Class 9 trucks or a better option would be the mean GVW for Class 9 trucks. Class 

9 trucks are recommended because they are the most common throughout the country, and they 

tend to carry a high percentage of the loadings on most major roads. 

 The two most likely weight variables that can be used are the average gross weight (by class) and 

the average loaded per tandem (by class). Both measures are acceptable statistics for this 

purpose. GVW is easily understood by technical and non-technical people and does not change. It 

is reasonably well correlated to pavement damage and is commonly used as a measure of the size 

of commodity movements. ESAL are a much better measure of pavement damage than GVW. 

However, ESAL are not easily converted to measures of commodity flow, and current pavement 

research is not emphasizing their use in the design process.

 The next decision is how precise to estimate the target statistic. Precision levels are normally 

stated in terms of percentage of error within a given level of confidence (e.g., the GVW/vehicle 

estimate is within plus or minus 15 percent with 95 percent confidence). Decreasing the size of 

the acceptable error or requiring higher levels of confidence both increase the number of samples 

required. Conversely, accepting lower levels of precision and/or confidence allows smaller sample 

sizes and lower data collection costs.

 Selecting the acceptable level of error is an iterative process. First, the desired target precision is 

selected. Next, the variability of data in the truck weight groups is examined. This examination 

may result in the need to collect more data or to adjust the assignment of roads within heavy 

vehicle weight groups. If the State cannot meet the initially selected precision levels (either 

because it cannot create sufficiently homogenous groups or because it cannot collect data at 

enough sites), the desired precision levels have to be relaxed to reflect the quality of the 

estimates that can be obtained. The last step is to compute the number of weighing locations 

needed to meet the desired precision level. The number of WIM sites within a group is estimated 

as:

n = (t(/2))

2

(C2) / (D2)

Where:

n = the number of samples taken (in this case, the number of sites in the group)

t = the student's t distribution for the selected level of confidence (α) and appropriate 

degrees of freedom (one less than the number of samples, n)

α = the selected level of confidence

C = the coefficient of variation (COV) for the sample as a proportion

D = the desired accuracy as a proportion of the estimate

 This equation can be manipulated to solve for any variable. COV (the ratio of the standard 

deviation to the mean) is usually computed from available truck weight data. D is selected as part 

of the previous step (see above). The number of sites, n, can be computed after selecting the 

value for alpha (α) and looking up the appropriate term for tα/2 with n-1 degrees of freedom. 

Similarly, if n is given, it is possible to solve directly for the value of tα/2 and therefore (α). The 

example given below illustrates the basic process of comparing sample size with the precision 

levels each sample size achieves.

Table 3-14 shows the same truck weight statistics used in Table 3-13, except two additional weight 

sites have been added. These two sites experience heavy vehicle weights and consequently have 

increased the mean values for GVW/vehicle and ESAL/vehicle for the group.
3-54

TABLE 3-14 STATISTICS USED FOR SAMPLE SIZE COMPUTATION

Site Mean Class 9 GVW Mean Class 9 ESAL

1 50,000 lb 1.64

2 57,000 lb 1.72

3 64,000 lb 1.84

4 46,000 lb 1.45

5 45,000 lb 1.34

6 55,000 lb 1.65

7 62,000 lb 1.78

8 77,000 lb 2.01

9 75,000 lb 1.95

Group Mean 59,000 lb 1.71

Group Standard Deviation 11,600 lb 0.22

Coefficient of Variation 0.197 0.13

Standard Error of Mean 3,900 lbs 0.07

Using this table the following can be determined:

 The average GVW of Class 9 trucks for this group is 59,000 lb; and

 This estimate is + 8,900 lb with 95 percent confidence (3,900 multiplied by 2.306). (This table uses 

the student’s t distribution for eight degrees of freedom because of the small number of sample 

sites within the truck weight road group.)

Increasing the number of WIM stations included in the sample to 15 sites (and assuming that those 

stations do not change the standard deviation of the sample) would change the standard error of the 

mean to 3,000 kg (11,600 divided by the square root of 15). This would improve the confidence in the 

mean value of the GVW/vehicle estimate for the truck weight group to 59,000 lb +/- 6,400 lb with 95 

percent confidence. The improvement comes from two sources. The first is the increased precision in 

the mean value provided by the increase in the number of samples. The second is the decrease in the 

value of ta/2 used to compute the multiplier in the confidence interval by having a greater sample size 

upon which to perform the statistical computation. 

Table 3-15 shows the effect of different sample sizes and confidence intervals estimates of the group 

mean. Note that increases beyond about six sites in the group sample size have only a marginal effect 

on the precision of the group mean. 
3-55

TABLE 3-15 EXAMPLE EFFECTS OF SAMPLE SIZE ON THE PRECISION OF GVW ESTIMATES 

Number of 

Weigh 

Sites[1]

Mean Value

Precision of the Mean Value Itself

(Standard Error )

80% Level of Confidence[2] 95% Level of Confidence[3]

3 59,000 lb 12,600 lb 28,800 lb

5 59,000 lb 8,000 lb 14,400 lb

9 59,000 lb 5,400 lb 8,900 lb

15 59,000 lb 4,000 lb 6,400 lb

30 59,000 lb 2,700 lb 4,200 lb

60 59,000 lb 1,900 lb 2,900 lb

90 59,000 lb 1,600 lb 2,400 lb

This table uses the student’s t distribution because of the small number of sample sites in the group.

The value of t/2 for each sample size using the student’s t distribution for a two-tailed confidence 

interval of α = 80% (t.1) is as follows: n = 3, tα/2 = 1.886, n = 5, tα/2 = 1.533, n = 9, tα/2 = 1.397, n = 15, 

tα/2 = 1.345, n = 30, tα/2 = 1.282.

The value of tα/2 using the student’s t distribution for a two-tailed confidence interval of α = 95% (t.025) 

is: n = 3, tα/2 = 4.303, n = 5, tα/2 = 2.776, n = 9, tα/2 = 2.306, n = 15, tα/2 = 2.145, n = 30, tα/2 = 1.960.

If tighter confidence intervals are deemed necessary, it is always possible to modify the truck weight 

road groups. Looking at Table 3-14, it is apparent that sites eight and nine have much higher loads 

than the remaining seven sites. If these sites are removed from the truck weight group, the computed 

standard deviation of the GVW per vehicle computed for sites in the group drops from 11,600 lb to 

7,500 lb. This has a dramatic impact on the precision of the estimates computed for the group. 

Table 3-16 shows the precision level of the truck weight group after removal of these sites. However, 

note that to remove these two sites from the truck weight road group, they should represent some 

identifiable set of roads. For example, they could be located on the State’s only north/south rural 

interstate, while the remaining seven sites are on east/west interstates. Therefore, the rural 

interstate truck weight grouping could be divided into two separate truck weight groupings, rural 

east/west interstate and rural north/south interstate.
3-56

TABLE 3-16 EXAMPLE EFFECTS OF SAMPLE SIZE AND CONFIDENCE INTERVAL ON PRECISION OF 

GVW ESTIMATES FOR THE REVISED TRUCK WEIGHT GROUP

Number of 

Weigh 

Sites[1]

Mean Value

Precision of the Mean Value Itself

(Standard Error )

80% Level of Confidence[2] 95% Level of Confidence[3]

3 54,000 lb +8200 lb +18600 lb

5 54,000 lb +5100 lb +9300 lb

9 54,000 lb +3500 lb +5800 lb

15 54,000 lb +2600 lb +4200 lb

30 54,000 lb +1800 lb +2700 lb

60 54,000 lb +1200 lb +1900 lb

90 54,000 lb +1000 lb +1600 lb

This table uses the student’s t distribution because of the small number of sample sites within the 

truck weight road group.

The value of tα/2 for each sample size using the student’s t distribution for a two-tailed confidence 

interval of α = 80% (t.1) is as follows: n = 3, tα/2 = 1.886, n = 5, tα/2 = 1.533, n = 9, tα/2 = 1.397, n = 15, 

tα/2 = 1.345, n = 30, tα/2 = 1.282

The value of tα/2 for each sample size using the student’s t distribution for a two-tailed confidence 

interval of α = 95% (t.025) is as follows: n = 3, tα/2 = 4.303, n = 5, tα/2 = 2.776, n = 9, tα/2 = 2.306, n = 15, 

tα/2 = 2.145, n = 30, tα/2 = 1.960

The key to correctly creating these truck weight groups is that sites should only be removed from a 

truck weight group when they can be readily identified with a specific set of roads that experience 

those loads. All of those roads should be moved to the new truck weight group.

From the above examples, it is possible to see that changing the number of sites included in a truck 

weight road group has three effects:

1. It changes the computed sample standard deviation for the group (which serves as the estimate 

of the standard deviation for the entire road group).

2. It changes the denominator used to compute the standard error, which is the statistic used to 

determine how well the mean value computed from that group of roads estimates the mean 

value for the population being sampled.

3. It changes the value of t used to compute the size of the confidence interval applied to 

estimates produced for that group. 

In general, the more sites included in a group, the better the estimates produced by that group, 

although the benefit of adding sites decreases as the number of sites within a group increases. The 

effect of using the student’s t distribution to compute confidence intervals means that a significant 

decrease in the value of t can be obtained by simply adding locations up to a sample size of six. A 

sample size of six sites has a 10 percent smaller confidence interval at the 95 percent level of 

confidence than a sample size of five sites, all other things being equal. Beyond six sites, the benefits 

gained by adding sites begin to decrease quickly. More than six sites in a group may be appropriate, 

particularly if the State is unsure of its truck weight patterns.
3-57

Based on this analysis, six sites per group are recommended. The exception to the six-site rule is for 

truck weight road groups that contain very few roads. These will tend to be specialty roads (e.g., 

roads leading into and out of gravel pits) that have unusual loading conditions but that are not 

applicable to many other roads in the State. If improvements in precision are needed beyond what 

affordable increases in sample size will achieve, the primary option is to change the make-up of the 

truck weight groups, i.e., create new subsets of roads that will serve as the truck weight groups. If this 

change produces a significant decrease in the standard deviation that offsets the increase in tα/2

caused by the lower sample size, then the State will benefit from an improvement in the precision of 

its weight estimates along with a smaller data collection sample size. 

Step 6. Determine the Number of Days that Should be Counted at a Given 

WIM Site

All of the statistics presented previously start with the critical assumption that each WIM site in a 

truck weight group produces an accurate estimate of vehicle weights for that location, so that the 

mean value calculated for the group is accurate. The accuracy assumed for the data provided by each 

WIM scale is not just that the scale weighs the passing trucks correctly, but that those weight 

estimates are representative of weights at that site throughout the year. 

For WIM sites where less than a year of data is collected, the assumption is that the period measured 

gives an accurate measurement of weights for the entire year. If the weight data collection period is 

only 48 to 72 hours, the assumption is that there is no DOW difference in the loading condition of 

trucks passing the site. That is, that trucks traveling on weekends carry the same distribution of 

payloads as trucks traveling on weekdays, as well as the hypothesis that there are no seasonal 

differences in truck loading patterns. At some WIM sites in some States, extensive data collection has 

shown that these assumptions are reasonable (Butler 1993). At other sites and in other States, these 

assumptions are incorrect (Hallenbeck and Kim, 1993). Where truck weights are not stable across 

days of the week or seasons, the weight monitoring effort has to be extended to account for these 

differences. For example, the count duration may be extended from two days to seven days to 

incorporate DOW differences. Seasonal differences can be detected and incorporated in the annual 

estimates by collecting data at each site more than once per year, such as once per quarter. 

While it is mathematically possible to obtain load spectra information through factoring of short 

duration WIM data to account for variations in seasonal changes in truck loading patterns, this 

process is not recommended due to the limited data available to create and apply those adjustments. 

Where seasonal differences in load spectra are known or suspected (for example, seasonal load 

restrictions occur in that area), States are encouraged to collect sufficient data to measure those 

changes rather than trying to factor short duration WIM measurements to estimate those changing 

patterns. If a State chooses to factor the load spectra information from short duration WIM for 

pavement design purpose, formal consultation should be carried out with the Federal Highway 

Administration.

To date, little work has been published on the seasonal differences in axle weight distributions found 

in the nation’s truck fleet, nor on the weight characteristics of particular trucking movements found 

in individual States. However, these seasonal and DOW weight changes can have dramatic effects on 

the selection of the pavement designs that rely on them. The collection and analysis of continuous 

data collection is the easiest method to begin to understand the temporal variation.

The key for the weight data collection program is to measure and account for both DOW and 

seasonal differences in vehicle weights within each truck weight group. The only way to do this 

adequately is to have each WIM station providing continuous WIM data, unless analysis has shown 

that temporal variability is not present. For States with large numbers of continuous WIM stations, 

sufficient stations to populate the groups likely already exist. For smaller States facing resource 

limitations, the installation of many continuous WIM sites is not as feasible. The general 

recommendation is that each truck weight group should have at least one, and preferably more than 
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one, continuous WIM device collecting continuous data. This site should be maintained in a calibrated 

condition, and the data obtained from it should be used to determine whether significant differences 

exist between vehicle weights (by vehicle class) for different days of the week, months of the year, 

and year to year. Where resources are limited and neighboring States have similar truck size and 

weight laws, States can share WIM data to create weight groups where site groups can come from 

more than one State.

The remaining sites within a group can have either short duration counts or additional continuous 

counts. As with vehicle classification and volume counting, a minimum of 48 hours should be used.

Weight data has been shown to vary by time of day, day of week, weekdays, and weekends. As with 

vehicle classification and volume counts, it is acceptable to use different data collection periods as 

needs and constraints allow. Because of differences in weekday and weekend vehicle weights, the 

data collection program should be designed to cover those differences and account for them when 

statistics are produced. Counts taken for a period of one week eliminate the need for DOW

adjustment, allow the equipment and traffic conditions to stabilize, provide data verification 

capabilities, and identify weekday/weekend differences in average weights. A monitoring period of 

seven continuous days is recommended for all WIM sites that do not provide continuous data.

Short duration WIM measurements should be collected with permanently mounted sensors because 

permanent sensors can be mounted flush to the road surface, providing a more accurate weight 

measurement. (Permanent sensors include sites where the sensors are permanently installed but 

only used periodically; sites where the sensors are installed permanently but the electronics removed 

from the roadside when not in use, and sites where semi-permanent sensor frames are permanently 

installed but the actual sensors are replaced with a dummy scale when not in use.) Use of 

permanently mounted sensors also allows data collection periods to be lengthened at relatively little 

additional cost. 

Portable sensors introduce accuracy issues that may compromise the validity of the data, although 

they are not completely ruled out. Organizations using portable WIM sensors should carefully ensure 

that the data collected is sufficiently accurate to meet user needs.

Step 7. Select WIM Sites

Many issues are to be considered when installing WIM sites. Current installations range from full 

coverage for all lanes and directions of travel to the LTPP standard of a single lane in one direction. 

Some of the issues to be reviewed when selecting the number of lanes of WIM to install include:

 Available funding;

 The cost of installation;

 Program objectives to be met;

 The design of current installations in the State;

 The trade-offs between obtaining more complete coverage at each site versus less coverage at 

each site but getting more sites covered;

 Prior experience with WIM equipment;

 The type of equipment being installed;

 The type of array installed;

 Equipment installation options;

 Specific site characteristics (such as pull off area, slope, and communications);

 Truck volumes present at the roadway being monitored;

 Use of the scale for or influence from nearby enforcement activities;
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 The ability to perform maintenance on equipment at that site; and 

 The ability to perform calibration of the scales.

Analyses of available WIM data have shown that significant differences in loads by direction of travel 

often occur. The collection of WIM data in at least one lane in each direction of travel at each site 

allows a clear assessment of directional differences in weights and loadings. WIM differences by 

travel lane are generally less significant and difficult to generalize, although previous analyses have 

shown that the outside lanes tend to carry heavier vehicles. More analysis of current installations is 

needed before a determination of the cost-effectiveness of covering several lanes at some of the 

WIM sites or at all sites can be made.

A WIM site covering all lanes and direction of travel provides the most complete data collection 

coverage. At least one continuous WIM station in each weight group should provide WIM coverage 

for all or a minimum of two travel lanes in each direction. This will allow future pavement design 

analysis to cover most possibilities. For multi-lane facilities, covering two lanes in each direction 

provides the most cost-effective alternative. If some lanes are not monitored by WIM sensors, each 

WIM site should have, at a minimum, a portable classification count by direction and travel lane to 

measure truck travel in the lanes not being monitored with WIM. Continuous classification in those 

lanes is preferable. Figure 3-12 shows examples of this.

FIGURE 3-12 BEST PRACTICE FOR WIM LANE

A. Best: WIM Covers All Lanes and Directions
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B. Better: WIM or Two Permanent Axle Sensors in All Lanes

C. Good: Two Portable Axle Sensors in All Lanes

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Site Selection

WIM systems also provide counts of vehicle volume by classification, speed, and total volume. 

Consequently, WIM data collection locations can also provide volume and vehicle classification count 

data that can take the place of counts required to meet the needs reviewed in sub-sections 3.2.1 and 

3.2.2. Unfortunately, for a variety of technical reasons, WIM data cannot be collected on all roadway 

sections. Physical constraints on many road sections prevent the collection of accurate weight data. 

In addition, most States do not have the resources to collect weight data at more than a modest 

number of locations. Finally, most States already have a significant investment in WIM sites, either as 

part of their existing truck weight-monitoring program or as part of the LTPP.

Each State should begin to apply the procedures assessed with its existing WIM data collection sites. 

Because of the study, the addition of sites may become necessary. As existing sites require attention 

Portable Class

Portable Class

Portable Class

Portable Class
3-61

because of failure of the pavement surrounding the WIM sensors or failure of the WIM equipment 

itself, the need for that WIM station or site should be reevaluated. Sites that are still needed should 

be reinstalled. If that site is no longer needed or if other higher priority locations exist, the WIM 

equipment should be moved to another site. 

New WIM Site Selection Criteria

The selection of new WIM sites should be based on the needs of the data collection program and the 

site characteristics of the roadway sections that meet those needs. The needs of the data collection 

program include, but are not limited to, the following:

 The need to obtain more vehicle weight data on roads within a given truck weight roadway group;

 The need to collect data in geographic regions that are poorly represented in the existing WIM 

data collection effort;

 The need to collect data on specific facilities of high importance (e.g., interstate highways or other 

national highway system routes);

 The need to collect data for specific research projects or other special needs of the State; and

 The need to collect weight information on specific commodity movements of importance to 

the State.

However, just because a roadway section meets some or all of the above characteristics does not 

make it a good WIM site. With current technologies, WIM systems only accurately weigh trucks when 

the equipment is located in a physical environment that meets specific criteria. Therefore, States 

should place WIM equipment only in pavements that allow for accurate vehicle weighing. While 

individual equipment vendors may require slightly different pavement characteristics to achieve 

specified results, in general all WIM sites should have the following (An excellent reference for 

learning about WIM site requirements is ASTM Standard E-1318, Highway Weigh-in-Motion (WIM) 

Systems with User Requirements and Test Method. Another excellent source is States’ Successful 

Practices Weigh-in-Motion Handbook.): 

 Smooth, flat (in all planes) pavement;

 Pavement that is in good condition and that has enough strength to adequately support axle 

weight sensors;

 Vehicles traveling at constant speeds over the sensors;

 Cross slope;

 Grade;

 Weaving; and

 Access to power and communications (although these can be supplied from solar panels and 

through various forms of wireless communications).

In addition, there should be sufficient truck traffic at the site to justify the installation of a WIM data 

collection site. The actual sites can be selected randomly or judgmentally (using the previous list of 

criteria) from sites that meet all of the site requirements. Smooth, strong pavement is needed to 

reduce the effect of vehicle dynamics. Although placing multiple sensors in series (Cebon 1999) can 

significantly reduce the error that vehicle dynamics produce in individual weight measurements, 

placement of WIM sensors on smooth, flat pavements that reduce vehicle dynamics significantly 

improves WIM accuracy, regardless of the equipment used. 

Pavement strength can affect sensor accuracy. Weight estimates produced by strip sensors (such as 

piezo-cables) that are embedded directly into pavements are often affected by changes in pavement 

strength caused by changes in environmental conditions (e.g., AC flexibility for spring thaw periods). 
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A decrease in pavement strength invariably decreases system accuracy. Therefore, WIM sensors 

should only be placed in strong pavements that are not subject to significant changes in structural 

response during different seasons. Similarly, WIM sensors begin to become inaccurate as soon as 

pavements start to rut. In most cases, installations in pavements likely to rut are a poor investment of 

limited data collection funds.

The requirement for constant vehicle speed (which limits the use of WIM equipment in many urban 

and suburban areas where routine congestion occurs) is primarily because braking and acceleration 

causes shifts in load from one set of axles to another. This shifting causes inaccurate comparison of 

WIM estimates against static loads. 

The availability of power and communications allows extended operation of the WIM equipment. 

While this is not as crucial for sites intended for short duration WIM counts, the availability of power 

allows the collection of longer duration or continuous WIM measurements. This is particularly helpful 

for research studies intended to confirm or refute the ability of short duration counts to meet the 

accuracy needs of the data collection plan. It also allows the WIM site to be used as a continuous 

classifier or continuous counter even while weight data is not being collected. 

Step 8. Integrate the WIM Sites with the Remaining Count Program

Even with all of the constraints described above, most of the existing sites can be used to meet a 

given need. When exploring alternative sites, the ultimate decision can often be made by examining 

how well these alternative sites fit within the existing State traffic monitoring program. 

Sites selected for WIM data collection should be located within HPMS volume sample sections, if 

possible. If two alternative sites exist to meet a specific need and one is already an HPMS sample site, 

it should be given priority over the alternative (all other factors being equal). If neither site falls on an 

HPMS sample section, the selected WIM site should become an HPMS sample section the next time 

the HPMS sample is revised. The HPMS volume and classification data should be collected at the 

same time as the WIM data, using the same equipment where practical. This reduces the staffing and 

resources needed to collect these HPMS data and directly ties the different data items.

Total Size of the Weight Data Collection Program

The recommendations evaluated above lead to the conclusion that the size of the weight data 

collection program will be a function of the variability of the truck weights, accuracy, and precision 

desired to monitor and report on those weights.

For a small State that has only two basic truck weight road groups, the basic recommendation is to 

have a minimum of approximately 12 weighing locations with a minimum of four continuously 

operating weigh-in-motion sites. The number of locations could be further reduced if the State 

worked with surrounding States to collect joint vehicle weight data. A larger State with diverse 

trucking characteristics might have as many as 10 or 15 distinct truck weight road groups, and 

accordingly 60 to 90 WIM sites, with a corresponding increase in the number of continuously 

operating WIM locations. Most States will be between the two extremes presented, and the number 

of weighing locations should fall somewhere between 12 and 90 locations.

3.2.5 LANE OCCUPANCY

Many continuous traffic monitoring devices can produce traffic performance statistics, in addition to 

those described above, that can be used for other important analytical tasks. In some cases, these 

statistics should be routinely collected, stored, and reported as part of the traffic monitoring 

program. In other cases, the added data collection capability should be simply noted and used only 

when required for a special study. 

For example, inductive loop detectors and other devices that mimic loop output, such as video imagebased counters, can produce lane occupancy statistics that describe the percentage of time that a 
3-63

vehicle occupies the detection zone. This value can be converted into a reasonable measure of 

vehicle density. Lane occupancy can also be used as a direct measure of congestion. Many urban 

freeway and arterial performance monitoring programs use lane occupancy measurements to 

describe the onset and duration of congested conditions. For example, the Washington State 

Department of Transportation uses lane occupancy values above 35 percent to indicate the formation 

of stop-and-go congestion. 

Traffic monitoring devices that time stamp the passage of either individual vehicles or the axles of 

individual vehicles can be used to report the headway between vehicles and/or the time gap between 

vehicles. These statistics are useful for a number of specific operational analyses but are not routinely 

reported as an output of most traffic monitoring programs. Consequently, most headway and gap 

information is collected and reported as part of special studies. However, some traffic monitoring 

systems—such as weigh-in-motion scales—routinely collect time-stamped vehicle records that can be 

used to estimate vehicle gap and headways. When States collect data using the new PV format, 

occupancy, headway, and gap can all be a by-product.

3.3 SHORT DURATION DATA PROGRAM

3.3.1 VOLUME

Short duration traffic volume counts are traditionally the primary focus of most statewide traffic 

monitoring efforts. They provide the majority of the geographic (spatial) diversity needed to provide 

traffic volume information on the State roadway system. 

The recommended short duration volume-counting program is divided into coverage count and 

special needs count primary subsets. The coverage count subset covers the roadway system on a 

periodic basis to meet both point-specific and area needs, including the HPMS reporting 

requirements. The special needs subset comprises additional counts necessary to meet the needs of 

other users. This second category of counts can be further subdivided into counts taken to meet 

State-specific statistical monitoring goals, to provide increased geographic coverage of the roadway 

system, and to meet the needs of specific project or data collection efforts. Each of these categories 

of counts is presented in the following paragraphs.

Short duration counts ensure that adequate geographic coverage exists for all roads under the 

jurisdiction of the highway authority. In simple terms, coverage counts are data collection efforts that 

are undertaken to ensure that at least some data exist for all roads maintained by the agency. How 

much data should be collected to provide adequate geographic coverage is a function of each 

agency's policy perspective. Some State highway agencies consider a weeklong count every seven 

years with data recorded for every hour of each day to be adequate. Others consider a 48-hour count 

every 3 years with no hourly records to be adequate. Clearly, significant utility can be gained from 

having at least hourly volume estimates at coverage counts, since that data can be used to obtain a 

much more accurate understanding of traffic volume peaks during the day. As indicated in 

Section 3.2.3, at a minimum the TMG recommends that State highway agencies initially aim to collect 

25 to 30 percent of their short-duration counts with classification counting equipment. Agencies that 

can exceed this figure are encouraged to do so. The ability to meet or exceed this goal depends on 

agency perspective and is a function of the equipment available and the nature of the road system. 

Short Duration Counts

The following steps apply to short classification counts:

1. Divide the road system into homogeneous traffic volume segments; determine the count 

locations needed to cover the system over a maximum cycle of six years. 

2. Determine the count locations required to meet the HPMS and other data needs by reviewing 

HPMS manuals. 
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3. Determine the count locations and data collection needs of specific projects that will require 

data in the next year or two. This entails working with the offices that will request this data to 

determine their data needs. This coordination should occur on a continuous basis to ensure 

counts for special projects are collected when needed.

4. Overlay the counts on maps of the highway system including the location of functioning 

continuous counters. 

5. Determine how counts can be combined to make best use of available counting resources. 

6. Schedule the counts to use the available data collection crews and equipment efficiently. 

These steps are intended to reduce count duplication and increase the efficiency of the data 

collection staff.

The spacing between short duration counts in a roadway is also subject to agency discretion. This 

method for section length should also be detailed in the State TMS plan. The primary objective is to 

count enough locations on a roadway so that the traffic volume estimate available for a given 

highway segment accurately portrays the traffic volume on that segment. Generally, roadway 

segments are treated as homogenous traffic sections (that is, traffic volumes are the same for the 

entire segment). For a limited access highway, this is true between interchanges. However, it is also 

true for all practical engineering purposes for a rural road where access and egress along a ten-mile 

segment is limited to a few driveways and low volume, local access roads. Highway agencies are 

encouraged to examine existing traffic volume information to determine how best to segment their 

roadway systems to optimize the number and spacing of short duration counts. A rule of thumb that 

has been used in the past to define these traffic count segments is that traffic volume in each 

roadway segment be within 10 percent. An alternative approach would be to define limits using a 

graduated scale such as the one shown in Table 3-17.

TABLE 3-17 ESTIMATING SPACINGS OF SHORT-DURATION COUNTS

Beginning Segment AADT Adjoining Segment AADT Within

100,000 or more + 10%

50,000 – 99,999 + 20%

10,000 – 49,999 + 30%

5,000 – 9,999 + 40%

1,000 – 4,999 + 50%

Less than 1,000 + 100%

Breaking the system into very large segments reduces the number of counts needed but also the 

reliability of the resulting traffic estimates for any given section of that large roadway segment. Use 

of small segments increases the reliability of a specific count but also the number of traffic counts 

needed. 

The character of the road systems and the volumes carried has a major impact in the definition of 

segments. For roads where access is controlled (such as the interstate system), a simple definition of 

segments between interchanges is appropriate. For lower systems, clear traffic volume breaks are not 

always apparent and other rules of thumb (such as major intersections) should be applied. Rural and 

urban characteristics also require different handling. For the lowest volume roads, the 10 percent 

rule of thumb may be too narrow and a wider definition sought. Careful definition of roadway 

segments can significantly reduce the number of counts needed to cover all highways within an 
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agency's jurisdiction, while still providing the accurate volume data required for planning and 

engineering purposes. 

Once roadway segments are finalized, the FHWA recommends as a rule that each roadway segment 

be counted at least once every six years. This ensures that reasonable traffic volume data is available 

for State needs, and that all roadway segments are correctly classified within the proper HPMS 

volume groups when State highway agencies compute statewide VDT as part of their required 

Federal reporting. HPMS further requires counting every three years for higher functional class

roadways.

Not all count locations should be counted on a six-year basis. Some count locations should be 

counted more often. Other roads can be counted less frequently without loss of volume estimate

accuracy. In general, roadway sections that experience high rates of growth require more frequent 

data collection than those that do not experience growth. Therefore, roads near growing urban 

centers and expanding recreational sites should be counted more frequently than roads in areas 

where activity levels have hardly changed for many years. Counting roads more frequently in volatile 

areas also allows the highway agency to respond with confidence to questions from the public about 

road use (a common concern in high growth areas), and ensures that up-to-date by lane and 

directional statistics are available for the roadway design, maintenance, and repair work that is 

common in high growth areas. 

The short duration count data collection program itself can be structured in many ways. One 

simplistic approach is to randomly separate all of the roadway segments into unique sets and count 

one of these sets each year. However, this approach does not always lend itself to efficient use of 

data collection staff and equipment. Grouping counts geographically leads to more efficient data 

collection activity, but results in the need to account for the geographic bias in the data collected 

when computing annual average traffic statistics or looking at trends in traffic growth around the 

State.

In addition, most highway agencies collect data at some sites on a cycle shorter than six years. For 

example, more frequent counts (three-year cycle) are required on HPMS sections, and most States 

count higher system roads more frequently as well. Still, considerable flexibility is allowed in the 

structure of each agency's short duration count program.

Special Needs Counts

The HPMS standard sample meets the need for computation of a statistically reliable measure of 

statewide travel. The data collected also cover many highway agency needs. However, there remain 

traffic data needs that cannot be met by the short duration count program. This is where an effective 

short duration program supplemented by special counts can substantially fill the gap.

Non-HPMS data needs vary dramatically from State to State and from agency to agency. Some State 

highway agencies are responsible for almost all road mileage in their State. Other State highway 

agencies control, operate, and maintain only the largest, most inter-regional facilities. Some States 

must meet strict reporting requirements (by jurisdiction) adopted by their legislatures. Others have 

relatively few mandatory reporting requirements, and instead focus on collecting data that meet 

each particular agency’s priorities. In some extreme cases, agencies are prohibited by law from 

expending resources outside of their areas of responsibility.

A consequence of this variety of traffic data needs is that no single traffic monitoring program design 

fits all cases. Therefore, the philosophy of the special needs element is to provide highway agencies 

wide flexibility to design this portion of their monitoring program in accordance with their own selfdefined needs and priorities. The guidance in this report is intended to provide highway agencies with 

a framework within which they can ensure that they collect the data they need.
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The special needs portion of a data collection program can be divided into two basic portions:

 Statistical samples for developing system wide summary measures; and 

 Point-specific estimates intended to meet project requirements and other studies defined by the 

highway agency. 

Statistical Samples in the Special Needs Program

Statistical samples such as the HPMS are the most efficient way to estimate population means and 

totals. Most statistical samples involve the collection of data at randomly selected locations to 

compute unbiased estimates of population means and totals. Random sampling is a very efficient 

mechanism for computing these totals. 

A variety of texts is available on the design of samples. Sampling Techniques is one such standard 

text. The HPMS Field Manual provides a description of how the HPMS sample was developed and 

implemented. These documents are useful in helping design a sampling program to meet objective 

needs. The keys to successfully designing a statistical sampling plan are defining the objectives, 

understanding the variability of the data being sampled, having a clear understanding of what 

statistics should be computed, and establishing the accuracy and precision of the estimates. Any 

statistical samples developed should make use of the available data from the short duration element 

to minimize the duplication of effort, as much as possible. One possible use of statistical samples is to 

estimate VMT for the local functional systems, where extensive mileage makes the collection of 

traffic data very costly.

Point Specific Estimates in the Special Needs Program

Unfortunately, the random selection of count locations required by most statistical samples is an 

inefficient mechanism for meeting many site-specific traffic data needs. For example, an uncounted 

roadway section is not a major concern for HPMS because the sample expansion process represents 

all road sections in the statewide VMT estimation. However, if pavement needs to be designed for 

that section of roadway, a statewide average or total is not a substitute for one or many traffic counts 

specific to that road section.

Consequently, data needs require agencies to collect data at locations that are not part of the short 

duration program. However, by maximizing the use of available data, it is possible to keep the 

number of these special counts to a minimum and to save resources for other data collection and 

analysis tasks. No additional data should be collected if existing data meet the desired need.

Special counts are generally required for specific project needs. Project counts are undertaken to 

meet the needs of a given study (for example, a pavement/corridor study, rehabilitation design, or a 

specific research project). These cover a range of data collection subjects and are usually paid for by 

project funds. Project counts are traditionally taken on relatively short notice, and they often collect 

data at a greater level of detail than for the short duration or the HPMS parts of the program. Often, 

the need is not realized until after a project has been selected for construction, and insufficient time 

exists by that date to schedule the project counts within the regular counting program. However, 

where it is possible to include project counts within the regular count program's schedule, significant 

improvements in staff utilization and decreases in overall costs can be achieved. 

Many different types of counts can fall within the special needs element. Counts are taken by many 

public and private organizations for many purposes including intersection studies, signal warrants, 

turning movements, safety analysis, and environmental studies. As much as possible, these activities 

should be coordinated within the program umbrella.

In general, roadway sections that experience high rates of growth and recreational areas require 

more frequent counting than those that do not experience growth. Counting roads frequently in 

volatile areas allows the highway agency to respond with confidence to questions from the public 
3-67

about road use (a common concern in high growth areas), while also ensuring that up-to-date 

statistics are available for the roadway design, maintenance, and repair work that is common in high 

growth areas. Many agencies prefer the use of several counts a year to understand the traffic 

variability inherent in high growth better. Likewise, recreational roads usually experience major 

traffic peaking at specific times necessitating frequent data collection times.

High growth areas (if not necessarily roads with high volume growth) can usually be selected on the 

basis of knowledge of the highway system and available information on the construction of new 

travel generators, highway construction projects, requirements for highway maintenance, 

applications for building permits, and changes in population. Recreational areas are also well known 

to experienced transportation professionals.

Coordinating the Short Duration and Special Needs Counts

Cost efficiency in the traffic-monitoring program is best achieved by carefully coordinating the 

different aspects within the program. This includes both continuous and short duration counts. It also 

includes the short duration, HPMS, and special needs counts. 

In theory, the highway agency would start each year with a clear understanding of all of the counts 

that need to be performed. The list could then be examined to determine whether one count could 

be used for more than one purpose. For example, a classification count at one interstate milepost 

might easily provide the data required for both that count and a volume count required at the next 

milepost, since no major interchanges exist between those mileposts. By careful analysis of traffic 

count segments, location, and data requirements, it is often possible to significantly reduce the total 

number of counts required to meet user needs.

The next step is to compare the reduced list of count locations with locations covered by continuous 

counters (volume, classification, weight, and ITS). Continuous counter locations can be removed from 

this list, and the remaining sites are the locations that require short duration counts. These locations 

should then be scheduled to make best use of available staffing and resources.

To make this scenario work, it is necessary to understand where data should be collected and the 

kinds of data that need to be collected. This can be difficult to do because some requirements, such 

as those for project counts, are not identified until after the count schedule has been developed. 

Many project count locations and project count needs can be anticipated by examining the highway 

agency's priority project list and from knowledge of previous requests for data. Project lists detail and 

prioritize road projects that need to be funded in the near future, normally including road sections 

with poor pavement that require repair or rehabilitation, locations with high accident rates, sections 

that experience heavy congestion, and roadways with other significant deficiencies. While priority 

lists are rarely equivalent to the final project selection list, high priority projects are commonly 

selected, analyzed, and otherwise examined. Making sure that up-to-date, accurate traffic data is 

available for the analyses helps make the traffic database useful and relevant to the data users and 

increases the support for maintenance and improvements to that database and entire traffic 

counting programs.

Adjustments to Short Duration Volume Counts

Short duration volume counts usually require a number of adjustments to convert a daily traffic 

volume raw count into an estimate of AADT. The specific set of adjustments needed is a function of 

the equipment used to collect the count and the duration of the count itself. Almost all short duration 

counts require adjustments to reduce the effects of temporal bias, if those short duration counts will 

be used to estimate AADT. In general, a 48-hour axle count is converted to AADT with the following 

formula:

AADThi = VOLhi × Mh × Dh × Ai × Gh

Where:
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AADThi = the annual average daily travel at location i of factor group h

VOLhi = the 48-hour axle volume at location i of factor group h

Mh = the applicable seasonal (monthly) factor for factor group h

Dh = the applicable DOW factor for factor group h (if needed)

Ai = the applicable axle-correction factor for location i (if needed)

Gh = the applicable growth factor for factor group h (if needed)

This formula is then modified as necessary to account for the traffic count's specific characteristics. 

For example, if the short duration count is taken with an inductive loop detector instead of a 

conventional pneumatic axle sensor, the axle correction factor (Ah) is removed from the formula. 

Similarly, if the count is taken for seven consecutive days, the seven daily volumes can be averaged, 

substituted for the term VOLhi, and the DOW factor (Dh) removed from the equation. Lastly, growth 

factors are only needed if the count was taken in a year other than the year for which AADT is being 

estimated.

3.3.2 SPEED (PORTABLE, SHORT DURATION COUNTS)

Traffic monitoring devices used for vehicle classification or WIM can also collect vehicle speed data 

for use in speed and other safety studies. For example, dual sensor-based event recorders that record 

the passage of individual vehicles and/or their axles collect vehicle speed data because of the time 

stamps associated with each passing axle/vehicle and the recorded distance between axle sensors. 

This same information is collected by portable vehicle classifiers, which use vehicle speed 

measurements in the calculations of axle spacings and overall vehicle length. A number of portable, 

non-intrusive detector systems can also be used to collect vehicle speeds at locations where data 

collection crews cannot safely place portable axle detectors. 

The key to successful portable classification and speed data collection efforts is to ensure that the 

data collection equipment is carefully calibrated after it has been placed (the measurement of the 

distance between portable sensors is of particular importance) and that the data collection 

electronics connected to those sensors have been set to collect the desired speed bins. (See 

Chapter 7, Section 7.4 for instructions on the summary data formats that should be used for speed 

data collection and reporting.) Crews should perform an on-site calibration process each time they 

place equipment on the roadway by using a laser or radar speed-monitoring device to compare 

equipment output with the speed data being collected or using a vehicle of known axle-distance to 

calibrate the axle spacing reported by the portable counter. 

To ensure that short duration speed data collection is cost effective, it is important that the traffic 

data collection office reach out to the safety management office within the agency before developing 

the annual traffic data collection plan. This allows early identification of locations for which speed 

data is needed, thus ensuring the inclusion of those data locations within the routine short count 

data collection program.

3.3.3 CLASSIFICATION (AXLE AND LENGTH)

Short Duration Counts

Short duration vehicle classification counts serve as the primary mechanism for collecting information 

on heavy vehicle volumes. They provide the geographic distribution necessary to meet the general 

agency needs and the needs of its customers, as well as the site-specific knowledge needed for the 

more detailed technical analyses of users. 

Large numbers of transportation analyses are starting to require more and better truck volume 

information. Truck volume information has become particularly important for pavement design, 

freight mobility, planning, safety, and project programming decisions.
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Earlier versions of the TMG recommended the collection of 300 vehicle classification counts during a 

three-year data collection cycle. This recommendation stemmed from research performed in the 

early 1980s, when automated vehicle classifiers were just beginning to be adopted by highway 

agencies. However, 100 vehicle classification counts per year is not adequate to meet the current 

truck volume data needs of most State highway agencies, and many currently collect far more 

classification data than this.

A more comprehensive approach is needed to provide the classification data. The recommendation is 

based on the following objectives:

 Increasing the accuracy and availability of truck volume data;

 Improving the truck volume data for national studies;

 Improving the truck volume data used for site-specific studies; and

 Decreasing the per-count cost of collecting classification data by having more classification counts 

in the traffic data collection program.

Short duration counts by themselves, however, are only part of the data collection process. Research 

has shown that heavy vehicle volumes vary dramatically during the day, often differ significantly 

between weekdays and weekends, and can change as well from one season to the next season. If 

adjustments are not made for DOW and seasonal variation, the result is likely to be erroneous 

analytical conclusions. For example, safety research that uses truck crash rates computed only from 

weekday counts will significantly under-estimate the truck crash rate for most locations because 

unadjusted weekday volumes tend to over-estimate annual average daily volumes. A base of 

continuous classification counters is used to support the temporal factoring process.

Classification Short Duration Counts

The classification short duration count program should be designed to operate like a traditional 

volume coverage program to provide a minimum level of heavy vehicle traffic data on all system 

roads. The basic short duration program would be supplemented by special counts as needed to 

meet site-specific data needs. At a minimum, the TMG recommends that State highway agencies 

initially aim to collect 25 to 30 percent of their short-duration counts with classification counting 

equipment. Agencies that can exceed this figure are encouraged to do so. The ability to meet or 

exceed this goal depends on agency perspective and is a function of the equipment available and the 

nature of the road system. Classification data is difficult to collect in many urban settings because of 

safety or equipment limitations. 

To develop a classification coverage program, the highway system should be divided into vehicle 

classification (truck) segments similar to what is currently performed for volume and described in 

sub-section 3.2.1. Theoretically, vehicle classification segments should carry a homogeneous volume 

of trucks, where trucks are defined as the aggregation of FHWA classes four to thirteen. In practice, 

development of these section definitions is a judgment call since the definition is usually based on the 

available classification data combined with specific knowledge of the system. The more classification 

data and the better knowledge of trucks available, the easier and better the definition will be. The 

availability of truck or commercial vehicle flow maps during the road segmentation process is very

useful. Most vehicle classification segments are expected to span several traffic volume segments 

because truck traffic can remain constant despite changes in total traffic volume (that is, changes in 

car volumes do not necessarily result in changes in truck volume). With time, as more data and 

information become available, the definition of segments will improve. As with traffic volume, the 

classification segments will change over time as roadway and traffic characteristics change and as 

more classification data helps to better define the segments. Periodic reassessments will be 

necessary to maintain the classification segment inventory and keep it current.

Many caveats apply to the development of the classification short duration count program. Each 

agency will have to develop a classification inventory system to cover the roads that meet its needs. 
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Table 3-18 illustrates some of the considerations used in developing traffic segments and 

classification coverage programs based on the functional classification (and use) of roadways. 

TABLE 3-18 TRAFFIC SEGMENTS AND CLASSIFICATION SHORT DURATION PROGRAM BASED ON 

FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION AND TRUCK ACTIVITY

Functional 

Classification

Truck Traffic 

Activity

Classification 

Segment 

Lengths

Number of 

Classification 

Segments Traffic Volume Segments

Higher FC roads, 

i.e., Interstates, 

Principal Arterials –

Other Freeways 

and Expressways, 

etc.

High Long Few, but this 

number should 

be about equal 

to 25-30% of 

volume counts

Few – encompasses 

classification segments

Lower FC roads, 

i.e., Minor Arterial, 

Major and Minor 

Collector, Local

Combination 

of Low, 

Medium, 

High

Combination 

of long and 

short 

segments 

where traffic 

generators 

are found

Depends upon 

number of 

defined traffic 

segments; also 

this number 

should be 

about equal to 

25-30% of 

volume counts

Depends upon length 

(extent) of road and level 

of truck activity; the higher 

the fluctuation in truck 

activity, the more counts 

should be taken at 

locations with +/- 10% 

change in traffic volumes; 

the traffic volume 

segments should 

encompass the 

classification segments

In some cases, the truck traffic may not change over large expanses of road and a small number of 

classification segments will cover the road. In the interstate system, for example, classification 

segments may extend over several interchanges and be very long. The character of the highway and 

the traffic it carries will play a major role in the definition of these segments and in the number of 

classification counts needed. Roads that service truck traffic generating activities will necessitate 

more classification segments, more classification counts, and more frequent revision than roads 

through regions that experience little trucking activity.

Lower functional systems, where truck traffic may be sporadic, may require long segments in some 

areas and shorter segments in others, particularly where truck traffic generators are found. Judgment 

will play a large role in the roadway segmentation and the classification count planning in these 

areas. Additional classification counting may be needed to better identify where significant changes 

occur and how these affect the definition of segments. 

The structure of the road system is superimposed by a system of traffic volume segments that allow 

the traffic-counting program to cover it. Likewise, the traffic volume segments will be covered with a 

smaller subset of vehicle classification segments that allow the establishment of a vehicle 

classification program that covers the system and provides comprehensive truck data.

The vehicle classification segment inventory will allow a determination of how much classification 

counting is needed and how many of the volume counts should be classified. A general rule of thumb 

is that 25 to 30 percent of the coverage volume counts should be classification. This depends on the 

actual volume coverage program in operation, the character of the road system covered, and many 

other considerations. The general rule of thumb applies to the traffic volume program 

recommendation using a coverage program over a three-year cycle.
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Common sense and judgment are greatly needed to determine how to integrate classification and 

volume counting. Different agencies will make different decisions depending on many considerations. 

In some cases, the availability of low cost classification equipment can almost justify the conversion 

of most counting to classification. The gain in information on trucks, combined with the elimination of 

the error introduced by axle correction, will likely justify the extra cost. Many of the newer counters 

perform classification, and many agencies that have acquired the new equipment classify rather than 

only collect volume data. The trend is to go towards collecting and storing all vehicle types in a per 

vehicle format. On the other hand, changes in program direction, the acquisition of newer 

equipment, and the implementation of program changes do not occur overnight. Many organizations 

depend on available counters, have long-term data collection contracts, or do not have established 

classification programs. 

Many lower volume roads do not have the volume of classified vehicles (trucks) to justify the full 

conversion of volume counting to classification. These are the roads where the installation of 

classifiers based on road tubes is easier and where equipment limitations are not a problem. 

However, once a classification count is taken, additional repetitive counts may not improve the truck 

volume estimates. In these cases, a decision to save a little time, effort, and funding could be 

appropriate.

On higher road systems, repetitive classification may greatly enhance the understanding of truck 

volume variability and result in better truck volume estimates. However, on these roads the 

collection of classification data is much more problematic. In the higher volume systems, 

portable equipment installation may not be safe or effective, and the installation of more expensive 

equipment is the only solution.

Such constraints may dictate a slower conversion from the current data collection program to the 

recommended program that emphasizes classification counting. Still, all highway agencies need to 

understand the use of their roadways by trucks, and consequently counting of trucks is an important 

task. To help achieve that objective, another useful rule of thumb is that a minimum of one vehicle 

classification count should be taken on each road each year to insure a minimum of data available 

annually to represent each road. Where practical, these counts should be taken at existing HPMS 

volume sample sections to insure the quality of classification data reported to the HPMS.

Many caveats apply to this rule of thumb as well. For long roads (such as roads that extend across an 

entire State), far more than one count should be taken; for roads that change character (e.g., a route 

may be primarily a farm to market road in one place but become a major freight hauling road in 

another), several classification counts may be appropriate. 

Roads that experience significant changes in truck traffic due to changes in industrial activity and/or 

junctions that lead to truck generators may need classification counts on either side of the junctions 

where truck activity levels change. For minor routes, a single classification count may be all that is 

needed. Finally, some agencies may decide to take additional vehicle classification counts whenever 

resources permit simply because truck volume data play a major role in defining coverage program 

segments and to insure quality data is available to meet user needs.

The implementation of a comprehensive classification coverage program requires direct integration 

into the standard volume counting program activities. The manner of scheduling, equipment, staff, 

and resources should be adequately considered. 

It may not be necessary to perform vehicle classification counts at the same location every year. Any 

placement within the defined segment should provide adequate representation and any additional 

counts taken help to verify the annual estimate provided. Likewise, classification counts need not be 

taken at the same time each year because the conversion to annual estimates accounts for the 

temporal variability. In fact, counts taken at different times of the year provide independent 

estimates that will help to verify and/or improve the segment estimate. Careful scheduling of the 

data collection effort may also be necessary to measure important, seasonal truck movements such 

as those due to harvesting or other highly seasonal events. The recommended minimum length of 
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monitoring for vehicle classification data remains at 48 hours. The recommended cycle of monitoring 

for the classification program is also three years. The schedule of counts should be developed to 

ensure that coverage of each classification segment occurs at least once within a six-year cycle.

Whenever possible, vehicle classification counts should be taken within the HPMS volume sample 

sections. This results in direct estimates for each sample section, thereby allowing the expansion of 

the truck percent variables in the HPMS to valid system estimates of truck travel.

Other Special Needs Counts

As with traditional volume counting, the vehicle classification count program requires special counts 

in addition to those collected for coverage to meet needs that the short duration program does not 

cover. Traditionally, these counts have been primarily project related.

Project Counts

In some States, a significant number of classification counts are project related. Most commonly, 

these counts are taken to determine the truck traffic on a road segment that requires a traffic load 

estimate as an input for a pavement rehabilitation design. Collection of the data specifically for the 

road segment being rehabilitated ensures that the count data reflect current conditions and that the 

data used in the geometric and structural design procedures are accurate enough to ensure adequate 

performance of the new pavement over the design life of the project. Common reasons for project 

counts include pavement design, operational design (e.g., signal timing or testing the need for truck 

climbing and/or passing lanes), geometric design, and corridor studies. Each project count can have 

different requirements for duration, spatial frequency, and types of summary measures that must be 

produced.

The establishment of a classification short duration program will allow a more complete 

understanding of truck traffic on the highway systems and optimistically limit the need for additional 

counting to only special cases.

Urban Classification Count Programs

The need for classification data in urban areas is pressing. Unfortunately, these are some of the most 

difficult places for current data collection equipment to operate. Existing counter technologies have 

significant difficulty classifying vehicles in conditions where vehicles do not operate at constant 

speed, where vehicles follow very closely, or where stop and go traffic occurs. This is particularly true 

for equipment that relies on inductive loops and axle detectors.

However, this does not mean that vehicle classification counts cannot be taken in urban areas. 

Agencies must simply take special care in selecting the technologies they use, the sensor and array 

that works best, and the locations where they place the equipment to ensure that the data collected 

are valid. Research efforts to investigate new technologies should continue. Several new technologies 

(ITS and segmented sensors), particularly video and various laser-based technologies, can classify 

accurately in urban conditions when they are correctly placed and calibrated. In the future, the trend 

is moving towards Super Sites that combine two or more sensor technologies. 

Studies can be undertaken to identify the classification segments where classification data needs 

exist. The first step is to identify current installations where classification data may already be 

collected by ITS installations, State continuous counters, tolls, bridges, traffic signals, etc. Retrieving 

that data reduces the need for the use of portable data collection equipment at many sites. Second, 

identify the remaining locations where the portable data collection program can collect data using 

current technology. Subtracting these sites from the set of all needed locations should result in a set 

of locations where data cannot be collected using current means. The use of manual counts or visual 

counts is often a last resort in cases where data cannot be collected by other means. Finally, a 
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determination can be made of the counting/classification program needed to provide system short 

duration and meet special count needs.

Classification data also offers the additional advantage of providing speed data that are often used in 

air quality analysis and other urban studies. Likewise, speed studies provide classification data; 

thereby offering an opportunity for coordination and reduced data collection.

Integration of the Short Duration Count Program with Other Programs

At first glance, the short duration program recommended for classification counts can seem large. It 

is true that the recommended program is an expansion over previous recommendations. The 

expansion is due to the maturation of vehicle classification technology and an explosion of the need 

for truck data. However, many States that already actively collect substantial amounts of 

classification data to meet their own data needs may find that the current recommendations do not 

significantly increase the size of the program.

The first level of integration is that classification counts should replace traditional volume counts on 

road sections where classification counts are taken. Therefore, for every classification count taken, 

one less volume count is needed. (In most cases, this still requires an increase in data collection 

resources because it takes more staff time as well as more physical data collection equipment to set 

classification counters than it does to set traditional volume counters for the same number of lanes 

of data collection.) Use of classification counters to provide total daily volume estimates also has the 

advantage of providing direct measurement of daily volume since the need for axle correction 

is eliminated. 

The short duration count program should also be integrated as much as possible with the project 

count program. Existing project counting activities can eliminate the need for short duration counts. 

Similarly, existing short duration counts can often supply project information, if the existing short 

duration count meets the informational needs of the project. Metadata to be included with the short 

duration count is very important. 

Finally, the classification count program should be integrated with other traffic surveillance systems, 

particularly those involving regulation of the trucking industry (such as mainline sorting scale 

operations upstream of weight enforcement stations), as well as surveillance systems installed as part 

of traffic management, safety, and traveler information systems.

Duration of Short Counts

The period of monitoring recommended for vehicle classification counts is 48 consecutive hours. 

Other count durations can produce reasonable results in some cases, but are not recommended for 

general use. Equipment that can collect data in hourly traffic bins should be used for the general 

program. In urban areas or for special studies, the use of shorter intervals, such as 15 minutes, may 

be appropriate. The use of 48-hour periods is recommended because:

 The accuracy of the annual load estimates of 48-hour counts is better than that of 24-hour counts; 

 Significant improvement in quality control capabilities become possible with the comparison of 

one day's hourly traffic counts against the second day's counts; and 

 Longevity of the sensors/road tube and equipment has improved to provide longer duration 

counts.

Counts for less than 24 hours are not recommended unless they are intended to provide project 

specific information (such as turning movement counts for signal timing plans). This is because truck 

travel changes significantly during the day and some sites can experience relatively large truck 

volumes at times when other traffic volumes are light. Counting throughout the day is important to 

determine accurate daily truck volumes, particularly on roads that carry substantial numbers of 

trucks. 
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Counts of less than 48 hours are usually taken as a last resort when other data collection alternatives 

are not available. These counts will need to be adjusted to daily totals using a daily adjustment factor 

to convert the shorter period to a 24-hour estimate. This adjustment factor should be obtained from 

more extensive classification counts on similar roads because the time-of-day distribution of truck 

volume is not the same as that for total volume. The daily volume will need to be converted to an 

annual estimate by using the appropriate DOW and monthly factors. Reasons should be detailed in 

the State TMS plan and approved by the local FHWA district office.

Vehicle classification counts of longer than 48 hours are useful, particularly when those counts 

extend over the weekend, since they provide better DOW volume information. However, in some 

locations it is difficult to keep portable axle sensors in place for periods that significantly exceed 48 

hours. Many highway agencies have also had difficulty in developing cost-effective staff and 

equipment utilization plans when using 72-hour or longer count durations. Whether a highway 

agency can conduct longer counts is a function of short duration area size, staff utilization, and other 

factors. Longer duration counts from 72 hours to 7 days are encouraged.

While a strong case can be made for a number of other count durations, the benefits of 48-hour 

counts are supported by recent research findings. In particular, a study of truck volume variability and 

the effect of factoring classification counts showed that an improvement of between three and five 

percent in estimation of annual average volumes could be achieved by increasing the duration of the 

classification count from 24 to 48 hours. A study of total traffic volume counts by Cambridge 

Systematics found that lower volume roads tend to have much greater day-to-day volume 

fluctuations (in percentage terms) than higher volume roads. These roads showed the greatest 

improvement when traffic counts were extended from 24 to 48 hours. 

3.3.4 OCCUPANCY/HEADWAY/GAP

Many traffic monitoring devices used to collect short duration traffic performance statistics can 

produce other data in addition to those measures described in the previous section. This data can be 

used for other key analytical tasks. For example, traffic monitoring devices called event recorders 

time stamp the passage of individual vehicles and/or their axles. This data not only describe the 

traffic volume and often vehicle classification, they explicitly measure the headway between vehicles 

and thus the vehicle gaps in the traffic stream available for vehicles to make turning movements 

across that traffic stream. Most headway and gap information is collected and reported as part of 

special studies and capacity analysis for which short duration counts are highly suited. Traffic volume 

and classification data is also available from most event recorders. Some portable equipment can 

provide estimates of lane occupancy, but this statistic is not commonly requested from short duration 

counts. PV format allows this to be reported from only one format.

3.3.5 MOTORCYCLES

Motorcycles are the most dangerous motor vehicles for both operators and passengers of any age. 

Moreover, data from the NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) indicate disturbing 

trends in motorcycle safety:

 In 2006, motorcycle rider fatalities increased for the ninth consecutive year since reaching the 

lowest level in 1997 from 2,116 in 1997 to 4,810 in 2006 – an increase of 127 percent;

 Trends accompanying the rising motorcyclist death toll include a dramatic increase in motorcycle 

ownership, particularly by riders over 40 years old, along with changes in other factors such as 

motorcycle size; and

 The rate of increase in fatalities has outpaced the rate of increase in motorcycle registrations.

To assess motorcycle safety, it is necessary to know the number of crashes as well as the 

corresponding exposure to determine a fatality rate. One of the key exposures is the motorcycle 

miles traveled (MC data is the denominator for exposure and crash rates):
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 Motorcycle exposure data is used to inform national decisions and establish motorcycle related 

policies and safety countermeasure programs; 

 Motorcycle exposure data is an important part of current safety performance measures, which 

measure the number of motorcycle fatalities per vehicle registrations and per million miles 

traveled; and

 Motorcycle travel data, especially by roadway functional system, helps the DOT to better 

understand the distribution of travel and devise effective design and operational measures for 

both reliable and safe travel of motorists. Motorcycle travel data is a critical element used in 

developing effective safety countermeasures.

The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) requires the reporting of percent of 

motorcycle travel by functional system group in the HPMS Vehicle Summaries dataset. Historically, 

approximately 15 percent of the States do not report motorcycle travel, and the FHWA estimates for 

these missing data in the table VM-1, Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled in Miles and Related Data by 

Highway Category and Vehicle Type. However, based on the HPMS requirement for motorcycle travel 

and research documented in the Counting Motorcycles report for the AASHTO Standing Committee 

on Planning (February 2010), of the 24 States surveyed, 23 States are currently counting motorcycles 

(Class 1 vehicles), with 20 States using road tubes for short counts and 17 States using piezo cable for 

continuous counts. The benefits and challenges associated with the use of these and other 

technologies are explored in the report. This report indicates that inductive loops and piezoelectric 

sensors are also used in combination to collect short classification counts, particularly on roads 

whose traffic volumes make the use of road tubes difficult. The report also specifies that to maximize 

the probability that inductive loops detect the presence of Class 1 vehicles, the loops should extend 

nearly across the full width of the lane. 

A successful example of one State’s ability to detect motorcycles using inductive loops and piezo 

sensors comes from the State of Virginia. The Virginia DOT (VDOT) worked with their vendor to 

develop a four-channel loop board that meets the required performance standard and a piezo card 

that provides improved detection of motorcycle axles by analyzing complex waveforms and rejecting 

energy from adjacent lanes. VDOT attributes their ability to detect motorcycles to their installation 

standards for loops and piezos. Loops are installed with four turns of wire and no splices, using wire 

that meets International Municipal Signal Association (IMSA) Specification 51-7; and they are now 

installing two piezos stacked in a single saw cut. VDOT also uses a magnetic length (detected by the 

inductive loops) of seven feet to distinguish motorcycles from other compact vehicles. To reduce the 

potential of undercounting Class 1 vehicles using the combination of loops and piezos, VDOT takes an 

additional step of using six bins instead of a single bin for all vehicle counts that cannot be classified 

(Thomas O. Schinkel, Mid-Atlantic Successes and Challenges presented at NATMEC, August 2008). One 

of these bins, Bin 21, is used for vehicles whose length is less than seven feet, but for which fewer 

than two axles are detected. On two-lane, two-way roads, this condition usually indicates that the 

piezo at a classification site has begun to fail and did not detect one or both of the axles of a Class 1 

vehicle. Accordingly, on these roads, Bin 21 vehicles can be assigned to Vehicle Class 1. 

Traffic Data Collection and Motorcycles

A State DOT should be able to provide users with an estimate of the amount of traffic by vehicle class 

by road segment – including motorcycle travel. Motorcycle volume and percentage estimates should 

be available for the date when data were collected and as annual average estimates corrected for 

yearly, monthly, and DOW variation. 

Complicating the process for annualizing motorcycle counts is that travel patterns for motorcycles are 

usually different from those for cars or trucks. Motorcycle volume patterns are primarily recreational 

patterns, although commuter travel may be significant in some cases. Consequently, motorcycle 

travel is frequently heavily dependent on the DOW (higher on weekends), season (higher in summer), 

and special events (e.g., rallies). Recreational motorcycle travel may also concentrate on specific 
3-76

roads more than car or truck travel typically does. (That is, some specific roads are commonly used by 

large groups of motorcycles for “group rides” – therefore creating very large increases in motorcycle 

VMT on a relatively modest series of roads and days of the year.)

The TMG recommends that a vehicle classification-counting program include both extensive, 

geographically distributed, short duration counts and a smaller set of continuous counters. This same 

guidance works for effectively collecting motorcycle travel, but accurately estimating motorcycles 

does require some refinement of the traditional count program to account for motorcycle patterns, 

simply because many of the traditional data collection plans are structured specifically around 

understanding the movements of cars and trucks.

The first change required to the traditional traffic monitoring program is for States to develop a 

process for converting short counts to estimates of annual average daily travel that specifically 

factors short duration motorcycle counts (as well as specifically factor the other vehicle classes) 

based on the travel patterns observed for each of those classes. Without motorcycle specific 

adjustments, short duration classification counts yield biased annual estimates of motorcycle travel.

Continuous counters should provide an understanding of how typical motorcycle travel varies by day 

of the week and month of the year. Continuously operating vehicle classification counters (CVC) are 

the backbone of the vehicle classification program and should be maintained to a high degree of 

accuracy. To provide motorcycle specific adjustment factors, States should account for motorcycle 

travel patterns when selecting locations for permanent vehicle classification counters. 

As with traditional traffic volume counting, continuous classifiers should be supplemented by 

classification short duration counts. A large number of short duration vehicle classification counts 

should be performed to monitor movements of motorcycles and other vehicle classes on individual 

roads. They should include data for all lanes and directions for a given location.

To capture motorcycle movements and more effectively estimate annual motorcycle VMT, some 

short counts should be taken during rallies and in places where motorcyclists are known to travel. For 

example, two-lane rural roads without much truck traffic should be counted if there is reason to 

expect their use for recreational motorcycle travel. Some short counts should be taken on weekends 

on roads that are suspected or known to be serving recreational motorcycle travel needs. Data 

collected on weekends and during special events and periods of seasonal travel should be annualized 

to represent AADT and accounted for in VMT estimates. Some of this data should be collected using 

effectively sited, permanent AVC systems placed on recreational routes with motorcycle travel.

This data collection effort yields the basic motorcycle traffic statistics needed on any given road, 

including the geographic variability and the time-of-day distribution at a variety of locations.

A sufficient number of locations should be monitored to meet HPMS requirements. Motorcycle travel 

is reported under the HPMS summary travel as a proportion of total travel by roadway functional 

class. The State should have motorcycle and other vehicle class travel data for all of the roadway 

functional classes. If the stations are sufficiently distributed according to road type and by traffic 

volume, a simple average of the observed proportions from all stations can be reported on the 

summary travel table (see HPMS Field Manual). 

Traffic data collection, including motorcycle data collection, is eligible for Federal funding under a 

wide range of Federal-aid highway programs with all past (ISTEA, TEA-21, SAFETEA-LU) and current 

(MAP-21) Federal-aid highway legislations. 

Historically, many traffic data collection technologies have had difficulty accurately counting 

motorcycles. Considerable improvement in this area has been made in the past few years. Montana 

utilizes bi-wheel path counting for proper motorcycle counting and is especially effective during 

motorcycle rallies where they may be doubled-up into one lane. Arizona uses a wider 6’ by 8’ loop in 

the lane to provide a large lane coverage that prevents motorcycles from not being detected with 

loops. This wider lane width of 8’ requires that each bi-lane array be staggered so that interference or 
3-77

“cross talk” between loops does not occur. Multiple technologies can be used successfully for this 

activity, although each technology has its own strengths and limitations. 

Axle, visual, and presence sensors can all be used successfully for collecting motorcycle volumes as 

part of vehicle classification counts, although each provides a different mechanism for classifying 

vehicles. Within each of these three broad categories are an array of sensors with different 

capabilities, levels of accuracy, performance capabilities within different operating environments, and 

output characteristics. Each type of sensor works well under some conditions and poorly in others. 

For example:

 Light axle weights, low metal masses, and narrow footprint make motorcycles harder to detect;

 Motorcycles in parallel or staggered formation may confuse detectors;

 Adjusting detector sensitivity for trucks may lead to reduced detection of motorcycles; and

 Some combination trucks may be misclassified as a single-unit truck followed by a motorcycle (the 

rear tandem axle) when the loop incorrectly detunes in the middle of the vehicle.

Conventional full lane road tubes are relatively inexpensive and provide short, sharp signals but may 

have problems counting groups of motorcycles traveling together. Using more sophisticated axle 

sensors and data collection electronics that can monitor left and right wheel paths independently can 

improve the ability of axle sensor based classification equipment to count all motorcycles in a group, 

while also correctly counting and classifying cars and trucks. For axle sensor arrays that are placed in 

a staggered formation, a motorcycle will usually hit one sensor but not both; the system will likely 

record this as a vehicle with missing axle detection and classify it as a passenger car by default –

unless the data collection electronics are specifically designed to look for motorcycles. For this 

reason, FHWA recommends full-lane width axle sensors (road tube, tape switches, or piezo sensors) 

rather than half-lane width sensors.

Side-looking radar provides length-based classification and detects motorcycles. Inductive loops can 

work well if properly installed and maintained, but they too can have problems with motorcycles 

traveling in groups, especially when riding in slightly staggered side-by-side configurations in 

individual lanes. Conventional loops can also be hard to tune to capture motorcycles while at the 

same time not having that same sensitivity setting, resulting in over counting of cars and trucks. Some 

studies have shown that accuracy of counting in all classes can be improved by using inductive loop 

signature technology and calibrating sites to be accurate. Accuracy improvements have also been 

shown to occur when using 6’ by 8’ foot loop layouts instead of the conventional 6’ by 6’ 

configuration. Quadrupole loops also known as figure-8 style loop detectors have enhanced 

sensitivity for detecting motorcycles, bicycles, and smaller cars. 

Sensors that cover a small area such as magnetometers have problems detecting motorcycles or 

groups of motorcycles. 

All vehicle classifiers should be calibrated and tested, and it is a good idea to involve motorcycles 

traveling in groups as part of those tests to ensure that motorcycles are properly counted. It is also 

advisable to use a test standard such as ASTM E2532-06, Standard Test Methods for Evaluating 

Performance of Highway Traffic Monitoring Devices.

If length-based classification is used, it should accommodate motorcycle identification as one of the 

groups. The reader should reference Federal Highway Administration Pooled Fund Program Report 

TPF-5[192], Loop and Length Based Vehicle Classification prepared for Minnesota DOT. 

Axle sensors, loops, and road tubes that detect the presence of vehicles should be placed – and loop 

sensitivities set – in the travel way of motorcycles to assure their detection. Sensors that detect 

vehicles over the width of a lane are preferable to those that are partial lane.

All vehicle classes are important; no vehicle class should be shortchanged. It is the responsibility of each 

agency to make the best decision as to the types of automatic vehicle classifiers to purchase, install, 
3-78

calibrate, and maintain so that their classification (both axle and/or length) data accurately 

represents traffic conditions.

3.4 CALCULATIONS AND COMPUTATIONS FOR END OF YEAR 

PROCESSING

This section presents basic procedures for computing statistics or estimates derived from the vehicle 

classification program. Statistics discussed include:

 ADTT;

 AADTT (annual average daily truck traffic);

 Axle correction factors;

 Factors for converting daily truck traffic counts into estimates of AADTT (by class);

 Factors that allow conversion of AADTT estimates (by class) into average day of week estimates 

for use in the draft NCHRP 1-37A Pavement Design Guide;

 Sum of 4-13 for 24 hours;

 % Single Unit (SU); and

 % Combination Unit (CU).

3.4.1 COMPUTATION OF AADTT

Computation of AADTT (by vehicle class) from a short duration count requires the application of one 

or more factors that account for differences in time-of-day, DOW, and seasonal truck traffic patterns. 

These adjustments are the same as those applied to traditional volume counts, except that they 

should be applied by individual vehicle classification when working with classification count data.

3.4.2 ESTIMATING DAILY VOLUMES FROM LESS THAN DAILY COUNTS

Classification counts should be taken for 48 consecutive hours. When it is not possible to collect at 

least 24 hours of data, time-of-day adjustments can expand the short counts to daily estimates. Most 

classification counts are taken in hourly increments. When these hourly volumes add up to less than 

24 hours (usually with visual counts), it is necessary to expand them to 24 hour estimates. 

This should be accomplished using adjustments from data collected by continuous vehicle 

classification counters. Adjustment tables should be created for specific types of roadways (using the 

factor groups discussed earlier in this chapter if a better system is not available) and specific hours of 

the day. In this manner, the factor applied to adjust a very short count to an estimate of daily traffic 

volume (by class) will depend not just on how many hours were counted but on which hours were 

counted, as well as on which class of vehicles is being adjusted. For example, the adjustment for a sixhour count taken from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. may be very different from the adjustment that should be 

applied to a six-hour count taken from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.. 

These adjustment tables can be created by simply computing the percentage of daily traffic that 

occurs during any one hour of the day for each vehicle class for each type of day of the week. These 

percentages can then be added together as needed to create an adjustment percentage for any 

series of hours of data collection. 
3-79

TABLE 3-19 CALCULATION OF AVERAGE TRAVEL BY TIME OF DAY FOR COMBINATION TRUCKS 

AT AN EXAMPLE CONTINUOUS COUNTER SITE

Hour Average Weekday Volumes By Hour Percentage of Traffic

Midnight - 1 a.m. 20 1.9%

1 a.m. - 2 a.m. 30 2.8%

2 a.m. - 3 a.m. 10 0.9%

3 a.m. - 4 a.m. 10 0.9%

4 a.m. - 5 a.m. 20 1.9%

5 a.m. - 6 a.m. 40 3.7%

6 a.m. - 7 a.m. 80 7.4%

7 a.m. - 8 a.m. 100 9.3%

8 a.m. - 9 a.m. 60 5.6%

9 a.m. - 10 a.m. 80 7.4%

10 a.m. - 11 a.m. 70 6.5%

11 a.m. - Noon 80 7.4%

Noon - 1 p.m. 50 4.6%

1 p.m. - 2 p.m. 60 5.6%

2 p.m. - 3 p.m. 90 8.3%

3 p.m. - 4 p.m. 80 7.4%

4 p.m. - 5 p.m. 50 4.6%

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. 40 3.7%

6 p.m. - 7 p.m. 30 2.8%

7 p.m. - 8 p.m. 20 1.9%

8 p.m. - 9 p.m. 10 0.9%

9 p.m. - 10 p.m. 20 1.9%

10 p.m. - 11 p.m. 10 0.9%

11 p.m. - Midnight 20 1.9%

1,080 100.0%

To compute the daily total traffic volume estimated by the short count, the simple formula below is 

used:

Daily Traffic Volume =

Short count volume × 100

Percent of travel during time period counted

Therefore, if a six-hour count was taken from six a.m. to noon on a weekday and 260 combination 

trucks were counted, the total daily combination truck volume would be estimated as 600 trucks (260 

× 100 / 43.6 = 596 ≈ 600).

3.4.3 ESTIMATING ANNUAL AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC VOLUMES FROM MORE THAN 24-

HOUR COUNTS

If the data that is collected cover 48 or more hours, the data should be summarized to represent a 

single daily count. This can be accomplished in two ways, depending on how the factoring process 

is performed.
3-80

 If individual DOW factors are used (e.g., a different factor for Tuesdays than for Wednesdays), 

then each 24 hour count can be converted into an estimate of annual average daily traffic, and the 

different daily values averaged into a single estimate of AADTT.

 If a general DOW adjustment (e.g., a single weekday to average DOW adjustment), the individual 

hourly volumes can be averaged. (Only data for complete hours should be used. Partial hours 

should be discarded.) These averages are then totaled to produce a single daily volume, which can 

then be adjusted for seasonality and day of week.

3.4.4 COMPUTATION OF AXLE CORRECTION FACTORS

Emphasis on the collection of classification data should minimize the need for axle correction. 

Whenever possible, axle correction factors needed to convert axle counts to vehicles should be 

developed from vehicle classification counts taken on the specific road. In addition, the classification 

count should be taken from the same general vicinity and on the same day of week (a weekday 

classification count is usually sufficient for a weekday volume count) as the axle count it will be used 

to adjust. Where a classification count has not been taken on the road in question, an average axle 

correction factors can be estimated from the WIM and continuous classification sites.

The computation is the same whether the data come from a single short duration count or from a 

continuous WIM scale. Table 3-20 illustrates the process.

In the table, vehicle volume is computed by dividing the total number of axles counted by the average 

number of axles per vehicle. Thus, an axle count of 4,465 axles would be equal to a vehicle volume of 

1,795 (4,465 / 2.49 = 1,795).

Multiplicative axle correction factors can be derived as the inverse of the average number of axles per 

vehicle. In the above example, the factor would be 0.40 (the inverse of 2.49). The number of vehicles 

(1,795) would then be estimated by multiplying the number of axles (4,465) times the factor (0.40). 

TABLE 3-20 NUMBER OF AXLES PER VEHICLE

FHWA 

Vehicle Class

(A)

Daily 

Vehicle Volume

(B)

Average Number of 

Axles Per Vehicle

Total Number 

of Axles

1 100 2.0 200.0

2 1,400 2.2 3,080

3 45 2.3 103.5

4 15 2.1 31.5

5 20 2.0 40.0

6 40 3.0 120.0

7 5 4.2 21.0

8 15 3.9 58.5

9 120 5.0 600.0

10 5 6.4 32.0

11 15 4.9 73.5

12 5 6.0 30.0

13 10 7.5 75.0

Total Volume 1,795 Total Number of Axles 4,465.0

Average Number of 

Axles Per Vehicle

2.49
3-81

3.4.5 FACTORS FOR CONVERTING DAILY CLASSIFICATION COUNTS TO AADTT BY CLASS

The calculation of factors for converting average daily traffic (by class) to annual average conditions 

begins by computing average DOW, average-day-of-month, and annual average daily traffic statistics 

at each continuous count location. The ratios from each continuous count location are then averaged 

within the factor groups to produce the average factor for the group.

The first step in computing DOW adjustment factors is to compute an average day of week for each 

month. For example, the average Monday is computed by adding the Monday traffic volumes in the 

month, and then dividing by the number of Mondays in the month. 

An average-day-of-month can be computed by simply averaging the seven daily values within each 

month. This is preferable to calculating a simple average for all days of the month, because then 

average monthly statistics can be compared from one year to the next without worry that in one year 

there were more weekend days than in another year.

Annual average daily traffic for each day of the week for each vehicle class can then be computed as 

the average of the 12 months. The best computational procedure is recommended in the AASHTO 

Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs and can be shown mathematically as follows: 

Where:

ADTTijkc= daily truck traffic for class c, day k, of DOW i, and month j

i = day of the week

j = month of the year

k = 1 when the day is the first occurrence of that day of the week in a month, 4 when it is 

the fourth day of the week

n = the number of days of that day of the week during that month (usually between one 

and five, depending on the calendar and the number of missing days.)

7 12

1 1 1

1 1 1

7 12

n

c ADTTijkc

i j k

AADTT

   n

   

           
4-1

Chapter 4 TRAFFIC MONITORING FOR NON-MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

4.1 INTRODUCTION

This is the first edition of the Traffic Monitoring Guide to include information on monitoring 

pedestrians, bicyclists, and other non-motorized road and trail users. Even though both of these 

modes preceded the automobile, the monitoring of non-motorized traffic has not been systematic or 

widespread in the U.S. and, even today, is not nearly as comprehensive as motorized traffic 

monitoring. 

This chapter provides basic guidance intended to improve the state-of-the-practice in non-motorized 

traffic volume monitoring (other attributes like origin-destination, gender, and helmet use are not 

addressed in this Guide). In many cases, however, this guidance is limited because the systematic 

monitoring of pedestrians and bicyclists is still an emerging area that requires more research. Limited 

information is known about the best and most cost-effective ways to automatically collect nonmotorized traffic data, especially because non-motorized traffic levels are typically much lower and 

more variable than motorized traffic levels.

One of the key differences in state-of-the-practice between non-motorized and motorized traffic 

monitoring is the scale of data collection. Most non-motorized data collection programs have a much 

smaller number of monitoring locations, and these limited location samples may not accurately 

represent the entire geographic area of interest. In many cases, the non-motorized monitoring 

locations have been chosen based on highest usage levels or strategic areas of facility improvement. 

Given limited data collection resources and specific data uses, these site selection criteria may be 

appropriate. However, one should recognize that these limited location samples might represent a 

biased estimate of overall usage and trends for a city or State. More research is needed to identify 

statistically representative site selection criteria. 

A second key difference is that non-motorized traffic will typically have higher use on lower 

functional class roads and streets as well as shared use paths and pedestrian facilities, simply because 

of the more pleasant environment of lower speeds and volumes of motorized traffic. Conversely, 

motorized traffic monitoring focuses on higher functional class roads that provide the quickest and 

most direct route for motorized traffic.

A third key difference in current practice is a tendency to use very short duration counts (i.e., as short 

as 2 hours) for non-motorized traffic monitoring, primarily because of the perceived difficulty of 

automatically counting pedestrians and bicyclists (as well as the desire to collect gender and bicycle 

helmet use). Although this practice is not prohibited by the Guide, data users should recognize that 

these very short-duration counts can introduce significant overall error when non-motorized traffic 

use is low and inherently variable. If short-duration non-motorized counts are to be used, then it is 

essential that longer counts be taken to establish hourly patterns and a statistical basis for 

extrapolation of these counts. This issue will be addressed in more detail in Sections 4.4 and 4.5.

Finally, a fourth key difference is that technologies for counting pedestrians and bicyclists still are 

evolving and error rates associated with different technologies are not well known. All methods for 

counting both motorized and non-motorized traffic have error rates and provide estimates that only 

approximate actual use; however, the error rates for technologies used to count motorized traffic 

generally are better understood, as are the procedures for managing or reducing these errors.

4.2 NON-MOTORIZED TRAFFIC MONITORING TECHNOLOGY

This section describes the various technologies that are commonly used to count non-motorized (i.e., 

bicyclists and pedestrians) traffic volumes at fixed locations. The discussion differentiates between 

those technologies best suited to count bicyclists versus those best suited to count pedestrians. The 
4-2

discussion also identifies those technologies that are ideal for short-duration (i.e., portable) count 

locations and those that are ideal for continuous (i.e., permanent) count locations. This document 

does not address technologies that collect other attributes of non-motorized travel, such as the use 

of GPS-enabled mobile devices for trip traces or the use of Bluetooth-enabled devices for origindestination or travel time.

4.2.1 OVERVIEW AND CHALLENGES

Many of the basic technologies used to count bicyclists and pedestrians are similar to those used to 

count cars and trucks; however, the design/configuration of the sensors and the signal processing 

algorithms are often quite different. Therefore, separate equipment typically is used to monitor nonmotorized traffic. 

Technological challenges to non-motorized traffic monitoring are as follows:

 Pedestrians and bicyclists are less confined to fixed lanes or paths of travel than motor vehicles, 

and they sometimes make unpredictable movements. Pedestrians take shortcuts off the sidewalk 

or cross streets at unmarked crossing locations. Bicyclists sometimes ride on sidewalks or travel 

outside designated bikeways. They may stop in front of a sensor to talk, wait, or even to examine 

the sensor. These actions make it difficult to place or aim sensors and may decrease the accuracy 

of the sensor equipment.

 Pedestrians and bicyclists sometimes travel in closely spaced groups, and some sensors have 

difficulty differentiating between individuals within the group. In these cases, a group with 

multiple persons will be counted as one person, and the sensor will underestimate the actual 

counts.

 Despite these challenges, several technologies can be used to accurately count non-motorized 

traffic. The growing demand for automatic counters has brought about recent improvements in 

equipment accuracy and capabilities. Increased competition in this marketplace and collective 

experience with existing products will continue to drive improvements to automatic bicyclist and 

pedestrian counters.

4.2.2 SELECTING NON-MOTORIZED COUNTING EQUIPMENT

Selecting the most appropriate bicyclist and/or pedestrian counter can be a daunting task. 

Commercially available counters use a variety of technologies and features that can vary dramatically 

and affect how, what, where, and how long counts are collected. Cost per data point can also vary 

greatly between counters.

Figure 4-1 presents a simplified flowchart that can help to narrow possible choices based on the two 

most important aspects of data collection:

1. What are you counting? Bicyclists only, pedestrians only, pedestrians and bicyclists combined, or 

pedestrians and bicyclists separately?

2. How long (are you counting)? Permanent, temporary, or somewhere in-between?

Consider the following example: a city wishes to monitor a shared-use path and would like to count 

bicyclists and pedestrians separately on a permanent basis. Using the simplified flowchart (Figure 4-2 

for this example), the first decision point is “What are you counting?” In this example, the city wants 

to count both modes separately (note the circled blue and green icons in Figure 4-2). The next 

question in the decision process is “How long (will the counters be collecting data)?” In this example, 

the city wants continuous data from a permanent location, so technologies toward the middle and 

top of the table are relevant. Several equipment technologies are possible (e.g., pressure sensor and 

automated video imaging), but only a few have been used in common practice. Manual observers 

and video imaging with manual reduction are possible, but are typically used for short-term data 

collection.
4-3

For a permanent site capable of counting pedestrians and bicyclists separately, two technologies will 

have to be paired together. Because inductance loops are more commonly used at permanent sites, 

the city staff selects a combined system that has an infrared pedestrian counter paired with an 

inductance loop detector for bicyclists. The infrared sensor by itself is not capable of differentiating 

between people walking or bicycling; however, when combined with the inductance loop detector, 

the bicyclist counts are automatically subtracted from the infrared sensor counts.
4-4

FIGURE 4-1 SIMPLIFIED FLOWCHART FOR SELECTING NON-MOTORIZED COUNT EQUIPMENT

2. How Long?

1. What Are You 

Counting?

Permanent

Temporary/ 

Short Term

Bicyclists 

Only

Pedestrians 

Only

+

Pedestrians & 

Bicyclist Combined

Pedestrians & Bicyclist 

Separately Cost

Inductance Loops1

$$

Magnetometer2$-$$

Pressure Sensor2$$

Radar Sensor $-$$

Seismic Sensor $$

Video Imaging:

Automated $-$$

Infrared Sensor

(Active or Passive) $-$$

Pneumatic Tubes $-$$

Video Imaging:

Manual $-$$$

Manual Observers $$-$$$

Technology

Indicates what is technologically possible.

Indicates a common practice.

Indicates a common practice, but must be combined with another technology to classify pedestrians and bicyclists separately.

$, $$, $$$: Indicates relative cost per data point.

1 Typically requires a unique loop configuration separate from motor vehicle loops, especially in a traffic lane shared by bicyclists and motor vehicles.

2

Permanent installation is typical for asphalt or concrete pavements; temporary installation is possible for unpaved, natural surface trails. 

3

Requires specific mounting configuration to avoid counting cars in main traffic lanes or counting pedestrians on the sidewalk.

3
4-5

FIGURE 4-2 EXAMPLE: SELECTING NON-MOTORIZED COUNT EQUIPMENT

2. How Long?

1. What Are You 

Counting?

Permanent

Temporary/ 

Short Term

Bicyclists 

Only

Pedestrians 

Only

+

Pedestrians & 

Bicyclist Combined

Pedestrians & Bicyclist 

Separately Cost

Inductance Loops1

$$

Magnetometer2$-$$

Pressure Sensor2$$

Radar Sensor $-$$

Seismic Sensor $$

Video Imaging:

Automated $-$$

Infrared Sensor

(Active or Passive) $-$$

Pneumatic Tubes $-$$

Video Imaging:

Manual $-$$$

Manual Observers $$-$$$

Technology

Indicates what is technologically possible.

Indicates a common practice.

Indicates a common practice, but must be combined with another technology to classify pedestrians and bicyclists separately.

$, $$, $$$: Indicates relative cost per data point.

1 Typically requires a unique loop configuration separate from motor vehicle loops, especially in a traffic lane shared by bicyclists and motor vehicles.

2

Permanent installation is typical for asphalt or concrete pavements; temporary installation is possible for unpaved, natural surface trails. 

3

Requires specific mounting configuration to avoid counting cars in main traffic lanes or counting pedestrians on the sidewalk.

3
4-6

Based on budget and commercial availability, a final decision can be more easily made about 

technology to be deployed. Table 4-1 provides additional technology information for counting 

bicyclists and pedestrians, various attributes of each technology, and their strengths and weaknesses. 

More detailed guidance on selecting equipment for non-motorized traffic data collection is provided 

later in this chapter. Table 4-1 is best used after the relevant technologies have been narrowed down 

using Figure 4-1.

The accuracy of commercially available products can vary significantly (Turner, et al., 2007; Grembek 

and Schneider, 2012; Greene-Roesel et al., 2008) based on configuration, installation, and level of 

use, even within a specific technology (such as inductance loops for bicycles). Calibration/validation 

procedures (even if conducted on a limited scale) should be used to ensure that count data is within 

the bounds of acceptable accuracy. In fact, some local agencies have developed an equipment 

adjustment factor that adjusts for systematic error (e.g., undercounting) that may occur with 

some technologies.
4-7

TABLE 4-1 COMMERCIALLY-AVAILABLE BICYCLIST AND PEDESTRIAN COUNTING TECHNOLOGIES

Technology Typical Applications Strengths Weaknesses

Inductance Loop Permanent counts

Bicyclists only

Accurate when properly installed 

and configured

Uses traditional motor vehicle 

counting technology

Capable of counting bicyclists only

Requires saw cuts in existing pavement or pre-formed loops 

in new pavement construction

May have higher error with groups

Magnetometer Permanent counts

Bicyclists only

May be possible to use existing motor 

vehicle sensors

Commercially-available, off-the-shelf products for counting 

bicyclists are limited

May have higher error with groups

Pressure 

sensor/pressure mats

Permanent counts

Typically unpaved trails 

or paths

Some equipment may be able to 

distinguish bicyclists and pedestrians

Expensive/disruptive for installation under asphalt or 

concrete pavement

Seismic sensor Short-term counts on 

unpaved trails

Equipment is hidden from view Commercially-available, off-the-shelf products for counting 

are limited

Radar sensor Short-term or permanent 

counts Bicyclists and 

pedestrians combined

Capable of counting bicyclists in 

dedicated bike lanes or bikeways

Commercially-available, off-the-shelf products for counting 

are limited

Video Imaging –

Automated

Short-term or 

permanent counts 

Bicyclists and 

pedestrians separately

Potential accuracy in dense, 

high-traffic areas

Typically more expensive for exclusive installations

Algorithm development still maturing

Infrared – Active Short-term or 

permanent counts 

Bicyclists and 

pedestrians combined

Relatively portable

Low profile, unobtrusive appearance

Cannot distinguish between bicyclists and pedestrians unless 

combined with another bicycle detection technology

Very difficult to use for bike lanes and shared lanes May 

have higher error with groups
4-8

Technology Typical Applications Strengths Weaknesses

Infrared – Passive Short-term or 

permanent counts 

Bicyclists and pedestrians 

combined

Very portable with easy setup

Low profile, unobtrusive appearance

Cannot distinguish between bicyclists and pedestrians unless 

combined with another bicycle detector

Difficult to use for bike lanes and shared lanes, requires 

careful site selection and configuration

May have higher error when ambient air temperature 

approaches body temperature range

May have higher error with groups

Direct sunlight on sensor may create false counts

Pneumatic Tube Short-term counts 

Bicyclists only

Relatively portable, low-cost

May be possible to use existing motor 

vehicle counting technology and 

equipment

Capable of counting bicyclists only

Tubes may pose hazard to trail users

Greater risk of vandalism

Video Imaging –

Manual Reduction

Short-term counts 

Bicyclists and 

pedestrians separately

Can be lower cost when existing video 

cameras are already installed

Limited to short-term use

Manual video reduction is labor-intensive

Manual Observer Short-term counts 

Bicyclists and 

pedestrians separately

Very portable

Can be used for automated 

equipment validation

Expensive and possibly inaccurate for longer duration counts
4-9

4.2.3 INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTORS

Inductance loop detectors operate by circulating a low alternating electrical current through a formed 

wire coil embedded in the pavement. The alternating current creates an electromagnetic field above 

the formed wire coil, and a conductive object (e.g., car, truck, and bike) passing through the 

electromagnetic field will disrupt the field by a measurable amount. If this disruption meets 

predetermined criteria, then detection occurs and an object is counted by a data logger or computer 

controller.

Inductance loop detectors do not require the presence of ferrous (i.e., iron, steel) bicycle frames; 

however, large conductive objects (like a car or truck) are more likely to meet the predetermined 

disruption criteria than smaller conductive or non-ferrous objects (like a motorcycle or bicycle). The 

sensitivity of an inductance loop can be changed to better detect motorcycles or bicycles, but the 

increased sensitivity often results in over counting for cars and trucks. For this reason, most agencies 

typically use dedicated loop detectors for counting bicycles rather than trying to use existing loop 

detectors to count cars, trucks, and bicycles. 

Loop detectors are commonly used to detect the presence of motorized vehicles at or near 

intersections for the purposes of traffic signal control. In some cases, these loop detectors may detect 

the presence of bicycles. However, the location and configuration of these intersection-based loop 

detectors are often not ideal (and therefore rarely used) for counting purposes, both for motor 

vehicles and bicycles. 

The preferred counting location is at mid-block or other locations where bicycles are free-flowing 

and/or not likely to stop. Ideally, loop detectors for bicycle counting are placed in lane positions 

primarily used by bicycles. If the loop detectors are placed in lanes shared by motorized traffic and 

bicycles, special algorithms will be necessary to distinguish the bicycles from the motorized traffic.

Inductance loop detectors are capable of measuring the direction of bicyclist travel using at least two 

possible options:

1. Installing an inductance loop within each directional travel lane and assuming that all (or a 

certain percentage) bicyclists in that lane are traveling in the specified direction (e.g., shared use 

path or directional bike lane).

2. Installing two inductance loops in series, such that direction can be inferred from the timing of 

detection events for each loop.

The first option is the most commonly used practice to date. For the second option, some data 

loggers or controller equipment may not be capable of interpreting signals from a paired inductance 

loop sequence. 

The most important variables in accurate bicycle detection via a loop detector are:

 Loop configuration: Several different wire patterns have been used for counting bicycles, including 

quadrupole, diagonal quadrupole (also called Type D), chevron, and elongated diamond patterns 

(see Figure 4-3).

 Detector circuit sensitivity: The sensitivity should be high enough to detect non-ferrous bicycle 

frames but not so high as to detect motor vehicles in adjacent lanes. 

 Bicycle position over the loop: Pavement stencils may be used to indicate optimal (i.e., most 

accurate) bicycle position over the loop detector, which is typically directly over the saw cut for 

the wire coil. 

 Bicycle size and composition: A large steel frame is more likely to disrupt the loop detector’s field 

than a smaller non-steel frame, but the threshold amount of ferrous metal is not a known 

quantity and varies based on the above three and other variables. Some inductance loop 

detectors are able to detect bicycles with non-steel frames due to the presence of ferrous metal 

in the wheels or other bicycle components.
4-10

FIGURE 4-3A EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

QUADRUPOLE SHAPE

Source: Caltrans Standard Plan ES-5B, 2002.

FIGURE 4-3B EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

DIAGONAL QUADRUPOLE SHAPE

Source: Caltrans Standard Plan ES-5B, 2002.
4-11

FIGURE 4-3C EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

DOUBLE CHEVRON SHAPE

Source: Traffic Detector Handbook, 2006.

FIGURE 4-3D EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

DOUBLE CHEVRON SHAPE: PHOTO

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.
4-12

FIGURE 4-3E EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

ALTERNATIVE DOUBLE CHEVRON SHAPE

Source: Jeff Bunker, City of Boulder.

FIGURE 4-3F EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

ALTERNATIVE DOUBLE CHEVRON SHAPE: PHOTO

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.

FIGURE 4-3G EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

ELONGATED DIAMOND SHAPE

Source: Dan Dawson, Marin County NTPP Specifications Sheet, 2009.
4-13

FIGURE 4-3H EXAMPLES OF INDUCTANCE LOOP DETECTOR SHAPES FOR BICYCLIST COUNTING

ELONGATED DIAMOND SHAPE: PHOTO

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.

4.2.4 INFRARED SENSORS

Two types of infrared sensors can be easily distinguished:

 Active infrared sensors use a signal transmitter on one side of the detection area and a receiver or 

target reflector on the other side. Active infrared sensors operate by sending a series of infrared 

pulses in a beam from a transmitter to a receiver. When the beam is broken for a pre-determined 

time, then an event or count is registered.

 Passive infrared sensors use a signal transmitter only on one side of the detection area and 

operate by identifying a changing heat differential in the detection area. If the heat differential 

and pattern meet pre-defined criteria, then a detection and/or count is registered.

Active infrared sensors have a narrower cone/zone of detection than passive infrared sensors. 

However, installation of active infrared sensors can be more challenging than passive infrared 

sensors. The transmitter and receiver parts of an active infrared sensor need to be aligned properly, 

and require a vertical mounting location on both sides of the detection area with a clear line of sight 

between. A passive infrared sensor only requires a single vertical mounting location on one side of 

the detection area. However, accuracy is improved when the passive infrared sensor is pointed 

toward a wall, building face, dense vegetation, or similar background.

Most infrared sensors perform best in areas where the travel area is constrained and/or the 

detection area is well defined. Because of the basic operating principle, infrared sensors sometimes 

cannot distinguish multiple persons in a group (i.e., side-by-side or closely spaced front-to-back). In 

addition, infrared sensors cannot differentiate between bicyclists and pedestrians; therefore, if 

separate counts are required, infrared sensors will need to be paired with another technology able to 

accurately count bicycles. For example, Figure 4-4 shows a permanent monitoring location that 

combines a passive infrared sensor with inductance loop detectors. 

Most infrared sensors have a small profile and form factor (see Figure 4-5 for examples). For 

portable applications, infrared sensors can be enclosed in a vandal-resistant, lockable box and 

attached to an existing pole, fence post, or tree. For permanent applications, infrared sensors are 

often enclosed within wooden fence or other vertical posts.

Because passive infrared sensors look for heat differentials and their patterns, there may be higher

error rates when the ambient air temperature approaches normal body temperature (97°-100° 
4-14

Fahrenheit). However, no conclusive evidence of this increased error exists, and the error may vary 

among different brands of passive infrared counters. 

Figure 4-6 shows a typical configuration for an active infrared sensor. This example shows an ideal 

location: 1) primarily used by pedestrians and bicyclists only; 2) the travel area is constrained with the 

detector pointing across the sidewalk away from the street; and 3) the detection area is well defined 

in a position where pedestrians and bicyclists will be traveling perpendicular to the sensor.

FIGURE 4-4 EXAMPLE OF PASSIVE INFRARED SENSOR COMBINED WITH INDUCTANCE 

LOOP DETECTORS

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.

FIGURE 4-5 DIFFERENT TYPES OF INFRARED COUNTERS FOR NON-MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.

Note: Equipment shown in a temporary testing and evaluation configuration

Inductance Loops

Passive Infrared
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FIGURE 4-6 TYPICAL CONFIGURATION FOR ACTIVE INFRARED SENSOR

Source: Shawn Turner, TTI.

4.2.5 MAGNETOMETERS

Magnetometers operate by detecting a change in the normal magnetic field of the Earth caused by a 

ferrous metal object (e.g., bicycle frame or components). It may be possible to use existing motorized 

traffic magnetometers for counting bicyclists; however, the installation and configuration may not be 

optimal for accurate bicyclist counting. According to the Third Edition (October 2006) of the Traffic 

Detector Handbook, “Magnetometers are sensitive enough to detect bicycles passing across a fourfoot span when the electronics unit is connected to two sensor probes buried six inches deep and 

spaced three feet apart.” The shallow placement of magnetometers will result in more accurate 

bicyclist counts but could over count motor vehicles, as the detector might distinguish between 

changes in sections of the vehicle (e.g., engine block, axles, transmission) as multiple vehicles. 

Magnetometers designed for motorized traffic (see Figure 4-7) may be capable of detecting bicycle 

frames made of non-ferrous materials (e.g., aluminum, carbon fiber, titanium), but they are not 

designed or optimized for this purpose. Few commercially available magnetometers designed for 

bicycle detection and counting exist.

Another drawback to the use of existing magnetometers for the detection of bicycles is increased 

equipment needs. For example, a thirty-foot detection area for automobiles would require five 

magnetometers and one electronic data logger. The same thirty-foot detection area would require 

ten magnetometers and four to five data loggers to detect bicycles. 
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FIGURE 4-7 WIRELESS MAGNETOMETER BEING INSTALLED FOR MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

Source: FHWA-HRT-08-001, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/publicroads/07nov/04.cfm.

4.2.6 PNEUMATIC TUBES

Pneumatic tubes are a low-cost, portable approach for counting bicyclists only (Figure 4-8). 

Pneumatic tubes operate by using an air switch to detect short burst(s) of air from a passing 

motorized or non-motorized vehicle. The data logger then uses pre-defined criteria (e.g., axle spacing, 

etc.) and/or algorithms to determine whether a valid vehicle type has passed over the tubes. The 

technology has been used to count cars and trucks for several decades, so most public agencies either 

have the equipment or are familiar with the technology. Pneumatic tubes have been combined with 

infrared sensors at locations where both bicyclist and pedestrian counts are desired. 

As with other traditional motorized traffic monitoring technology, the optimal placement and 

configuration of pneumatic tubes for counting bicyclists will be different from that for cars and trucks. 

Ideally, the placement of pneumatic tubes for bicycles should adequately cover the bicycle travel 

path while not being exposed to excessive passage by motor vehicles. When counting bicycles in a 

bike lane or shared lane, passage and activation by motorized traffic may be unavoidable. In these 

cases, the data logger criteria should be capable of ignoring typical motor vehicle axle spacing. If 

direction of bicyclist travel is desired, a pair of pneumatic tubes can be placed (see Figure 4−8), and 

travel direction can be inferred from the timing of detection events at each tube.
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FIGURE 4-8 EXAMPLE OF PNEUMATIC TUBE CONFIGURATION FOR COUNTING DIRECTIONAL 

BICYCLIST TRAFFIC

Source: Jean-Francois Rheault, Eco-Counter.

Bicyclist safety may be a concern when pneumatic tubes are installed with pavement nails or other 

metal fixtures, as they could possibly dislodge from the pavement and puncture a bicycle tire or 

create a road hazard for bicyclists. Extra care should be taken in installing pneumatic tubes, either by 

placing metal fixtures outside the bicycle facility or by using tape or other adhesive.

4.2.7 PRESSURE AND SEISMIC SENSORS

Pressure sensors operate by detecting changes in force (i.e., weight), much like an electronic 

bathroom scale. Seismic sensors (also sometimes called acoustic sensors) operate by detecting the 

passage of energy waves through the ground caused by feet, bicycle tires, or other non-motorized 

wheels. As with other monitoring technologies, pre-defined criteria are used to determine a valid 

detection and therefore a valid user to be counted. 

Both pressure and seismic sensors require the sensor element to be placed underneath or very near 

the detection area. Pressure and seismic sensors are most common on unpaved trails or paths 

(Figure 4-9), where burial of the sensor element is typically low-cost and minimally disruptive. 

However, pressure sensors have been used (more commonly in Western Europe) at curbside 

pedestrian signal waiting areas, as a supplement to or replacement of a pedestrian crosswalk push 

button.

Some models of pressure and seismic sensors are capable of detecting the difference between 

pedestrians and bicyclists. Placement and size of the pressure sensors (also known as pressure mats) 

can be used to gather directional information. When installed properly, pressure and seismic sensors 

can serve as permanent continuous counters.
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FIGURE 4-9 EXAMPLES OF PRESSURE SENSORS ON NATURAL (A) AND PAVED (B) SURFACES

(a) Pressure sensor on natural surface trail

(b) Pressure sensor on paved surface

Source: Jean-Francois Rheault, Eco-Counter.

4.2.8 VIDEO IMAGE PROCESSING

Video image processing operates by using sophisticated visual pattern recognition to identify (and 

sometimes track) a pedestrian or bicyclist traveling through a video camera’s field-of-view (see 

Figure 4-10). The critical element for accurate bicyclist and pedestrian counting is the pattern 

recognition algorithms and software. Because of the commercial demand for detecting and counting 

motorized traffic, this software has been extensively refined by manufacturers and vendors. Some 

research and development for bicyclist and pedestrian-specific algorithms has been conducted at the 

university level; however, much of this university research has not been incorporated into existing 

commercially available products.
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FIGURE 4-10 EXAMPLE OF VIDEO IMAGE PROCESSING FOR TRACKING AND COUNTING 

NON-MOTORIZED TRAFFIC

Source: Malinovskiy, Zheng, and Wang, 2009.

Video image processing has the capability to distinguish pedestrians and/or bicyclists traveling in a 

group or cluster. The technology also has the capability to distinguish direction of travel and 

potentially track the non-motorized traffic through the field-of-view. Again, these capabilities are 

dependent on the level of algorithm development of the commercial products. Weather and lighting 

may reduce the accuracy of this technology. Finally, video image processing typically has the highest 

equipment costs.

In some cities, pedestrian and bicyclist counts are manually reduced by viewing recorded video from 

intersection control or surveillance cameras. This manual approach is practical and low-cost for 

periodic short-term counts, but is not sustainable for continuous monitoring purposes (due to 

required labor and associated costs). This approach eliminates equipment installation (and 

corresponding traffic control), but also requires a low-cost labor force to manually review the video. 

Several companies offer a portable video recording unit as well as data reduction services. This 

recorded video may be useful to other agencies or departments that wish to study bicyclist and 

pedestrian behavior (e.g., in response to safety issues or concerns). Additionally, this recorded video 

can also be used for quality assurance purposes (i.e., for verification/validation of nearby automated 

counts).

4.2.9 EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

The commercial marketplace for non-motorized traffic monitoring is still maturing, and several 

companies are still working to adapt their motorized traffic monitoring technology to accurately 

count bicyclists and pedestrians. For example, several companies are working to adapt their existing 
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video image processing products to accurately count bicyclists and pedestrians. However, several 

companies have been successfully selling their non-motorized traffic monitoring equipment for more 

than a decade. An increased demand for non-motorized traffic monitoring data will provide 

incentives to existing companies that want to develop non-motorized traffic monitoring products. 

Mobile devices with GPS and/or Bluetooth capabilities also provide a means to monitor small samples 

of bicyclist and pedestrian traffic. Several cities are evaluating or using these technologies to gather 

route choice, origin-destination, and travel time data (e.g., San Francisco, Austin, and Monterey). 

However, these technologies alone cannot directly count the total volumes of bicyclists and 

pedestrians.

4.3 VARIABILITY AND TRAFFIC MONITORING CONCEPTS

Comprehensive information on non-motorized traffic variability is limited, primarily because very few 

public agencies have collected and analyzed continuous non-motorized traffic data to date. Future 

analyses will contribute a much better understanding to the traffic monitoring guidance contained 

here. For this section, a single continuous monitoring location (i.e., Cherry Creek Trail, Denver, 

Colorado) is used to illustrate variability at that site. This single example may not be indicative of nonmotorized traffic variability at other U.S. locations, especially those with a mild climate year-round.

4.3.1 TIME-OF-DAY VARIATION

The time-of-day variation for mixed-mode (i.e., pedestrians and bicyclists), non-motorized traffic at a 

single location is shown in Figure 4-11. The time-of-day patterns for non-motorized traffic data will 

vary by location and trip purposes. The time-of-day patterns are somewhat different from car and 

truck patterns (Figure 1-2), but similarities do exist. Diurnal peaking patterns can be seen during the 

weekdays for non-motorized traffic; however, the non-motorized peaks are less pronounced than the 

car and truck peaks. The weekend profiles for non-motorized traffic have a single peak (same as rural 

cars), but the non-motorized peak is mid-day (as opposed to an evening peak for rural cars) and is 

much more pronounced (12%-13% for non-motorized as compared to 8% for rural cars). For this trail 

in Colorado, the time-of-day patterns for non-motorized traffic do vary by season of the year.
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FIGURE 4-11 TIME-OF-DAY PATTERNS FOR A COLORADO SHARED USE PATH

Source: Cherry Creek Trail continuous count data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010.

Figure 4-12 shows average hourly traffic profiles from 12-hour manual counts of bicyclists and 

pedestrians on 43 weekdays in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This data illustrates one of the limitations of 

manual counting relative to automated counting: it is expensive and difficult to obtain 24-hour 

counts. However, these counts illustrate patterns in time-of-day use and that peak hour counts 

correlate well with 12-hour counts. This data also underscores the importance of longer-duration 

counts so that the limitations of short duration (e.g., two hour) counts can be understood 

and interpreted.

Figure 4-12 also illustrates that different time-of-day traffic patterns may occur when pedestrian and 

bicyclist modes are reported separately. In this case, pedestrian traffic has a much stronger mid-day 

peak than bicyclists. If automated counter equipment can differentiate pedestrians from bicyclists, 

then counts should be stored separately by mode to permit analysis and reporting by mode (if 

desired). 
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FIGURE 4-12 AVERAGE TIME-OF-DAY PATTERNS FOR 43 SHORT-DURATION MONITORING 

LOCATIONS IN MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Source: Greg Lindsey, University of Minnesota.

4.3.2 DOW VARIATION

The DOW variation for mixed-mode non-motorized traffic at a single location is shown in Figure 4-13. 

The overall profile of the non-motorized traffic is similar to the recreational car or through truck as 

shown in Figure 1-4. However, the weekend traffic is more pronounced for the non-motorized trail 

traffic. The other significant difference is how the magnitude varies by season of the year. As shown 

in Figure 4-13, the typical DOW traffic during the summer and early fall months (June through 

September) are nearly twice that during the winter and spring months (October through May).
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FIGURE 4-13 DOW PATTERNS FOR A COLORADO SHARED USE PATH

Source: Cherry Creek Trail continuous count data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010.

The DOW patterns shown in Figure 4-13 are averaged over a full year. The actual day-to-day variation 

of non-motorized traffic volumes will be substantially greater than shown in this figure. Adverse 

weather (e.g., heavy rain, extreme hot or cold temperatures) has a significant impact on bicycling and 

walking traffic levels. In fact, even forecasts of adverse weather may also have an impact on nonmotorized traffic.

4.3.3 MONTHLY VARIATION

The monthly variation for mixed-mode, non-motorized traffic at a single location in Colorado is 

shown in Figure 4-14. The overall monthly patterns are similar to the rural car and truck patterns in 

Figure 1-5; however, the seasonality for non-motorized traffic is much more pronounced. For 

example, the peak summer non-motorized traffic during July is about 200%, or nearly twice the 

annual average. The winter non-motorized traffic (November through February) is about 50%, or onehalf of the annual average. Figure 4-14 clearly demonstrates the seasonal effects on non-motorized 

traffic at this Colorado location.
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FIGURE 4-14 MONTHLY PATTERNS FOR A COLORADO SHARED USE PATH

Source: Cherry Creek Trail continuous count data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010.

Figure 4-15 illustrates similar monthly patterns at six shared use path locations in Minneapolis, 

Minnesota where weather is more seasonal, with colder winters and more humid summers. The 

Minneapolis data, which are quite similar across the six locations, show greater seasonality than the 

Colorado data, with average daily traffic in summers more than double the annual average daily 

traffic, and winter (e.g., January) daily traffic well below 25% of annual average daily traffic. These 

two examples illustrate the importance of understanding the effects of weather and seasonality on 

non-motorized traffic.
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FIGURE- 4-15 MONTHLY PATTERNS FOR SIX SHARED USE PATH LOCATIONS IN 

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA

Source: Greg Lindsey, University of Minnesota.

4.3.4 PROGRAM AND TECHNOLOGY DESIGNS THAT ACCOUNT FOR TRAFFIC VARIABILITY

The variability described in the previous sections should be measured and accounted for in a nonmotorized traffic data collection and reporting program. The data collection program should also 

identify changes in these traffic patterns as they occur over time. To meet these needs in a cost 

effective manner, statewide traffic monitoring programs generally include:

 A modest number of permanent, continuously operating, data collection sites; and

 A large number of short duration data collection efforts.

The short duration counts provide the geographic coverage to understand traffic characteristics on 

individual roads, streets, shared use paths, and pedestrian facilities, as well as on specific segments of 

those facilities. They provide site-specific data on the time of day variation, can provide data on DOW

variation in non-motorized travel, but are mostly intended to provide current general traffic volume 

information throughout the larger monitored network. However, short duration counts cannot be 

directly used to provide many of the required data items desired by users. Statistics such as annual 

average traffic cannot be accurately measured during a short duration count. Instead, data collected 

during short duration counts are factored or adjusted to create these annual average estimates. The 

procedures to develop and apply these factors are discussed in Section 4.4. 

The development of those factors requires the operation of at least a modest number of permanently 

operating traffic monitoring sites. Permanent data collection sites provide data on seasonal and DOW

trends. Continuous count summaries also provide very precise measurements of changes in travel 

volumes and characteristics at a limited number of locations.
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4.4 PERMANENT DATA PROGRAM

The process for collecting continuous non-motorized traffic data should follow the steps already 

outlined for motorized traffic in Chapter 3, as follows:

1. Review the existing continuous count program;

2. Develop an inventory of available continuous count locations and equipment;

3. Determine the traffic patterns to be monitored;

4. Establish pattern/factor groups;

5. Determine the appropriate number of continuous monitoring locations;

6. Select specific count locations; and

7. Compute monthly, DOW, and hour-of-day (if applicable) factors to use in annualizing shortduration counts.

The following sections provide additional detail for implementing these steps.

In this edition of the Traffic Monitoring Guide, pedestrians and bicyclists are grouped together as 

non-motorized traffic. There will be differences in these two types of facility users that may affect the 

monitoring approach. However, the known distinctions and differences between pedestrian and 

bicyclist traffic will be pointed out in each combined section. As ongoing research identifies the best 

approach for each, future editions of the Guide may provide additional information for separate 

monitoring of pedestrian traffic and bicyclist traffic.

4.4.1 STEPS 1 AND 2: REVIEW THE EXISTING CONTINUOUS COUNT PROGRAM; DEVELOP AN 

INVENTORY OF AVAILABLE CONTINUOUS COUNT LOCATIONS AND EQUIPMENT

The first two steps are to inventory, review, and assess what your agency currently has (in regard to 

permanent monitoring locations and equipment). This may be a short exercise for some agencies, as 

permanent continuous counts are much less common than short-duration pedestrian and 

bicyclist counts.

However, these first two steps should not be bypassed simply because your own agency does not 

have permanent count locations. Because non-motorized traffic levels are typically higher on lowervolume and lower functional class roads/streets as well as shared use paths and pedestrian facilities, 

city and county agencies and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) have often been more 

active than State DOTs in monitoring non-motorized traffic. 

Therefore, if a State DOT traffic data collection program will monitor non-motorized traffic, they 

should coordinate with local and regional agencies as they inventory and review existing continuous 

counts. Additionally, they should inquire with departments other than the transportation or public 

works department. The following lists possible agencies and/or departments that may have installed 

permanent pedestrian and bicyclist counters:

 City or county parks and recreation department (e.g., on shared use paths);

 National or State parks (e.g., on internal or connector paths);

 Public health departments (e.g., monitoring physical activity);

 Retail or business associations (e.g., on pedestrian malls or plazas); and

 Pedestrian and/or bicyclist advocacy groups.

The process outlined in Section 3.2.1 for motorized traffic volume is equally applicable for nonmotorized traffic. The review of existing continuous counts should review and assess the following:
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Overall Program Design

 Existing monitoring locations and why they were chosen.

 Existing equipment and any noted performance/accuracy limitations.

 Who is using existing data, and for what decisions?

 Is the existing data sufficient? If not, what are the additional needs and their priorities?

 If there is no existing data, who would like data and for what decisions?

Traffic Patterns

If existing continuous count data is available, it should be analyzed to determine typical traffic 

patterns and profiles:

 How do counts vary throughout the day?

 How do counts vary by day of the week?

 How do counts vary by month or season?

 How do counts vary for inclement weather and other special events?

 How does traffic vary by street functional class and the presence of bike or pedestrian facilities?

 How do traffic patterns and profiles compare at different locations in areas with different land use 

and demographic characteristics?

Note that the count magnitude may not be similar, but the time-of-day, DOW, or month-of-year 

patterns may be similar in shape or overall profile. These patterns of variation will ultimately be used 

to create groups of similar locations (called factor groups) that can be used to factor (i.e., annualize) 

short-duration counts to an annual volume estimate.

If continuous non-motorized count data is not available, short-duration counts can be used to 

estimate the traffic patterns that may be typical. However, because of the higher variability of 

pedestrian and bicyclist count data, short-duration counts should be used with great caution. Shortduration counts cannot be used to determine monthly variability and, depending on the duration of 

the counts, may not be indicative of typical DOW variability. In addition, inclement weather or other 

special events may skew the time-of-day patterns in short-duration counts. In most cases, though, 

some data is better than no data in establishing typical traffic patterns.

Data Processing

In reviewing the current program and existing non-motorized data, one should also understand the 

basics of how data is processed by the field equipment and loaded into its final repository, whether 

that be a stand-alone spreadsheet, a mode-specific database, or a traffic monitoring data warehouse. 

The following elements should be considered:

 What formats (e.g., data structure, time intervals, metadata) are available and/or being reported 

from the field equipment?

 What quality assurance and quality control processes are applied to the field data?

 Are suspect or erroneous data flagged and/or removed?

 What summarization or adjustment procedures are applied to the field data?

 How does the current process/system address missing data (e.g., due to equipment hardware, 

software, or communications errors)?

 Are estimated or imputed values flagged or documented with metadata?
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 Are the non-motorized data stored/integrated with motorized data? Alternatively, is there an 

entirely separate process?

 Are data summarization processes automated to the fullest extent possible? At what points are 

manual review and/or intervention required?

Subjective data manipulation or editing should be avoided. Instead, appropriate business rules and 

objective procedures can be used in combination with supporting metadata to address missing or 

invalid data. 

Summary Statistics

The final step in reviewing the existing program is to consider summary statistics, both those that are 

currently computed as well as those that may be needed. Permanent count locations should be 

providing count data 24 hours per day, 365 days per year; however, this continuous data stream is 

often summarized into a few basic summary statistics, like annual average daily traffic. Because of the 

greater monthly variability of non-motorized traffic, other summary statistics may be more relevant:

 Seasonal average daily traffic (includes those months that contain at least 80 percent of the 

annual traffic) (seasonal average daily traffic (SADT) is a traffic statistic used by the National Park 

Service in recreational areas that have very high seasonal peaking (e.g., very high use in summer 

with low use in winter));

 Average daily traffic by month and day of week; and

 Peak hour volumes for peak seasons (i.e., different user types in summer and winter for shared 

use paths). 

The review of existing and needed summary statistics should be based on those users and uses that 

have been identified earlier in this process. In this way, one can ensure that the variety of users has 

the required information to make decisions. 

4.4.2 STEP 3: DETERMINE THE TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO BE MONITORED

After reviewing the existing non-motorized program (both what is being done and what is needed), 

Step 3 is to determine those traffic patterns that are to be monitored. Part of this determination will 

depend upon the functional road classes and bicyclist and pedestrian facilities of interest. For 

example, do State DOTs want to collect pedestrian and bicyclist count data on local streets, shared 

use paths, and pedestrian facilities that are considered off-system (i.e., not included on the State 

highway system)? In some cases, State DOT funding has been used for non-motorized projects on 

local streets and shared use paths through the Transportation Enhancements (TE) or Congestion 

Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funding categories.

Once the non-motorized network to be monitored has been defined, one should determine the most 

likely types of traffic patterns that are expected on this network. In most cases, the non-motorized 

network will include facilities that have a mix of commute, recreational, and utilitarian trips. 

Depending upon the relative proportions of these different trip types, distinct traffic patterns will 

emerge. These patterns should be used in the Step 4 to establish seasonal pattern groups. 

The most common way to determine typical traffic pattern groups is through the visual analysis and 

charting of existing data. Continuous count data is preferred for this step, but short-duration counts 

(multiple full days, but not two-hour counts on a single day) may also be used with caution.

4.4.3 STEP 4: ESTABLISH SEASONAL PATTERN GROUPS

In the previous step (Step 3), existing non-motorized data was used to determine the traffic patterns 

that are to be monitored. In Step 4, this information is used to establish unique traffic pattern groups 

that will be used as the foundation for the monitoring program.
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In some cases, non-motorized count data may not be available in Step 3 to determine the most likely 

traffic pattern groups. In these cases, previous analyses of non-motorized data from previous studies 

or of similar locations should be used as a starting point. Once more non-motorized data is gathered 

in your region, these traffic pattern groups can be refined based on your local data.

Previous (but limited) research indicates that non-motorized traffic patterns can be classified into one 

of these three categories (each with their own unique time-of-day and DOW patterns):

 Commuter and work/school-based trips – typically have the highest peaks in the morning 

and evening;

 Recreation/utilitarian – may peak only once daily, or be evenly distributed throughout the day;

 Mixed trip purposes (both commuter and recreation/utilitarian) – has varying levels of these two 

different trip purposes, or may include other miscellaneous trip purposes.

For example, Figures 4-16, a-b-c shows typical traffic patterns for a permanent monitoring location 

that has a higher percentage of commuting-based trips:

 The time-of-day patterns (16a) show strong peaks during the morning and evening, with less 

traffic during mid-day.

 The DOW patterns (16b) show more traffic occurring during the weekdays than the weekends, 

and the pattern is consistent across all months.

 The month-of-year patterns (16c) show less variation throughout the year than Figures 4-14 and 

4-15, regardless of season or climate.

FIGURE 4-16A TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

COMMUTING TRIPS; B90007 6

TH AVENUE/VAUGHN STREET; 1/1/2011-

12/31/2011

HOUR OF DAY

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.
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FIGURE 4-16B TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

COMMUTING TRIPS; B90007 6

TH AVENUE/VAUGHN STREET; 1/1/2011-

12/31/2011

DAY OF WEEK

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.

FIGURE 4-16C TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

COMMUTING TRIPS; B90007 6

TH AVENUE/VAUGHN STREET; 1/1/2011-

12/31/2011

MONTH

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.

Figures 4-17, a-b-c show typical traffic patterns for a permanent monitoring location that has a higher 

percentage of recreation-based trips:

 The time-of-day patterns (17a) show a single strong peak during the middle of the day, with little 

or no morning and evening peaks.
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 The DOW patterns (17b) show more traffic occurring during the weekends than the weekdays, 

and the levels vary by season.

 The month-of-year patterns (17c) show a strong peak during the most ideal months (late spring 

and summer) for recreational trips.

FIGURE 4-17A TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

RECREATIONAL TRIPS; B90004 US36; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011

HOUR OF DAY

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.

FIGURE 4-17B TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

RECREATIONAL TRIPS; B90004 US36; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011

DAY OF WEEK

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.
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FIGURE 4-17C TYPICAL TRAFFIC PATTERNS FOR LOCATIONS WITH HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF 

RECREATIONAL TRIPS; B90004 US36; 1/1/2011-12/31/2011

MONTH

Source: Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation, 2010-2011.

Overall climate conditions will strongly influence seasonal patterns. Day-to-day weather conditions 

will also influence specific daily or weekly patterns, but should not have a seasonal impact.

Facility type and adjacent land use are important variables; however, these will influence the mix of 

trip purpose, which is likely the strongest predictor of time-of-day and DOW traffic patterns.

4.4.4 STEP 5: DETERMINE APPROPRIATE NUMBER OF CONTINUOUS MONITORING 

LOCATIONS

Very little is known about spatiotemporal variation of non-motorized traffic, and what is known is 

very location-specific and difficult to generalize nationwide. In most cases (where no non-motorized 

counting currently exists), the number of count locations will be based on what is feasible given 

existing traffic monitoring budgets. 

If equipment budgets are not constrained, then a rule of thumb is that about three to five continuous 

count locations should be installed for each distinct factor group (based on trip purpose and 

seasonality). The number of permanent count locations can be refined and/or increased as more data 

is collected on non-motorized traffic.

4.4.5 STEP 6: SELECT SPECIFIC COUNT LOCATIONS

Once the number of locations within factor groups has been established, the next step is to identify 

specific monitoring locations. Several considerations should be addressed in this step.

Differentiating pedestrian and bicyclist traffic – Will pedestrian and bicyclist traffic be separately 

monitored at each permanent count location? In the case of shared use paths, pedestrians and 

bicyclists will be traveling in the same space, and specialized equipment should be used to 

differentiate these different user types. In other situations, it may be preferable to monitor bicyclists 

separately from pedestrians. Exclusive bicycle lanes or separated bicycle paths can be instrumented 

with inductance loops (permanent) or pneumatic tubes (short-duration) that will not count 

larger/heavier motorized vehicles. Pedestrian malls, sidewalks or walkways can be instrumented with 

a single-purpose infrared counter if bicyclists are not typically present.
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Selecting representative permanent count locations – Although it may be tempting to select the 

most heavily used locations for permanent monitoring, one should focus primarily on selecting those 

locations that are most representative of prevailing non-motorized traffic patterns (while still having 

moderate non-motorized traffic levels). In some cases, permanent count locations may be installed at 

low-use locations if higher use is expected after pedestrian or bicycle facility construction. The 

primary purpose of these continuous monitoring locations is to factor/annualize the other shortduration counts. Continuous counts at a high-pedestrian or high-bicyclist location may look 

impressive, but may not yield accurate results when factoring short-duration counts. 

Selecting optimal installation locations – Once a general site location is identified, the optimal 

installation location should be chosen for the specific monitoring technology and equipment. In most 

cases, the optimal location is:

 On straight, level sections of road or trail, not on curves or on or near a steep grade;

 On smooth pavement or other compacted surface;

 Where the traveled way is clearly delineated and deviation is not common;

 For infrared sensors, not near water or in direct sunlight; 

 For infrared sensors, not directly facing the roadway unless a vertical barrier exists; and

 For inductance loop detectors, not near high-power utility lines that could disrupt or distort the 

detection capability.

4.4.6 STEP 7: COMPUTE ADJUSTMENT FACTORS

The computation of adjustment factors should follow a similar process as motorized traffic volumes 

outlined in Section 3.2.1. These adjustment factors will be calculated for each unique non-motorized 

traffic factor group as determined in Step 4. 

In practice, very few agencies have applied monthly or DOW adjustment factors to short-duration 

non-motorized counts. The current prevailing practice is to collect short-duration counts during those 

dates and times that are believed to be average, thereby reducing the perceived need for 

adjustment. However, this practice should evolve to a more traditional traffic monitoring approach as 

more permanent non-motorized count locations are installed.

4.5 SHORT DURATION DATA PROGRAM

Similar to motorized traffic monitoring, the majority of non-motorized locations will be monitored 

using short-duration counts. However, in some non-motorized monitoring programs the distinction 

between short-duration counts and special needs counts is not clearly defined. Short-duration counts 

are performed on specific facilities based on certain needs for that facility (e.g., before-after), but it is 

not known whether that specific facility is representative of other facilities and can therefore be 

expanded to a sub-area or regional estimate of overall non-motorized travel.

Unfortunately, clear guidance does not yet exist on this statistical representation issue and one will 

have to use their best judgment in determining which special needs counts also can be used to 

represent sub-area or regional travel estimates and trends.

4.5.1 SELECTION OF COUNT LOCATIONS

For motorized traffic, State DOTs have a short-duration data program that provides traffic data for all

roads on their State highway system. The same goal for non-motorized traffic data may not be 

feasible, especially since most non-motorized travel occurs off the State highway system and on 

lower-volume and lower-speed city streets, shared use paths, and pedestrian facilities.
4-34

The prevailing practice for collecting short-duration non-motorized traffic data has been to focus on 

targeted locations where activity levels and professional interest are the highest. Although this nonrandom site selection may not yield a statistically representative regional estimate, it provides a more 

efficient use of limited data collection resources (e.g., random samples could possibly result in many 

locations with low or very low non-motorized use).

The following National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation (NBPD) Project criteria are 

recommended for short-duration counts: 

 Pedestrian and bicycle activity areas or corridors (downtowns, near schools, parks, etc.);

 Representative locations in urban, suburban, and rural locations;

 Key corridors that can be used to gauge the impacts of future improvements;

 Locations where counts have been conducted historically;

 Locations where ongoing counts are being conducted by other agencies through a variety of 

means, including videotaping;

 Gaps, pinch points, and locations that are operationally difficult for bicyclists and pedestrians 

(potential improvement areas);

 Locations where either bicyclist and/or pedestrian collision numbers are high; and

 Select locations that meet as many of the criteria as possible.

The number of short-duration count locations will depend on the available budget and the planned 

uses of the count data. To date, there has been no definitive analysis of, or guidance for, determining 

the required number of short-duration count locations. For most regions getting started with 

counting non-motorized travel, the short count program is best developed by working with other key 

stakeholders interested in collecting and using this data. By discussing needs and budgets, this group 

can identify and prioritize the special needs short count locations which the available data collection 

budget can afford to collect. (These same discussions should also identify those key regional facilities 

that should be used for early deployment of permanent counters that will then be used to expand the 

short count data into estimates of annual and peak use.) The special needs counts will then provide 

the data needed to guide the development of a more statistically valid sample of short count 

locations. These more statistically rigorous sample designs will become possible in the future as more 

data is collected and as research is performed in the coming years.

Once general monitoring locations have been identified, the most suitable counter positioning should

be determined. The NBPD Project recommended the following guidance for counter positioning:

 For multi-use paths and parks, locations near the major access points are best.

 For on-street bikeways, locations where few if any alternative parallel routes are best.

 For traditional downtown areas, a location near a transit stop or in the center of downtown is 

best.

 For shopping malls, a location near the main entrance and transit stop is best. Count at one 

access point.

 For employment areas, either on the main access roadway or near off-street multi-use paths is 

best. Count at one access point, typically a sidewalk and street.

 For residential areas, locations near higher density developments or near parks and schools are 

the best. Count at one access point, typically a sidewalk or street.

In many cases, these recommended counter-positioning locations will result in the highest nonmotorized traffic volumes. Given limited data collection resources and specific data uses, this focus 
4-35

on high-use locations may be appropriate. However, one should recognize that these high-use 

locations might represent a biased estimate of use levels and trends for an entire city or State.

4.5.2 SCREENLINE VERSUS INTERSECTION COUNTS

The two basic location types for non-motorized traffic monitoring are:

1. Screen line counts that are taken at a mid-segment location along a non-motorized facility (e.g., 

sidewalk, bike lane, cycle track, shared use path); and,

2. Intersection crossing counts that are taken where a non-motorized facility crosses another 

facility of interest.

Screen line counts are typically used to identify general use trends along a facility, and are analogous 

to most short duration motorized traffic counts. Although taken at a specific location, screen line 

counts are sometimes applied to the full segment length to calculate vehicle-miles of travel, 

pedestrian-miles of travel, and bicyclist-miles of travel.

Intersection crossing counts are typically used for safety and/or operational purposes, and are most 

analogous to motorized intersection turning movement counts. Example applications include using 

intersection counts to determine exposure rates at high collision crossings, as well as to retime or 

reconfigure traffic signal phasing. Intersection counts are typically more complicated than screen line 

counts and may require additional counters, primarily because multiple intersection approaches are 

being counted at once.

The uses of the non-motorized traffic data will dictate which types of counts are most appropriate.

4.5.3 DURATION OF COUNTS

There is no definitive guidance on the minimum required duration of short-duration counts. The 

prevailing practice has been two consecutive hours on a single day, but that practice is evolving as 

more public agencies use automatic counters and become aware of the inherent variability of nonmotorized traffic. The following paragraphs discuss several factors that agencies should consider 

when determining the duration of their short-duration counts.

Manual Versus Automated Collection

The use of automatic counter equipment can dramatically extend the duration of short-duration 

counts. If automatic counters are used, then the minimum suggested duration is 7 days (such that all 

weekday and weekend days are represented). Depending on several other factors (e.g., day-to-day 

count variability, the total number of short-duration monitoring sites, and the number of automatic 

counters), the preferred duration of automatic counts could be as long as 14 days at each location.

The use of manual observers will limit the duration of short-duration counts. However, the minimum 

suggested duration for manual observers is 4 to 6 hours and should be scheduled to coincide with the 

heaviest non-motorized use (typically mid-day for weekend/recreational trips and morning/evening 

commute times for other trips). Manual observers’ counting accuracy declines after 2 hours, so 

observers should be given short breaks or replaced with other observers. The preferred length for 

short-duration counts is 12 hours, which permits calculation of time-of-day use profiles. However, it is 

recognized that available resources may limit the collection of 12-hour counts.

The prevailing practice for short-duration manual counts has been 2 hours, largely because of 

resource and manual observer limitations. There is recognition that 2 hours of count data is better 

than no data; however, 2 hours of count data may lead to high error rates when annualizing counts 

and could lead to erroneous conclusions. If manual observers are the only possibility for shortduration counts, then agencies are encouraged to count for longer periods at fewer locations. 

Alternatively, the NBPD project (National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project: Instructions) 

has encouraged agencies to count multi-hour periods on several different days:
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“We suggest that between 1 and 3 counts be conducted at every location on sequential days and 

weeks, based on the approximate levels of activity. Areas with high volumes (over 100 people per hour 

during mid‐day periods) can usually be counted once on a weekday and weekend day, unless there is 

some unusual activity that day or land use nearby.”

“Areas with lower activity levels and/or with unusual nearby land uses (with any irregular activity, 

such as a ball park) or activity (such as a special event) should be counted on sequential days or weeks 

at least one more and possibly two more times.”

Count Magnitude and Variability

If non-motorized traffic levels are high and consistent from day-to-day, then shorter periods and/or 

fewer days may be considered. However, a longer-duration count period will be needed to determine 

how variable the non-motorized traffic is by time-of-day and DOW. Unfortunately, there is little 

quantitative guidance or consensus in this area, and ongoing research will improve future guidance.

Weather

Weather can be a significant factor in the level and variability of non-motorized traffic and should be 

considered when developing a short-duration monitoring program. Seasonal weather patterns (such 

as cold winters or hot/humid summers) are expected by pedestrians and bicyclists and will result in 

relatively consistent patterns from year to year. However, heavy precipitation or unexpectedly hot or 

cold weather may introduce abnormal variations on a given time of day or day of year. These 

variations can both generate unusually high levels of activity (e.g., a very nice day) or depress 

otherwise expected levels of activity (due to very bad weather.)

If automatic counter equipment is used for short-duration counts in typical weather, then the 

minimum suggested duration is 7 days (such that all weekday and weekend days are represented). 

This duration provides an average of 5 weekdays and 2 weekend days. However, if atypical heavy 

precipitation or inclement weather occurs during this entire 7-day period, agencies should consider 

extending the duration to 14 days.

When heavy precipitation or inclement weather occurs with manual observers, the counts should be 

extended over multiple days at the same time. Local judgment should be used to determine whether 

to include inclement-weather days into a multi-day average.

Because of inclement weather’s influence on non-motorized traffic, weather conditions should be 

recorded in a non-motorized traffic monitoring program. The non-motorized data submittal format in 

Chapter 7 recommends three weather-related attributes:

1. Precipitation (yes/no): Did measurable precipitation fall at some time during data collection?

2. High temperature: Approximate high temperature for either the day (if a day or longer count) or 

the duration of the count (if the count is less than a day in duration).

3. Low temperature: Approximate low temperature for either the day (if a day or longer count) or 

the duration of the count (if the count is less than a day in duration).

Historical weather data can be obtained from several different sources and does not necessarily have 

to be collected at the exact count location.

4.5.4 MONTHS/SEASONS OF YEAR FOR DATA COLLECTION

The specific months/seasons of the year for short-duration counts should be chosen to represent 

average or typical use levels, which can be readily determined from permanent continuous counters 

(thereby underscoring the importance of these automatic continuous counters). In most climates in 

the U.S., the spring and fall months are considered the most representative of annual average nonmotorized traffic levels (e.g., the NBPD projects recommends mid-May and mid-September).
4-37

Short-duration counts may be collected during other months/seasons of the year that are not 

considered average or typical; however, a factoring process will be necessary to adjust these counts 

to best represent an annualized estimate of non-motorized traffic.

4.5.5 FACTORING SHORT-DURATION COUNTS

As indicated in the previous section, a factoring process may be necessary to adjust short-duration 

counts to best represent an annualized estimate. The factoring process for motorized traffic has been 

described in depth in Chapter 3. It is recommended that a similar factoring process be used to 

annualize non-motorized traffic counts.

Depending on the count duration, type of automated equipment used, and presence of inclement 

weather, there may be up to five factors that could be applied:

1. Time-of-day: If less than a full day of data is collected, this factor adjusts a sub-daily count to a 

total daily count.

2. DOW: If data is collected on a single weekday or weekend day, this factor adjusts a single daily 

count to an average daily weekday count, weekend count, or day of week count.

3. Month/season-of-year: If less than a full year of data is collected, this factor adjusts an average 

daily count to an annual average daily count.

4. Occlusion: If certain types of automatic counter equipment are used, this factor adjusts for 

occlusion that occurs when pedestrian or cyclists passing the detection zone at the same time 

(i.e., side-by-side or passing from different directions).

5. Weather: If short-duration counts are collected during periods of inclement weather, this factor 

adjusts an inclement weather count to an average, typical count.

Adjustment factors are developed for distinct factor groups, which are groups of continuous counters 

that have similar traffic patterns. The continuous counters in the factor groups provide year-round 

non-motorized traffic counts and permit these short-duration counts to be annualized in a way that 

minimize error. 

The non-motorized data submittal formats in Chapter 7 provide the capability to report these five 

types of adjustment factors in five separate factor groups.

Although factoring is a straightforward mathematical process, very few agencies are using factor 

groups for non-motorized traffic counts. There is no consensus yet on several aspects of the factoring 

process, such as the required type of factor adjustments, the number of factor groups for each 

adjustment type, and the number of continuous count locations within each factor group. It is hoped 

that future editions of the Guide will be able to provide additional guidance on this non-motorized 

count factoring process.

Many State DOTs do have data warehouse tools that already perform the factoring process for 

motorized traffic counts. Many of these tools and factoring processes could be used for nonmotorized traffic factoring, given some adaptation as discussed.

4.5.6 EXAMPLE: FACTORING SHORT-DURATION COUNTS

The following is a simplified example that illustrates the process of calculating an estimate of average 

annual traffic based on a short-duration count. The example (Lindsey, G., Chen, J., Hankey, S., and 

Wang, X., 2012.) uses adjustment factors from a permanent monitoring location to annualize the 

short-duration counts. The example is for mixed-mode non-motorized traffic (i.e., bicyclists and 

pedestrians combined) along the Midtown Greenway, a shared-use path in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

An active infrared counter was used at the permanent monitoring location along the Greenway, near 

an intersection with Hennepin Avenue.
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For this example, assume that the Minneapolis Department of Public Works installed a temporary 

infrared sensor to count traffic for 48 hours on a Friday and Saturday in February 2012 on a different 

shared-use path where no monitoring previously had occurred (Monitoring Site A). Suppose further 

that the 24-hour mixed-mode traffic count for Friday was 175 and that the 24-hour count for 

Saturday was 250. What is a reasonable estimate of annual traffic (or annual average daily traffic 

(AADT)) at Site A? DOW and monthly ratios or adjustment factors from the Midtown GreenwayHennepin Avenue location can be used to obtain this estimate. 

Table 4-2 presents the following actual mixed-mode traffic count statistics for 2011 at the Hennepin 

Avenue monitoring location along the Midtown Greenway:

 Annual average daily traffic (AADT);

 Monthly average daily traffic (MADT);

 Ratio of mean day of week traffic to MADT for each month; and

 Ratio of MADT to AADT for each month. 

The steps in using these factors to obtain estimates of annual traffic and AADT for Site A are:

1. Use the 2011 Friday and Saturday mean daily traffic ratios for February to calculate an average 

adjustment factor for the February 2012 48 hour monitoring period.

2. Estimate the MADT for February 2012.

3. Use the MADT/AADT ratio from February 2011 to estimate the 2012 AADT and 2012 annual 

traffic. 

From Table 4-2, the average Friday traffic in February 2011 was 1.04 times February average 

daily traffic, and the average Saturday traffic was 1.27 times February average daily traffic. 

Therefore, for the Friday-Saturday monitoring period, the average daily traffic was 1.16 times the 

February average daily traffic. 

4. Using this ratio, the 2012 February average daily traffic can be calculated from the 2012 48-hour 

traffic count:

2012 February average daily traffic = (175 + 250) / 1.16 = 183

5. From Table 4-2, the February MADT/AADT ratio is 0.18 (i.e., February average daily traffic is 18% 

of annual average daily traffic). This factor then is used to calculate AADT and annual traffic for 

2012 for Site A:

Site A AADT = (183 / 0.18) = 1,023

Site A cumulative annual traffic = 1,023 × 365 = 373,422

This example could easily be extended for counts of different duration (e.g., daily or weekly or peak 

hour). To extrapolate two-hour, peak hour counts, hourly adjustment factors from the continuous 

monitoring sites would be needed. While the general process would be the same, extrapolation from 

peak hour counts would introduce additional uncertainty into the estimates of AADT and annual 

traffic.
4-39

TABLE 4-2 2011 MIXED-MODE TRAFFIC COUNT STATISTICS FOR MIDTOWN GREENWAY NEAR HENNEPIN AVENUE, MINNEAPOLIS,

MINNESOTA

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Annual Average 

Daily Traffic

1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975 1,975

Monthly Average 

Daily Traffic 

(MADT)

239 354 586 1,807 2,753 3,699 4,099 3,896 2,805 1,960 886 495

Ratio of MADT 

to AADT 

0.12 0.18 0.30 0.92 1.39 1.87 2.08 1.97 1.42 0.99 0.45 0.25

Ratio of Sunday 

ADT to MADT

0.89 1.33 0.89 1.55 0.88 1.29 1.18 1.34 1.06 1.20 0.75 1.11

Ratio of Monday 

ADT to MADT

1.01 0.66 1.10 1.10 0.98 0.95 0.98 0.87 1.22 0.96 1.00 1.08

Ratio of Tuesday 

ADT to MADT

1.10 0.74 0.91 0.96 1.27 0.89 0.91 0.74 0.86 1.03 1.01 1.07

Ratio of 

Wednesday ADT to 

MADT

1.15 0.96 0.93 0.76 1.11 0.96 0.94 1.07 0.99 0.87 1.03 0.97

Ratio of Thursday 

ADT to MADT

1.06 1.00 1.03 0.88 0.93 0.96 0.90 1.03 0.85 0.87 0.97 0.92

Ratio of Friday ADT 

to MADT

0.97 1.04 0.84 0.78 0.79 0.96 0.95 0.88 0.87 0.82 1.31 0.91

Ratio of Saturday 

ADT to MADT

0.88 1.27 1.34 1.03 1.02 1.02 1.09 1.15 1.23 1.16 0.91 0.98

Source: Greg Lindsey, University of Minnesota.
5-1

Chapter 5 TRANSPORTATION MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

5.1 INTRODUCTION

Traffic monitoring within a State DOT affects many other functions and offices, and it is important for 

traffic monitoring staff to be aware of how their work and the data it produces affects the business of 

their customers and partners. Additionally, the audience for this Guide should be aware of how the 

work of their customers and partners affects their processes and work. The most important theme of 

this chapter is the need for coordination and cooperation among those groups responsible for traffic 

monitoring functions and the processes affected by them. This is especially important in light of the 

passage of MAP-21 and its emphasis on performance measures.

This chapter covers guidance and examples related to coordinating activities with transportation 

management and operations functions within State DOTs. The specific types of functions covered 

here include:

 Traffic management and operations (freeway, freight, arterial), including traveler information, 

incident management, and planning for operations (including performance measures);

 Special monitoring for evacuations/emergency/planned events;

 Commercial vehicle enforcement;

 Safety; and

 Planning (including access management, modeling and long range planning).

Most of the chapter is dedicated to coordination with the traffic management and operations 

functions covered in Section 5.2. Sections 5.3 through 5.6 are designed to inform traffic monitoring 

staff about the other functions listed above and to suggest coordination mechanisms.

5.2 TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

Traffic monitoring functions in many State DOTs are managed within two different workgroups, 

as follows.

1. Planning and Programming – this group collects, maintains, and reports historical traffic statistics 

for agency planning, programming, and public information. This group is the primary audience 

for this Guide. The discussion of data collected in the planning and programming group is 

distributed throughout the TMG.

2. Traffic Management and Operations – this group collects real-time traffic condition data to 

manage and operate the State highway network. This is often accomplished within 

transportation management centers (TMCs) where the flow of data and traveler information is 

managed.

Because these two groups are often organized into separate agency divisions or offices, they typically 

function independently of one another with their own separate budgets and traffic monitoring 

equipment and infrastructure. In some cases, these two groups may have traffic monitoring sensors 

placed immediately adjacent to one another, which operate and report independently.

Several State DOTs have begun developing cooperative approaches to traffic monitoring between 

their planning and operations groups. These DOTs are coordinating functions such as installing new 

equipment, sharing data from existing equipment, and sharing costs and responsibilities for 

installation and maintenance. In a time of severely constrained budgets, traffic monitoring resource 

coordination and sharing simply makes sense.
5-2

There can be significant cost savings associated with resource sharing. This section begins by outlining 

the typical data requirements for traffic management and operations, and compares and contrasts 

these requirements to typical planning-based data requirements. The section also provides several 

different examples to illustrate various possibilities for resource sharing. Appendix D and Case Studies 

3 and 4 also describe approaches used for data sharing.

5.2.1 TYPICAL DATA REQUIREMENTS FOR MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS

The first step in coordinating traffic monitoring activities between planning and operations-based 

workgroups is to understand the functions within each workgroup that have similar data 

requirements. These similar data requirements represent immediate opportunities for coordination 

and can be used to build the foundation for further cooperation.

Providing detailed data requirements for all possible traffic management functions is beyond the 

scope of this chapter. Instead, several attributes of typical operations-based traffic monitoring 

systems and functions are outlined. This outline should help to better define the common areas of 

interest as well as potential obstacles to overcome.

Types of Operations-Based Traffic Monitoring Systems

Although the specific details and capabilities are evolving, two basic types of operations-based traffic 

monitoring systems are relevant to this discussion:

1. Fixed-point sensor systems that measure the attributes of all detected vehicles passing a 

permanent equipment location. Inductive loop detectors are the most common fixed-point 

sensor, but other non-intrusive sensor technologies (e.g., radar, video, magnetometer, etc.) are 

increasingly being used.

2. Probe-based systems that monitor a sample of specially instrumented vehicles as they routinely 

traverse the road network. Probe-based systems can monitor vehicle travel at fixed locations 

(typically called re-identification, such as toll tag or Bluetooth matching), at predetermined time 

intervals using wireless communications (GPS or cell phone-based probes), or a combination. 

Probe-based systems can collect a variety of data attributes, but the most common attributes for 

traffic management functions are spot speed and/or link travel time. With re-identification systems, 

unique anonymous vehicle identifiers can be matched to provide origin-destination data. The probebased system only monitors a sample of specially instrumented vehicles; relevance to planning traffic 

monitoring (covering the entire populations) is limited. This is likely to change in the future, as 

specially instrumented vehicles become much more common or even universal in the traffic stream.

Area-based systems such as radar, video and satellite can detect multiple vehicles over an area at the 

same time. However, they are generally not used for traffic measurement. Fixed-point sensor 

systems will likely be the near-term target for cooperation and coordination between planning-based 

and operations-based traffic monitoring. In some cases, the exact same sensor technologies are used 

by both workgroups. However, several differences exist in the design of each workgroup’s monitoring 

system. 

Focus on Real-Time, Most Current Conditions – Operations-based systems are designed with a clear 

focus on gathering and using the most current, up-to-date real-time travel data. After inclusion of the 

Archived Data User Service (ADUS) in the National ITS Architecture in the late 1990s, more 

operations-based systems are including the capability to permanently archive/save real-time data. 

However, historical data retention and access remains a secondary focus and is sometimes neglected 

in traffic management systems.

Communications Design – Operations-based systems are designed to collect and send traffic data to a 

centralized database in real-time, which typically range from every 20 seconds to 2 minutes. 

Therefore, little traffic data is stored on field devices, and sometimes a real-time communications 

packet will fail. The result is small gaps of missing data across most locations and times of the day. 
5-3

Location of Sensors – Some operations-based sensors are placed in the immediate vicinity of freeway 

entrance ramps for metering entering traffic. On arterial streets, sensors are commonly placed at 

intersection approaches for presence detection for traffic signal control. These locations are desirable

for traffic control purposes (for measuring lane occupancy or presence), but are probably less than 

optimal for traffic counting purposes. However, operations-based data samples at locations like these 

should first be evaluated for accuracy instead of being dismissed outright.

Equipment Maintenance – For a variety of reasons, some DOTs have not been able to maintain their 

operations-based sensors at the level desired by planning-based workgroups. The most common 

workaround for this has been to designate a limited subset of the operations-based sensors for 

priority maintenance.

Equipment Calibration – In many TMCs, spot speed data is the most commonly used data attribute 

for incident detection, traveler information, and overall traffic management. Traffic counts are rarely 

used for traffic management functions. A consequence is that sometimes these fixed-point sensors 

are not adequately calibrated for accurate traffic counting (i.e., spot speeds can still be accurately 

measured even if the sensor does not detect all vehicles). 

5.2.2 EXAMPLES OF RESOURCE SHARING AND COORDINATION

Several State DOTs have tried to coordinate traffic monitoring approaches between their operation 

and planning workgroups. Some attempts have resulted in usable traffic data for both groups, some 

are ongoing, and a few have failed. The successful approaches can be categorized into four basic 

types, based on where the stream of collected data diverges into separate data flows to the traffic 

operations and planning workgroups (see Figure 5-1):

1. At the traffic sensor – Some non-intrusive traffic sensors offer on-device data storage capability, 

which provides the ability to bin and store data for two or more separate groups.

2. At the roadside cabinet – With traffic sensors that do not have on-device data storage capability, 

the data flow should be split at the roadside cabinet. With some equipment vendors, a single multifunction controller or traffic data recorder can be used to collect both real-time data for operations 

and binned count totals once daily for planning. With legacy equipment, a separate traffic data 

recorder may be needed for binning, in addition to the operations-based traffic controller.

3. After the TMC – Once the traffic data has been gathered by the TMC, it can be archived in its

original from-the-field format (such as 20-second periods), or it can be post-processed and 

summarized into aggregate data (such as 5-, 15-, or 60-minute time periods). Chapter 7 of the 

AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs contains detailed information on best practices to 

integrate operations data after it has been archived.

4. Coordinated equipment location only – This approach has been used when the traffic operations 

and planning workgroups cannot agree on a common traffic sensor specification. By selecting 

mutually agreeable equipment locations for traffic monitoring, the two groups, though using 

disparate technologies, can share/save on construction mobilization, power, and 

communications costs. In this approach, the roadside equipment cabinets may or may not be 

shared, depending upon each group’s needs and requirements.
5-4

FIGURE 5-1 COOPERATIVE APPROACHES FOR TRAFFIC MONITORING

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

When developed in 1999, the Archived Data User Service envisioned that real-time data would be 

sent to a historical archive (approach #3), which would then be the single entry point for all archived 

data users. In practice, however, several DOTs have found it more advantageous to capture traffic 

data for planning purposes earlier in the data stream (approaches #1 and #2). The following examples 

illustrate a variety of ways in which resources can be better coordinated for traffic monitoring 

purposes.

Case Study 1: Illinois

Illinois DOT planners have been using operations-based data for several years and have relied on a 

data archive (i.e., “After the operations center” in Figure 5-1) as their primary means to obtain the 

data.

The Illinois Traffic System Center (TSC) monitors nearly 150 freeway miles with 2,400 detectors. 

Transportation planners at the Illinois DOT and the Chicago Area Transportation Study (CATS) have 

used the TSC’s archived data for several years. The access mechanism and data formats have evolved 

several times since data sharing began. In 2004, a private company began collecting operations traffic 

data from its roadway sensors in the Chicago area as part of the FHWA’s Intelligent Transportation 

Infrastructure Program (ITIP). A provision of the ITIP contract requires the private company to 

integrate the public agency traffic data (in this case, Illinois DOT) with their own data and provide the 

combined archived data for planning purposes.

The Illinois DOT’s Office of Planning and Programming has designated 35 operations-based detector 

locations as continuous count stations. These 35 locations were selected based on spacing and the 

availability of detectors in all lanes. The Illinois DOT planners download hourly traffic data in MS Excel 

format on a monthly basis from the private company’s web site. The hourly traffic counts are 

imported into IDOT’s planning database, where they undergo standard data quality review checks. 

Valid data is then made available for summarization and reporting. Once integrated within the 

planners’ traffic database, the archived operations data is used for HPMS reporting as well as other 
5-5

AADT count reports.

Before the current system was in place, IDOT planners struggled with efficient data access and 

formatting issues. Early efforts at using IDOT TSC archived data for planning relied on paper copies of 

summarized data. In the 1980s and 1990s, CATS used the TSC archived data to produce a Travel Atlas 

that reported AADT values for the Northeastern Illinois Expressway System. IDOT planners have 

noted few problems with the current system for accessing archived operations data, and data quality 

has been acceptable due to responsive operations equipment maintenance procedures.

The most important lessons learned are as follows:

 Technical solutions are feasible to provide access to archived operations data, and proper data 

formatting allows easy import into planning databases; and

 Responsive equipment maintenance procedures build confidence in archived operations data and 

their use in official data reporting, such as HPMS and AADT counts.

Case Study 2: Minnesota

Minnesota DOT planners have been using operations-based data for several years and have 

contracted with the University of Minnesota-Duluth to develop software that automates the process 

(using the “After the operations center” approach shown in Figure 5-1). 

MnDOT’s Regional Transportation Management Center (RTMC) monitors more than 500 freeway 

miles and maintains about 5,000 inductive loop detectors (including both mainline and ramp-based 

detectors) in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The University of Minnesota-Duluth has developed postprocessing software that reviews the quality of the data, imputes missing data, and summarizes the 

archived operations data to planning-level traffic statistics for the planning division.

The MnDOT RTMC has made the archived operations data publicly available since the late 1990s and 

provides numerous data extraction and analysis tools. Both MnDOT operations and planning staff use 

the archived operations data for a variety of other applications and purposes. Detector maintenance 

has been a priority for MnDOT because the inductive loop detectors are essential for several key 

traffic management functions (like ramp metering). Typically, the detectors are operating at higher 

than 95% availability.

The most important lessons learned are as follows:

 Responsive equipment maintenance procedures build confidence in archived operations data and 

their use in official data reporting, such as HPMS and AADT counts; 

 Post-processing software can be developed to deal with data quality issues that may arise with 

archived operations data; and

 Good installation processes help to reduce maintenance and extend the life of sensors.

Case Study 3: Ohio

Ohio DOT planners have been working with their traffic operations group to obtain operations-based 

data from several different data archives (i.e., “After the operations center” in Figure 5-1). 

The Advanced Regional Traffic Interactive Management and Information System (ARTIMIS) in 

Cincinnati monitors more than 50 miles of freeway using 1,100 traffic detectors of various types. Ohio 

DOT planners selected several ARTIMIS detector locations to serve as continuous count stations. They 

were able to download the archived hourly traffic count files from an ARTIMIS computer server. The 

archived data were imported into the planning database as raw hourly counts, which were then 

processed by the data quality review checks. Valid data was then retained for summarization and 

reporting purposes, including HPMS reports and official AADT count reports. It was noted that there 

were some data quality issues with the archived operations data.
5-6

In addition to ARTIMIS in Cincinnati, recently developed traffic management software is used (and 

provides archived operations data) in Akron-Canton, Cleveland, and Columbus. The Ohio DOT 

planners provided input on a preferred data format for the archived data files that closely resembles 

those specified in the Traffic Monitoring Guide. The Ohio DOT planning group also cooperated with 

the operations group in specifying field computers that are capable of collecting vehicle classification 

data.

Similar to Illinois DOT, the Ohio DOT also uses ITIP operations-based data that has been collected and 

archived by a private data provider. This ITIP data is being collected at selected locations in Cincinnati 

and Columbus.

The most important lessons learned are as follows:

 Communicating early and often with the operations group is critically important. Preferred data 

format can be accommodated if communicated early in the software development process.

 Cooperation is possible on other things such as equipment standards. It may be desirable to 

specify certain performance and data output requirements for multipurpose traffic monitoring 

locations.

Case Study 4: Utah

Utah DOT planners first attempted to use the archived ITS data directly from the traffic operations 

center (i.e., “After the operations center” in Figure 5-1), but had the common problem of periodic 

missing/incomplete data. After several attempts, the planning group decided to install their own data 

collection units at selected operations-based locations (i.e., “At the roadside cabinet” in Figure 5-1). 

Recently, they have also begun using ramp traffic counts from an operations data archive that was 

provided via FHWA’s ITIP program.

Utah DOT planners are getting data from operations-maintained sensors. The planning group is using 

the operations-based cabinets and installing their own data collection equipment alongside the 

operations equipment. The equipment enables the signal from the traffic sensors to be split; the 

operations-based controller reports data in frequent time intervals (less than 5 minutes), whereas the 

planning-based equipment reports data on a daily basis. 

Newer non-intrusive sensors have also been installed by the Utah DOT operations staff, and these 

sensors permit multiple outputs at the traffic sensor itself (i.e., “At the traffic sensor” in Figure 5-1).

UDOT planners are also now getting ramp counts at about 50 locations from an archived ITS system 

called PeMS, which is similar software to what California is using. The Utah PeMS was installed as part 

of FHWA’s ITIP program. There is still some missing data in these ramp counts, but UDOT planners are 

able to use this data in their traffic monitoring system. Finally, the UDOT planning group does once-ayear spot checks at shared continuous locations to ensure that accurate data is being collected.

The most important lessons learned are as follows:

 Multiple approaches to resource sharing exist. If the data archive has lots of missing data, then 

alternative approaches are possible for getting operations-based sensor data directly.

 Periodic checks can be important to ensure ongoing data accuracy.

Case Study 5: Virginia

Virginia DOT (VDOT) has taken an innovative and unique approach to resource sharing with regard to 

traffic monitoring. In Virginia, the Traffic Engineering Division (TED) is responsible for traditional

traffic monitoring program activities. TED worked closely with the Operations and Security Division 

(OSD) (which operates the traffic operations centers) with the installation of planning-based sensors 

in less urbanized regions of the State. A major factor in the success of the program is that both TED 

and OSD fall under the same organization within VDOT. 
5-7

The VDOT approach has two components, depending upon the types of traffic sensors installed:

1. For existing inductive loop detectors, an existing commercial product is used to provide real-time 

data to traffic managers in OSD and daily data uploads to TED, with both data flows coming from 

the same equipment. This is analogous to “At the roadside cabinet” as shown in Figure 5-1.

2. For new installations of non-intrusive traffic sensors, separate data flows to both OSD and TED

are available from the traffic sensor itself (i.e., “At the traffic sensor” in Figure 5-1).

The TED had additional funding for equipment to meet the data requirements for performance 

measures, and this was the mechanism used to install the newer non-intrusive sensors. 

The most important lessons learned are as follows:

 Multiple approaches to resource sharing exist, and it does not always have to be the traditional 

traffic monitoring group that gets data from existing operations-based sensors. In the case of 

Virginia DOT, the operations group got data from traditional traffic monitoring sensors.

 Good working relationships can substantially improve the probability of success. 

 There is value in locating the traffic monitoring and TMC offices under the same division.

5.3 SPECIAL MONITORING FOR 

EVACUATIONS/EMERGENCY/PLANNED EVENTS

5.3.1 FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

Sudden shifts in the movement of traffic because of evacuations (planned or not planned), 

emergencies, or planned events have a significant impact on the operation of the transportation 

system. Emergency operations centers (EOCs) are often established during times of need such as 

weather events (hurricanes, etc.), homeland security breaches, and other unexpected emergency 

events. These EOCs are often collectors and users of traffic speed and volume data to carry out their 

functions.

There are functions within State departments (other than the DOTs) responsible for planning for 

large-scale events. These functions are usually associated with tourist or economic offices. 

Oftentimes, State traffic operations offices are notified and included in the planning of special events 

that may impact traffic operations and monitoring, and in the operation of EOCs. However, traffic 

monitoring functions within planning offices are not always included in these activities. However, 

having a good baseline of the traffic can only benefit in planning transportation management plans 

for special events.

5.3.2 TRAFFIC MONITORING AND PLANNED SPECIAL EVENTS

The FHWA Managing Travel for Planned Special Events Handbook: Executive Summary strongly 

encourages the use of traffic monitoring on the day of the event. Traffic monitoring is one of several 

day-of-event activities necessary to ensure a successful event and more importantly, future events. 

Real time traffic monitoring allows for a “swift and coordinated response to unplanned events.”

The Executive Summary provides a clear explanation of why traffic monitoring is an important day-ofevent activity. It provides traffic and incident management support in addition to performance 

evaluation data. Timely deployment of contingency plans developed during the event operations 

planning phase depends on the accurate collection and communication of real-time traffic data 

between traffic management team members. Potential uses of day-of-event traffic/conditions 

monitoring observations and information include:

 Track changes in system operations during event;

 Identify locations with poor performance;
5-8

 Note potential causes and required mitigation;

 Deliver information to decision-makers and public;

 Present specific improvements for future events; and

 Provide input to post-event evaluation activities.

Methods for collecting traffic data on the day-of-event include: 1) CCTV systems for viewing real-time 

conditions; 2) in-roadway or over-roadway traffic sensors; 3) vehicle probes for surveillance and 

travel data; 4) traffic signal and system detectors; 5) parking management systems; and 6) manual 

methods. Example statistics or measures that can be obtained from traffic monitoring on the day-ofevent include congestion delay, travel time, travel speed, change in travel mode, and change in 

transit ridership.

The FHWA Planned Special Events: Checklists for Practitioners includes traffic monitoring as one of its 

checklists.

FIGURE 5-2 STEP 4: TRAFFIC MONITORING ON DAY-OF-EVENT

Source: FHWA – HOP – 06-113, Planned Special Events: Checklists for Practitioners.
5-9

5.3.3 TRAFFIC MONITORING AND EVACUATIONS

FHWA’s iFlorida Model Deployment Final Evaluation Report (January 2009) found that prior to iFlorida, 

access to real-time traffic data to support evaluation decision making was limited. On a statewide 

level, Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) supported a network of 54 monitoring stations 

that uploaded hourly data and made that data available via the internet during a hurricane 

evacuation. Staff at the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) monitored this information and, 

when observed volumes significantly exceeded historical values, alerted evacuation managers at the 

SEOC. The Florida Highway Patrol also reported on congestion observed by its personnel in the field. 

Individual counties would sometimes report on traffic problems during regularly scheduled 

conference calls between the SEOC and all FDOT counties.

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) uses the data it collects for both leisure purposes and 

evacuations. The GDOT Office of Transportation Data provides data to a large variety of external 

customers, including transportation planning professionals, educational institutions, design 

engineers, contractors, real estate agencies, private companies, and other government agencies. 

Traffic data is important in determining which routes citizens are using for their daily commutes and 

leisure travel. In addition, during emergency evacuations, critical traffic data is provided to the 

Georgia Emergency Management Agency and surrounding states. The data is used on a state and 

national level by the U.S. DOT and other customers for planning, modeling, allocating of funding, etc. 

(Georgia Department of Transportation Traffic Monitoring Program V2, 2012.)

South Carolina has also incorporated traffic monitoring data into its evacuation plans. According to 

the Dorchester County Government website, emergency planners have significantly improved 

evacuation plans. Since Hurricane Floyd, the state has established lane-reversal strategies on some 

major highway such as Interstate 26, expanded traffic monitoring systems, and improved 

coordination of multi-state evacuation plans.

5.3.4 OPPORTUNITIES FOR COORDINATION

Traffic monitoring staff should proactively reach out to emergency operators and planners of special 

events on a routine basis. A collaboration mechanism should be established and coordination 

maintained to discuss issues such as data formats available and needed for sharing. They should 

make the traffic and speed data available to them for their use. A good example of this is in Florida, 

where the permanent traffic counters can be polled in real time to monitor the flow and speed of 

traffic along evacuation routes. The polling is activated during emergencies such as hurricane 

evacuation, and the real time data (updated every 5 minutes) is made available on a map on the 

Internet for the public and EOC use.

Occasionally, traffic monitoring staff may also obtain additional funding or sources of additional data 

to supplement their programs. 

5.4 COMMERCIAL VEHICLE ENFORCEMENT

5.4.1 FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

Commercial vehicle enforcement is an important function within a State DOT to ensure that 

overweight vehicles do not damage pavement and shorten the life of transportation facilities. The 

commercial vehicle operations (CVO) office may be located within operations, planning, or 

maintenance. However, it may fall outside the jurisdiction of the DOT altogether (e.g., Department of 

Public Safety). The CVO office often installs and maintains weigh in motion (WIM) equipment at 

designated locations (notably at weigh stations). The CVO is responsible for enforcing maximum 

weight limits for commercial vehicles. The CVO office is also often involved with planning for freight 

traffic and efficient operations within the State.
5-10

5.4.2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR COORDINATION

The traffic monitoring office should coordinate with the CVO office regularly regarding:

1. Shared use and maintenance of WIM equipment – Both groups could benefit from potential 

resource sharing.

2. Shared use of data – The CVO office can benefit from real time WIM data to detect overweight 

vehicles for purposes of enforcement. In addition, the CVO office could benefit from the traffic 

data generated by the traffic monitoring office for purposes of planning longer-term operations 

or enforcement activities. For example, traffic data should be made available to the CVO or 

department responsible for weight enforcement on a regular basis to assist in their targeted 

enforcement planning activities.

5.5 SAFETY

5.5.1 FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

National and State safety programs are dependent upon accurate, timely and complete data to 

support reporting, analysis of countermeasures, decision-making and resource allocation for safety 

improvement. The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) relies on both crash and roadway 

data elements to support safety analysis and planning. 

The safety community at Federal and State levels could benefit from working with their partners in 

the planning and operations offices of the State DOTs to ensure that the needed data is collected 

once and used many times, so that resources can be integrated and economies of scale achieved. 

Recent Federal initiatives have emphasized the need for integration of roadway, crash, and traffic 

data even more in support of highway safety programs.

Safety functions are generally conducted within a State DOT, either within the operations office, a 

separate safety office, or planning offices. Example functions include production of statistical reports 

and performance measures related to fatalities and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) and analysis of high 

crash locations based on crashes and VMT. 

5.5.2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR COORDINATION

Traffic monitoring staff should make a concerted effort to ensure that the safety offices are aware of 

the data collection and reporting capabilities in the traffic monitoring offices. They should learn how 

their safety partners are using VMT data and any other traffic data collected by the traffic monitoring 

group, and what other initiatives are ongoing in the safety offices that may be of interest to the traffic 

monitoring office. There may be opportunities for shared resources for locating traffic monitoring 

devices and for exchange of data and information collected by those devices. For example, there may 

be an opportunity to share resources to collect traffic data on non-state highway facilities because 

safety offices are required to report on crashes and VMT for all public roads.

5.6 PLANNING 

5.6.1 FUNCTIONS PERFORMED

The traffic monitoring group is often located in the transportation planning group within a State DOT. 

However, they may not always be aware of the opportunities for collaboration with the 

transportation planners related to data collection and analysis. The planning division is responsible 

for long and short range multi-modal transportation planning, which often involves the use of micro 

and macro travel demand models. The models often require detailed traffic volume and speed data 

as input to the models. This data is then used to produce travel forecasts, or projections of future 
5-11

travel, on a route or within a particular corridor. Planning staff are exploring new passive methods of 

data collection including private sector sources. Other planning functions that require traffic and 

speed data include access management, corridor planning, project prioritization, and programming of 

funding streams.

5.6.2 OPPORTUNITIES FOR COORDINATION

The traffic monitoring community should coordinate carefully with transportation planners to ensure 

they are aware of the vast data resources (including real time data) available for modeling and 

analysis. If the planning group is investigating newer data sources, the traffic monitoring community 

could benefit by integrating the new data with existing data.

For example, many offices within a State DOT are currently interested in obtaining private sector 

probe/GPS data for the purposes of speed and origin/destination data. These offices include 

operations, planning, and freight for the purposes of modeling, long-range planning, and 

performance reporting.

The traffic monitoring office should continue to partner with metropolitan planning organizations 

(MPOs) and Councils of Government (COGs) for exchange of traffic data used for modeling and 

analysis, particularly in urbanized areas or areas designated as non-attainment status according to 

the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

5.6.3 CONCLUSION

This chapter discussed the importance of establishing regular collaboration and communication 

between traffic monitoring professionals and many other State DOT and local government offices. 

Some mechanisms for establishing and maintaining such coordination are described below.

The first step should be to identify contacts in the relevant offices. Consider contacting the office 

manager for the relevant department/section to express the desire to coordinate. It may be 

appropriate to send the representative a copy of this chapter of the TMG. A discussion could follow 

to cover the following items/questions:

 Do you use traffic volume data in your business processes?

 If so, how?

 If not, why not?

 Are you aware of the data collected in the traffic monitoring unit?

These questions could start a conversation related to how the two offices could better share 

information, data, and possibly resources to achieve their individual mission.

Another successful strategy may be to establish a data coordination group. The group could be 

comprised of representatives from all of the offices mentioned in this chapter (operations, 

emergency, planned/special event planning, freight, commercial vehicle enforcement, safety, and 

planning). The group could meet on a regular basis to discuss what data is collected and how gaps or 

overlaps in collection could be resolved.

The end result of initiating and establishing regular communication mechanisms between traffic 

monitoring and other offices will be maximization of the use of limited resources for collecting, 

analyzing, and reporting traffic data. 
6-1

Chapter 6 HPMS REQUIREMENTS FOR TRAFFIC DATA

6.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides guidance to States in meeting the traffic reporting requirements of the Highway 

Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) program. Traffic data comprise a significant portion 

(approximately 25%) of the data that is reported annually for HPMS purposes. Each State’s traffic 

monitoring program is used to collect, process, and store a variety of types of traffic data. While the 

traditional traffic monitoring program includes the collection of volume, classification, weight, and 

speed data, the primary focus of the guidance in the TMG is on volume and classification data, both 

used for HPMS purposes. The traffic data reported in HPMS should mirror the State’s traffic 

monitoring program so that information published by the State and FHWA are as similar as possible. 

HPMS traffic data should be developed in a cooperative process among the State’s HPMS, traffic 

monitoring, and traffic demand modeling personnel.

This data is nationally standardized so that multiple uses of the data are possible, and the data should

be of the highest quality possible or it would not be acceptable for engineering capacity design, 

pavement deterioration analysis, or use in analytical models such as the Highway Economic 

Requirements System (HERS). This data is an important part of the Conditions and Performance 

Report to Congress and development of Federal transportation legislation. 

FHWA’s requirements for the States regarding data for HPMS are provided in the HPMS Field Manual

(HFM). This manual contains detailed instructions for the States regarding reporting of data for 

HPMS, including traffic data. The reader should refer to the most recent version of the manual for 

detailed traffic data reporting requirements, as those requirements may change over time. The 

information provided in the TMG is based on the most recent HPMS Field Manual of 2012. 

A limited amount of background information is provided here to offer an overview explanation of 

how the HPMS system is organized. The main difference for traffic monitoring is that HPMS is 

organized by road sections in order to estimate VMT and correlate with road inventory data. HPMS 

data cover what are known as full extent, sample panel, and partial extent. The following definitions 

for each of these types of data are from the HPMS Field Manual. 

Full extent data refers to a limited set of data items that are reported for an entire road system such 

as the National Highway System (NHS) or all public roads. AADT is an example of traffic data that 

should be reported on a full extent basis and reported for ramps at grade-separated interchanges

(HFS 4.4).

Sample panel data consists of data items added to the full extent data that are reported for a select 

portion of the total roadway system length. K-Factor and D-Factor are examples of traffic data that 

should be reported on a sample panel basis (HFM 4.4).

Partial extent data refers to those data items that are reported on a full extent basis for some 

functional systems and on a sample panel basis for other functional systems. AADT-single-unit (truck 

volumes) and AADT-combination (truck volumes) are examples of traffic data that should be reported 

on a partial extent basis (HFM 4.4). 

The purpose of sampling is to provide a statistically valid representation of the public road network 

for the State, without imposing additional data collection burdens. Within HPMS, these samples are 

expanded for a statistically valid representation of the public road network for the State. 

The State’s HPMS coordinator is responsible for providing the location of sample sections to the 

traffic monitoring staff as new samples are added or removed for each HPMS data collection year. 

The addition of samples, which may require additional traffic data collection, is determined by using 

the sample management process within the HPMS system. This process allows the HPMS coordinator 

to work with the traffic monitoring staff to either establish permanent count stations at those 
6-2

locations or take short duration coverage counts at specific locations to provide count data for use 

with HPMS. 

For sampling purposes, HPMS uses the Table of Potential Samples, or TOPS, as the sampling frame. 

HPMS sample sections are selected from the TOPS. The TOPS includes all Federal-aid highways, 

which are highways on the National Highway System (NHS) and all other public roads not classified as 

local roads or rural minor collectors. 

Five critical data items are used to establish the TOPS. One of these data items is AADT. The four 

additional items are functional system, through lanes, urban code, and facility type (used to identify 

ramps). TOPS sections are defined where the values for these five items remain unchanged (or are 

homogenous) for a section of road along the full extent of the road. Figure 6-1 illustrates the TOPS 

sections for a given route (Route ABC) based on the five homogenous data items. The potential TOPS 

sections are labeled as A, B, C, D, and E on the bottom row of the figure.

FIGURE 6-1 HPMS TOPS DEVELOPMENT PROCESS

Source: HPMS Field Manual.

Out of the five data elements listed above, States are typically organized such that the AADT comes 

from the traffic data program, and the other four data elements come from the road inventory data 

program. Working across these two programs to produce the HPMS statistics is challenging. The 

following is an example of this challenge.

HPMS requires combining tabular traffic data attributes with geospatial linear referencing system 

attributes. For example, the combination of point roadway traffic count data with the location (GIS 

point and linear features) provides information about where exactly along a traffic segment the 

original point traffic data is applicable. However, State DOTs are sometimes technically and 

administratively challenged with integrating GIS line and point features.

The AADT statistic is created by the travel monitoring program staff. In some States, the AADT 

attribute is stored in the roadway inventory, and in other States, the AADT attribute is stored with the 

travel monitoring data. States should establish business rules to synchronize roadway inventory and 

traffic data to support management of these data layers.

The HPMS Field Manual, Chapter 6, contains additional information on TOPS. 

The remainder of this chapter includes the following sections:

0 mi 8 mi 10 mi 20 mi 22 mi 26 mi
6-3

6.2 HPMS Requirements – This section describes traffic data reporting requirements for HPMS. 

6.3 Guidelines for Collecting Traffic Data to Support HPMS – This section provides guidance about 

how to acquire the traffic data needed to meet the HPMS requirements.

6.4 Calculation of Data Items – This section provides guidance about how to compute the HPMS data 

items and includes references.

6.2 HPMS REQUIREMENTS

While traffic data is collected and reported on a full extent, sample, and partial extent basis for 

HPMS, State highway agencies may not need to physically conduct traffic counts at all locations. In 

some cases, the States may rely on local governments to collect data and supply the data to the State 

for use with HPMS. In other cases, procedures such as ramp balancing can be used to estimate traffic 

volumes on roads where portable counts cannot be performed safely. Regardless of how the data is

collected, each State highway agency is responsible for the quality, completeness, and accuracy of all 

traffic data within their State boundaries. 

Specific emphasis is placed on the collection of vehicle classification data on HPMS sample sections, 

since this data is used in many nationally significant analyses, including estimating annual average 

truck travel and in pavement deterioration models. Truck volumes are used to calculate the percent 

of single-unit trucks (Pct_Peak_Single) and the percent of combination (Pct_Peak_Combination) 

trucks, in the form of annual average daily truck traffic (AADTT) provided by the State’s traffic 

monitoring program.

The volume data is also used to support the assessment of the nation’s transportation system and 

helps to ensure a fair distribution of Federal funds to maintain that system. 

6.2.1 HPMS DATA MODEL

The HPMS Data Model (Figure 6-2) is a geospatial model that allows updates to particular types of 

data, independent of other types of data. This means that traffic data can be updated without 

impacting pavement, inventory, route, and geometric data. The geospatial model also provides 

analytical capabilities to compare traffic data with other information, such as pavement data for use 

in pavement design, and geometric data for use in highway safety analysis.

The HPMS data model includes six catalogs and seventeen datasets. The traffic data reported in 

HPMS are stored in the Sections and Metadata catalogs. The Sections dataset identified as part of 

the Sections catalog grouping is used to store thirteen traffic data items, seven of which are provided 

by the States’ traffic monitoring program. The additional six items may be provided by other areas of 

the agency, including operations and/or other sections of the States’ planning division. The traffic 

data items reported in HPMS are identified in Table 6.1. The following data definitions indicate how 

these data items are defined for the HPMS program.

AADT – is the Annual Average Daily Traffic and represents all days of the reporting year for traffic on 

a section of road and is required for all Federal-aid highways and grade-separated interchange ramps

(HFM 4.4).

AADT_Single_Unit – is the Annual Average Daily Traffic for single-unit trucks and buses and is 

required for all National Highway System (NHS) and Sample Panel sections (HFM 4.4). This item 

requires detailed vehicle classification data and includes FHWA vehicle classes 4-7 (HFM 4.4).

Pct_Peak_Single – is the number of single-unit trucks and buses traveling on a section of road during 

the peak hour, divided by the AADT, and is required for all Sample Panel sections (HFM 4.4). This item 

requires hourly directional detailed vehicle classification data and includes FHWA vehicle classes 4-7

(HFM 4.4).
6-4

AADT_Combination – is the Annual Average Daily Traffic for Combination Trucks and must be 

reported for the entire NHS and all Sample Panel sections (HFM 4.4). This item requires detailed 

vehicle classification data and includes FHWA vehicle classes 8-13 (HFM 4.4).

Pct_Peak_Combination – is the percent of peak combination trucks traveling on a section of road 

during the peak hour. This item requires hourly directional detailed vehicle classification data and 

includes FHWA vehicle classes 8-13 (HFM 4.4).

K_Factor – is the peak hour volume (i.e., 30th highest hourly volume) expressed as a percentage of 

total AADT. This item is needed for all Sample Panel sections (HFM 4.4). It is best developed from 

hourly ATR data. The different methods used for developing short-duration and continuous count Kfactors are described in more detail in Chapter 3.

Dir_Factor – is the percent of peak hour volume flowing in the peak direction and is required for all 

Sample Panel sections (HFM 4.4).
6-5

FIGURE 6-2 HPMS DATA MODEL STRUCTURE

Source: HPMS Field Manual.

Shapes Catalog (GIS Shapefiles)

Summaries Catalog (Summary Data)

Sections Catalog 

(HPMS Section Data)

References Catalog 

(Reference Data)

Estimates Catalog (Estimates Data) Metadata Catalog (Metadata)

Statewide 

Summaries

Vehicle 

Summaries

Urban 

Summaries

County 

Summaries

NAAQS 

Summaries

Estimates Metadata

State Boundaries County Boundaries Climate Zone 

Boundaries

Urban Area 

Boundaries

Soil Type 

Boundaries Routes

NAAQS Area 

Boundaries

Sections Line References

Point References Sample Panel 

Identification

Datasets within each catalog

Dataset only submitted when changes have occurred to Urban Area Boundaries and 

the changes have been approved by FHWA

Datasets required from the States in the annual HPMS submittal

Datasets with Traffic Data required from the States in the annual HPMS submittal
6-6

TABLE 6-1 HPMS TRAFFIC DATA ITEMS

Item 

Number

Data Item Data Format Example Value

21 AADT Numeric 100,000

22 AADT_Single_Unit Numeric 10,000

23 Pct_Peak_Single

Decimal to nearest 0.1% 

(one-tenth)

2.2

24 AADT_Combination Numeric 30,000

25 Pct_Peak_Combination

Decimal to nearest 0.1% 

(one-tenth)

0.3

26 K_Factor Numeric (2-digit) 1-99 (represents 1%-99%)

27 Dir_Factor Numeric (2-digit) 1-99 (represents 1%-99%)

28 Future_AADT

29 Signal_Type

30 Pct_Green_Time

31 Number_Signals

32 Stop_Signs

33 At_Grade_Other

Further guidance for items 21 through 27 can be found in TMG Chapter 3. HPMS traffic data items 28 

through 33 are not collected by the States’ traffic monitoring program.

The standard HPMS reporting requirements for traffic data include the following topics, which are 

addressed in the subsequent paragraphs:

 AADT Reporting on Mainlines and Ramps;

 Travel Estimates for Local Roads and Rural Minor Collectors;

 Rounding AADTs;

 Motorcycle Counts;

 Vehicle Classification Counts;

 Truck AADT;
6-7

 Estimates of Travel by Vehicle Type;

 Volume Group Assignments; and

 Traffic Metadata.

6.2.2 AADT REPORTING ON MAINLINES AND RAMPS

AADT data is reported in HPMS for both mainlines and ramps on Federal aid facilities. The FHWA 

HPMS Field Manual provides the following guidelines.

 Mainline counts for each NHS, interstate, principal arterial, and sample panel section should be 

counted at least once every three years with yearly factored values provided for the intervening 

years (HFM 4.4). 

 Mainline counts for the non-principal arterial system and non-sample panel sections must be 

conducted at least once every six years with yearly factored values provided for the intervening 

years (HFM 4.4).

 Counts at grade-separated interchange ramp sections must be conducted at least once every six 

years with yearly factored values provided for the intervening years (HFM 4.4). 

 All traffic data reported for HPMS should be based on a minimum of 48-hour counts for traffic 

volume and vehicle classification data. The 48-hour counts are particularly important for the 

HPMS because standard data collection periods from all States ensure similar levels of accuracy 

and precision for all traffic volume data in the HPMS database. Seven day counts are the 

preferred method when possible.

 Bi-directional AADT should be reported for two-way roads; directional AADT should be reported 

for one-way roads, couplets, and ramps. 

 If count volumes are available on ramps and not mainlines, use estimated AADT on mainlines. 

 Where continuous data is not available from traffic management systems on freeways and 

expressways, ramp balancing is the mechanism most commonly used to calculate volumes. Use

of ramp balancing to provide AADT for mainlines is common practice by several States. 

Four approaches can be used to conduct ramp counts where needed:

 Plan to include ramp counts as part of the traffic monitoring efforts for the State.

 If count volumes are available on mainlines, but not ramps, then a method for estimating ramp 

counts similar to the Turns5 software developed and used by Florida DOT can be utilized. Turns5 

combines the intersection balancing component of TURNFLOW with the same basic setup relating 

to output, menu options, and format similar to Turns3. Turns3 provides estimates of intersection 

turning movements and produces traffic volume outputs in a format suitable for use in various 

traffic analysis reports. The use of the TURNFLOW program to balance intersection turning 

movements was chosen since the program balances inbound and outbound volumes for each 

approach. Since AADTs are normally developed first in the traffic forecasting process, the 

program balances these values to achieve equal flow as is normally common to daily traffic flows

(Project Traffic Forecasting Handbook). A method similar to this intersection balancing approach 

can be used to estimate traffic volumes for ramps, when only mainline counts are available. 

 Regional models can be used to estimate ramp volumes, assuming these ramps were validated to

a set of earlier base year counts. 

 Take all ramp counts done in the State with the same functional class and assign the average ramp 

count value to the non-counted ramps for each functional class. This last method is the least 

desired approach; however, it should be used as a last resort if no other method is available.

Additionally, the following approach may be used for estimating ramp counts:
6-8

 Interchange ramps provide access from limited access highways to other highways, both limited 

access and others. Since most limited access highways are generally classified as principal 

arterials or higher, those facilities should have AADT information available. With mainline AADT 

available, mathematical formulas can be used to estimate some ramp volumes instead of field 

counting every loop and ramp. As an example, for a typical diamond interchange where the 

limited access road (mainline) runs east-west, you can count the eastbound on ramp and 

westbound off ramp, for example, and use mathematical equations to estimate the remaining 

ramps. For diamond, trumpet, and three-legged directional type interchanges, counts would 

need to be taken on 2 of the 4 ramps. Cloverleaf interchanges are more complicated. Six of the 

eight ramps would need to be counted when only mainline AADT is known, and mathematical 

formulas could be used to estimate the remaining two ramps. On rural diamond interchanges, 

often ramp traffic can be estimated by using an origin destination approach, as the volume on a 

westbound off-ramp is typically equal to the eastbound on ramp volume, for example. This 

approach still requires that two of the four interchange ramps be counted.

The following are equations and example computations of using relevant data to compute unknowns 

rather than field counting for the most common interchange configurations.
6-9

FIGURE 6-3 TYPICAL DIAMOND INTERCHANGES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
6-10

Mathematical Formulas

R1 = (

C1S+C2S

C1S

) [C1S − C2S

]+ (

C2S

C1S

) [R2 −R4

] − R3 (1)

(

2

)

R2 = (M1W − M2W)+ R1

 (2)

(

3

)

R3 = (

C1N+C2N

C2N

) [C2N − C1N]+ (

C1N

C2N

) [R2 + R4

]− R1 (3)

(

4

)

R4 = (M2E − M1E

)+ R3

 (4)

(

5

)

While formulas 1 and 3 require cross street data, ramps 1 and 3 can be counted and formulas 2 and 4

can be used to estimate ramps 2 and 4.

Example

A diamond interchange located on an E/W freeway has directional mainline data both upstream and 

downstream of the interchange. Two ramps need to be counted in order to use formulas (3) and (5). 

Ramps R1 and R4 were counted and the following data is now known:

M1E = 25,000

M2E = 23,200

M1W = 31,000

M2W = 30,000

R1 = 1,200

R4 = 2,350
6-11

FIGURE 6-4 DIAMOND INTERCHANGE RAMP ESTIMATION PROBLEM

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

R2 = (M1W - M2W ) + R1

R2 = (31,000 - 30,000) + 1,200

R2 = 2,200

R4 = (M2E - M1E ) + R3

2,350 = (23,200 - 25,000) + R3

2,350 = -1,800 + R3

R3 = 4,150
6-12

FIGURE 6-5 TYPICAL TRUMPET AND THREE-LEGGED DIRECTIONAL INTERCHANGES

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
6-13

Mathematical Formulas

C1S = R1 + R3 (5)

R1 = (M2W - M1W ) + L1 or R1 = (M2W - M1W ) + R2 (6)

R3 = (M1E - M2E ) + R4 (7)

L1 =C1N - R4 or R2 = C1N - R4 (8)

While formulas 5 and 8 require cross street data, ramps 2 (or loop 1) and 4 can be counted and 

formulas 6 and 7 can be used to estimate ramps 1 and 3.

Example

A trumpet interchange located on an E/W freeway has directional mainline data both upstream and 

downstream of the interchange. Two ramps need to be counted in order to use formulas (9) and (10). 

Ramps R1 and R4 were counted and the following data is now known:

M1E = 21,000

M2E = 19,300

M1W = 16,500

M2W = 18,900

R1 = 2,800

R4 = 2,650
6-14

FIGURE 6-6 TRUMPET INTERCHANGE RAMP ESTIMATION PROBLEM

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

R1 = (M2W - M1W ) + L1

2,800 = (18,900 - 16,500)+ L1

2,800 = 2,400 + L1

L1 = 400

R3 = (M1E- M2E ) + R4

R3 = (21,000 - 19,300) + 2,650

R3 = 4,350
6-15

FIGURE 6-7 TYPICAL CLOVERLEAF INTERCHANGE

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

1. Cloverleaf interchanges are the most complex and data intensive scenario for volume to ramp 

count relationships. 

2. Formulas (9) through (12) can be used directly assuming some combination of mainline, cross 

street, and ramp volumes are known for a given year.

3. A weight factor does not need to be used for exit ramps when approaching the cross street 

because vehicles do not have an option of which direction to take once on a ramp.

Mathematical Formulas

R1 = (M2W - M1W ) + (L1 - L2 ) + R2 (9)

R2 = (C2S - C1S ) + (L2 - L3 ) + R3 (10)

R3 = (M1E - M2E ) + (L3 - L4 ) + R4 (11)

R4 = (C1N - C2N ) + (L4 - L1 ) + R1 (12)
6-16

Mainline and cross-street AADTs available with one ramp known.

 In order to calculate all ramps, two ramps from each of the following groupings need to be 

counted in total:

{R1 , L1 , R2 , L2 }

{R3 , L3 , R4 , L4 }

For example, if R1 is already known, then count L1, R2, or L2 plus two ramps from the second 

group. 

 Once volumes are known for four ramps, use formulas (9) through (12) to determine the 

remaining volumes.

If only mainline AADT data is available, count three ramps from each of the following lists:

{R1 , L1 , R2 , L2 }

{R3 , L3 , R4 , L4 }

With six ramps counted, use formulas (9) and (11) to determine the volumes for the remaining 

ramps.

Example

A cloverleaf interchange located at an intersection of two freeways has directional mainline (E/W) 

data both upstream and downstream of the interchange. Two ramps need to be counted in order to 

use formulas (9) and (11). Ramps R1 and R4 were counted and the following data is now known:

M1E = 54,000

M2E = 51,500

M1W = 58,500

M2W = 59,000

R1 = 2,500

L1 = 2,100

R2 = 2,800

R3 = 2,200

L3 = 2,450

R4 = 2,500
6-17

FIGURE 6-8 CLOVERLEAF INTERCHANGE RAMP ESTIMATION PROBLEM

R1 = (M2W - M1W ) + (L1 - L2 ) + R2

2,500 = (59,000 – 58,500) + (2,100 - L2 ) + 2,800

2,500 = 5,400- L2

L2 = 2,900

R3 = (M1E – M2E ) + (L3 - L4 ) + R4

2,200 = (54,000 – 51,500) + (2,450 - L4) + 2,500

2,200 = 7,400 - L4

L4 = 5,250

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

6.2.3 TRAVEL ESTIMATES FOR LOCAL ROADS AND RURAL MINOR COLLECTORS

Instead of reporting AADT values for local roads and rural minor collectors, VMT estimates are 

reported for these functional classes. These estimates should be produced by the States using a 

documented statistically valid procedure based on monitored traffic. The estimated VMT is 

summarized by States and is reported in the Statewide Summaries dataset, which is stored in the 

Summaries catalog of the HPMS database. 

Three examples for collecting counts on local roads and rural minor collectors are illustrated by 

New York, Iowa, and Mississippi.
6-18

New York

New York DOT utilizes the assistance of the counties, towns, and cities in collecting local road data for 

HPMS purposes. The State purchases and provides the counters and supplies for two qualifying 

counts per counter per year for five years (e.g., ten counts total). A qualifying count is a count on the 

NHS. The number of counts provided is dependent on the number of miles of roadway within the 

county. For example, the receiving local agency may be required to perform two counts for a season 

and the rest are done when the local agency needs them. The State enters into a Memorandum of 

Agreement (MOA) with the counties in which they collect and provide all the data to the State at 

select locations, and in turn, the county keeps the equipment. If the county does not fulfill their 

obligation to the State, the equipment must be returned. After they have completed their obligation 

to the State, the county can retain the equipment and continue to take counts for themselves. The 

State does ask that the county continue to provide data, and in turn, the State will help out with 

repairs to the equipment. 

Iowa

Iowa DOT used a different approach to support their HPMS data collection process. Maintenance 

staff received training, a truck, and data collection equipment to be used for purposes of collecting 

the HPMS data. The staff then conducts the scheduled counts during the year. Beginning in 2004 

through 2010, the DOT utilized maintenance crews that cleared snow in the winter and provided 

continuity of employment and job diversity for equipment operators. Staff worked locally in the 

counties where they lived. Overall program benefits were realized through decreases in travel time 

and personal expenses, as well as increases in data collection quantity, quality, and metadata 

regarding changes in traffic patterns. Using permanent staff from local maintenance garages allowed 

for better ownership of the data and conveyance of personal understanding regarding changing 

traffic patterns, while at the same time maintaining procedural integrity through a centralized 

program.

Mississippi

Mississippi had some obsolete traffic counts that were not part of the routine traffic monitoring 

program. These counts pre-dated the implementation of the HPMS system in 1978. The traffic 

monitoring staff collaborated with the HPMS staff to determine where additional data collection sites 

were needed. These sites then became part of the routine traffic monitoring program, and updates 

were scheduled to be collected on the recommended six-year cycle. This includes expanding the 

coverage of traffic monitoring to include data collection on local roads. 

Each State is encouraged to select the best approach for collecting or estimating local road data and 

rural minor collectors that meets their business needs. 

The TMG does not recommend using a fixed percent of traffic growth method, or using the result of 

calculating statewide total VMT minus highway systems VMT to produce the estimates for local roads 

and rural minor collectors.

Other methods can be used to estimate counts and include the following:

 Count update based on site-specific growth;

 Count update based on route-specific growth;

 Count update based on systems growth; and

 Count update based on regional growth.

The following example explains the use of these four methods to estimate current year counts based 

on previous year actual counts.
6-19

In this example, a location in an urban area on a principal arterial roadway does not have a current 

year counted traffic volume. The AADT from the previous year was 44,500. The current year traffic 

can be estimated using one of the four methods or a combination of these methods. 

1. Using the first method, a linear projection is performed based on historical data from the same 

site. If the growth rate is -3% per year, the current year traffic volume estimate would then be 

43,165, which can be rounded to 43,000. 

2. Using the second method, it has been determined that one or more permanent sites on similar 

routes exhibit a growth rate of -3.7%. The current year traffic volume estimate would then be 

42,854, rounded to 43,000. 

3. The third approach uses the previously determined urban system growth rate of -3.6% based on 

all permanent counters in urban area. The current year traffic volume estimate is therefore 

42,898, which is rounded to 43,000. 

4. The fourth approach is based on a regional growth rate of -3.8% from all permanent counters in 

the region, yielding a current year traffic volume estimate of 42,809. This value is rounded to 

43,000.

In the above example, all four methods yield the same value. Use method number one first to obtain 

estimate counts. If site specific growth is not available, then use route-specific growth; if routespecific growth is not available, use systems growth; and finally if systems growth is not available, 

regional growth should be used. 

6.2.4 ROUNDING AADTS 

The rounding of AADTs is acceptable for HPMS purposes only following the scheme recommended by 

the AASHTO Guide. The TMG does not recommend this unless it is common practice for the State to 

round all traffic data in their traffic monitoring database and is applied to all traffic data consistently. 

This applies to the reporting of volume and vehicle classification data. 

Rounding should be performed after all adjustments to the raw count data have been made and 

should NOT be performed when calculating percent single-unit and combination trucks. Low volume 

counts (e.g., 0.2%) should not be rounded to report zero as a volume or as a percent since this will 

not accurately represent the presence of the minimal volumes, and will also show no change in 

trends. A zero should only be reported when the actual count is zero. 

The following guidance should be followed regarding rounding of AADTs:

 When sufficient data is available to develop a reasonable AADT estimation from permanent 

continuous counters for the current year, rounding is not recommended. Rounding is allowable 

for estimating AADT for HPMS purposes when there is no current year data available from 

permanent continuous counters, as discussed in the four previous examples. 

6.2.5 MOTORCYCLE COUNTS

Accurate motorcycle counting may require unique procedures and equipment. More information is 

provided on this topic in Chapter 3. Some limitations exist regarding the use of technology in properly 

measuring motorcycle counts. More information on the type of equipment used for these counts is 

found in Appendix F. 

6.2.6 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION COUNTS

Vehicle classification data is needed in HPMS to determine the accurate percentage of truck traffic on 

the roadway during peak travel hours as well as off-peak travel hours. Both truck volume 

(AADT_Single_Unit and AADT_Combination) and truck percent data is reported for the various types 

of records in HPMS. This data is used to analyze the impact of truck traffic on pavement deterioration 

and are also used for reporting in summary tables in HPMS.
6-20

Since class counts are required by HPMS for many road sections, it will likely be too costly to maintain 

permanent traffic classifiers on all of these sections. Therefore, a combination of permanent and 

portable classifiers will be needed to meet the requirement. This will entail adjusting portable class 

counts by the permanent classifiers as further described in TMG Chapter 3.

6.2.7 TRUCK AADT

The AADT for trucks is required for the entire NHS and all HPMS Sample Panel Sections. Two types of 

truck AADT are reported in HPMS: AADT_Single_Unit (which is the single-unit truck and bus AADT for 

vehicle classes 4 through 7) and AADT_Combination (which is the combination truck AADT for vehicle

classes 8 through 13). Appendix C provides additional information on the 13 vehicle classes. 

In addition to truck AADT for single and combination trucks, two additional types of truck data is 

required. These are the percent of single-unit trucks (Pct_Peak_Single) and percent of combination 

trucks (Pct_Peak_Combination) traveling on a section of road during the peak hour.

6.2.8 ESTIMATES OF TRAVEL BY VEHICLE TYPE

Estimates of travel by vehicle type are required for HPMS and are summarized by Area Type (AT) and 

Functional System (FS) group. While there are seven functional systems, there are only three FS 

groups. The three FS groups are combined with two area types, rural and urban, for six combined AT 

and FS groups as shown in Table 6-2.

HPMS is designed as a random sample stratified by traffic volume groups. To the extent that vehicle 

class counts reflect this design, they may be averaged to estimate the distribution of VMT by vehicle 

type. Estimating the VMT by vehicle type to meet this requirement is not necessary.

TABLE 6-2 COMBINED AREA TYPE AND FUNCTIONAL SYSTEM GROUPS

Area Type and Functional System Group

Rural Interstate 1

Rural Other Arterial (includes Other Freeways and Expressways, Other 

Principal Arterials, and Minor Arterials)

2

Rural Other (includes Major Collectors, Minor Collectors, and Locals) 3

Urban Interstate 4

Urban Other Arterial (includes Other Freeways and Expressways, Other 

Principal Arterials, and Minor Arterials)

5

Urban Other (includes Major Collectors, Minor Collectors, and Locals) 6

The estimates of travel by vehicle type are reported as percent values for the type(s) of vehicles in 

each AT-FS group, such as percent of motorcycles (Pct MC), percent of passenger cars (Pct Cars), and 

percent of single-unit trucks (Pct SU Trucks).

These estimated values are reported in the Vehicle Summaries dataset and are stored in the 

Summaries catalog of the HPMS database. This information can be derived from the vehicle 

classification and WIM programs.
6-21

6.2.9 VOLUME GROUP ASSIGNMENTS

The State’s comprehensive traffic count program should be used to develop traffic volume group 

assignments for all road sections in a program that adequately monitors both high and low volume 

roads, including those off the State system. High and low volume sites are specific to each State, and 

engineering judgment is required to determine the values for these for each State individually. To 

facilitate this process, count station locations should be selected to represent expected AADT volume 

group breakpoints for the volume ranges of all required samples. This may require locating count 

stations at one per several miles in rural areas and more closely in urban areas. If there are 

homogeneous traffic sections (i.e., traffic counts are same for the length of the sections) as 

determined by prior counts or knowledge of local traffic conditions, more than one section may be 

represented by a single traffic count station as long as traffic does not vary more than 10%. In this 

scenario, local traffic monitoring offices may know of no major traffic generators or significant 

enough development to cause changes in the traffic volumes within HPMS sections. This situation can 

result in more than one HPMS section using the same traffic count station. HPMS sections exist for 

reasons other than fluctuations in traffic volumes, as noted in the discussion of TOPS sections. 

Selection of count locations should be based on previous count experience on the section or adjacent 

sections, recent land use development, and the existence of uncounted sections along the route.

6.2.10 TRAFFIC METADATA

Metadata for traffic are also reported in HPMS and are used to further explain any variability in the 

collection and/or reporting of traffic, such as: whether the AADT is adjusted for DOW or for number 

of axles; if the traffic data is reported from the State traffic database only; or if the data is reported 

from the State traffic database and local governments. 

The metadata provide additional information about the following:

 Traffic counts;

 Vehicle classification;

 Source of the travel data (State, local, etc.); and

 Ramp traffic estimation method (i.e., ramp metering, ramp balancing, etc.).

Additional information on the reporting of traffic metadata in HPMS can be found in Chapter 3 of the 

HPMS Field Manual.

6.3 GUIDELINES FOR COLLECTING TRAFFIC DATA TO SUPPORT HPMS 

The traffic data supplied for HPMS use are derived from the State’s regular traffic monitoring 

program with adjustments (such as aggregating data for short/long samples or using weightedaverage for HPMS sections) to meet specific HPMS requirements. Collection of HPMS-specific traffic 

data should be fully integrated into the normal traffic monitoring program. As stated in Chapter 3, 

measures should be taken to ensure the quality of all data within the traffic monitoring program.

Several guidelines should be followed when collecting and processing traffic data to ensure that the 

highest quality traffic data is provided to HPMS. This section describes the following guidelines:

 Permanent (continuous) counts;

 Short duration counts;

 Ramp counts;

 Vehicle classification counts; and

 Equipment calibration.
6-22

6.3.1 PERMANENT (CONTINUOUS) COUNTS

States should provide at least one continuous counter on each major (as defined by HPMS) Principal 

Arterial System (PAS)/NHS highway route, where possible. HPMS requires at least one; however, 

States are encouraged to use engineering judgment. The HPMS Field Manual defines the NHS as a 

network of nationally significant highways approved by Congress in the National Highway System 

Designation Act of 1995. It includes the interstate system and over 117,000 miles of other roads and 

connectors to major intermodal terminals. Due to MAP-21 legislation, the NHS was enhanced to 

include many roads from the PAS. At a minimum, each continuous counter should have at least one 

full day of data for each day of the week for each month provided the State has an adequate 

automatic editing process, with documentation of the edits performed based on historic trends. 

6.3.2 SHORT DURATION COUNTS

This Guide recommends that the short duration counts used for HPMS reporting purposes be fully 

integrated with the agency’s coverage count program. This means using the same personnel, 

procedure, equipment, and counting schedule used for coverage and other traffic counts. 

Highway agencies should be aware of the potential for geographic and temporal bias when 

scheduling counts and counteract it by devising strategies to distribute counts as much as feasible.

The HPMS sample and full extent sections are located within the traffic volume segments defined in 

the coverage count program. Traffic counts taken to meet the HPMS requirements are taken the 

same way as other short duration traffic volume counts. These are described in Chapter 3. The main 

difference is that the HPMS has specified nationally standardized criteria for the collection and 

duration of the counts. The HPMS Coordinator should request those additional counts needed for 

HPMS sufficiently in advance (i.e., prior to scheduling of traffic counts for the data collection year) to 

allow them to be included in the regular coverage count program. Whenever possible, coverage 

counts taken within a defined traffic count roadway section should be taken within an HPMS section. 

Since HPMS sections within the TOPS may change over time, this may require counts to be added or 

eliminated as needed for the traffic count roadway section.

One third of the HPMS full extent (NHS/PAS) and sample sections should be included in each current 

year coverage sample to ensure that, at a minimum, each of these HPMS full extent/sample sections 

are counted once every three years. 

While short duration traffic counts can be taken for anywhere from just a few hours to more than a 

week, this Guide recommends a 48-hour monitoring period for traffic volume and vehicle 

classification. The 48-hour counts are particularly important for the HPMS because common data 

collection periods from all States ensure similar levels of accuracy and precision for all volume data in 

the HPMS database.

Where axle correction factors are needed to adjust raw counts, they should be derived from facilityspecific vehicle classification data obtained on the same route or on a similar route with similar traffic 

in the same area. No other factors (such as equipment error factors) should be applied; only daily, 

seasonal, and axle correction factors should be used.

6.3.3 RAMP COUNTS

A minimum of one count every six years is required for ramps. At a minimum, 48-hour ramp counts 

should be adjusted with axle correction factors as needed.

The same procedures used to develop AADTs on all HPMS sections should be used to develop ramp 

AADTs. States are encouraged to use adjustment factors developed based on either entrance or exit 

travel patterns or on the functional class of the ramp and to use this procedure consistently 

statewide. Good judgment and experience should be applied regarding factor use. Additional 

information on developing adjustment factors is found in Chapter 3. Ramp counts should be available 

from freeway monitoring programs that continuously monitor travel on ramps and mainline facilities.
6-23

Ramp balancing programs implemented by States on ramp locations and on high volume roadways 

could also be used to provide AADTs. If a State has a traffic modeling office, ramp traffic estimates 

may be computed as part of the modeling process.

6.3.4 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION COUNTS

Vehicle classification counts reported in HPMS should follow the guidelines outlined in Chapter 3. 

Hourly vehicle classification data by direction should be used for all the truck related data items, 

including Pct_Peak_Single (trucks) and Pct_Peak_Combination (trucks).

6.3.5 EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION

The State should ensure that data collection equipment is calibrated and tested in the field and that 

the results are validated for accuracy prior to use for HPMS reporting. More information on 

equipment calibration procedures is found in Appendix F. 

6.4 CALCULATION OF DATA ITEMS

The traffic data items reported for HPMS are derived from the traffic data collection activities, which 

are part of the State’s traffic monitoring program. These data items include:

 AADT;

 AADT_Single_Unit;

 Pct_Peak_Single;

 AADT_Combination;

 Pct_Peak_Combination;

 K_Factor;

 Dir_Factor; and

 Future AADT.

The calculation methods for these data items are described in the following paragraphs.

6.4.1 AADT

Annual Average Daily Traffic calculations are defined in Chapter 3. The following Quality Control (QC) 

checks on AADT data will be performed manually by FHWA staff or will be checked by the HPMS 

submittal software and may indicate an error with the AADT data:

 Adjacent GIS links with more than 50% change in AADT;

 AADT is missing;

 AADT – GIS flow check on AADT to and from major cities; and

 AADT changes by Functional Class from year to year checked against the Travel Monitoring 

Analysis System (TMAS) Growth Factors report.

6.4.2 AADT_SINGLE_UNIT

Annual Average Daily Traffic for Single Unit Trucks – This value represents all single-unit truck and bus 

activity based on vehicle classification count data from both the State’s and other agency’s traffic 

monitoring programs over all days of the week and all seasons of the year. Single-unit trucks are 

defined as vehicle classes five through seven, and buses are defined as vehicle class four. 

AADT_Single_Unit is reported as the volume for all single-unit activity over all days of the week and 
6-24

seasons of the year in terms of the annual average daily traffic. The following QC checks will be 

performed by the HPMS submittal software and may indicate an error with the AADT_Single_Unit 

data:

 AADT_Single_Unit > 50% of AADT;

 AADT_Single_Unit + AADT_Combination > AADT; and

 GIS check will be performed on AADT_Single_Unit by area.

6.4.3 PCT_PEAK_SINGLE

Percent of single-unit trucks and buses during the peak hour – The percent of single-unit trucks and 

buses is the single-unit truck and bus volume during the peak hour shown as the percentage of 

section AADT, to the nearest tenth of a percent (0.1%). For example, if the section AADT is 3,000 and 

the volume of single-unit trucks and buses in the peak hour is 65, then the Pct_Peak_Single data item 

is shown as 0.2%. This percent should not be rounded to the nearest whole percent or to zero 

percent if minimal trucks and buses exist. The following QC check will be performed by the HPMS 

submittal software and may indicate an error with the Pct_Peak_Single data: 

If (Pct_Peak_Single/100) × AADT > AADT_Single_Unit, there is an error.

6.4.4 AADT_COMBINATION

Annual Average Daily Traffic for Combination Trucks – This value represents all combination truck 

activity based on vehicle classification count data from both the State’s and other agencies’ traffic 

monitoring programs over all days of the week and all seasons of the year. Combination trucks are 

defined as vehicle classes eight through thirteen. AADT_Combination is reported as the volume for 

combination-unit truck activity over all days of the week and seasons of the year in terms of the 

annual average daily traffic. The following QC checks will be performed by the HPMS submittal 

software and may indicate an error with the AADT_Combination data: 

 AADT_Combination > 50% of AADT; and

 GIS check will be performed on AADT_Combination by area.

6.4.5 PCT_PEAK_COMBINATION

Pct_Peak_Combination – Percent of peak combination trucks during the peak hour. The percent of 

peak combination trucks is the combination truck traffic volume during the peak hour shown as the 

percentage of section AADT, to the nearest tenth of a percent (0.1%). For example, if the section 

AADT is 5,000 and the volume of combination trucks in the peak hour is 165, then the 

Pct_Peak_Combination trucks is shown as 0.3%. This percent should not be rounded to the nearest 

whole percent or to zero percent if minimal trucks exist. The following QC check will be performed by 

the HPMS submittal software and may indicate an error with the Pct_Peak_Combination data: 

If (Pct_Peak_Combination/100) > AADT_Combination, there is an error.

6.4.6 K_FACTOR

K_Factor – K_Factor is the design hour volume expressed as a percent of AADT. The K_Factor conveys 

the design hour volume or the 30th highest hourly volume, as a percent of total AADT. The value for 

K_Factor is reported to the nearest percent. For example, if the traffic volume during the design hour 

or 30th highest hourly volume is 10% of the AADT for a section of road, then the K_Factor is reported 

as 10 for that section. The following QC checks will be performed by the HPMS submittal software 

and may indicate an error with the K_Factor data:
6-25

 K_factors are missing;

 GIS check will be performed on distribution of K_factors by area; and

 GIS check will be performed on adjacent samples with related K_factors.

6.4.7 DIR_FACTOR

Dir_Factor (Directional Factor) – Dir-Factor is the percent of design hour volume flowing in the peak 

direction. The Dir_Factor is reported as the percentage of design hour volume (30th highest hour) 

flowing in the peak direction. For example, a Dir_Factor of sixty indicates that sixty percent of the 

design hour volume is flowing in the peak direction. A value of one hundred is used for one-way 

facilities when reporting this value in HPMS. The following QC checks will be performed by the HPMS 

submittal software and may indicate an error with the Dir_Factor data:

 Dir_Factor is 100% for only one-way roads;

 Dir_Factors are missing;

 Dir_Factors are over 80% for two-way roadways (Facility Type = 2);

 GIS check will be performed to check distribution of Dir_Factors by area;

 GIS check will be performed to check distribution of Dir_Factors by urban area; and

 GIS check will be performed on adjacent samples with related Dir_Factors.

6.4.8 FUTURE AADT

Future AADT may not be an item reported as part of a State’s traffic monitoring program although 

reported as a data item in HPMS. The estimates for Future AADT are usually developed from 

statewide modeling programs and on input provided by MPOs as appropriate. If data from statewide 

modeling programs is not available, population growth or gasoline tax growth can be used to 

estimate traffic growth. The Future AADT is a 20-year forecast AADT, which may cover a period of 18 

to 25 years from the date of the HPMS data year submittal. The following QC checks will be 

performed by the HPMS submittal software and may indicate an error with the Future AADT data:

 Future AADT is missing;

 Future AADT < AADT; and

 Future AADT > 300% of AADT.

This chapter discussed the HPMS requirements for traffic data. The traffic data derived from the 

State’s traffic monitoring program should be the primary source for the traffic data reported in 

HPMS, supplemented with additional traffic data from local governments or MPOs as needed. All 

data validations for HPMS, including traffic data, are done within the HPMS submittal software and 

are discussed briefly in the HPMS Field Manual. A different set of data validations are performed on 

traffic data submitted for the Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS). The next chapter discusses 

the traffic data format requirements for TMAS.
7-1

Chapter 7 TRAFFIC MONITORING FORMATS

7.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides coding instructions and detailed record formats for the traffic data reported to 

FHWA as part of each State’s traffic monitoring program. The CSV format is acceptable for all formats 

described in this chapter. By-direction data should use the same format for all data submitted to 

FHWA. This chapter explains the record formats and reporting requirements for both motorized and 

non-motorized data. The types of motorized data include station, volume, speed, classification, 

weight, and per vehicle data.

These formats and instructions have been developed to provide input to national databases 

maintained by FHWA, including the Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS). Each record format 

described in this chapter has a specific length. In order to submit a record format that is smaller or 

larger than the specified length, it is necessary to submit a CSV file with a pipe character “|” between 

each field in the record. This rule applies to all record formats described in this chapter. In addition, 

there are no decimals or commas used in any fields, other than when applicable in notes descriptions.

The data records for motorized data are divided into six types: station description data, traffic volume 

data, speed data, vehicle classification data, weight data, and the per vehicle data format (referred to 

as PVF). Each type of data has its own individualized record format. Specific coding instructions and 

record layouts are discussed separately for each type of data in the following sections. 

Fields in the record formats include instructions to “blank fill” or “zero fill” those fields. This means 

that either leading blanks or zeros, starting at the left of the field are to be used when the value in 

the field does not consume all of the columns for the field. For example, if a field is five columns wide, 

and the data value is 250, then a blank-filled representation for this field is _ _ 250, and a zero-filled 

representation for this field is 00250. 

In addition, each of the data fields on the record formats are labeled as critical, optional, or 

critical/optional. A designation of critical means that a record cannot be processed by the TMAS 

software without these fields being supplied. An optional designation indicates that the data is not 

required for the record to be processed by TMAS. The critical/optional designation indicates that in 

certain cases, this field may be critical for the record to be processed by TMAS, based on input of 

other data fields on the record, or, it may be optional. The designations for each field are included 

with their field definitions. Also, certain data items are common to all six types of records. For 

example, all records contain a six-character station identification field. This allows States to use a 

common identification system for all traffic monitoring stations. Also, it is important to note that data 

reporting requirements described in the TMG are in English units, not metric units. 

7.1.1 FILE NAMING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MOTORIZED RECORDS

An example file naming convention for motorized records is the following:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.TYP

Where:

ss = State FIPS code

abcxyz = traffic counting station ID (may be omitted if file contains more than one site’s data)

mm = month of data
7-2

yyyy = year of data

TYP = type of data using the following three-character names:

STA = station data

VOL = volume data

SPD = speed data

CLA = axle classification data

LEN = length classification data

WGT = weight data

PVF = per vehicle data

FHWA also recommends the use of consistent file naming conventions as this helps identify files, 

helps States perform quality assurance testing of the data they are utilizing, and provides an easy 

mechanism for identifying the content of files when transferring data to users. However, the use of 

the example file naming convention by the States is not required.

Record formats are also included in this chapter for non-motorized data. The two record formats 

described are non-motorized count station description and non-motorized count record.

Each of these records also includes fields, which are designated as critical or optional. A designation 

of critical means that a record should contain this field for the record to be processed. A designation 

of optional means that the record can be processed if this field is left blank on the record.

The remainder of this chapter is organized into the following sections:

 7.2 Station Description Data Format;

 7.3 Traffic Volume Data Format;

 7.4 Speed Data Format;

 7.5 Vehicle Classification Data Format;

 7.6 Weight Data Format;

 7.7 Detailed Per Vehicle Data Format (PVF) (optional);

 7.8 Data Submittal Frequency;

 7.9 Non-Motorized Count Station Description Data Format; and

 7.10 Non-Motorized Count Data Format.

7.2 STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMAT

The Station Description record format is needed for reporting all data. If a Station Description record 

is omitted, any succeeding records for other record formats will not be processed by the TMAS 

software. The Station Description file contains one record per traffic monitoring station, per 

direction, per lane (unless lanes are combined by the data collection device), per year. In addition, 

updated station records can be submitted at any time during the year if an equipment change occurs 

at a site, which would result in a different type of data being submitted at that location. All fields on 

each record are character fields. 

The TMAS software retains all approved station records as of December 31 of each year. FHWA 

recommends that a yearly review of all station record fields be conducted to insure the records are 

current and reflect what is in the field. It is expected that TMAS version 3.0 will have the capability to 

read all 2001 and 2012 TMG formats.
7-3

An example file naming convention for the Station Description Record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.STA

Table 7-1 summarizes the Station Description record format.

TABLE 7-1 STATION DESCRIPTION RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Functional Classification Code C

8 18 1 Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated C

9 19 1 Sample Type for TMAS C

10 20 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume C

11 21 1 Method of Traffic Volume Counting C

12 22 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Class C

13 23 1 Method of Vehicle Classification C/O

14 24 1 Algorithm for Vehicle Classification C/O

15 25-26 2 Vehicle Classification Groupings C/O

16 27 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight C

17 28 1 Method of Truck Weighing C/O

18 29 1 Calibration of Weighing System C/O

19 30 1 Method of Data Retrieval C

20 31 1 Type of Sensor C

21 32 1 Second Type of Sensor O

22 33 1 Primary Purpose C

23 34-93 60 LRS Identification C
7-4

Field Columns Width Description Type

24 94-101 8 LRS Location Point C

25 102-109 8 Latitude C

26 110-118 9 Longitude C

27 119-122 4 LTPP Site Identification O

28 123-128 6 Previous Station ID O

29 129-132 4 Year Station Established C

30 133-136 4 Year Station Discontinued O

31 137-139 3 FIPS County Code C

32 140 1 HPMS Sample Type C

33 141-152 12 HPMS Sample Identifier C/O

34 153 1 National Highway System C

35 154-155 2 Posted Route Signing C

36 156-163 8 Posted Signed Route Number C

37 164-213 50 Station Location O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required for entry of this record into the TMAS software.

Fields designated as Optional on the record formats in this chapter are not required for that record 

format only. Follow the coding instructions as indicated for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional could be either critical or optional based on values used for 

other related fields.

The fields for the Station Description record are:

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

S = station description record (Code the letter “S” in the first column.)

2. FIPS State Codes (Columns 2-3) – Critical
7-5

TABLE 7-2 FIPS STATE CODES

State Code State Code State Code

Alabama 1 Maine 23 Pennsylvania 42

Alaska 2 Maryland 24 Rhode Island 44

Arizona 4 Massachusetts 25 South Carolina 45

Arkansas 5 Michigan 26 South Dakota 46

California 6 Minnesota 27 Tennessee 47

Colorado 8 Mississippi 28 Texas 48

Connecticut 9 Missouri 29 Utah 49

Delaware 10 Montana 30 Vermont 50

D.C. 11 Nebraska 31 Virginia 51

Florida 12 Nevada 32 Washington 53

Georgia 13 New Hampshire 33 West Virginia 54

Hawaii 15 New Jersey 34 Wisconsin 55

Idaho 16 New Mexico 35 Wyoming 56

Illinois 17 New York 36 Puerto Rico 72

Indiana 18 North Carolina 37 American Samoa 60

Iowa 19 North Dakota 38 Guam 66

Kansas 20 Oregon 41 Northern Mariana Islands 69

Kentucky 21 Ohio 39 Virgin Islands of the U.S. 78

Louisiana 22 Oklahoma 40

Canadian Provinces may use TMAS with the following codes (based on the LTPP):

State Code State Code State Code

Alberta 81 Nova Scotia 86 Yukon 91

British Columbia 82 Ontario 87 Northwest Territory 92

Manitoba 83 Prince Edward Island 88 Labrador 93

New Brunswick 84 Quebec 89 Nunavut 94

Newfoundland 85 Saskatchewan 90

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) – Critical

This field should contain an alphanumeric designation for the station where the survey data is 

collected. Station identification field entries must be identical in all records for a given station. 

Differences in characters, including spaces, blanks, hyphens, etc., prevent proper match. 

Right justify the Station ID if it is less than 6 characters. This field should be right-justified with 

unused columns zero-filled. This field can only be longer than 6 characters if the CSV pipe format 

is used for all fields on the record.

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) – Critical

Combined directions are only permitted for volume stations only. There should be a separate 

record for each direction identified in Table 7-3. Whether or not lanes are combined in each 

direction depends on field #5, Lane of Travel.
7-6

TABLE 7-3 DIRECTION OF TRAVEL CODES

Code Direction

1 North

2 Northeast

3 East

4 Southeast

5 South

6 Southwest

7 West

8 Northwest

9 North-South or Northeast-Southwest combined (volume stations only)

0 East-West or Southeast-Northwest combined (volume stations only)

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) – Critical

Either each lane is considered a separate station or all lanes in each direction are combined.

TABLE 7-4 LANE OF TRAVEL CODES

Code Lane

0 Data with lanes combined

1 Outside (rightmost) lane

2-9 Other lanes

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station Code. There should be 

one Station Description record per Station Code. Stations can be either by lane or with lanes 

combined by direction, but not both.

All data for volume, class, and speed should be reported with the same resolution of being by 

lane/direction or lanes combined/direction to be consistent in the station record for all data 

types submitted. All data in either weight or PVF must be submitted by individual lane and by 

individual direction.
7-7

FIGURE 7-1 DIRECTION AND LANE CODE EXAMPLE

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-15) – Critical

Code the four digits of the year in which the data were collected.

7. Functional Classification Code (Columns 16-17) – Critical

Column 16 contains one of the Functional Classification Codes listed in Table 7-5. Column 17 

contains either an “R” for rural or “U” for urban. For example, a code of 2R indicates a Rural 

Principal Arterial – Other Freeways and Expressways. 
7-8

TABLE 7-5 FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION CODES

Code Functional Classification

1 Interstate

2 Principal Arterial – Other Freeways and Expressways

3 Principal Arterial – Other

4 Minor Arterial

5 Major Collector

6 Minor Collector

7 Local

8. Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated (Column 18) – Critical

Code the number of lanes in one direction at the site regardless of the number of lanes being 

monitored. Use 9 if there are more than eight lanes.

9. Sample Type for TMAS (Column 19) – Critical

Y = Station used for TMAS

N = Station not used for TMAS

Data submitted to TMAS may be from research or other needs that do not follow the trends in a 

given State and may not be for long-term purposes.

10. Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume (Column 20) – Critical

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored at this site. Use 9 if there are more 

than eight lanes.

11. Method of Traffic Volume Counting (Column 21) – Critical

1 = Human observation (manual)

2 = Portable traffic recording device

3 = Permanent continuous count station (CCS) formerly ATR

12. Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Classification and/or speed (Column 22) – Critical

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for vehicle classification and/or

speed at this site. Use 9 if there are more than eight lanes in a given direction.

13. Method of Vehicle Classification and/or speed (Column 23) – Critical/Optional

Blank-fill this field when unused.

1 = Human observation (manual) vehicle classification

2 = Portable vehicle classification device

3 = Permanent vehicle classification device

4 = Speed only site

14. Algorithm for Vehicle Classification (Column 24) – Critical/Optional

Blank-fill this field when unused.

Code the type of input and processing used to classify vehicles:
7-9

A = Human observation on site (manual)

B = Human observation of vehicle image (e.g., video)

C = Automated interpretation of vehicle image or signature (e.g., video, microwave, sonic, radar)

D = Vehicle length classification

E = Axle spacing with ASTM Standard E1572

F = Axle spacing with FHWA 13 Vehicle Types

G = Axle spacing with FHWA 13 Vehicle Types (modified)

H = Other axle spacing algorithm

K = Axle spacing and weight algorithm

L = Axle spacing and vehicle length algorithm

M = Axle spacing, weight, and vehicle length algorithm

N = Axle spacing and other input(s) not specified above

R = LTPP classification algorithm (The details of this scheme can be obtained in the report 

Verification, Refinement, and Applicability of LTPP Classification Scheme.)

S = State specific algorithm

V = Vendor default algorithm

Z = Other means not specified above

15. Vehicle Classification Groupings (Columns 25-26) – Critical/Optional

The value in this field indicates the total number of classes in the vehicle classification system 

being used as well as how vehicles are grouped together in those classes in relation to the 13 

FHWA categories. The recommended default value is 13, which indicates that the standard 

FHWA 13 vehicle category classification system (see Appendix C) is being used. Other vehicle 

classification systems may be based on the HPMS or specific States’ classification schema 

documented in the State’s Traffic Monitoring System (TMS) documentation. The value that is 

placed in columns 25 and 26 will determine the number of count fields needed on the Vehicle

Classification Record (see Section 7.5). The following list indicates the acceptable values that can 

be entered into Columns 25 and 26 and their meaning. In the following table, the numbers in 

parentheses refer to the 13 FHWA classes, and describe how the FHWA classes relate to the 

classes being reported. Blank-fill this field when unused.
7-10

TABLE 7-6 VALUES TO BE ENTERED TO DEFINE VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION GROUPINGS

Value Entered Into 

Columns 25-26

Number 

of Groups How Vehicles are Classified

02 Two groups (classes 1-3) vehicles

(classes 4-7; 8-10; 11-13) vehicles

03 Three groups (classes 1-3) vehicles

single-unit (classes 4-7)

combination (classes 8-13) vehicles

04 Four groups (classes 1-3) vehicles

single-unit vehicles (classes 4-7)

single-trailer vehicles (classes 8-10)

multiple -trailer vehicles (classes 11-13)

05 Five groups motorcycles (class 1)

two-axle, four-tire vehicles (classes 2-3)

buses and single-unit vehicles (classes 4-7)

single-trailer combination vehicles (classes 8-10)

multiple-trailer combination vehicles (classes 11-13)

06 Six groups motorcycles (class 1)

two-axle, four-tire vehicles (classes 2-3)

buses (class 4)

single-unit vehicles (classes 5-7)

single-trailer combination vehicles (classes 8-10)

multiple-trailer combination vehicles (classes 11-13)

13 FHWA's standard 13 class system

Other Positive Integers number of classes (unsupported by TMAS software)

16. Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight (Column 27) – Critical

Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for truck weight at this site. Use 9 

if there are more than eight lanes.

17. Method of Truck Weighing (Column 28) – Critical/Optional

Blank-fill this field when unused.

1 = Portable static scale

2 = Chassis-mounted, towed static scale

3 = Platform or pit static scale

4 = Portable weigh-in-motion system
7-11

5 = Permanent weigh-in-motion system

18. Calibration of Weighing System (Column 29) – Critical/Optional

Code the method used to calibrate the weighing system, e.g., comparing weigh-in-motion and 

weights from static scales. At a minimum, yearly calibration is recommended, and maybe more 

often depending upon the site, sensors, equipment, and array used. Blank-fill this field when 

unused.

A = ASTM Standard E1318

B = Subset of ASTM Standard E1318

C = Combination of test trucks and trucks from the traffic stream (but not ASTM E1318)

D = Other sample of trucks from the traffic stream

M = Statistical average of the steering axle of class nines

R = LTPP Calibration Method

S = Static calibration

T = Test trucks only

U = Uncalibrated

Z = Other method

19. Method of Data Retrieval (Column 30) – Critical

Blank-fill this field when unused.

1 = Not automated (manual)

2 = Automated (telemetry)

20. Type of Sensor (Column 31) – Critical

Code the type of sensor used for traffic detection.

A = Automatic vehicle identification (AVI)

B = Bending plate

C = Capacitance strip

D = Capacitance mat/pad

E = Load cells (hydraulic or mechanical)

F = Fiber optic 

G = Strain gauge on bridge beam

H = Human observation (manual)

I = Infrared 

K = Laser/Lidar

L = Inductive loop

M = Magnetometer

P = Piezoelectric

Q = Quartz piezoelectric 

R = Road tube
7-12

S = Sonic/acoustic

T = Tape switch

U = Ultrasonic

V = Video image

W = Microwave (radar)

X = Radio wave (radar)

Z = Other

21. Second Type of Sensor (Column 32) – Optional

If there are two types of sensors at the station, code the second using the same codes as Type of 

Sensor. Otherwise, code N for none. Blank-fill this field when unused.

22. Primary Purpose (Column 33) – Critical

This field indicates the primary purpose for installing the station and hence which organization is 

responsible for it and supplies the data.

E = Enforcement purposes (e.g., speed or weight enforcement)

I = Operations purposes in support of ITS initiatives

L = Load data for pavement design or pavement management purposes

O = Operations purposes but not ITS

P = Planning or traffic statistics including HPMS reporting purposes

R = Research purposes (e.g., LTPP)

23. LRS Identification (Columns 34-93) (60 characters) – Critical

The LRS Identification reported in this item for the station must be the same as the LRS 

identification reported in the HPMS for the section of roadway where the station is located. The 

LRS identification is a 60-character, right justified value. The LRS ID can be alphanumeric, but 

must not contain blanks; leading zeros must be coded. More information concerning the LRS may 

be found in Chapter III of the HPMS Field Manual, Linear Referencing System Requirements. 

24. LRS Location Point (Columns 94-101) (8 digits) – Critical

This is the LRS location point for the station. It is similar information to the LRS Beginning Point 

and LRS Ending Point in the HPMS. The milepoint for the station must be within the range of the 

LRS beginning point and LRS ending point for the roadway section upon which the station is 

located. It is coded in miles, to the nearest thousandth of a mile, with an implied decimal in the 

middle: XXXX.XXX. 

25. Latitude (Columns 102-109) – Critical

This is the latitude of the station location with the north hemisphere assumed and decimal place 

understood as XX.XXX XXX. If the value is 39.166 400 (Kansas), then the field is coded as 

‘39166400’, with an implied decimal point after the second digit.

26. Longitude (Columns 110-118) – Critical

This is the longitude of the station location with the west hemisphere assumed and decimal place 

understood as XXX.XXX XXX. If the value is 088.354 800 (Kansas), then the field is coded as 

‘088354800’, with an implied decimal point after the third digit.

27. LTPP Site Identification (Columns 119-122) – Optional

If the site is used in the LTPP sample, give the LTPP site ID. 
7-13

Blank-fill this field when unused.

28. Previous Station ID (Columns 123-128) – Optional

If the station replaces another station, give the station ID that was used previously. Blank-fill this 

field when unused.

29. Year Station Established (Columns 129-132) – Critical

Code the four digits of the appropriate year if known.

30. Year Station Discontinued (Columns 133-136) – Optional

Code the four digits of the appropriate year if known. Blank-fill this field when unused.

31. FIPS County Code (Columns 137-139) – Critical

Use the three-digit FIPS county code (see Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 

6, Counties of the States of the United States).

32. HPMS Sample Type (Column 140) – Critical

N = No, not on an HPMS standard sample section

Y = Yes, on an HPMS standard sample section

33. HPMS Sample Identifier (Columns 141-152) – Critical/Optional 

If the station is on an HPMS standard sample section, code the HPMS Sample Identifier per the 

HPMS Field Manual (Field 7 in the HPMS Sample Panel Identification dataset). Blank-fill this field 

when unused.

34. National Highway System (Column 153) – Critical

N = No, not on National Highway System

Y = Yes, on National Highway System

35. Posted Route Signing (Column 154-155) – Critical

This is the same as Route Signing in HPMS Field Manual, 2012 (Data Item 18 in HPMS 

Sections dataset).

TABLE 7-7 POSTED ROUTE SIGNING CODES

Code Description

1 Not signed

2 Interstate

3 U.S.

4 State

5 Off-Interstate Business Marker

6 County

7 Township

8 Municipal

9 Parkway Marker or Forest Route Marker

10 None of the above
7-14

36. Posted Signed Route Number (Columns 156-163) – Critical

Code the route number of the principal route on which the station is located. This is the same as 

Signed Route Number in HPMS Field Manual, 2012 (Data Item 17 in HPMS Sections dataset).

If the station is located on a city street, zero-fill this field.

37. Station Location (Columns 164-213) – Optional

This is an English text entry field. For stations located on a numbered route, enter the name of 

the nearest major intersecting route, State border, or landmark on State road maps and the 

distance and direction of the station from that landmark to the station (e.g., “12 miles south of 

the Kentucky border”). If the station is located on a city street, enter the city and street name. 

Abbreviate if necessary. Left justify this field. 

Blank-fill this field when unused.
7-15

TABLE 7-8 STATION DESCRIPTION RECORD EXAMPLES

VOLUME SITE (4 LANE SITE WITH ALL LANES AND DIRECTIONS COMBINED) STATION FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25-26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Content 

Example: S 17 01810A 9 0 2012 2R 2 Y 2 3 0 Blank Blank Blank 0 Blank Blank 2 L Blank P

continued

Column 

Number: 34-93 94-101 102-109 110-118 119-122 123-128

Content 

Example: 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000867K65T4RE348 00785600 39166400 088354800 Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 129-132 133-136 137-139 140 141-152 153 154-155 156-163 164-213

Content 

Example: 2001 Blank 049 Y 000012345000 Y 03 00000404 .6 miles past old Mill Road

CLASSIFICATION (8 LANE SITE WITH ONLY LANES COMBINED) SITE STATION FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25-26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Content 

Example: S 17 01811B 1 0 2012 1R 4 Y 4 3 2 3 F 13 0 Blank Blank 2 L L P

Content 

Example: S 17 01811B 5 0 2012 1R 4 Y 4 3 2 3 F 13 0 Blank Blank 2 L L P

continued
7-16

Column 

Number: 34-93 94-101 102-109 110-118 119-122 123-128

Content 

Example: 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000880IR5T4RE348 00785600 39166400 088354800 Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000880IR5T4RE348 00785600 39166400 088354800 Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 129-132 133-136 137-139 140 141-152 153 154-155 156-163 164-213

Content 

Example: 1945 Blank 049 N Blank Y 20 00000708 .5 miles past Steven City near County Line Road

Content 

Example: 1945 Blank 049 N Blank Y 20 00000708 .5 miles past Steven City near County Line Road

WEIGHT SITE (2 LANE SITE) STATION FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25-26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Content 

Example: S 17 01812C 1 1 2012 1R 1 Y 4 3 1 3 F 13 1 5 A 2 Q L L

Content 

Example: S 17 01812C 5 1 2012 1R 1 Y 4 3 1 3 F 13 1 5 A 2 Q L L

continued

Column 

Number: 34-93 94-101 102-109 110-118 119-122 123-128 129-132

Content 

Example: 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000890IR5T4RE348 00785600 39166400 088354800 Blank Blank 1965

Content 

Example: 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000890IR5T4RE348 00785600 39166400 088354800 Blank Blank 1965

continued
7-17

Column 

Number: 133-136 137-139 140 141-152 153 154-155 156-163 164-213

Content 

Example: Blank 049 Y 008905673459 Y 20 00000708 .5 miles past Steven City near County Line Road

Content 

Example: Blank 049 Y 008905673459 Y 20 00000708 .5 miles past Steven City near County Line Road
7-18

7.3 TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA FORMAT

The Hourly Traffic Volume Record format is a fixed length, fixed field record. One record is used for 

each calendar day for which traffic monitoring data is being submitted. Each record contains a field 

for traffic volume occurring during each of the 24 hours of that day. Blank fill the columns used for 

any hours during which no data is being reported. Table 7-9 summarizes the Hourly Traffic Volume 

record. 

All numeric fields should be right-justified and blank fill the columns for which no data is being 

reported.

An example file naming convention for the Volume record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.VOL

As a reminder, pipe characters “|” can be used between each field in the record if the record length 

needs to be shorter or longer than the record length of 153 columns, as identified in Table 7-9.

TABLE 7-9 HOURLY TRAFFIC VOLUME RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-5 2 Functional Classification C

4 6-11 6 Station Identification C

5 12 1 Direction of Travel C

6 13 1 Lane of Travel C

7 14-17 4 Year of Data C

8 18-19 2 Month of Data C

9 20-21 2 Day of Data C

10 22 1 Day of Week C

11 23-27 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 00:00 – to 01:00 O

12 28-32 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 01:00 – to 02:00 O

13 33-37 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 02:00 – to 03:00 O

14 38-42 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 03:00 – to 04:00 O

15 43-47 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 04:00 – to 05:00 O

16 48-52 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 05:00 - to 06:00 O

17 53-57 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 06:00 – to 07:00 O
7-19

Field Columns Width Description Type

18 58-62 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 07:00 – to 08:00 O

19 63-67 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 08:00 – to 09:00 O

20 68-72 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 09:00 – to 10:00 O

21 73-77 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 10:00 – to 11:00 O

22 78-82 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 11:00 – to 12:00 O

23 83-87 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 12:00 - to 13:00 O

24 88-92 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 13:00 – to 14:00 O

25 93-97 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 14:00 – to 15:00 O

26 98-102 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 15:00 – to 16:00 O

27 103-107 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 16:00 – to 17:00 O

28 108-112 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 17:00 – to 18:00 O

29 113-117 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 18:00 - to 19:00 O

30 118-122 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 19:00 – to 20:00 O

31 123-127 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 20:00 – to 21:00 O

32 128-132 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 21:00 – to 22:00 O

33 133-137 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 22:00 – to 23:00 O

34 138-142 5 Traffic Volume Counted, after 23:00 – to 24:00 O

35 143 1 Restrictions C

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the TMAS software.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record to be processed in TMAS.

The Hourly Traffic Volume record is defined as follows (note that the data items used in both the 

Hourly Traffic Volume Record and the Station Description Record are not redefined below, but simply 

referenced to the earlier definitions in Section 7.2):

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

3 = Traffic volume record (Code the value “3” in the first column.)

2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) – See section 7.2, Field #2. – Critical

3. Functional Classification Code (Columns 4-5) – See section 7.2, Field #7. – Critical

4. Station Identification (Columns 6-11) – See section 7.2, Field #3. – Critical

This should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled. – Critical

5. Direction of Travel Code (Column 12) - See section 7.2, Field #4. – Critical
7-20

6. Lane of Travel (Column 13) – See section 7.2, Field #5. – Critical

The code for data being submitted with all lanes combined is zero (0).

7. Year of Data (Columns 14-17) – See section 7.2, Field #6. – Critical

8. Month of Data (Columns 18-19) – Critical

01 = January

02 = February

03 = March

04 = April

05 = May

06 = June

07 = July

08 = August

09 = September

10 = October

11 = November

12 = December

9. Day of Data (Columns 20-21) – Critical

Code the day of the month of data, 01-31. Must correspond to the month of data.

10. Day of Week (Column 22) – Critical

1 = Sunday

2 = Monday

3 = Tuesday

4 = Wednesday

5 = Thursday

6 = Friday

7 = Saturday

11 through 34. Traffic Volume Counted Fields (Columns 23-27, ..., 138-142) - Optional

Enter the traffic volume counted during the hour covered in the columns indicated in Table 7-10. 

If the data is missing, blank fill the appropriate columns.
7-21

TABLE 7-10 HOUR COVERED FIELDS

Field Hour Covered

11 after 00:00 to 01:00 

12 after 01:00 to 02:00 

13 after 02:00 to 03:00 

14 after 03:00 to 04:00 

15 after 04:00 to 05:00 

16 after 05:00 to 06:00 

17 after 06:00 to 07:00 

18 after 07:00 to 08:00 

19 after 08:00 to 09:00 

20 after 09:00 to 10:00 

21 after 10:00 to 11:00 

22 after 11:00 to 12:00 

23 after 12:00 to 13:00 

24 after 13:00 to 14:00 

25 after 14:00 to 15:00 

26 after 15:00 to 16:00 

27 after 16:00 to 17:00 

28 after 17:00 to 18:00 

29 after 18:00 to 19:00 

30 after 19:00 to 20:00 

31 after 20:00 to 21:00 

32 after 21:00 to 22:00 

33 after 22:00 to 23:00 

34 after 23:00 to 24:00 

35. Restrictions (Column 143) - Critical

0 = no restrictions

1 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow, traffic pattern not impacted

2 = traffic counting device problem (e.g., malfunction or overflow) 

3 = weather affected traffic flow, traffic pattern not impacted

4 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow, traffic pattern impacted

5 = weather affected traffic flow, traffic pattern impacted
7-22

TABLE 7-11 HOURLY TRAFFIC VOLUME RECORD EXAMPLES

VOLUME SITE (4 LANES WITH ALL LANES AND DIRECTIONS COMBINED) VOLUME FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-5 6-11 12 13 14-17 18-19 20-21 22 23-27 28-32 33-37 38-42 43-47 48-52 53-57 58-62 63-67 68-72 73-77

Content 

Example: 3 17 2R 01710A 9 0 2012 04 25 4 00046 00022 00014 00013 00029 00030 00075 00136 00179 00218 00264

continued

Column 

Number: 78-82 83-87 88-92 93-97 108-112 113-117 118-122 123-127 128-132 133-137 138-142 143

Content 

Example: 00293 00322 00401 00439 00366 00261 00202 00143 00098 00054 00022 0

VOLUME SITE (4 LANES WITH ONLY LANES COMBINED) VOLUME FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-5 6-11 12 13 14-17 18-19 20-21 22 23-27 28-32 33-37 38-42 43-47 48-52 53-57 58-62 63-67 68-72

Content 

Example: 3 17 2R 018130 3 0 2012 04 25 4 00005 00004 00004 00002 00001 00001 00005 00003 00012 00016

Content 

Example: 3 17 2R 018130 7 0 2012 04 25 4 00008 00001 00003 00003 00004 00000 00000 00001 00004 00009

continued

Column 

Number: 73-77 78-82 83-87 88-92 93-97 98-102 103-17 108-112 113-117 118-122 123-127 128-132 133-137 138-142 143

Content 

Example: 00019 00019 00019 00026 00019 00020 00015 00019 00014 00011 00009 00013 00004 00002 0

Content 

Example: 00019 00015 00014 00022 00026 00015 00019 00011 00005 00016 00003 00010 00006 00004 0
7-23

7.4 SPEED DATA FORMAT

The speed data file format is a variable length record used to report the number of vehicles traveling 

in specified 5 mph speed bins during specified time periods. Each record can contain 1 hour of data, 

15 minutes of data, or 5 minutes of data. The submitting State chooses the time interval for which 

data is being reported and indicates that time interval as a field in the record.

To submit data to FHWA, the speed data format must have a minimum of 15 bins up to a maximum 

of 25 bins and should supply data in 5 mph speed bins defined as being required by FHWA. Any speed 

data records that do not meet these data specifications are purged by the TMAS software. All 

records should follow the record formats defined in the TMG. In addition to the minimum and 

maximum number of bins, a State may choose to report data in additional speed bins (see next 

paragraph). When submitting data only using the minimum number of speed bins (15), the first speed 

bin includes all vehicles traveling 20 mph or slower. The second speed bin is then defined as all 

vehicles traveling faster than 20 mph but less than or equal to 25 mph. The last of the fifteen speed 

bins is defined as all vehicles traveling faster than 85 mph. 

If they desire, States may submit one or two additional speed bins for slow traveling vehicles. They 

may create one additional slow speed bin (for vehicles traveling 15 mph or slower), or two slow 

speed bins (one for vehicles traveling 10 mph or slower, and the other for vehicles traveling greater 

than 10 mph up to 15 mph.) Similarly, a State may create additional high speed bins. Up to eight 

additional bins may be added to provide more detail on high speed travel. The number of additional 

high speed bins being reported should be indicated on the speed record. Finally, when additional high 

speed bins are reported, the length of the speed record changes. 

An example file naming convention for the Vehicle Speed Record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.SPD

Table 7-12 summarizes the Vehicle Speed record format. 

TABLE 7-12 VEHICLE SPEED RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-21 2 Hour of Data C

10 22 1 Speed Data Time Interval O
7-24

Field Columns Width Description Type

11 23 1 Definition of First Speed Bin O

12 24-25 2 Total Number of Speed Bins Reported O

13 26-30 5 Total Interval Volume O

14 31-35 5 Bin 1 Count C

15 36-40 5 Bin 2 Count C

16 41-45 5 Bin 3 Count C

17 46-50 5 Bin 4 Count C

18 51-55 5 Bin 5 Count C

19 56-60 5 Bin 6 Count C

20 61-65 5 Bin 7 Count C

21 66-70 5 Bin 8 Count C

22 71-75 5 Bin 9 Count C

23 76-80 5 Bin 10 Count C

24 81-85 5 Bin 11 Count C

25 86-90 5 Bin 12 Count C

26 91-95 5 Bin 13 Count C

27 96-100 5 Bin 14 Count C

28 101-105 5 Bin 15 Count C

29 106-110 5 Bin 16 Count C/O

30 111-115 5 Bin 17 Count C/O

31 116-120 5 Bin 18 Count C/O

32 121-125 5 Bin 19 Count C/O

33 126-130 5 Bin 20 Count C/O

34 131-135 5 Bin 21 Count C/O

35 136-140 5 Bin 22 Count C/O

36 141-145 5 Bin 23 Count C/O

37 146-150 5 Bin 24 Count C/O

38 151-155 5 Bin 25 Count C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload speed data.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according the 

instructions for each optional field.
7-25

The fields for the Vehicle Speed record are defined as follows:

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

T = Vehicle Speed record

2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #2.

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #3.

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled.

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #4.

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #5.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station Code. No 

combined lanes allowed. There should be one Station Description record per Station Code.

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-15) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #6.

7. Month of Data (Columns 16 17) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #8.

8. Day of Data (Columns 18-19) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #9.

9. Hour of Data (Columns 20-21) – Critical

Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:

00 = after 00:00 to 01:00

01 = after 01:00 to 02:00

...

...

...

22 = after 22:00 to 23:00

23 = after 23:00 to 24:00

10. Speed Data Time Interval (Column 22) – Optional

A 60 minute time interval is assumed if this column is left blank. This field can be used to 

designate either 5 minute or 15 minute binned speed data.

For 15 minute binned intervals of speed data use the following:

Code 1 for the interval 0.0-14.999

Code 2 for the interval 15.0-29.999

Code 3 for the interval 30.0-44.999

Code 4 for the interval 45.0-59.999
7-26

For 5 minute binned intervals of speed data use the following:

Code A for the interval 0.0-4.999

Code B for the interval 5.0-9.999

Code C for the interval 10.0-14.999

Code D for the interval 15.0-19.999

Code E for the interval 20.0-24.999

Code F for the interval 25.0-29.999

Code G for the interval 30.0-34.999

Code H for the interval 35.0-39.999

Code I for the interval 40.0-44.999

Code J for the interval 45.0-49.999

Code K for the interval 50.0-54.999

Code L for the interval 55.0-59.999

11. Definition of First Speed Bin (Column 23) – Optional

If this field is left blank, the first speed bin is assumed to be defined as being all vehicles traveling 

equal to or slower than 20 mph.

If the State wishes to submit data that provides more detail of vehicles traveling at slower 

speeds, it may supply data in one or two additional slow speed bins. If the value “1” is coded in 

Column 21 the first speed bin is defined as “all vehicles traveling at equal to or slower than 15 

mph.” If the value “2” is coded in Column 21, the first speed bin submitted will contain “all 

vehicles traveling at equal to or slower than 10 mph” while the second bin will be defined as “all 

vehicles traveling faster than 10 mph and at equal to or slower than 15 mph.”

12. Total Number of Speed Bins Reported (Columns 24-25) – Optional

If this field is left blank the record should contain data in 15 speed bins; the first bin is defined as 

all vehicles traveling 20 mph or slower, and the last bin is defined as all vehicles traveling faster 

than 85 mph. The length of the record for 15 speed bins is 105 columns wide. 

If the State is supplying data in additional speed bins, this value is used to determine the correct 

record length. 

TABLE 7-13 TOTAL NUMBER OF SPEED BINS

RECORD LENGTH

Total Number of Speed Bins

(Defined in Columns 24-25)

Record Length 

(number of columns)

15 105

16 110

17 115

18 120

19 125

20 130

21 135

22 140
7-27

23 145

24 150

25 155

When used in conjunction with Field 11 (Column 23) it is possible to determine the definition of 

all speed bins being submitted. 

13. Total Interval Volume (Columns 26-30) – Optional

This numeric field is the total traffic volume for the interval being reported on this record. The 

total volume is needed because vehicle speed may not have been detected for all vehicles, in 

which case the sum of the speed counts would not equal the total volume. If the total volume is 

not collected, leave this field blank.

The following speed count fields are numeric fields with the traffic volume by vehicle speed for 

each interval being reported. Traffic volumes in each speed bin for each reporting interval should 

be entered as zero-filled or blank-filled right justified integers in the appropriate columns. 

14. Bin 1 Count (Columns 31-35) – Critical

Bin 1 includes the number of vehicles in the slowest speed range being submitted. Right justify 

the integer volume number in the data entry field. The default condition for this speed bin is “all 

vehicles traveling equal to or slower than 20 mph.” If a different definition is used Field 11 

(Column 23) should be used to define this speed bin. If there are no vehicles observed in this 

speed range during the time period being reported, enter “0”, not “ “ (blank), to indicate that 

there are no vehicles in this speed range, and enter “0” similarly for each speed bin below.

15. Bin 2 Count (Columns 36-40) – Critical

Bin 2 includes the number of vehicles in the second slowest speed range being submitted. Right 

justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this 

speed range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

16. Bin 3 Count (Columns 41-45) – Critical

Bin 3 includes the number of vehicles in the third speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

17. Bin 4 Count (Columns 46-50) – Critical

Bin 4 includes the number of vehicles in the fourth speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

18. Bin 5 Count (Columns 51-55) – Critical

Bin 5 includes the number of vehicles in the fifth speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

19. Bin 6 Count (Columns 56-60) – Critical

Bin 6 includes the number of vehicles in the sixth speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

20. Bin 7 Count (Columns 61-65) – Critical

Bin 7 includes the number of vehicles in the seventh speed range being submitted. Right justify 

the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

21. Bin 8 Count (Columns 66-70) – Critical
7-28

Bin 8 includes the number of vehicles in the eighth speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

22. Bin 9 Count (Columns 71-75) – Critical

Bin 9 includes the number of vehicles in the ninth speed range being submitted. Right justify the

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

23. Bin 10 Count (Columns 76-80) – Critical

Bin 10 includes the number of vehicles in the tenth speed range being submitted. Right justify 

the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

24. Bin 11 Count (Columns 81-85) – Critical

Bin 11 includes the number of vehicles in the eleventh speed range being submitted. Right justify 

the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

25. Bin 12 Count (Columns 86-90) – Critical

Bin 12 includes the number of vehicles in the 12th speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

26. Bin 13 Count (Columns 91-95) – Critical

Bin 13 includes the number of vehicles in the 13th speed range being submitted. Right justify the 

integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

27. Bin 14 Count (Columns 96-100) – Critical

Bin 14 includes the number of vehicles in the fourteenth speed range being submitted. Right 

justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this 

speed range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

28. Bin 15 Count (Columns 101-105) – Critical

Bin 15 includes the number of vehicles in the fifteenth speed range being submitted. Right justify 

the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed 

range during the time period being reported, enter “0.”

29. Bin 16 Count (Columns 106-110) – Critical/Optional

Bin 16 includes the number of vehicles in the sixteenth speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 16. Right 

justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If there are no vehicles observed in this 

speed range during the time period being reported, enter “0”.

30. Bin 17 Count (Columns 111-115) – Critical/Optional

Bin 17 includes the number of vehicles in the seventeenth speed range being submitted. It is 

used only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If 

this bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 17. 

When reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry 

field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

31. Bin 18 Count (Columns 116-120) – Critical/Optional
7-29

Bin 18 includes the number of vehicles in the eighteenth speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 18. When 

reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If 

there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

32. Bin 19 Count (Columns 121-125) – Critical/Optional

Bin 19 includes the number of vehicles in the nineteenth speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 19. When 

reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If 

there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

33. Bin 20 Count (Columns 126-130) – Critical/Optional

Bin 20 includes the number of vehicles in the twentieth speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 20. When 

reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If 

there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, enter 

“0.”

34. Bin 21 Count (Columns 131-135) – Critical/Optional

Bin 21 includes the number of vehicles in the twenty-first speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 21. When 

reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If 

there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

35. Bin 22 Count (Columns 136-140) – Critical/Optional

Bin 22 includes the number of vehicles in the twenty-second speed range being submitted. It is 

used only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If 

this bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 22. 

When reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry 

field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

36. Bin 23 Count (Columns 141-145) – Critical/Optional

Bin 23 includes the number of vehicles in the twenty-third speed range being submitted. It is 

used only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If 

this bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 23. 

When reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry 

field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”

37. Bin 24 Count (Columns 146-150) – Critical/Optional

Bin 24 includes the number of vehicles in the twenty-fourth speed range being submitted. It is 

used only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If 

this bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 24. 

When reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry 

field. If there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”
7-30

38. Bin 25 Count (Columns 151-155) – Critical/Optional

Bin 25 includes the number of vehicles in the twenty-fifth speed range being submitted. It is used 

only when a State submits data in additional speed bins beyond the 15 required by FHWA. If this 

bin is used, Field #12 (Columns 24-25) should contain a value equal to or greater than 25. When 

reporting data in this speed bin right justify the integer volume number in the data entry field. If 

there are no vehicles observed in this speed range during the time period being reported, 

enter “0.”
7-31

TABLE 7-14 3 SPEED BIN TABLE EXAMPLES

SPEED SITE (15 BIN, 2 LANES WITH LANES OR DIRECTIONS NOT COMBINED AT 5 MINUTE INTERVAL FOR 1 HOUR) SPEED FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23 24-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 A Blank 15 00375 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00007

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 B Blank 15 00305 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00004 00005

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 C Blank 15 00266 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00003

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 D Blank 15 00268 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00002

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 E Blank 15 00248 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00001 00001

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 F Blank 15 00231 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00002

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 G Blank 15 00197 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 H Blank 15 00183 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 I Blank 15 00173 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 J Blank 15 00159 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 K Blank 15 00154 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 L Blank 15 00145 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 A Blank 15 00427 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00008

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 B Blank 15 00307 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00006

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 C Blank 15 00268 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00002

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 D Blank 15 00294 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 E Blank 15 00277 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 F Blank 15 00288 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 G Blank 15 00272 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 H Blank 15 00242 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 I Blank 15 00212 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 J Blank 15 00198 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 K Blank 15 00185 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 L Blank 15 00155 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000
7-32

continued

Column 

Number: 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101-105 106-110 111-115 116-120 121-125 126-130 131-135 136-140

Content 

Example: 00012 00048 00165 00086 00031 00021 00005 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 00008 00025 00143 00079 00025 00013 00003 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00003 00032 00131 00058 00026 00011 00001 00001 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00004 00037 00128 00043 00039 00012 00003 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00003 00039 00119 00039 00028 00015 00004 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00002 00025 00108 00042 00032 00015 00005 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00001 00018 00099 00035 00028 00011 00005 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00013 00098 00032 00027 00009 00004 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00008 00095 00031 00028 00008 00003 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00007 00092 00028 00025 00005 00002 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00011 00088 00025 00026 00003 00001 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00012 00084 00021 00024 00004 00000 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00013 00049 00015 60008 70003 20002 20000 60000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00009 00026 00014 10008 20002 70001 10000 50000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00003 00031 00012 80006 10002 50001 30000 40001 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00001 00035 00013 40006 50003 60001 50000 70001 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00007 00031 00012 10005 80003 10002 10000 80000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00002 00026 00011 50005 50003 20002 20000 70001 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00004 00027 00012 20005 60003 50002 30000 50000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00003 00021 00011 40004 90003 30001 80000 40000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00015 00010 40004 80002 40001 90000 20000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00012 00009 80004 70002 50001 30000 30000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00008 00008 70005 10002 40001 20000 30000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

00000 00005 00007 60004 40002 10000 90000 00000 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank
7-33

continued

Column 

Number: 141-145 146-150 151-155

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank
7-34

SPEED SITE (21 BIN, 4 LANES WITH LANES OR DIRECTIONS NOT COMBINED AT 60 MINUTE INTERVAL FOR 1 HOUR, TOTAL VOLUME NOT RECORDED) SPEED FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23 24-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 1 1 2012 06 20 00 Blank 1 21 Blank 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 1 2 2012 06 20 00 Blank 1 21 Blank 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 5 2 2012 06 20 00 Blank 1 21 Blank 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 5 1 2012 06 20 00 Blank 1 21 Blank 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

continued

Column 

Number: 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101-105 106-110 111-115 116-120 121-125 126-130 131-135 136-140

Content 

Example: 00000 00005 00034 00054 00021 00015 00002 00001 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 Blank

Content 

Example: 00000 00007 00030 00046 00024 00013 00003 00002 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 Blank

Content 

Example: 00000 00010 00028 00056 00031 00021 00005 00004 00003 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 Blank

Content 

Example: 00000 00008 00026 00036 00029 00018 00003 00003 00002 00001 00000 00000 00000 00000 Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 141-145 146-150 151-155

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank
7-35

SPEED SITE (25 BIN, 2 LANES WITH LANES OR DIRECTIONS NOT COMBINED AT 60 MINUTE INTERVAL FOR 1 HOUR) SPEED FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23 24-25 26-30 31-35 36-40 41-45 46-50 51-55 56-60 61-65

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 3 1 2012 06 20 00 Blank 2 25 000683 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

Content 

Example: T 17 018114 7 1 2012 06 20 00 Blank 2 25 000681 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000 00000

continued

Column 

Number: 66-70 71-75 76-80 81-85 86-90 91-95 96-100 101-105 106-110 111-115 116-120 121-125 126-130 131-135 136-140

Content 

Example: 00000 00000 00005 00014 00026 00056 00086 00109 00121 00095 00082 00042 00021 00015 00011

Content 

Example: 00000 00000 00004 00012 00028 00064 00085 00098 00127 00094 00081 00041 00018 00013 00013

continued

Column 

Number:

141-145 146-150 151-155

Content 

Example:

00000 00000 00000

Content 

Example:

00003 00000 00000
7-36

7.5 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA FORMAT

The Vehicle Classification file is a variable length record. It contains one record for each time period

(e.g. by 5 min., 15 min., hour of the day) which data is being submitted. That record includes the 

traffic volume by vehicle class data for that hour. The length of the record (number of columns in 

each record) is determined by the value in Field 15 (columns 25-26) of the Station Description Record. 

This means that if two different kinds of data collection equipment are used at a site and those 

different pieces of equipment collect classification data in different formats (e.g., one uses length 

classes and the other uses the 13-FHWA categories), then an updated State Description Record 

should be submitted prior to submitting data using the second classification system or the records 

being submitted will not be read correctly. All lanes in one direction should have the same data being 

collected. FHWA uses the latest version of the State Description Record that is submitted. If this 

record type already exists in TMAS, and no change in the equipment functionality (e.g., the type of 

vehicle class data being collected) has occurred since that earlier record was submitted, it is not 

necessary to submit an additional Station Description Record for the data to be processed in TMAS. 

An example file naming convention for the Vehicle Classification record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.CLA

A single file can contain data from multiple stations and/or locations. 

Table 7-15 summarizes the Vehicle Classification record format.

TABLE 7-15 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-21 2 Hour of Data C

10 22 1 Classification Data Time Interval O

11 23-27 5 Total Interval Volume C

12 28 1 Restrictions C

13 29-33 5 Class 1 Count C

14 34-38 5 Class 2 Count C

15 39-43 5 Class 3 Count C/O

16 44-48 5 Class 4 Count C/O

17 49-53 5 Class 5 Count C/O

18 54-58 5 Class 6 Count C/O

19 59-63 5 Class 7 Count C/O
7-37

Field Columns Width Description Type

20 64-68 5 Class 8 Count C/O

21 69-73 5 Class 9 Count C/O

22 74-78 5 Class 10 Count C/O

23 79-83 5 Class 11 Count C/O

24 84-88 5 Class 12 Count C/O

25 89-93 5 Class 13 Count C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the TMAS software used for submitting data 

to FHWA.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format, code according to the 

instructions for each Optional field.

The fields for the Vehicle Classification record are:

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

C = Vehicle classification record (Code the letter “C” in the first column)

2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #2.

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #3.

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled.

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #4.

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #5.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station Code. There 

should be one Station Description record per Station Code.

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-15) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #6.

7. Month of Data (Columns 16-17) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #8.

8. Day of Data (Columns 18-19) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #9.

9. Hour of Data (Columns 20-21) – Critical

Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:

00 = after 00:00 to 01:00

01 = after 01:00 to 02:00

...

...
7-38

...

22 = after 22:00 to 23:00

23 = after 23:00 to 24:00

10. Classification Data Time Interval – (Column 22) – Optional

A 60 minute time interval is assumed if this column is left blank. This field can be used to 

designate either 5 minute or 15 minute binned classification data.

For 15 minute binned intervals of classification data use the following:

Code 1 for the interval 0.0 – 14.999

Code 2 for the interval 15.0 – 29.999

Code 3 for the interval 30.0 – 44.999

Code 4 for the interval 45.0 – 59.999

For 5 minute binned intervals of classification data use the following:

Code A for the interval 0.0 – 4.999

Code B for the interval 5.0 – 9.999

Code C for the interval 10.0 – 14.999

Code D for the interval 15.0 – 19.999

Code E for the interval 20.0 – 24.999

Code F for the interval 25.0 – 29.999

Code G for the interval 30.0 – 34.999

Code H for the interval 35.0 – 39.999

Code I for the interval 40.0 – 44.999

Code J for the interval 45.0 – 49.999

Code K for the interval 50.0 – 54.999

Code L for the interval 55.0 – 59.999 

11. Total Interval Volume (Columns 23-27) – Critical

This numeric field is the total traffic volume for the hour. The total volume is needed because the 

data collection process might not be able to classify some vehicles, in which case the sum of the 

vehicle class counts will not equal the total hourly volume. 

Fields 12 to 24:

The following class count fields are numeric fields with the traffic volume by vehicle class for

each hour of data. Field #15 in the Station Description Record, “Vehicle Classification Groupings,” 

determines the number of classes expected from this station. This value also determines how 

many columns are expected in the remainder of each record submitted in a given file. Truncate 

the vehicle classification record after the last classification field has been used. (That is, if only 

five vehicle classes are being reported, the record should only be 52 columns wide.)

The default classification system is the FHWA 13 class system (see Appendix C). Where a 

classification (grouping) system other than FHWA’s 13-category system is used, the total number 

of columns for which data is entered will change from that described below. When no vehicles of 

a class being monitored are counted during a given hour, zero fill and right-justify the data in the 

columns associated with that class of vehicles. 
7-39

Before submittal to FHWA, these counts should be checked for reasonableness and quality 

controlled. When 13 vehicle types are reported, the Vehicle Classification record would not be 

larger than 92 columns, with Classes 1-13 (fields 12-24) all considered to be Critical. A 

relationship exists between Table 7-6 and the Vehicle Classes used. These need to be 

synchronized for proper processing in the TMAS software. TMAS allows users to set a limit for 

each class count as part of its automated quality assurance checks.

12. Restrictions (Column 28) – Critical

0 = no restrictions

1 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow, traffic pattern not impacted

2 = traffic counting device problem (e.g., malfunction or overflow)

3 = weather affected traffic flow, traffic pattern not impacted

4 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow, traffic pattern impacted

5 = weather affected traffic flow, traffic pattern impacted

13. Class 1 Count (Columns 29-33 ) – Critical

Class 1 is for Motorcycles when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the FHWA 13-

category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the first class of 

vehicles being reported.

14. Class 2 Count (Columns 34-38) – Critical

Class 2 is for Passenger Cars when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the FHWA 13-

category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the second class of 

vehicles being reported.

15. Class 3 Count (Columns 39-43) – Critical/Optional

Class 3 is for Light Duty (2-axle, four-tire) Pick-up Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the third class of vehicles being reported.

16. Class 4 Count (Columns 44-48) – Critical/Optional

Class 4 is for Buses when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the FHWA 13-category 

system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the fourth class of vehicles 

being reported.

17. Class 5 Count (Columns 49-53) – Critical/Optional

Class 5 is for Two-Axle, Six-Tire, Single-Unit Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. 

If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the 

fifth class of vehicles being reported.

18. Class 6 Count (Columns 54-58) – Critical/Optional

Class 6 is for Three-Axle, Single-Unit Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the 

FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the sixth 

class of vehicles being reported.

19. Class 7 Count (Columns 59-63) – Critical/Optional

Class 7 is for Four-or-More Axle, Single-Unit Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the seventh class of vehicles being reported.

20. Class 8 Count (Columns 64-68) – Critical/Optional

Class 8 is for Four-or-Less Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 
7-40

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the eighth class of vehicles being reported.

21. Class 9 Count (Columns 69-73) – Critical/Optional

Class 9 is for Five-Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the 

FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the ninth 

class of vehicles being reported.

22. Class 10 Count (Columns 74-78) – Critical/Optional

Class 10 is for Six-or-More Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the tenth class of vehicles being reported.

23. Class 11 Count (Columns 79-83) – Critical/Optional

Class 11 is for Five-or-Less Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the eleventh class of vehicles being reported.

24. Class 12 Count (Columns 84-88) – Critical/Optional

Class 12 is for Six-Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification groups. If the 

FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic volume for the 12th 

class of vehicles being reported.

25. Class 13 Count (Columns 89-93) – Critical/Optional

Class 13 is for Seven-or-More Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks when using the 13 FHWA classification 

groups. If the FHWA 13-category system is not being used, this field will contain the traffic 

volume for the 13th class of vehicles being reported.

The vehicle classification record should be ended here if 13 classes are being reported. If volumes 

for additional classes of vehicles are being reported, add five additional columns for each 

additional vehicle class being reported. (These additional vehicle classes can include the vehicle 

categories of “Unclassified”, “Unclassifiable” vehicles that are reported by some types of 

equipment, or some state specific type of vehicle.)
7-41

TABLE 7-16 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION RECORD EXAMPLE

LENGTH CLASSIFICATION (3 LENGTH CLASS BINS, 4 LANES WITH LANES AND DIRECTIONS NOT COMBINED AT 60 MINUTE INTERVAL FOR 2 HOURS) SITE 

CLASSIFICATION FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23-27 28 29-33 34-38 39-43 44-48 49-53 54-58 59-63

Content 

Example: C 17 01811B 1 1 2012 04 25 00 Blank 00099 0 00051 00048 00010 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 1 2 2012 04 25 00 Blank 00020 0 00005 00014 00001 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 5 2 2012 04 25 00 Blank 00011 0 00002 00008 00001 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 5 1 2012 04 25 00 Blank 00066 0 00023 00037 00006 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 1 1 2012 04 25 01 Blank 00072 0 00042 00021 00009 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 1 2 2012 04 25 01 Blank 00017 0 00005 00011 00001 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 5 2 2012 04 25 01 Blank 00011 0 00002 00007 00002 Blank Blank Blank Blank

C 17 01811B 5 1 2012 04 25 01 Blank 00057 0 00021 00029 00007 Blank Blank Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 64-68 69-73 74-78 79-83 84-88 89-93

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank
7-42

AXLE CLASSIFICATION (13 AXLE CLASS BINS, 2 LANES WITH LANES OR DIRECTIONS NOT COMBINED AT 15 MINUTE INTERVAL FOR 1 HOUR) SITE CLASSIFICATION 

FILE

Column

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22 23-27 28 29-33 34-38 39-43 44-48 49-53 54-58 59-63

Content 

Example: C 17 018140 3 1 2012 12 01 00 1 00054 0 00000 00037 00006 00000 00001 00000 00000

C 17 018140 7 1 2012 12 01 00 1 00055 0 00001 00038 00009 00000 00000 00000 00000

C 17 018140 3 1 2012 12 01 00 2 00051 0 00000 00039 00008 00000 00001 00001 00000

C 17 018140 7 1 2012 12 01 00 2 00058 0 00000 00037 00010 00000 00000 00000 00000

C 17 018140 3 1 2012 12 01 00 3 00060 0 00001 00037 00006 00000 00000 00001 00000

C 17 018140 7 1 2012 12 01 00 3 00067 0 00000 00036 00005 00000 00001 00000 00000

C 17 018140 3 1 2012 12 01 00 4 00064 0 00001 00034 00009 00001 00001 00000 00000

C 17 018140 7 1 2012 12 01 00 4 00063 0 00000 00038 00008 00000 00000 00000 00000

continued

Column 

Number: 64-68 69-73 74-78 79-83 84-88 89-93

Content 

Example: 00002 00007 00000 00000 00000 00001

00003 00005 00000 00000 00000 00000

00001 00008 00000 00000 00000 00001

00002 00009 00000 00000 00000 00000

00004 00012 00001 00000 00000 00000

00000 00015 00002 00000 00000 00000

00002 00016 00000 00001 00000 00000

00003 00013 00000 00000 00000 00001
7-43

7.6 WEIGHT DATA FORMAT

The Weight Data Format is the mechanism currently used to submit weight data to FHWA. FHWA 

prefers that States submit weight data using the Per Vehicle Formats (PVF) described in Section 7.7. 

In particular, weight data should be submitted using the “W” or “Z” variants of the PVF record format 

(Sections 7.7.4 and 7.7.5, respectively).

If States still wish to use the current Weight Data Format, a description of that file format is as 

follows. Each file submitted in this format contains one record for each vehicle. Each record describes 

that vehicle’s axle weights and axle spacings.

As a reminder, all weight data is to use English units. 

An example of the file naming convention for the Weight Data record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.WGT

Table 7-17 summarizes the Weight record format.

TABLE 7-17 WEIGHT RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-21 2 Hour of Data C

10 22-23 2 Vehicle Class C

11 24-26 3 Open O

12 27-32 6 Total Weight of Vehicle C

13 33-34 2 Number of Axles C

14 35-39 5 Axle Weight 1 C

15 40-43 4 Axles 1-2 Spacing C

16 44-48 5 Axle Weight 2 C

17 49-52 4 Axles 2-3 Spacing C/O

18 53-57 5 Axle Weight 3 C/O

19 58-61 4 Axles 3-4 Spacing C/O
7-44

Field Columns Width Description Type

20 62-66 5 Axle Weight 4 C/O

21 67-70 4 Axles 4-5 Spacing C/O

22 71-75 5 Axle Weight 5 C/O

23 76-79 4 Axles 5-6 Spacing C/O

24 80-84 5 Axle Weight 6 C/O

25 85-88 4 Axles 6-7 Spacing C/O

26 89-93 5 Axle Weight 7 C/O

27 94-97 4 Axles 7-8 Spacing C/O

28 98-102 5 Axle Weight 8 C/O

29 103-106 4 Axles 8-9 Spacing C/O

30 107-111 5 Axle Weight 9 C/O

31 112-115 4 Axles 9-10 Spacing C/O

32 116-120 5 Axle Weight 10 C/O

33 121-124 4 Axles 10-11 Spacing C/O

34 125-129 5 Axle Weight 11 C/O

35 130-133 4 Axles 11-12 Spacing C/O

36 134-138 5 Axle Weight 12 C/O

37 139-142 4 Axles 12-13 Spacing C/O

38 143-147 5 Axle Weight 13 C/O

Note 1: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the TMAS software.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according the 

instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as C/O could be either critical or optional based on other field values in the weight 

record.

Note 2: The number of axles determines the number of axle weight and spacing fields.

Note 3: For those vehicles with fourteen or more axles, add the appropriate number of additional fields.

Note 4: Additional axle spacing and axle weight fields may be added in the same manner if needed up to a 

maximum of 25 axles per record.

The fields for the weight record are:

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

W = Truck weight record (Code the letter “W” in the first column.)

2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #2.
7-45

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #3.

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled.

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #4.

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #5.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station Code. There should 

be one Station Description record per Station Code.

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-15) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #6.

7. Month of Data (Columns 16-17) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #8.

8. Day of Data (Columns 18-19) – Critical

See section 7.3, Field #9.

9. Hour of Data (Columns 20-21) – Critical

Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:

00 = after 0:00 to 01:00

01 = after 01:00 to 02:00

...

...

...

22 = after 22:00 to 23:00

23 = after 23:00 to 24:00

10. Vehicle Class (Columns 22-23) – Critical

Enter the class of the vehicle from FHWA Vehicle Classes 1 to 13. (Note: vehicles from classes 1 -

3 are ordinarily omitted from weight data submittals.)

A dummy vehicle class of ‘m’ indicates that weight data for this hour are missing. A dummy 

vehicle class of ‘d’ indicates that weight data for this hour are not missing, and thus if there are 

no weight records for the hour, then there were no trucks during that hour. Without these 

indications, no weight records for an hour might be interpreted to mean that the WIM system 

was not working. 

11. Open (Columns 24-26) – Optional

This field is for special studies or State use such as for vehicle speed (miles per hour) or 

pavement temperature (degrees Fahrenheit).

12. Total Weight of Vehicle (Columns 27-32) - Critical

Enter the gross vehicle weight to the nearest pound. For example, 110,200 lbs. would be 

reported in the field as 110200. There are no decimals or commas used in the field. This should 

equal the sum of all the axle weights except for rounding. 

13. Number of Axles (Columns 33-34) – Critical
7-46

Enter the total number of axles in use by the vehicle (including any trailers).

The number of axles determines how many axle weight and spacing fields will be expected on 

each record. As a reminder, the axle weight and spacing fields should be reported in English 

units. The rest of the record alternates between axle weights and axle spacings, starting from the 

front of the vehicle. Axle weights are to the nearest pound. Axle spacings are to the nearest tenth 

of a foot. All values should be right-justified with leading blanks as needed.

Quality control (QC) checks should be performed on the axle weights and spacings. 

14. Axle Weight 1 (Columns 35-39) - Critical

15. Axles 1-2 Spacing (Columns 40-43) - Critical

16. Axle Weight 2 (Columns 44-48) - Critical

17. Axles 2-3 Spacing (Columns 49-52) – Critical/Optional

18. Axle Weight 3 (Columns 53-57) – Critical/Optional

19. Axles 3-4 Spacing (Columns 58-61) - Critical/Optional

20. Axle Weight 4 (Columns 62-66) - Critical/Optional

21. Axles 4-5 Spacing (Columns 67-70) - Critical/Optional

22. Axle Weight 5 (Columns 71-75) - Critical/Optional

23. Axles 5-6 Spacing (Columns 76-79) - Critical/Optional

24. Axle Weight 6 (Columns 80-84) - Critical/Optional

25. Axles 6-7 Spacing (Columns 85-88) - Critical/Optional

26. Axle Weight 7 (Columns 89-93) - Critical/Optional

27. Axles 7-8 Spacing (Columns 94-97) - Critical/Optional

28. Axle Weight 8 (Columns 98-102) - Critical/Optional

29. Axles 8-9 Spacing (Columns 103-106) - Critical/Optional

30. Axle Weight 9 (Columns 107-111) - Critical/Optional

31. Axles 9-10 Spacing (Columns 112-115) - Critical/Optional

32. Axle Weight 10 (Columns 116-120) - Critical/Optional

33. Axles 10-11 Spacing (Columns 121-124) - Critical/Optional

34. Axle Weight 11 (Columns 125-129) - Critical/Optional

35. Axles 11-12 Spacing (Columns 130-133) - Critical/Optional

36. Axle Weight 12 (Columns 134-138) - Critical/Optional

37. Axles 12-13 Spacing (Columns 139-142) - Critical/Optional

38. Axle Weight 13 (Columns 143-147) - Critical/Optional
7-47

TABLE 7-18 WEIGHT RECORD EXAMPLE

WEIGHT SITE WEIGHT FILE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-21 22-23 24-26 27-32 33-34 35-39 40-43 44-48 49-52 53-57 58-61

Content 

Example: W 17 018115 3 1 2012 11 07 16 09 Blank 057886 05 11210 0151 12300 0045 13730 0214

Content 

Example: W 17 018115 3 1 2012 11 07 16 04 Blank 018351 02 08522 0252 09829 Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: W 17 018115 3 1 2012 11 07 16 06 Blank 047289 03 09818 0131 91025 0046 18346 Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 62-66 67-70 71-75 76-79 80-84 85-88 89-93 94-97 98-102 103-106 107-111 112-115 116-120 121-124 125-129

Content 

Example: 09815 0048 10831 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 130-133 134-138 139-142 143-147

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank
7-48

In the Weight Record examples listed above, the Vehicle Class field (columns 22-23) indicates either 

class 09 (semi-trailer), class 04 (bus), or class 06 (dump-truck; 3-axle single unit) as illustrated below.

09 – semi-truck 

04-bus 

06-dump-truck 

Class 9

5-Axle tractor 

semitrailer

Class 4

Buses

Class 6

Three axle, single 

unit

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

7.7 DETAILED PER VEHICLE DATA FORMAT (PVF)

As an optional way to submit traffic monitoring data to FHWA, State highway agencies may submit 

volume, speed, vehicle classification, and vehicle weight data as individual vehicle records rather than 

using the more traditional formats described earlier in this chapter. The FHWA’s Travel Monitoring 

Analysis System (TMAS) will be configured to accept individual vehicle records in the formats 

described below. 

Individual vehicle records require more disk space than aggregated records, but they also allow much 

more detailed analysis of traffic patterns. States are encouraged to submit data in these formats 

whenever possible. While these types of records are not necessary for all data collection efforts, 

having a sample of such records available for use permits the investigation of a number of key traffic 

flow and vehicle characteristics (e.g., vehicle gap analysis, speed by class, and changes in axle spacing 
7-49

distributions) that are not possible when only aggregate traffic records are stored. 

The submission of one PVF data file (1 record) will:

 Meet all of the FHWA reporting needs for the traffic monitoring system (TMS); 

 Allow for more detailed quality control (QC) checks to be performed; and 

 Provide better quality data for use in national statistics.

The following table provides a quick reference for the units of measurement to be reported for 

weight, length, speed, and temperature.

TABLE 7-19 UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

Measure Unit Resolution Reported

Weight Pounds Pound

Vehicle Length Feet Tenths of feet

Speed Mph Tenths of mph

Temperature Degrees fahrenheit Degrees

Time Seconds Hundredth of second

Inter-Axle Spacing Feet Tenths of feet

Individual vehicle records can be collected by a variety of different traffic monitoring devices and 

technologies. However, the type of data collected for each passing vehicle differs when these 

alternative technologies are used. Consequently, FHWA has developed five different variations of the 

Per Vehicle Format. Each of these variations corresponds to a specific type of data collection device. 

All of the formats use a fixed column record structure, and the first 28 columns of data are the same 

for all five record formats. The 28th column contains a variable that describes the type of data 

contained in that record. After the first 28 columns, the remainder of each vehicle record differs 

based on the type and amount of data collected by that device for that vehicle. 

The five different versions of the Per Vehicle Format are as follows:

1. Traffic volume only format;

2. Speed, length classification data formats;

3. Axle classification data format (i.e., axle spacing and classification data);

4. Weight data format for reporting axle weights; and

5. Vehicle classification and weight data format for reporting weight by wheel (path) load.

Each of these record formats is described in detail below. In all cases, each format uses one record for 

each vehicle observation. All units are given in English units (pounds for weight, feet for distance, 

miles per hour for speed, and degrees Fahrenheit for temperature). All unused entries are to be blank 

filled. 

The first 28 columns contain the same information for all individual vehicle records. These 28 

columns are all that is used by the Traffic Volume Only Format.
7-50

An example of the file naming convention for the Per Vehicle Format record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.PVF

7.7.1 TRAFFIC VOLUME ONLY FORMAT (“V” VARIANT)

The following definitions describe the data to be included in the first 28 columns of all per vehicle 

records submitted to FHWA, regardless of which one of the five record types is being submitted.

TABLE 7-20 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE RECORD COLLECTED BY VOLUME DEVICE (V VARIANT)

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-27 8 Time of Data C

10 28 1 V C

11 29-32 4 Vehicle Signature/Other Use O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload data through the TMAS system.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional are based on other fields provided in the station record.

1. Record Type (Column 1) – Critical

I = Individual Vehicle Record 

2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #2.

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #3.

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled.

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #4.

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #5.

Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station Code. There should 

be one Station Description record per Station Code.
7-51

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-15) – Critical

See section 7.2, Field #6.

7. Month of Data (Columns 16-17) 

Critical – See section 7.3, Field #8.

8. Day of Data (Columns 18-19) – Critical

See Chapter 7.3, Field #9.

9. Time of Data (Columns 20-27) – hhmmssff with an implied decimal – Critical

hh = Hour in which record was taken

Code the beginning of the hour (digits 20-21) in which the record was taken:

00 = after 00:00 to 01:00

01 = after 01:00 to 02:00

...

...

...

22 = after 22:00 to 23:00

23 = after 23:00 to 24:00

mm = Minute in which record was taken

Code the beginning of the minute (digits 22-23) in which the record was taken:

00 = 0 minute to less than 1 minute

01 = 1 minute to less than 2 minutes

...

...

...

58 = 58 minutes to less than 59 minutes

59 = 59 minutes to less than 60 minutes

ss = Second in which record was taken

Code the beginning of the second (digits 24-25) in which the record was taken:

00 = 0 second to less than 1 second

01 = 1 second to less than 2 seconds

...

...

...

58 = 58 seconds to less than 59 seconds

59 = 59 seconds to less than 60 seconds

ff = Fraction of a second to the nearest hundredth of a second in which the record was taken

Code the fraction of a second to the nearest hundredth second (digits 26-27) in which the record 

was taken:
7-52

00 = 00 hundredth seconds to less than 01 hundredth seconds

01 = 01 hundredth seconds to less than 02 hundredth seconds

...

...

...

98 = 98 hundredth seconds to less than 99 hundredth seconds

99 = 99 hundredth seconds to less than 100 hundredth seconds

10. Type of Base Counting Device (Column 28) – Critical

This alphanumeric field details the type of counting device recording the individual record 

formats, and the type of data contained in this record. The value in this field affects the length of 

the record being read (the number of columns software reading the record should expect to 

exist), as well as the definition of the data contained in subsequent columns. Code the correct 

value for type of traffic counting device. 

V = volume only type of device (the expected number of columns is 32)

T = speed type of device (the expected number of columns is 44)

C = classification type of device (the expected number of columns varies with the number of 

axles on each vehicle)

W = weight type of device by axle weights (the expected number of columns varies with the 

number of axles on each vehicle)

Z = weight type of device by left and right wheel path weights (the expected number of columns 

varies with the number of axles on each vehicle) 

Note: This assumes that “T” records have filled data columns, allowing speed records to supply 

vehicle length data, meaning those columns should be blank filled if not used.

11. Vehicle Signature or Other Use Field (Columns 29-32) – Optional

Enter the vehicle unique loop or magnetic signature using the right-most digits first. This field can 

also be used for other purposes such as vehicle overhang, vehicle width, or other uses. Blank fill 

all unused columns. For any distance measurement (English) the decimal is implied to be 

between the 31st and 32nd digits (XXX.X)

TABLE 7-21 VOLUME SITE (SOUTH BOUND LANE 1, NOTE – RECORD LENGTH ENDS WITH 4

BLANKS) PER VEHICLE FORMAT 

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-27 28 29-32

Content 

Example: I 17 018116 5 1 2012 11 07 13284687 V Blank

I 17 018116 5 1 2012 11 07 13345054 V Blank

I 17 018116 5 1 2012 11 07 13383189 V Blank
7-53

7.7.2 SPEED, LENGTH CLASSIFICATION, AND VOLUME DATA FORMAT (“T” VARIANT)(ALSO 

COLUMNS 33-44 FOR ALL FORMATS CONTAINING VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA –

INCLUDING FORMATS C, W, AND Z)

To submit individual vehicle records that also contain vehicle speed data for each of those vehicles, 

use the above data format for the first 28 columns, place the letter “T” in column 28, and optionally 

add vehicle signature data in columns 29-32, then add data to columns 33 to 44 as described below. 

Blank fill all columns for which data is not available. 

TABLE 7-22 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE RECORD COLLECTED BY SPEED AND LENGTH CLASS 

MEASURING DEVICE (T VARIANT)

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-27 8 Time of Data C

10 28 1 T C

11 29-32 4 Vehicle Signature/Other Use O

12 33-36 4 Vehicle Speed C/O

13 37-38 2 Vehicle Classification C/O

14 39-40 2 Number of Axles C/O

15 41-44 4 Total Vehicle Length

(bumper to bumper)

C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload data through the TMAS system.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional are based on other fields provided in the station record. 

12. Vehicle Speed (Columns 33-36) – Critical/Optional 

Enter the speed of the vehicle to the nearest tenth of a mph. The decimal is implied between 

digits 35 and 36. Blank fill if unused.

Example – for a 104.1 mph vehicle, it would be coded as 1041.
7-54

13. Vehicle Classification (Columns 37-38) – Critical/Optional according to the following: Critical for 

C, W and Z devices, Optional for T devices

Enter the classification of the vehicle from FHWA classes 1 to 13. Blank fill if unused. 

14. Number of Axles (Columns 39-40) – Critical/Optional according to the following: Critical for C, W 

and Z devices, Optional for T devices

Enter the total number of detected axles in use by the vehicle (including any trailers). Blank fill 

if unused.

Note – for the number of axles on the recorded vehicle, the data items related to those axles (in 

record formats C, W, and Z) shall be classified as critical. Otherwise, the remainder of the fields 

through column 44 should be blank filled. The record should end after column 44 if no axle 

spacing data is available (record formats C, W, and Z).

15. Total Vehicle Length (bumper to bumper) (Columns 41-44) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total length of the vehicle from bumper to bumper to the nearest tenth of a foot. The 

decimal is implied between digits 43 to 44. If no total vehicle length is available blank fill this 

field. 

If the data being submitted do not contain axle spacing information, the data record should be 

44 characters in length. 

TABLE 7-23 SPEED SITE (NORTH BOUND LANE 2) PER VEHICLE FORMAT

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-27 28 29-32 33-36 37-38 39-40 41-44

Content 

Example: I 17 018117 1 2 2012 11 07 09245838 T Blank 0624 03 02 0163

I 17 018117 1 2 2012 11 07 09331278 T Blank 0613 09 05 0691

I 17 018117 1 2 2012 11 07 09421436 T Blank 0648 02 02 0097

7.7.3 VEHICLE AXLE CLASSIFICATION ONLY DATA FORMAT (“C” VARIANT)

This section only applies to those individual records designated with a “C” in Field 10, column 28.

The “C” variant of the per vehicle record format is used to describe the vehicle characteristics 

(number and spacing of axles) of traffic observed by axle sensing vehicle classification devices. It is a 

variable length record, where the length (number of columns) of the record is controlled by the 

number of axles being reported for each vehicle. The number of axles associated with each vehicle is 

given in columns 39 and 40 as described above. This value is used by the TMAS software reading the 

record to determine how many columns remain to be read in each record. Do NOT zero fill additional 

columns beyond those required to report the observed axles for each vehicle. 

The maximum record size allowed for “C” formatted records is 140 columns. A record this long is 

needed only if a single vehicle has 25 axles. The number of columns included in each record can be 

computed with the following formula.

Last column = ((number of axles - 1) × 4) + 44

Where: 

number of axles is the value found in columns 39 and 40 of that record.
7-55

TABLE 7-24 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE RECORD COLLECTED BY CLASSIFICATION DEVICE (C VARIANT)

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-27 8 Time of Data C

10 28 1 C C

11 29-32 4 Vehicle Signature/Other Use O

12 33-36 4 Vehicle Speed C

13 37-38 2 Vehicle Classification C

14 39-40 2 Number of Axles C

15 41-44 4 Total Vehicle Length (bumper to bumper) O

16 45-48 4 Axles 1-2 Spacing C

17 49-52 4 Axles 2-3 Spacing C/O

18 53-56 4 Axles 3-4 Spacing C/O

19 57-60 4 Axles 4-5 Spacing C/O

20 61-64 4 Axles 5-6 Spacing C/O

21 65-68 4 Axles 6-7 Spacing C/O

22 69-72 4 Axles 7-8 Spacing C/O

23 73-76 4 Axles 8-9 Spacing C/O

24 77-80 4 Axles 9-10 Spacing C/O

25 81-84 4 Axles 10-11 Spacing C/O

26 85-88 4 Axles 11-12 Spacing C/O

27+ Use additional spacing 

in 4-digit increments 

up to 25 axles

C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload data through the TMAS system.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional are based on other fields provided in the station record. 
7-56

The definitions of the data to be contained in columns 1 – 44 for the “C” format are described above. 

The data to be included in columns 45 and later are defined as follows:

16. Axle 1 to 2 Spacing (Columns 45-48) – Critical for C, W, and Z record variants

Enter the total spacing between axles 1 and 2 as a right-justified value, in units of feet. All axle 

spacings are reported in tenths of a foot with an implied decimal between digits 3 and 4. For 

example, an axle spacing of 9.6 feet would be entered as “0096.” 

17. Axle 2 to 3 Spacing (Columns 49-52) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 2 and 3 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

18. Axle 3 to 4 Spacing (Columns 53-56) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 3 and 4 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

19. Axle 4 to 5 Spacing (Columns 57-60) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 4 and 5 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

20. Axle 5 to 6 Spacing (Columns 61-64) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 5 and 6 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

21. Axle 6 to 7 Spacing (Columns 65-68) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 6 and 7 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

22. Axle 7 to 8 Spacing (Columns 69-72) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 7 and 8 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

23. 23. Axle 8 to 9 Spacing (Columns 73-76) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 8 and 9 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

24. 24. Axle 9 to 10 Spacing (Columns 77-80) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 9 and 10 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

25. Axle 10 to 11 Spacing (Columns 81-84) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 10 and 11 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

26. Axle 11 to 12 Spacing (Columns 85-88) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 11 and 12 as a right-justified, value, in units of feet. 

Each additional axle space measurement is allocated four columns. The maximum allowed 

number of axles is 25, which results in a maximum record length of 140 columns. 
7-57

TABLE 7-25 CLASSIFICATION SITE (EAST BOUND LANE 4) PER VEHICLE FORMAT

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-27 28 29-32 33-36 37-38 39-40 41-44 45-48 49-52 53-56 57-60

Content 

Example: I 17 018118 3 4 2012 11 07 18583348 C Blank 0582 08 04 0584 0135 0251 0048 Blank

Content 

Example: I 17 018118 3 4 2012 11 07 18595775 C Blank 0627 02 02 0102 0076 Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: I 17 018118 3 4 2012 11 07 19001358 C Blank 0606 13 08 0845 0152 0043 0154 0045

continued

Column 

Number: 61-64 65-68 69-72 73-76 77-80 81-84 85-88

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 0128 0147 0046 Blank Blank Blank Blank
7-58

7.7.4 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION AND AXLE WEIGHTS (“W” VARIANT)

This section only applies to those individual records designated with a W in Field 10, Column 28.

This variation of the individual record format (the “W” record format) is used to describe the number, 

spacing, and weight of axles for traffic observed by weigh-in-motion scales. The “W variant” is a 

variable length record, where the length (number of columns) of the record is controlled by the 

number of axles being reported for each vehicle. The number of axles associated with each vehicle is 

given in columns 39 and 40 as described above. This value is used by the TMAS software reading the 

record to determine how many columns should be read in each record. Do NOT zero fill additional 

columns beyond those required to report the observed axles for each vehicle. 

The maximum record size permitted for “W” formatted records is 268 columns. A record this long is 

needed only if a single vehicle has 25 axles. The number of columns included in each record can be 

computed with the following formula.

A dummy vehicle class of ‘m’ indicates that weight data for this hour are missing. A dummy vehicle 

class of ‘d’ indicates that weight data for this hour are not missing, and thus if there are no weight 

records for the hour, then there were no trucks during that hour. Without these indications, no 

weight records for an hour might be interpreted to mean that the WIM system was not working. 

Last column = ((number of axles - 1) × 9) + 52

Where: 

number of axles is the value found in columns 39 and 40 of that record. Based on this ‘last column’ 

calculation, some optional fields could become critical if it is determined that more than 2 axles are 

on the given vehicle being reported in the record.

TABLE 7-26 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE RECORD COLLECTED BY WEIGHT (AXLE) DEVICE 

(W VARIANT)

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-27 8 Time of Data C

10 28 1 W C

11 29-32 4 Vehicle Signature/Other Use O

12 33-36 4 Vehicle Speed C

13 37-38 2 Vehicle Classification C

14 39-40 2 Number of Axles C

15 41-44 4 Total Vehicle Length (bumper to bumper) O

16 45-47 3 Pavement Temperature O

17 48-52 5 Axle Weight 1 C
7-59

Field Columns Width Description Type

18 53-56 4 Axles 1-2 Spacing C

19 57-61 5 Axle Weight 2 C

20 62-65 4 Axles 2-3 Spacing C/O

21 66-70 5 Axle Weight 3 C/O

22 71-74 4 Axles 3-4 Spacing C/O

23 75-79 5 Axle Weight 4 C/O

24 80-83 4 Axles 4-5 Spacing C/O

25 84-88 5 Axle Weight 5 C/O

26 89-92 4 Axles 5-6 Spacing C/O

27 93-97 5 Axle Weight 6 C/O

28 98-101 4 Axles 6-7 Spacing C/O

29 102-106 5 Axle Weight 7 C/O

30 107-110 4 Axles 7-8 Spacing C/O

31 111-115 5 Axle Weight 8 C/O

32 116-119 4 Axles 8-9 Spacing C/O

33 120-124 5 Axle Weight 9 C/O

34 125-128 4 Axles 9-10 Spacing C/O

35 129-133 5 Axle Weight 10 C/O

36 134-137 4 Axles 10-11 Spacing C/O

37 138-142 5 Axle Weight 11 C/O

38 143-146 4 Axles 11-12 Spacing C/O

39 147-151 5 Axle Weight 12 C/O

40+ Use additional spacing 

in 4-digit increments up 

to 25 axles

C/O

41+ Use additional weights 

in 5-digit increments up 

to 25 axles

C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload data through the TMAS system.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional are based on other fields provided in the station record.

The data to be provided in columns 1 – 44 are described earlier in sections 7.7.1 and 7.7.2 of this 

chapter. The data to be included in columns 45 and later are defined as follows:

16. Pavement Temperature (Columns 45-47) – Optional

Enter the pavement temperature rounded to the nearest integer Fahrenheit value. A negative 

sign may be placed in column 45 if appropriate. If the pavement temperature is unknown blank 

fill these digits.
7-60

17. Axle Weight 1 (Columns 48-52) – Critical

Enter the total axle 1 weight as a right-justified, decimal value, in units of pounds. For example, 

the axle weight measured as 9,120 pounds could be entered as “ _ 9120” or as “09120” (where 

“_” represents a blank space.) 

18. Axle 1 to 2 Spacing (Columns 53-56) – Critical

Enter the total spacing between axles 1 and 2 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet. 

All axle spacings are reported in tenths of feet with an implied decimal between digits 3 and 4.

For example, an axle spacing of 11.35 feet would be entered as ”0114” or “_114” and an axle 

spacing of 9.6 feet would be entered as “0096” or “__96” (where “_” represents a blank space).

19. Axle Weight 2 (Columns 57-61) – Critical

Enter the total axle 2 weight as a right-justified value, in units pounds .

20. Axle 2 to 3 Spacing (Columns 62-65) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 2 and 3 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

21. Axle Weight 3 (Columns 66-70) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 3 weight as a right-justified, decimal value, in units of pounds .

22. Axle 3 to 4 Spacing (Columns 71-74) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 3 and 4 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

23. Axle Weight 4 (Columns 75-79) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 4 weight as a right-justified, value, in units of pounds .

24. Axle 4 to 5 Spacing (Columns 80-83) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 4 and 5 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

25. Axle Weight 5 (Columns 84-88) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 5 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds .

26. Axle 5 to 6 Spacing (Columns 89-92) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 5 and 6 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

27. Axle Weight 6 (Columns 93-97) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 6 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds .

28. Axle 6 to 7 Spacing (Columns 98-101) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 6 and 7 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

29. Axle Weight 7 (Columns 102-106) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 7 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds .

30. Axle 7 to 8 Spacing (Columns 107-110) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 7 and 8 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

31. Axle Weight 8 (Columns 111-115) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 8 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

32. Axle 8 to 9 Spacing (Columns 116-119) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 8 and 9 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

33. Axle Weight 9 (Columns 120-124) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 9 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.
7-61

34. Axle 9 to 10 Spacing (Columns 125-128) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 9 and 10 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

35. Axle Weight 10 (Columns 129-133) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 10 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

36. Axle 10 to 11 Spacing (Columns 134-137) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 10 and 11 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of 

feet.

37. Axle Weight 11 (Columns 138-142) - Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 11 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

38. Axle 11 to 12 Spacing (Columns 143-146) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 11 and 12 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of 

feet.

39. Axle Weight 12 (Columns 147-151) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 12 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

For each additional axle beyond the 12th axle, an additional nine columns should be entered. The 

first four of these columns are the axle spacing to the next axle, followed by the five columns for the 

weight of that next axle. The maximum number of axles permitted is 25, which uses a record length 

of 268 columns. 
7-62

TABLE 7-27 WEIGHT SITE (WEST BOUND LANE 3) PER VEHICLE FORMAT

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-27 28 29-32 33-36 37-38 39-40 41-44 45-47 48-52 53-56 57-61 62-65

Content 

Example: I 17 018119 7 3 2012 11 07 05123472 W Blank 0551 03 02 0174 065 03215 0142 05445 Blank

Content 

Example: I 17 018119 7 3 2012 11 07 05123821 W Blank 0572 05 02 0211 064 05620 0187 06523 Blank

Content 

Example: I 17 018119 7 3 2012 11 07 95124378 W Blank 0560 09 05 0753 064 12518 0152 15790 0043

continued

Column 

Number: 66-70 71-74 75-79 80-83 84-88 89-92 93-97 98-101 102-106 107-110 111-115 116-119 120-124 125-128 129-133

Content 

Example: Blank blank Blank Blank blank Blank Blank Blank Blank blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank blank Blank Blank blank Blank Blank Blank Blank blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 16250 0285 16535 0085 15885 Blank Blank Blank Blank blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 134-137 138-142 143-146 147-151

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank

Use additional spacing in 4-digit increments up to 25 axles

Use additional weights in 3-digit increments up to 25 axles
7-63

7.7.5 VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION AND WHEEL WEIGHTS (“Z” VARIANT)

This section only applies to those individual records designated with a Z in Field 10, column 28.

The “Z” variant of the individual record format is used to describe the number, spacing, and weight of 

axles for traffic observed by weigh-in-motion scales that measure both left and right axle weights. It 

differs from the “W” record by the fact that it allows the user to report the left- and right-side wheel 

path weights independently for each axle. This data is available when independent weight sensors are 

placed in the two wheel paths, such as is typically the case for bending plate, load cell load scale, and 

some by wheel path piezo systems. Like the “C” and “W” record variants, the “Z variant” is a variable 

length record, where the length (number of columns) of the record is controlled by the number of 

axles being reported for each vehicle. The number of axles associated with each vehicle is given in 

columns 39 and 40 as described in Section 7.7.2. This value is used by the TMAS software reading the 

record to determine how many columns remain to be read in each record. Do NOT zero fill additional 

columns beyond those required to report the observed number of axles for each vehicle. 

The maximum record size permitted for “Z” formatted records is 393 columns. A record this long is 

needed only if a single vehicle has 25 axles. The number of columns included in each record can be 

computed with the following formula.

Last column = (number of axles × 14) + 43

Where:

number of axles is the value found in columns 39 and 40 of that record.
7-64

TABLE 7-28 INDIVIDUAL VEHICLE RECORD COLLECTED BY WEIGHT (LEFT AND RIGHT) DEVICE 

(Z VARIANT)

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Record Type C

2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code C

3 4-9 6 Station ID C

4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code C

5 11 1 Lane of Travel C

6 12-15 4 Year of Data C

7 16-17 2 Month of Data C

8 18-19 2 Day of Data C

9 20-27 8 Time of Data C

10 28 1 Z C

11 29-32 4 Vehicle Signature/Other Use O

12 33-36 4 Vehicle Speed C

13 37-38 2 Vehicle Classification C

14 39-40 2 Number of Axles C

15 41-44 4 Total Vehicle Length (bumper to bumper) O

16 45-47 3 Pavement Temperature O

17 48-52 5 Weight 1 Left Wheel Path C

18 53-57 5 Weight 1 Right Wheel Path C

19 58-61 4 Axles 1-2 Spacing C

20 62-66 5 Weight 2 Left Wheel Path C

21 67-71 5 Weight 2 Right Wheel Path C

22 72-75 4 Axles 2-3 Spacing C/O

23 76-80 5 Weight 3 Left Wheel Path C/O

24 81-85 5 Weight 3 Right Wheel Path C/O

25 86-89 4 Axles 3-4 Spacing C/O

26 90-94 5 Weight 4 Left Wheel Path C/O

27 95-99 5 Weight 4 Right Wheel Path C/O

28 100-103 4 Axles 4-5 Spacing C/O

29 104-108 5 Weight 5 Left Wheel Path C/O

30 109-113 5 Weight 5 Right Wheel Path C/O

31 114-117 4 Axles 5-6 Spacing C/O

32 118-122 5 Weight 6 Left Wheel Path C/O

33 123-127 5 Weight 6 Right Wheel Path C/O

34 128-131 4 Axles 6-7 Spacing C/O

35 132-136 5 Weight 7 Left Wheel Path C/O

36 137-141 5 Weight 7 Right Wheel Path C/O

37 142-145 4 Axles 7-8 Spacing C/O

38 146-150 5 Weight 8 Left Wheel Path C/O

39 151-155 5 Weight 8 Right Wheel Path C/O
7-65

Field Columns Width Description Type

40 156-159 4 Axles 8-9 Spacing C/O

41 160-164 5 Weight 9 Left Wheel Path C/O

42 165-169 5 Weight 9 Right Wheel Path C/O

43 170-173 4 Axles 9-10 Spacing C/O

44 174-178 5 Weight 10 Left Wheel Path C/O

45 179-183 5 Weight 10 Right Wheel Path C/O

46 184-187 4 Axles 10-11 Spacing C/O

47 188-192 5 Weight 11 Left Wheel Path C/O

48 193-197 5 Weight 11 Right Wheel Path C/O

49 198-201 4 Axles 11-12 Spacing C/O

50 202-206 5 Weight 12 Left Wheel Path C/O

51 207-211 5 Weight 12 Right Wheel Path C/O

52+ Use 4 columns for each 

axle up to 25 axles 

(include 10 columns of 

weight prior to the 

next axle distance)

C/O

53+ Use 5 additional 

columns for each 

additional axle for the 

left wheel path weight, 

up to 25 axles

C/O

54+ Use 5 additional 

columns for each 

additional axle for the 

right wheel path weight, 

up to 25 axles

C/O

Note: C=Critical, C/O=Critical/Optional, O=Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required to upload data through the TMAS software.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Fields designated as Critical/Optional are based on other fields provided in the station record. 

The definitions of the data to be contained in columns 1 – 44 for the “Z” format are described in 

Sections 7.7.1 and 7.7.2 earlier in this chapter. The data to be included in columns 45 and later are 

defined as follows:

16. Pavement Temperature (Columns 45-47) – Optional

Enter the pavement temperature rounded to the nearest integer Fahrenheit value. A negative 

sign may be placed in Column 45 if required. If the pavement temperature is unknown blank fill 

these digits.

17. Weight 1 Left Wheel Path (Columns 48-52) -– Critical

Enter the left axle 1 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds. For example, the axle 

weight measured as 9,120 pounds could be entered as ”09120” or “_9120” 
7-66

18. Weight 1 Right Wheel Path (Columns 53-57) ) – Critical

Enter the right axle 1 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

19. Axle 1 to 2 Spacing (Columns 58-61) -– Critical

Enter the total spacing between axles 1 and 2 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet. 

All axle spacings are reported in tenths of a foot with an implied decimal between digits 3 and 4. 

For example, an axle spacing of 11.35 feet would be entered as ”0114.”

20. Weight 2 Left Wheel Path (Columns 62-66) -– Critical

Enter the left axle 2 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

21. Weight 2 Right Wheel Path (Columns 67-71) -– Critical

Enter the right axle 2 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

22. Axle 2 to 3 Spacing (Columns 72-75) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 2 and 3 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

23. Weight 3 Left Wheel Path (Columns 76-80) - Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 3 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

24. Weight 3 Right Wheel Path (Columns 81-85) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 3 weight as a right-justified, decimal value, in units of pounds.

25. Axle 3 to 4 Spacing (Columns 86-89) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 3 and 4 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

26. Weight 4 Left Wheel Path (Columns 90-94) - Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 4 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

27. Weight 4 Right Wheel Path (Columns 95-99) - – Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 4 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

28. Axle 4 to 5 Spacing (Columns 100-103) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 4 and 5 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

29. Weight 5 Left Wheel Path (Columns 104-108) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 5 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

30. Weight 5 Right Wheel Path (Columns 109-113) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 5 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

31. Axle 5 to 6 Spacing (Columns 114-117) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 5 and 6 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

32. Weight 6 Left Wheel Path (Columns 118-122) - – Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 6 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

33. Weight 6 Right Wheel Path (Columns 123-127) - Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 6 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

34. Axle 6 to 7 Spacing (Columns 128-131) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 6 and 7 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

35. Weight 7 Left Wheel Path (Columns 132-136) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 7 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.
7-67

36. Weight 7 Right Wheel Path (Columns 137-141) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 7 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

37. Axle 7 to 8 Spacing (Columns 142-145) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 7 and 8 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

38. Weight 8 Left Wheel Path (Columns 146-150) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 8 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

39. Weight 8 Right Wheel Path (Columns 151-155) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 8 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

40. Axle 8 to 9 Spacing (Columns 156-159) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 8 and 9 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

41. Weight 9 Left Wheel Path (Columns 160-164) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 9 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

42. Weight 9 Right Wheel Path (Columns 165-169) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 9 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

43. Axle 9 to 10 Spacing (Columns 170-173) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axles 9 and 10 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

44. Weight 10 Left Wheel Path (Columns 174-178) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 10 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

45. Weight 10 Right Wheel Path (Columns 179-183) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 10 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

46. Axle 10 to 11 Spacing (Columns 184-187) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axle 10 and 11 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

47. Weight 11 Left Wheel Path (Columns 188-192) -– Critical/Optional

Enter the left axle 11 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

48. Weight 11 Right Wheel Path (Columns 193-197) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the right axle 11 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

49. Axle 11 to 12 Spacing (Columns 198-201) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total spacing between axle 11 and 12 as a right-justified value, in units of tenths of feet.

50. Weight 12 Left Wheel Path (Columns 202-206) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 12 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

51. Weight 12 Right Wheel Path (Columns 207-211) -) – Critical/Optional

Enter the total axle 12 weight as a right-justified value, in units of pounds.

For each additional axle beyond the 12th axle, an additional ten columns should be entered. The 

first four of these columns contain the axle spacing to the next axle, followed by five columns for 

the weight measured in the left wheel path for that axle, followed by five more columns for the 

weight measured in the right wheel path. The maximum number of axles permitted is 25, which 

creates a record length of 393 columns. 
7-68

TABLE 7-29 LEFT AND RIGHT WEIGHT SITE (WEST BOUND LANE 1) PER VEHICLE FORMAT

Column 

Number: 2-3 4-9 10 11 12-15 16-17 18-19 20-27 28 29-32 33-36 37-38 39-40 41-44 45-47 48-52 53-57 58-61 62-66

Content 

Example: 17 018119 7 1 2012 11 07 07103474 Z Blank 0561 01 02 0074 071 Blank 00590 0051 Blank

Content 

Example: 17 018119 7 1 2012 11 07 07103838 Z Blank 0605 02 02 0174 071 01225 01315 0078 01700

Content 

Example: 17 018119 7 1 2012 11 07 07105881 Z Blank 0593 07 04 0174 070 07335 06742 0128 03478

continued

Column 

Number: 67-71 72-75 76-80 81-85 86-89 90-94 95-99 100-103 104-108 109-113 114-117 118-122 123-127 128-131 132-136

Content 

Example: 00400 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 01580 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: 03765 0038 05200 04797 0045 04935 04809 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

continued

Column 

Number: 137-141 142-145 146-150 151-155 156-159 160-164 165-169 170-173 174-178 179-183 184-187 188-192 193-197

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank
7-69

continued

Column 

Number: 198-201 202-206 207-211

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Content 

Example: Blank Blank Blank

Use 4 columns for each axle up to 25 axles (include 6 columns of weight prior to the next axle distance)

Use 5 additional columns for each additional axle for the left wheel path weight, up to 25 axles

Use 5 additional columns for each additional axle for the right wheel path weight, up to 25 axles
7-70

7.8 DATA SUBMITTAL FREQUENCY

Table 7-30 provides the recommended data submittal frequency to FHWA.

TABLE 7-30 DATA SUBMITTAL FREQUENCY

Data Type Submittal Frequency

Volume Data Monthly, by 25 days after close of the 

month for which the data was collected

Station Description Record Annually, or when a change occurs

Classification Data Monthly, by 25 days after close of the 

month for which the data was collected

Weight Data Minimum quarterly by the 25th of the month after 

the end of the quarter or, with recommended 

monthly submissions 25 days after the close of the 

month for which the data was collected

Speed Data Monthly, by 25 days after close of the 

month for which the data was collected

Per Vehicle Format (PVF) (Optional) Data type submissions follow the above timelines

Non-Motorized Data Minimum quarterly by the 25th of the month after the end 

of the quarter

All data files should be submitted to FHWA through TMAS via the User Profile and Access Control 

System (UPACS). States should contact their State FHWA Division Offices for further instructions 

regarding UPACS.

All data should be in the record formats described in this chapter and quality controlled to ensure it 

truly represents travel on the given location/time period. If the files are large, it is preferable that a 

compression program such as PKZIP be used to condense them. For further information, contact the 

Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division at (202) 366-0175 or access information from the Office of 

Highway Policy and Information web site. 

7.9 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMAT

This publication of the TMG includes a new chapter (Chapter 4) on the collection of non-motorized 

data. Collecting and reporting on non-motorized travel is growing in importance, due to the 

significant efforts being made to encourage the use of more active modes of transportation 

(walking/biking) in order to gain a variety of health, financial, and environmental benefits. It is 

therefore, important to be able to track changes in the amount of walking and biking that result from 

changes in public attitudes and land uses, the implementation of new policies, and the construction 

of new facilities.

Two record formats are defined for submitting non-motorized data: 

 Count Station Description Record; and

 Non-Motorized Count Record.

The Count Station Description Record parameters are described in this section, and Section 7.10 

describes the requirements for the Non-Motorized Count Record.
7-71

The Non-Motorized Count Station Description Record is needed for reporting all non-motorized data

to FHWA. If a Non-Motorized Station Description record is omitted, any succeeding records 

containing non-motorized data will not be processed by the TMAS software. The Non-Motorized 

Count Station Description file contains one record per traffic monitoring station for each land by 

direction per year. In addition, updated station records can be submitted at any time during the year 

if an equipment change occurs at a site, which would result in a different type of data being 

submitted at that location. All fields on each record are considered to be character fields.

The TMAS software retains all approved station records as of December 31st of each year. FHWA 

recommends that a yearly review of all station record fields be conducted to insure the records are 

current and reflect what is in the field.

An example file naming convention for the Non-Motorized Station Description Record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.SNM

The non-motorized record formats should be submitted to FHWA on a quarterly basis. A future 

version of TMAS (3.0 or prior) will include pedestrian and bicycle data formats, processing and 

reporting.

TABLE 7-31 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT STATION DESCRIPTION RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Non-motorized station/location record identifier (L) C

2 2-3 2 State FIPS Code C

3 4-6 3 County FIPS Code C

4 7-12 6 Station ID C

5 13 1 (Functional) classification of road (expanded) C

6 14 1 Direction of route C

7 15 1 Location of count relative to roadway orientation C

8 16 1 Direction of travel C

9 17 1 Crosswalk, sidewalk, or exclusive facility C

10 18 1 Intersection O

11 19 1 Type of count (bike/pedestrian/both) C

12 20-21 2 Method of counting C

13 22-23 2 Type of Sensor O

14 24-27 4 Year of data C

15 28 1 Factor Group 1 O

16 29 1 Factor Group 2 O

17 30 1 Factor Group 3 O

18 31 1 Factor Group 4 O

19 32 1 Factor Group 5 O

20 33 1 Primary Count Purpose O

21 34-35 2 Posted Speed Limit O

22 36-39 4 Year station established C

23 40-43 4 Year station discontinued O

24 44 1 National highway system O
7-72

Field Columns Width Description Type

25 45-52 8 Latitude C

26 53-61 9 Longitude C

27 62-63 2 Posted Route Signing O

28 64-71 8 Posted Signed Route Number O

29 72-131 60 LRS Identification O

30 132-139 8 LRS Location Point O

31 140-189 50 Station location O

32 190-239 50 Other Notes O

Note: C = Critical, O = Optional

Fields designated as Critical are required for this record format.

Fields designated as Optional are not required for this record format. Code these fields according to 

the instructions for each optional field.

Non-motorized station/location record identifier (Column 1) – Critical

Code the letter “L”

State FIPS Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

TABLE 7-32 FIPS STATE CODES

State Code State Code State Code

Alabama 1 Maine 23 Pennsylvania 42

Alaska 2 Maryland 24 Rhode Island 44

Arizona 4 Massachusetts 25 South Carolina 45

Arkansas 5 Michigan 26 South Dakota 46

California 6 Minnesota 27 Tennessee 47

Colorado 8 Mississippi 28 Texas 48

Connecticut 9 Missouri 29 Utah 49

Delaware 10 Montana 30 Vermont 50

D.C. 11 Nebraska 31 Virginia 51

Florida 12 Nevada 32 Washington 53

Georgia 13 New Hampshire 33 West Virginia 54

Hawaii 15 New Jersey 34 Wisconsin 55

Idaho 16 New Mexico 35 Wyoming 56

Illinois 17 New York 36 Puerto Rico 72

Indiana 18 North Carolina 37 American Samoa 60

Iowa 19 North Dakota 38 Guam 66

Kansas 20 Oregon 41 Northern Mariana Islands 69

Kentucky 21 Ohio 39 Virgin Islands of the U.S. 78

Louisiana 22 Oklahoma 40
7-73

Canadian Provinces may use TMAS with the following codes (based on the LTPP):

State Code State Code State Code

Alberta 81 Nova Scotia 86 Yukon 91

British Columbia 82 Ontario 87 Northwest Territory 92

Manitoba 83 Prince Edward Island 88 Labrador 93

New Brunswick 84 Quebec 89 Nunavut 94

Newfoundland 85 Saskatchewan 90

County FIPS Code (Columns 4-6) – Critical

Use the three-digit FIPS county code (see Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 6, 

Counties of the States of the United States).

Station ID (Columns 7-12) - Critical

This field should contain an alphanumeric designation for the station where the survey data is 

collected. Station identification field entries should be identical in all records for a given station. 

Differences in characters, including spaces, blanks, hyphens, etc., prevent proper match. 

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled. Do not use embedded blanks. 

Functional Classification of Road (expanded) (Column 13) – Critical

This starts with the current U.S. DOT functional classification system, but also adds categories for trail 

or share use path, and general activity count (i.e., for pedestrian counts in an open area like the Mall 

in Washington, D.C.). It is used in association with a second variable that indicates for roads whether 

the count was made on the main roadway, on a sidewalk, or on a special lane intended for use 

exclusively by non-motorized vehicles (e.g., bike lane.) 

TABLE 7-33 CLASSIFICATION CODES

Code Classification

1 Interstate

2 Principal Arterial – Other Freeways and Expressways

3 Principal Arterial – Other

4 Minor Arterial

5 Major Collector

6 Minor Collector

7 Local

8 Trail or Shared Use Path

9 General Activity Count

6. Direction of Route (Column 14) – Critical

This is the direction of travel of the main roadway. Note that a north/south roadway can be 

coded as either a “N” or as a “S” but the selection of the direction affects how the “Location of 

Count Relative to Roadway Orientation” variable (the next variable) is coded in order to 

effectively define the location and direction of the non-motorized count. 
7-74

TABLE 7-34 DIRECTION OF TRAVEL CODES

Code Direction

0 East-West or Southeast-Northwest combined (volume stations only)

1 North

2 Northeast

3 East

4 Southeast

5 South

6 Southwest

7 West

8 Northwest

9 North-South or Northeast-Southwest combined (volume stations only)

7. Location of Count Relative to Roadway Orientation (Column 15) – Critical

1 = the count is taken on the side of the road for the listed direction of travel; 

2 = the count is taken on the opposite side of the road from the listed direction (i.e., the side with 

on-coming traffic, given the listed direction of travel);

3 = both sides of the road combined (appropriate for example, if counting a trail or other shared 

use path); and

4 = traffic moving perpendicular to the roadway (that is, crossing the street).

Example: If you code the Direction of Route as “North” and are in fact driving in that northbound 

direction, a “1” for this variable would indicate that you are counting on the right (eastern) side 

of the road; a “2” would indicate you are counting non-motorized traffic on the left (western) 

side of the road; a “3” would indicate that you are counting all non-motorized traffic, regardless 

of which side of the road, and would be appropriate for use on a trail or other shared use path. 

For that same facility, if Direction of Route were coded as “South” then a count performed on the 

eastern side of the road would be coded as a “2”, since it would be on the opposite side of the 

road for vehicle traveling southbound.

8. Direction of Travel (Column 16) – Critical

1 = travel monitored only occurring in the Direction of Route;

2 = travel monitored only occurring opposite to the Direction of Route;

3 = travel in both (all) directions; and

4 = travel at an intersection that includes all movements (e.g., the sum of movements on all four 

crosswalks, or all movements occurring during a pedestrian scramble (or “Barnes Dance”) phase. 

Note: The “Intersection” variable should also be coded as a 1 or 2 if this variable is coded as a 4. 

For a “General Activity Count” that includes all movements in all directions, code direction of 

travel as a “3” “all directions.”)

Note: To actually understand where a count is being taken (what side of the road, and which 

directions of travel are being counted) it is necessary to look at all three variables, Direction of 

Route, Location of Count Relative to Roadway Orientation, and Direction of Travel. It may also be 

necessary to look at the Crosswalk variable immediately below.

9. Crosswalk, Sidewalk, Exclusive Facility, or Total Intersection Count (Column 17) – Critical

Indicates if the count was taken outside of the primary right-of-way:

1 = in roadway/trail right of way (potentially shared with motorized vehicles)
7-75

2 = exclusively in a crosswalk

3 = on a sidewalk

4 = on an exclusive (for non-motorized traffic) right-of-way, parallel to the primary facility 

(including exclusive bike lanes, whether those lanes are separated from motorized vehicles by 

paint stripes or by some specific physical barrier but not including sidewalks, crosswalks, or trails 

or other shared use paths that are not for licensed, motorized vehicles) 

5 = on a grade separate facility designed to allow non-motorized traffic to pass over top of a 

roadway (e.g., a pedestrian bridge)

6 = on a grade separate facility designed to allow non-motorized traffic to cross underneath a 

roadway (e.g., a pedestrian undercrossing)

For an “Area Count” leave this field blank.

Note 1: if “perpendicular to traffic” is selected in “Location of Count Relative to Roadway 

Orientation” variable and the “Crosswalk” variable is coded as “in roadway right of way” then the 

count includes ALL people crossing a roadway. If “exclusively in a crosswalk” is indicated, then 

only those in the crosswalk (or directly next to the crosswalk) are being counted. This coding 

differentiation is designed to indicate if all pedestrians crossing a street within a given block 

(including jaywalkers) are being counted, or whether only pedestrians actually using a marked 

crosswalk are being counted.

Note 2: if the count is being taken on a trail or other shared use path that is not intended for 

conventional passenger cars or licensed commercial vehicles, code the trail count as a “0”, even 

if the trail may be routinely used by motorcycles, snowmobiles or other motorized vehicles 

designed for off-road uses.

10. Intersection (Column 18) – Optional

1 = count is taken at an intersection (but not an intersection with a roundabout),

2 = count taken at an intersection with a roundabout 

otherwise (blank) NOT at an intersection 

11. Type of Count (Column 19) – Critical

1 = pedestrians (only) are being counted

2 = bicycles (only) are being counted

3 = equestrians (only) are being counted

4 = both pedestrians and bicycles are included in this count

5 = all passing non-motorized traffic are included in this count

6 = motorized vehicles are being counted (intended for counts of snowmobiles, all terrain 

vehicles, and other off-road vehicles using a trail or other shared use path)

7 = all motorized and non-motorized traffic using the facility (intended for trails and share use 

paths that experience a combination of pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, and off-road vehicle 

traffic)

8 = other animals (specify in Field #32 (Other Notes) what kind of animals)

12. Method of Counting (Columns 20-21) – Critical

1 = Human observation (manual)

2 = Portable traffic recording device

3 = Permanent, continuous count station (CCS)
7-76

13. Type of Sensor (Columns 22-23) – Optional

Code for the type of sensor used for detection.

9 = Multiple counts are made at this location, different counts may use different sensors (see the 

individual count records for the sensors used for specific counts)

H = Human observation (manual)

I = Infrared (passive)

2 = Active Infrared (requires a target on other side of facility being monitored)

K = Laser/lidar

L = Inductive loop

M = Magnetometer

P = Piezoelectric

Q = Quartz piezoelectric 

R = Air tube

S = Sonic/acoustic

T = Tape switch

3 = other pressure sensor/mat

U = Ultrasonic

V = Video image (with automated or semi-automated conversion of images to counts)

1 = Video image with manual reduction of images to counts performed at a later time

W = Microwave (radar)

X = Radio wave (radar)

Z = Other

14. Year of Data (Columns 24-27) – Critical

Code the four digits of the year in which the data were collected.

FACTOR GROUPS: A total of five single digit fields are provided so that States can list the 

identifiers used to factor the count provided. The values in these records are not the factors 

themselves, but simply identifiers of the factor groups used. The factors are used to convert 

short duration counts to estimates of daily travel or annual travel. In the case of permanent, 

continuous count locations these identifiers describe which factor group that count location 

belongs to, so that these adjustment factors can be computed. States and other submitting 

agencies can use the text field in the “other information” category at the end of this record to 

further describe the factor groups to which the site is assigned. At this time, the use of these 

factor groups is both optional and flexible. A submitting agency may assign each factor identifier 

to purposes as the agency sees fit.

15. Factor Group 1 (Column 28) – Optional

The first of five allowable (but optional) variables that allow identification of a factor group that 

is used to adjust short duration counts at this location to estimates of annual average condition. 

(For example, this first factor group could be used to identify this site’s time-of-day pattern, but 

it does not have to be used for that purpose.)

16. Factor Group 2 (Column 29) – Optional

The second of five allowable (but optional) variables that allow identification of a factor group 
7-77

that is used to adjust short duration counts at this location to estimates of annual average 

condition. For example, this second factor group could be used to identify DOW patterns (Is this 

a commuter route or a recreational route?), but it does not have to be used for that purpose.

17. Factor Group 3 (Column 30) – Optional

The third of five allowable (but optional) variables that allow identification of a factor group that 

is used to adjust short duration counts at this location to estimates of annual average condition. 

(For example, this third factor group could be used to identify monthly or seasonal patterns, but 

it does not have to be used for that purpose.)

18. Factor Group 4 (Column 31) – Optional

The fourth of five allowable (but optional) variables that allow identification of a factor group 

that is used to adjust short duration counts at this location to estimates of annual average 

condition. (For example, this factor group could be used to identify equipment adjustment 

patterns needed because of the specific type of equipment being used, but it does not have to be 

used for that purpose.)

19. Factor Group 5 (Column 32) – Optional

The fifth of five allowable (but optional) variables that allow identification of a factor group that 

is used to adjust short duration counts at this location to estimates of annual average condition. 

(For example, this factor group could be used for adjustments due to the type of weather being 

experienced during the count, but does not have to be used for that purpose.)

20. Primary Count Purpose – (Column 33) – Optional

This field indicates the primary purpose for installing the station and hence which organization is 

responsible for it and supplies the data.

O = Operations and facility management purposes

P = Planning or statistic reporting purposes

R = Research purposes 

S = Count taken as part of a Safe Route to School data collection effort

L = Facility design purposes

E = Enforcement purposes

21. Posted Speed Limit (Columns 34-35) – Optional

If count is taken on a facility with posted speed limit indicate that limit in miles per hour. 

Otherwise leave blank.

22. Year Station Established (Columns 36-39) – Optional

Code the four digits of the appropriate year if known

23. Year Station Discontinued (Columns 40-43) – Optional

Code the four digits of the appropriate year if known

24. National Highway System (Column 44) – Optional

N = No, not on National Highway System

Y = Yes, on National Highway System

25. Latitude (Columns 45-52) – Critical

This is the latitude of the station location with the north hemisphere assumed and an implied 

decimal place understood as XX.XXX XXX. 

26. Longitude (Columns 53-61) – Critical
7-78

This is the longitude of the station location with the west hemisphere assumed and an implied 

decimal place understood as XXX.XXX XXX. 

27. Posted Route Signing – (Columns 62-63) – Optional

This is the same as Route Signing in the 2012 HPMS Field Manual (Data Item 18 in HPMS Sections 

dataset). These codes are shown below.

TABLE 7-35 POSTED ROUTE SIGNING CODES

Code Description

1 Not signed

2 Interstate

3 U.S.

4 State

5 Off-Interstate Business Marker

6 County

7 Township

8 Municipal

9 Parkway Marker or Forest Route Marker

10 None of the above

28. Posted Signed Route Number (Columns 64-71) – Optional

If the station is located on a city street and is not on a U.S. Bike Route, zero-fill this field.

29. Linear Referencing System (LRS) Identification (Columns 72-131) – Optional

The LRS Identification reported in this item for the station must be the same as the LRS 

identification reported in the HPMS for the section of roadway where the station is located. The 

LRS identification is a 60-character, right justified value. The LRS ID can be alphanumeric, but 

must not contain blanks; leading zeros must be coded. More information concerning the LRS may 

be found in Chapter III of the HPMS Field Manual (Sept. 2010), Linear Referencing System 

Requirements.

30. Linear Referencing System (LRS) Location Point (Columns 132-139) - Optional

This is the LRS location point for the station. It is similar information to the LRS Beginning Point 

and LRS Ending Point in the HPMS. The milepoint for the station must be within the range of the 

LRS beginning point and LRS ending point for the roadway section upon which the station is 

located. It is coded in miles, to the nearest thousandth of a mile, with an implied decimal in the 

middle: XXXX.XXX.

31. Station Location (Columns 140-189) – Optional

This is an English text entry field. For stations located on a numbered route, enter the name of 

the nearest major intersecting route, State border, or landmark on State road maps and the 

distance and direction of the station from that landmark to the station (e.g., “12 miles south of 

the Kentucky border”). If the station is located on a city street, enter the city and street name. 

Abbreviate if necessary. Left justify.

32. Other Notes (Columns 190-239) - Optional

This is an English text field that can be used to provide notes to others users of data from this 

location. For example, it can be used to describe the specific use of factor groups 1 through 5. 

Also, if Field #11 (Type of Count) is coded as 8 (other animals), indicate the type(s) of animals in 

this field (Other Notes).
7-79

TABLE 7-36 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT STATION DESCRIPTION RECORD EXAMPLE

Column 

Number: 1 2-3 4-6 7-12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20-21 22-23 24-27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34-35 36-39

Content 

Example: L 08 045 GLWD06 2 3 1 1 4 Blank 2 01 -H 2011 Blank Blank Blank Blank Blank R 65 2010

continued

Column 

Number: 40-43 44 45-52 53-61 64-71 72-131 132-139 140-189 62-63

Content 

Example: Blank Y 39550600N 107324200 - - - - US-6 0000....00LRSID123456 2 miles east of US 6 and SH82 03

continued

Column 

Number: 190-239

Content 

Example: This station is for collection of bicycle counts using human observation
7-80

7.10 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT DATA FORMAT

The Non-Motorized Count Record format is a variable length, fixed field record. One record is used 

for each calendar day for which traffic monitoring data is being submitted. Considerable flexibility is 

built into this record. It allows non-motorized data to be reported at a variety of time intervals. The 

time interval being counted can be 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 120 minutes, with the interval being 

reported as a field on each record. Table 7-37 describes all the fields used in this record.

As with previous data formats, all numeric fields should be right-justified and blank fill the columns 

for which no data is being reported. All fields should be blank filled if not used.

An example file naming convention for the Volume record is:

ssabcxyzmmyyyy.VNM

TABLE 7-37 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT RECORD

Field Columns Width Description Type

1 1 1 Non-motorized count record identifier (N) C

2 2-3 2 State FIPS Code C

3 4-6 3 County FIPS Code C

4 7-12 6 Station ID C

5 13-20 8 Latitude O

6 21-29 9 Longitude O

7 30 1 Direction of route C

8 31 1 Location of count relative to roadway orientation C

9 32 1 Direction of travel C

10 33 1 Crosswalk, sidewalk, or exclusive facility C

11 34 1 Intersection O

12 35 1 Type of count (e.g., bike/pedestrian/both) C

13 36-37 2 Type of sensor C

14 38 1 Precipitation (yes/no) O

15 39-41 3 High temperature O

16 42-44 3 Low temperature O

17 45-48 4 Year of count C

18 49-50 2 Month of count C

19 51-52 2 Day of count C

20 53-56 4 Count start time for this record (military time, HHMM) C

21 57-59 3 Count interval being reported (in minutes) 

Allowable entries: 05, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 120)

C

22 60-64 5 Count for interval 1 C

23 65-69 5 Count for interval 2 C/O

24 70-74 5 Count for interval 3 C/O

25 75-79 5 Count for interval 4 C/O

26 80-84 5 Count for interval 5 C/O

27 85-89 5 Count for interval 6 C/O

28 90-94 5 Count for interval 7 C/O

29 95-99 5 Count for interval 8 C/O

30 100-104 5 Count for interval 9 C/O

31 105-109 5 Count for interval 10 C/O
7-81

Field Columns Width Description Type

32 110-114 5 Count for interval 11 C/O

33 115-119 5 Count for interval 12 C/O

34 120-124 5 Count for interval 13 C/O

35 125-129 5 Count for interval 14 C/O

36 130-134 5 Count for interval 15 C/O

37 135-139 5 Count for interval 16 C/O

38 140-144 5 Count for interval 17 C/O

39 145-149 5 Count for interval 18 C/O

40 150-154 5 Count for interval 19 C/O

41 155-159 5 Count for interval 20 C/O

42 160-164 5 Count for interval 21 C/O

43 165-169 5 Count for interval 22 C/O

44 170-174 5 Count for interval 23 C/O

45 175-179 5 Count for interval 24 – End of hourly count record C/O

46-

309

180-

2500

Count intervals 25 – 288 are used only if the reported day 

contains this many reporting time periods. Only report 

those periods for which data were collected.

Up to 288 reporting periods are needed if 5-minute 

intervals are used. 

Up to 144 periods are needed for 10-minute intervals.

Up to 96 periods are needed for 15-minute intervals

Up to 72 periods are needed for 20-minute intervals

Up to 48 periods are needed for 30-minute intervals

Up to 24 periods are needed for 60-minute intervals

O

Note: C = Critical, O = Optional and C/O = Critical or Optional

1. Non-motorized count record identifier (Column 1) – Critical

Code the letter “N”

2. State FIPS Code (Columns 2-3) – Critical

See Section 7.9, Field #2 of Non-Motorized Count Station Description Record.

3. County FIPS Code (Columns 4-6) – Critical

Use the three-digit FIPS county code (see Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 

6, “Counties of the States of the United States”).

4. Station ID (Columns 7-12) – Critical

This field should contain an alphanumeric designation for the station where the survey data is 

collected. Station identification field entries should be identical in all records for a given station. 

Differences in characters, including spaces, blanks, hyphens, etc., prevent proper match. 

This field should be right-justified with unused columns zero-filled. Do not use embedded blanks.

5. Latitude (Columns 13-20) – Optional

This is the latitude of the station location with the north hemisphere assumed and an implied 

decimal place understood as XX.XXX XXX.

6. Longitude (Columns 21-29) – Optional

This is the longitude of the station location with the west hemisphere assumed and an implied 

decimal place understood as XXX.XXX XXX.

7. Direction of route (Column 30) – Critical

This is the direction of travel of the main roadway. Note that a north/south roadway can be 
7-82

coded as either a “N” or as a “S” but the selection of the direction affects how the “Location of 

Count Relative to Roadway Orientation” variable (the next variable) is coded in order to 

effectively define the location and direction of the non-motorized count. 

TABLE 7-38 DIRECTION OF TRAVEL CODES

Code Direction

1 North

2 Northeast

3 East

4 Southeast

5 South

6 Southwest

7 West

8 Northwest

9 North-South or Northeast-Southwest combined (volume stations only)

0 East-West or Southeast-Northwest combined (volume stations only)

8. Location of count relative to roadway orientation (Column 31) – Critical

1 = the count is taken on the side of the road for the listed direction of travel

2 = the count is taken on the opposite side of the road from the listed direction (i.e., the side with 

on-coming traffic, given the listed direction of travel)

3 = both sides of the road combined (appropriate for example, if you were counting a trail) 

4 = traffic moving perpendicular to the roadway (that is, crossing the street)

Example: if you code the Direction of Route as “North” and are in fact driving in that northbound 

direction, a 1 for this variable would indicate that you are counting on the right (eastern) side of 

the road. A “2” would indicate you are counting non-motorized traffic on the left (western) side 

of the road. A “3” would indicate you are counting all non-motorized traffic, regardless of which 

side of the road, and would be appropriate for use on a trail or other shared use path. For that 

same facility if Direction of Route were coded as “South” then a count performed on the eastern 

side of the road would be coded as a “2” as it would be on the opposite side of the road for 

vehicle traveling southbound.

9. Direction of Travel (Column 32) – Critical

1 = travel monitored only occurring in the Direction of Route

2 = travel monitored only occurring opposite to the Direction of Route

3 = travel in both (all) directions

4 = travel at an intersection that includes all movements (e.g., the sum of movements on all four 

crosswalks, or all movements occurring during a pedestrian scramble (or “Barnes Dance”) phase. 

Note: The “Intersection” variable should also be coded as a 1 or 2 if this variable is coded as a 4. 

For a “General Activity Count” that is not taken on a linear facility, and that includes all 

movements in all directions, code the Direction of Travel variable as a “3” all directions.

Note: To actually understand where a count is being taken (what side of the road, and which 

directions of travel are being counted) it is necessary to look at all three variables, Direction of 

Route, Location of Count Relative to Roadway Orientation, and Direction of Travel. It may also be 

necessary to look at the Crosswalk variable immediately below.
7-83

10. Crosswalk, sidewalk, or exclusive facility (Column 33) – Critical

Indicates if the count was taken outside of the primary right-of-way:

1 = in roadway/trail right of way (potentially shared with motorized vehicles)

2 = exclusively in a crosswalk

3 = on a sidewalk

4 = on an exclusive (for non-motorized traffic) right-of-way, parallel to the primary facility 

(including exclusive bike lanes, whether those lanes are separated from motorized vehicles by 

paint stripes or by some specific physical barrier. But not including sidewalks, crosswalks, or trails 

or other shared use paths that are not for licensed, motorized vehicles) 

5 = on a grade separate facility designed to allow non-motorized traffic to pass over top of a 

roadway (e.g., a pedestrian bridge)

6 = on a grade separate facility designed to allow non-motorized traffic to cross underneath a 

roadway (e.g., a pedestrian undercrossing)

For an “Area Count” leave this field blank

Note 1: if “perpendicular to traffic” is selected in “Location of Count Relative to Roadway 

Orientation” variable and the “Crosswalk” variable is coded as “in roadway right of way” then the 

count includes ALL people crossing a roadway. If “exclusively in a crosswalk” is indicated, then 

only those in the crosswalk (or directly next to the crosswalk) are being counted. This coding 

differentiation is designed to indicate if all pedestrians crossing a street within a given block 

(including jaywalkers) are being counted, or whether only pedestrians actually using a marked 

crosswalk are being counted.

Note 2: if the count is being taken on a trail or shared use path that is not intended for 

conventional passenger cars or licensed commercial vehicles, code the trail count as a “0”, even 

if the trail may be routinely used by motorcycles, snowmobiles or other motorized vehicles 

designed for off-road uses.

11. Intersection (Column 34) – Optional

1 = count is taken at an intersection (but not an intersection with a roundabout)

2 = count taken at an intersection with a roundabout 

otherwise (blank) NOT at an intersection 

12. Type of Count (Column 35) – Critical

1 = pedestrians (only) are being counted

2 = bicycles (only) are being counted

3 = equestrians (only) are being counted

4 = both pedestrians and bicycles are included in this count

5 = all passing non-motorized traffic are included in this count

6 = motorized vehicles are being counted (intended for counts of snowmobiles, all terrain 

vehicles, and other off-road vehicles using a trail or other shared use path)

7 = all motorized and non-motorized traffic using the facility (intended for trails and share use 

paths that experience a combination of pedestrian, bicycle, equestrian, and off-road vehicle 

traffic)

8 = other animals (specify what kind of animals in Field #32 of the Non-Motorized Count Station 

Description Record) 
7-84

13. Type of Sensor (Columns 36-37) – Optional

Code for the type of sensor used for detection:

H = Human observation (manual)

I = Infrared (passive)

2 = Active Infrared (requires a target on other side of facility being monitored)

K = Laser/lidar

L = Inductive loop

M = Magnetometer

P = Piezoelectric

Q = Quartz piezoelectric 

R = Air tube

S = Sonic/acoustic

T = Tape switch

3 = other pressure sensor/mat

U = Ultrasonic

V = Video image (with automated or semi-automated conversion of images to counts)

1 = Video image with manual reduction of images to counts performed at a later time

W = Microwave (radar)

X = Radio wave (radar)

Z = Other

14. Precipitation (Column 38) (yes/no) – Optional

1 = measurable precipitation fell at some time during this record’s data collection at this location

2 = measurable precipitation did not fall at some time during this record’s data collection at 

this location

15. High Temperature (Columns 39-41) – Optional

Approximate high temperature for either the day (if a day or longer count), or the high 

temperature during the duration of the count, if the count is less than a day in duration. 

Expressed in Fahrenheit

16. Low Temperature (Columns 42-44) – Optional

Approximate low temperature for either the day (if a day or longer count), or the low 

temperature during the duration of the count, if the count is less than a day in duration. 

Expressed in Fahrenheit

17. Year of count (Columns 45-48) – Critical

Code the four digits of the year in which this data was collected.

18. Month of count (Columns 49-50) – Critical

Code the two digits for the month in which this data was collected

19. Day of Count (Columns 51-52) – Critical

Code the two digits for the day on which this data was collected
7-85

20. Count Start Time for this record (Columns 53-56) – Critical

Expressed in military time. The count start time must be on a five minute interval. For hourly 

records it is expected to be on the hour (e.g., 0900), and if a 15-minute count interval, it is 

expected to be on one of the 15-minute intervals (e.g., 0900, 0915, 0930, or 0945)

Note that this value will change from record to record. 

21. Count Interval being reported (Columns 57-59) – Critical

Must be 05, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 120.

NOTE: The remaining data items are the actual count data being submitted. They can represent 

5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 60, or 120 minute time intervals, depending on how the record is coded. (See 

Item #21 - The first count interval is for the time period starting at “Start Time for this Record” 

(Item #20)). 

NOTE 2: Data from different days should be submitted on different records. This allows each 

record to be read independently. One entire day of data can be submitted on one record, 

regardless of the count interval being reported. If 24 consecutive hours of data is collected on 

two separate days (e.g., 9 a.m. on June 1 – 8:59 a.m. on June 2) then two records are required to 

submit the data. If a 48 hour count, reported at 15-minute intervals, is taken starting at 9 a.m. on 

June 1 and ending at 8:59:59 a.m. on June 3rd, three records are needed. The first record 

provides data from 9:00 a.m. on June 1 through 11:59:59 p.m. on June 1. This count data is 

supplied in the count interval variable fields “Count Interval 1” through “Count Interval 60.” The 

“Start Time for this Record” variable should be recorded as “0900.” The second record provides 

all 24-hours of data for June 2nd. It requires the use of count interval variable fields “Count 

Interval 1” through “Count Interval 96.” The variable “Start Time for this Record” should be 

“0000.” The last record for reporting this 2 day count should also have a “Start Time for this 

Record” of “0000.” It will use only variables Count Interval 1 through Count Interval 36. 

22. Count for interval 1 (Columns 60-64) – Critical

This contains the number of pedestrians, bicycles or other units counted in the first time interval 

being reported. The beginning of the time period reported is given by the variable “Start Time for 

this Record.” Right justify the integer being reported. Blank fill leading columns as needed. If no 

traffic was counted during this time period, place a zero (0) in column 64. Blank fill columns 60 

through 63.

23. Count for interval 2 (Columns 65-69) – Optional

This contains the number of pedestrians, bicycles or other units counted in the second time 

interval being reported. Right justify the integer being reported. Blank fill leading columns as 

needed. If no traffic was counted during this time period, place a zero (0) in column 69. Blank fill 

columns 65 through 68 as necessary.

24. Count for interval 3 (Columns 70-74) – Optional

This contains the number of pedestrians, bicycles or other units counted in the third time interval 

being reported. Right justify the integer being reported. Blank fill leading columns as needed. If 

no traffic was counted during this time period, place a zero (0) in column 74. Blank fill columns 

70-73 as necessary.

25 - 309. Count intervals 4-288 (Columns 75-79; 80-84; 85-89; ... 2496-2500) – Optional

These variables are used as needed for fields 25 - 309. Five columns are required for each time 

period reported for that day. All time periods from start to end of the count on that day should

be reported. Right justify each reported count in the 5 columns allocated for that time interval. 

Blank fill any required leading columns. If no traffic was counted during a given time period, 

place a zero (0) in the right most column for that count interval. Blank fill the prior columns for 

that time period. 
7-86

Note: It is assumed that the software reading each record can determine the end of each record 

and the start of the next record (which indicates either a new day of counting or a new station 

location.) The software should then parse the data based on the information included in the 

record (time interval being reported, and start time of the count).
7-87

TABLE 7-39 NON-MOTORIZED COUNT RECORD EXAMPLE

Column 

Number: 2-3 4-6 7-12 13-20 21-29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36-37 38 39-41 42-44 45-48 49-50 51-52 53-56 57-59

Content 

Example: 08 045 GLWD06 39550060 107324200 3 1 1 4 - 2 H 2 - 60a - 45a 2011 06 15 0800 060

a This is 60◦ (high temp) or 45◦ (low temp) Fahrenheit, not ‘minus 60◦ or 45◦. The ‘-‘ indicates a blank prior to the number 60 (or 45).

continued

Column 

Number: 60-64 65-69 70-74 75-79 80-84 85-89 2496-2500

Content 

Example: - - - 45 - - - 30 - - - 25 - - - -0 - - - -0 - - - - 0 ...
A-1

Appendix A. GLOSSARY OF TERMS

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) – The Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) identifies the average 

volume of traffic for a one day (24 hour period) during a data reporting year. 

Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic (AADTT) – The Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic identifies the 

volume of truck traffic for a one day (24 hour period) during a data reporting year.

Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled (AVDT) – The annual vehicle distance traveled identifies the 

distance traveled by vehicles over a 1 year (365 day) period. The AVDT can be grouped according to 

functional classification of roads and/or vehicle classification strata.

ATR Site – The location of an automated traffic recorder (permanent station) used for collecting 

traffic volume data, now use the term CCS. 

Axle Factor – Axle correction factors can be applied at either the point or system level. That is, axle 

correction factors can be developed either from specific vehicle classification counts at specific 

locations, or from a combination of vehicle classification counts averaged together to represent an 

entire system of roads.

Axle Weight – The weight placed on the road by all wheels of one axle (Oregon DOT).

Blank-Fill – When the value in a field does not consume all of the columns for the field, leading blanks 

are to be used starting at the left of the field. For example, if a field is five columns wide, and the data 

value is 250, then a blank-filled representation for this field is _ _ 250.

Continuous Count Station (CCS) – Volume counts derived from permanent counters (ATRs), for a 

period of 24-hours each day over 365 days for the data reporting year.

Coverage Count – Special temporary count taken on a 24-48 hour basis for a specific segment of road, 

usually associated with HPMS sections.

Daily Vehicle Miles Traveled (DVMT) - indicates how many vehicles have traveled over the distance of 

a route, for a data reporting year, when reported as an average day for a given year. (DVMT = AADT 

X section length)

Extent – Spatial coverage for which the data are to be reported: functional system, NHS, sample, 

paved etc.

Federal-Aid Highways – All NHS routes and other roads functionally classified as Interstate, Other 

Freeways and Expressways, Other Principal Arterials, Minor Arterials, Major Collectors, and Urban 

Minor Collectors.

FHWA – Federal Highway Administration.

Full Extent – A population comprised of all sections of a functional system of public roads, which 

serves as a statistical universe for HPMS sampling and census data collection.

Full Extent Data – Data that are collected in a census of a whole population, which for HPMS means 

data collected on all sections of a functional system of public roads.

Functional Systems – Functional systems result from the grouping of highways by the character of 

service they provide. The functional systems designated by the States in accordance with 23 CFR 470 

are used in the HPMS.

Metadata – Describes how data are collected or converted for reporting; explains variations in data 

that do not warrant the establishment of a collection requirement (e.g., type of equipment used, 

sampling frequency etc.).
A-2

Monthly Average Daily Traffic (MADT) – For a CCS site that operates 365 days per year without 

failure, the MADT can be computed by adding the daily volumes during any given month and dividing 

by the number of days in the month.

National Highway System (NHS) – The National Highway System is a network of nationally significant 

highways approved by Congress in the National Highway System Designation Act of 1995 and 

redefined by MAP-21. It includes the Interstate System, other roads, and connectors to major 

intermodal terminals. 

Sample Panel (HPMS) – A collection of designated roadway sections within a system of public roads 

that is stable over time and is used to estimate attributes for the entire system.

Seasonality Factor – Seasonal (or Monthly) factors are used to correct for seasonal bias in short 

duration counts.

Short Duration Count – Count taken on a 24-48 hour basis for roadway segment-specific locations. 

These counts may be used in special studies.

Table of Potential Samples (TOPS) – A collection of roadway sections spanning the public road 

network that provides the sampling frame for selection of the HPMS Sample Panel.

Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS) – the FHWA-provided online software used by States, 

MPOs and cities to submit data for Federal purposes.

User Profile and Access Control System (UPACS) – Federal Highway Administration’s access control 

for information systems. The UPACS has two major functions: it provides users with a menu of 

systems that they have access to and provides authorized personnel a mechanism for granting such 

access. The UPACS provides access control for FHWA’s applications through system-generated user 

IDs and user-supplied passwords and PINs, in combination with individual access profiles created for 

users by system owners.

Vehicle – Assembly of one or more units coupled for travel on a highway; vehicles include one 

powered unit and may include one or more unpowered full-trailer, or semi-trailer units.

Vehicle Axle – The axis oriented transversely to the nominal direction of vehicle motion, and 

extending the full width of the vehicle, that the wheel(s) at both ends rotate.

Vehicle Axle Spacing – For each vehicle axle, the horizontal distance between the center of that axle 

and that of the preceding axle; the axle spacing for the vehicle’s front axles is assumed to be zero. 

Vehicle Class – The FHWA vehicle typology separates vehicles into categories, or classes, depending 

on whether they carry passengers or commodities. There are 13 vehicle classes identified by FHWA, 

as listed in Appendix C.

Vehicle Counts – The activity of measuring and recording traffic characteristics such as vehicle 

volume, classification, speed, weight, or a combination of these characteristics. 

Vehicle Length – Overall length of a vehicle measured from the front bumper to the rear bumper.

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) – Vehicle miles traveled indicates how many vehicles have traveled over 

the distance of a route, for a data reporting year, when reported as Annual VMT (VMT = DVMT x

365).

Vehicle Speed – Measure of how fast a vehicle is traveling in kilometers/hour or miles/hour.

Weigh In Motion (WIM) – A measure of the vertical forces applied by axles to sensors in the roadway. 

This is used to measure the weight carried by trucks to determine the appropriate depth for 

pavement sections.

Zero-Fill – When the value in a field does not consume all of the columns for the field, leading zeros 

are to be used starting at the left of the field. For example, if a field is five columns wide, and the data 

value is 250, then a zero-filled representation for this field is 00250.
B-1

Appendix B. ACRONYMS

3S2 3-axle tractor with a 2-axle semi-trailer

AADT Annual Average Daily Traffic 

AADTT Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic 

AASHTO American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials

AAWDT Annual Average Weekday Traffic

ADMS Archived Data Management System

ADT Average Daily Traffic 

ADUS Archived Data User Service 

APTS Advanced Public Transportation Systems

ARTS Advanced Rural Transportation Systems 

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials 

ATIS Advanced Traveler Information System 

ATS Average Tandem Spacing

ATMS Advanced Traffic Management System 

ATR Automated Traffic Recorder

AVC Automatic Vehicle Classification

AVDT Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled

BMS Bridge Management System 

CAAA Clean Air Act Amendments (1990)

CCS Continuous Count Station

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

CMS Congestion Management System

CVC Continuous Vehicle Classifier

CVO Commercial Vehicle Operations

DOT Department of Transportation

DOW Day of Week

DVDT Daily Vehicle Distance Traveled

EAL Equivalent Axle Loading 

EPA Environmental Protection Agency

ESAL Equivalent Single Axle Loading

FHWA Federal Highway Administration

FIPS Federal Information Processing Standards

GIS Geographic Information System
B-2

GPS Global Positioning System

HOD Hour of Day

HPMS Highway Performance Monitoring System

IRI International Roughness Index

ISTEA Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (1991)

ITS Intelligent Transportation System

KIPS Kilopounds (thousands of pounds)

LRS Linear Referencing System

LTBP Long Term Bridge Performance

LTPP Long Term Pavement Performance

LTTP Long-Term Transportation Plan

MADT Monthly Average Daily Traffic

MADTT Monthly Average Daily Truck Traffic

MAF Monthly Adjustment Factor

MAP-21 Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (2012)

MAWDT Monthly Average Weekday Daily Traffic

MAWDTT Monthly Average Weekday Daily Truck Traffic

MAWET Monthly Average Weekend Daily Traffic

MOY Month of Year

MPO Metropolitan Planning Organization

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act

NHPN National Highway Planning Network

NHS National Highway System 

NIT National Institute of Technology

NPS National Park Service

OFE Other Freeways and Expressways

OPA Other Principal Arterial

PAS Principal Arterial System

PHF Peak Hour Factor

PMS Pavement Management System

PSR Present Serviceability Rating 

PTR Portable Traffic Recorder

RF Radio Frequency

SADT Seasonal Average Daily Traffic

SAWA Steering Axle Weight Average

SHRP Strategic Highway Research Program 
B-3

TEA21 Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century

TMAS Travel Monitoring Analysis System 

TMG Traffic Monitoring Guide

TVT Travel Volume Trends

TWS Truck Weight Study

UPACS User Profile and Access Control System

VDT Vehicle Distance Traveled

VMT Vehicle Miles Traveled

VTRIS Vehicle Travel Information System 

WIM Weigh-in-Motion
C-1

Appendix C. VEHICLE TYPES

Motorcycles – All two or three-wheeled motorized vehicles. Typical vehicles in this category have 

saddle type seats and are steered by handlebars rather than steering wheels. This category includes 

motorcycles, motor scooters, mopeds, motor-powered bicycles, and three-wheel motorcycles. 

Passenger Cars – All sedans, coupes, and station wagons manufactured primarily for the purpose of 

carrying passengers and including those passenger cars pulling recreational or other light trailers.

Other Two-Axle, Four-Tire Single Unit Vehicles – All two-axle, four-tire, vehicles, other than passenger 

cars. Included in this classification are pickups, panels, vans, and other vehicles such as campers, 

motor homes, ambulances, hearses, carryalls, and minibuses. Other two-axle, four-tire single-unit 

vehicles pulling recreational or other light trailers are included in this classification. Because 

automatic vehicle classifiers have difficulty distinguishing class 3 from class 2, these two classes may 

be combined into class 2.

Buses – All vehicles manufactured as traditional passenger-carrying buses with two axles and six tires 

or three or more axles. This category includes only traditional buses (including school buses) 

functioning as passenger-carrying vehicles. Modified buses should be considered to be a truck and should 

be appropriately classified.

In reporting information on trucks, the following criteria should be used: 

 Truck tractor units traveling without a trailer will be considered single-unit trucks;

 A truck tractor unit pulling other such units in a saddle mount configuration will be considered 

one single-unit truck and will be defined only by the axles on the pulling unit;

 Vehicles are defined by the number of axles in contact with the road. Therefore, floating axles are 

counted only when in the down position; and

 The term “trailer” includes both semi- and full trailers.

Two-Axle, Six-Tire, Single-Unit Trucks – All vehicles on a single frame including trucks, camping and 

recreational vehicles, motor homes, etc., with two axles and dual rear wheels.

Three-Axle Single-Unit Trucks – All vehicles on a single frame including trucks, camping and 

recreational vehicles, motor homes, etc., with three axles.

Four or More Axle Single-Unit Trucks – All trucks on a single frame with four or more axles.

Four or Fewer Axle Single-Trailer Trucks – All vehicles with four or fewer axles consisting of two units, 

one of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.

Five-Axle Single-Trailer Trucks – All five-axle vehicles consisting of two units, one of which is a tractor 

or straight truck power unit.

Six or More Axle Single-Trailer Trucks – All vehicles with six or more axles consisting of two units, one 

of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.

Five or Fewer Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks – All vehicles with five or fewer axles consisting of three or 

more units, one of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.

Six-Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks – All six-axle vehicles consisting of three or more units, one of which is a 

tractor or straight truck power unit.

Seven or More Axle Multi-Trailer Trucks – All vehicles with seven or more axles consisting of three or 

more units, one of which is a tractor or straight truck power unit.

Figure C-1 lists the 13 vehicle category classifications used by FHWA.
C-2

FIGURE C-1 FHWA 13 VEHICLE CATEGORY CLASSIFICATION

Source: Federal Highway Administration

Certain truck configurations utilize axles that can be lifted when the vehicle is empty or lightly loaded. 

The position of these axles — sometimes called lift axles, drop axles, or tag axles — affects the 

classification category into which the vehicle falls. To maintain consistency between visual and axlebased counts, the TMG recommends that only axles that are in the dropped position be considered 

when classifying the vehicle. While this promotes consistency, it may induce difficulty when 

interpreting summary classification statistics at certain locations. For example, a site may exhibit 

directional differences in vehicle classification even though the same trucks may be travelling one 

direction loaded (with axles down) and the other direction empty (with axles lifted). 
D-1

Appendix D. COMPENDIUM OF DESIGNING STATEWIDE 

TRAFFIC MONITORING

D.1 CASE STUDY #1: DESIGNING A STATEWIDE TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM - TEXAS 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (TXDOT)

D.1.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study examines the processes and technology used in Texas for designing a statewide traffic 

monitoring program. The State of Texas is the second largest U.S. State by area and population. With 

254 counties, Texas has just over 311,000 centerline miles of roadways: 25.7% are State roadways 

(including highways and frontage roads), 47.3% are county roads, and the remaining 27% are city 

streets, including those functionally classified as local.

In accordance with 23 CFR 500, Subpart B, the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) operates 

a traffic monitoring system for highways and public transportation facilities. The traffic monitoring 

system is based on the concepts described in the AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs and 

the FHWA Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG). 

Background

TxDOT was established in 1917 as the Texas Highway Department and charged with “getting the 

farmer out of the mud”. Within 20 years, it became obvious that information about the number of 

vehicles using the new roadways was crucial, so beginning in 1936, the Department embarked on an 

effort to capture this information in what is known today as a traffic monitoring system and traffic 

data collection program. The first district traffic count maps were published with information from 

traffic surveys conducted from August 1936 to August 1937, supplemented by short-term counts 

taken from December 1936 to May 1939 (actual months varied by district).

Program Overview

TxDOT’s Transportation Planning and Programming Division is designated as the Department’s single 

source for all traffic data. The Division collects traffic counts via various methods on all on-system 

roadways statewide. Count on many local and rural minor collector roads are also collected annually 

via the short-term count program.

TxDOT’s Traffic Monitoring System consists of continuous counter operations as well as short-term 

traffic monitoring, including pneumatic tube counts and manual classification counts. TxDOT has 

installed and maintains about 350 permanent, continuous traffic data collection sites that include 

collection of volume, classification, speed, and weight data. 

Traffic data is used both internally and externally by countless end users and is routinely provided to 

TxDOT’s Commission, the Legislature, the governor, and the public. Data is used for a wide variety of 

purposes, including engineering design, engineering economy, environmental analysis, finance, 

legislation, maintenance, operations, planning, safety, and statistics. 

D.1.2 TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM PROCESSES

Continuous Counter Operations

TxDOT’s continuous counter operations include the installation, upgrade, repair, and maintenance of 

in-road traffic data collection hardware at about 350 permanent traffic data collection sites 

statewide. The sites include automatic traffic recorder (ATR), speed, automatic vehicle classification 
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(AVC), long-term pavement performance (LTPP), and weigh-in-motion (WIM) data collection sites. 

TxDOT purchases and installs WIM systems in support of TxDOT’s WIM Strategic Plan. 

Actual installation of roadway infrastructure is dependent on local district construction schedules. 

Efforts are coordinated with TxDOT’s 25 districts and four regions to meet Federal, State, and local 

needs, and the system continues to expand at the rate of approximately two new sites per month on 

average. Where good signal strength is available, TxDOT installs wireless modems rather than using 

landline communications. 

Traffic data is collected remotely via telemetry from permanent traffic data collection sites statewide. 

The collected and analyzed data is used for producing traffic maps, forecasting future traffic volumes, 

estimating the frequency of application of wheel, axle, and gross vehicle weight loads on Texas 

highways, and developing pavement and bridge designs. 

Short-Term Traffic Monitoring – Pneumatic Tube Data Collection

TxDOT administers and monitors the work of a contractor who collects on-system traffic data and offsystem saturation count data in urban areas, including county roads and city streets throughout 

Texas. Approximately 75,000 to 85,000 counts are conducted annually. Saturation counts account for 

approximately one-third of the overall counts, and TxDOT coordinates internally and with 

metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) to accommodate State and local needs. Collected data is 

used to assist in forecasting future traffic volumes. 

Pneumatic tube data is also collected by in-house personnel on an ad-hoc basis to meet the volume 

and classification data needs of special projects, corridor analyses, and travel demand modeling 

development. 

The TMG recommends a three-year cycle with 48-hour counts to be effective without unreasonably 

affecting reliability and addresses the possibility of a five-year cycle by noting that the potential error 

from a compounded average growth rate can exceed the daily volume variability. In the mid-1990s, 

the variability of even a three-year cycle was of concern, so TxDOT requested and received approval 

from FHWA to alter the traffic data collection methodology to collect all on-system data annually with 

24-hour counts and to collect off-system data on a five-year rotating cycle. As Texas is a large state, 

the financial impact is substantial but the modified methodology is more cost effective, and having 

actual ground truth data from on-system roadways on an annual basis has been valuable. For 

example, the vehicles miles traveled (VMT) trends are being tracked more accurately. 

For many years, TxDOT conducted the pneumatic tube counts with both in-house equipment and inhouse personnel. Beginning in the late 1980s, TxDOT contracted out the data collection, but the 

contractor still used TxDOT equipment. With the award of the latest contract in January 2011, the 

contractor is responsible for obtaining, maintaining, repairing, and calibrating the data collection 

equipment. The primary reason TxDOT made the decision to make this contractual change was due to 

in-house staffing issues.

Short-Term Traffic Monitoring – Manual Classification Data Collection

TxDOT administers and monitors the work of a contractor who collects vehicle classification 

information relative to the numbers and percentages in the traffic stream based on the FHWA 13 

vehicle category classification system. The detailed information of the number of vehicles of different 

sizes and operating characteristics is critical when planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining 

the State highway system. 

For many years, TxDOT conducted the manual classification data collection with in-house personnel. 

Beginning in the mid-1990s, with the success of the pneumatic tube services contracts and the 

continued staffing issues, TxDOT contracted out the manual classification data collection. 
D-3

Equipment – Collection

TxDOT currently uses both the Diamond Traffic Products Unicorn Limited and the International 

Roadway Dynamics (IRD) Model ITC as portable road tube classifier/counter equipment for collecting 

axle and classification data. As noted later, the Trimble Nomad is used to collect GPS data, and the 

Trimble TerraSync software is used to process the Trimble data files. TxDOT’s manual classification 

contractor uses MioVision Technologies for video data collection.

For continuous counter operations, TxDOT currently uses IRD Model ITC rack mount equipment to 

collect volume and classification data with loops and Measurement Specialties Brass Linguini (BL) 

Sensors. For WIM, TxDOT uses both the IRD/PAT Model 190 and IRD iSync equipment with bending 

plate and Kistler sensors. 

D.1.3 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TOOLS – ANALYSIS, QUERY, REPORTING

Analysis

TxDOT processes and analyzes statewide and metropolitan area traffic data to meet the needs of the 

Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), MPOs, and other States. The traffic data certified 

on an annual calendar basis includes continuous vehicle counts (ATR), 24 hour pneumatic tube axle 

counts (Accumulative Count Recorders (ACR)), automatic vehicle classification (AVC), speed, and 

weigh-in-motion (WIM) counts. 

Quality control measures ensure that accurate traffic data is available for the publication of traffic 

maps and reports, the certification of vehicle miles traveled (VMT), the forecasting of future traffic 

volumes, geometric design, pavement design, urban transportation assignments, and special studies. 

Special counts are analyzed and used for calculating traffic data estimates and projections and for 

developing engineering change recommendations.

TxDOT currently uses the Statewide Traffic Analysis and Reporting System (STARS) and is in the 

process of pursuing enhancements for the traffic data analysis systems. Maps are developed and 

maintained using ESRI ArcGIS.

Query/Reporting

TxDOT’s annual district traffic, urban saturation, and statewide flowband maps for traffic and trucks 

are available in PDF format via TxDOT’s website.

Annually TxDOT also produces an automatic traffic recorder (ATR) report and vehicle classification 

report that are graphically represented in report format within a MS Excel spreadsheet. 

D.1.4 CONTINUOUS COUNTER OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

TxDOT currently maintains and monitors about 350 permanent traffic counters statewide. 

 TxDOT replaced landline modems with internet protocol (IP) modems at more than 95% of the 

permanent sites. The initial cost to purchase wireless modems was substantial compared with 

landline modems, but with reduced monthly charges, wireless modems paid for themselves 

within only 6 months of operation. An added benefit also came in the form of greater reliability 

with fewer connection problems, which reduced trouble calls and therefore travel costs. TxDOT 

also now has the capability to reset the modem remotely instead of having to send a technician. 

 Efforts are centrally coordinated with the 25 districts and four regions statewide to install road 

bores, ground boxes, and concrete foundations for new and existing permanent sites. Where 

available, they piggyback on existing routine maintenance contracts work to have contractors 

install inductive loop detectors and make saw cuts for sensor slots. Several TxDOT districts are 

working to develop contracts to install/repair permanent sites. Once completed, the contracts will 

be available to other districts for implementation.
D-4

 The available technology for traffic counter equipment and in-road sensors has improved over 

time, and TxDOT is in the process of improving the data accuracy at WIM sites by upgrading 

piezoelectric sensors to quartz sensors.

 Data collection in urban areas is problematic due to congestion and slower speeds, which are 

outside the acceptable operating conditions of some of the current technology equipment. In 

addition, in some districts, installation of embedded sensors is not permitted. In some locations, 

TxDOT installed non-intrusive equipment to collect volume and classification (two bins) data. 

Several attempts have been made to use Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) data from traffic 

management centers, but the data has been found to have inconsistencies that make the data 

unusable for planning purposes.

 TxDOT discovered that changing the configuration of the detection array in the roadway for 

classification to a loop-piezo-loop configuration greatly reduced sensor failure. This change not 

only positively affected the bottom line, as sensors have high replacement costs, but it also 

decreased the disruption of traffic flow when repairs are made.

 As needed, district personnel are contacted to reset permanent traffic counters in their area. If 

needed, electronic components and batteries for replacement are sent to the district personnel, 

and the central office provides technical support by phone. In addition, detailed instructions on 

how to reset and configure the electronics are stored in all controller cabinets.

 TxDOT staff monitors and provides feedback from monthly WIM and ATR reports to verify data 

accuracy. This activity is independent of the traffic data analysis.

D.1.5 SHORT-TERM OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS – PNEUMATIC 

TUBE

With in-house personnel, TxDOT developed a new software program in three phases to improve the 

pneumatic tube short-term count program. 

Phase 1 – Develop an off-the-shelf system to collect data that incorporates bar coding for the station 

information and a standard tube counter that produces a standard printer (PRN) file. The developed 

system uses the Trimble Nomad, through a template that captures bar coding, GPS, and contractor / 

TxDOT inspector information. 

Phase 2 – Create a site-scheduling program in ArcGIS. This scheduling feature allows a TxDOT 

technician to view the sites through a map-based system. After all the stations in a district have been 

scheduled, the schedules can be displayed individually or by district, and the schedules are 

subsequently converted into PDF files and provided to the contractor. Each file contains bar coding 

information for each site and a map for each station location. 

Phase 3 – Create an acceptable count program that imports the bar coding and PRN files from the 

contractor and TxDOT inspectors into a database. This data is screened using 29 pre-defined data 

error checks. For example, stations are reviewed to verify that the actual GPS collection points are 

within 500 feet of the original map location. After the data is screened, two reports are generated. 

The first report includes the accepted counts by schedule number, and the second report included 

detailed information of the rejected counts. Both reports are sent to the contractor for invoicing.

Efficiency/Cost Savings

 Using bar coding has eliminated data entry errors. Errors regarding station identification and 

locations set in the wrong place are easily identified. 

 The TxDOT inspector reports are generated through a template in the Trimble Nomad. Since these 

reports are now paperless, information does not get lost or misplaced. In addition, the 

information to verify inspector activities, as well as verify issues that might affect contractor 

payment, is readily available. 
D-5

 In addition to the reports, pictures can be taken by the contractor and be associated with the site 

when a count is not acquired. This can provide verification information for the situation, such as 

when a bridge or roadway is closed.

 By creating this system in-house, the time needed to implement updates or make corrections for 

encountered problems is typically short. 

 With the improvements noted, TxDOT changed the contract to no longer pay the contractor for 

missing or partial data, such as when a machine fails, when a tube is cut, the count was taken in 

the wrong location, bar coding information or PRN files are missing, etc.

 When time is money, the new program saved time scheduling the data collection, reviewing the 

data for payment, and streamlining the process for the creation and writing of reports by TxDOT 

inspectors. 

 The contractor is now required to provide, maintain, repair, and calibrate all data collection 

equipment. These activities were previously performed by TxDOT personnel. 

D.1.6 SHORT-TERM OPERATIONAL IMPROVEMENTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS – MANUAL 

CLASSIFICATION

Historically, for the Manual Classification Data Collection Program, individuals would work in crews 

with each taking a block of time of the 24-hour count period, and the individuals would be stationed 

on site collecting the data in real time. With the most recent contract award in August 2010, the 

contractor proposed and TxDOT Administration approved the use of video technology to record the 

24-hour count period. Then, the video is counted manually by the contractor at a later time. Gaining 

approval for such a paradigm shift regarding operations was an accomplishment that resulted in 

several advantages to TxDOT:

 When issues are identified, having access to the videos permits a recount for verification; and

 Even though the contractor has an investment in video capture equipment, since the overall 

travel costs are reduced, the contractor was able to pass the cost savings onto TxDOT with a lower 

per count cost than with the previous contract. 

D.1.7 LESSONS LEARNED

 Positive change rarely happens quickly, so be persistent. For example, the in-house ArcGIS system 

for scheduling and processing the pneumatic tube counts took almost a year to develop from 

conception to approval and then another three years until implementation; and occasionally 

TxDOT still deals with issues as unique situations arise.

 Acquire, train, and recognize qualified staff. Having people that know and understand traffic data 

is the “priceless” factor when attempting core business process changes and system upgrades.

 Develop, maintain, and update, as necessary, detailed documentation of historical information, 

business processes, definitions, assumptions, programming source code, manuals, and other 

relevant information.

 In spite of the challenges and obstacles faced, it is vitally important to have a vision while 

maintaining the flexibility to be adaptable. Always be mindful and take advantage of 

opportunities; you may not get a second chance.
D-6

D.2 CASE STUDY #2: DESIGNING A STATEWIDE TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM - IDAHO 

TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT (ITD)

D.2.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study examines how the statewide traffic monitoring program at the Idaho Transportation 

Department (ITD) supports business needs and how the program is used to comply with Federal 

traffic data reporting requirements. Idaho was selected to represent the group of small state DOTs, in 

terms of centerline miles, as an example of best practices in the development and use of a traffic 

monitoring program.

Background

The Division of Highways, Roadway Data Section (RDS) is responsible for managing the traffic 

program, including the collection, analyses, reporting, and retention of statewide traffic data and the 

management of the traffic related databases.

The Roadway Data Section accomplishes this goal by managing traffic-related databases, as well as 

locating, designing and installing traffic counting sites statewide, and utilizing automatic traffic 

recorders (ATRs) and short-term count devices. Ultimately, the RDS analyzes and presents the data to 

a broad variety of clients – ranging from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to public 

consumers.

Program Overview

Idaho began its automated traffic monitoring program in the early 1950s with the installation of the 

first ATR in the state. Currently, the RDS maintains approximately 225 permanent data collection 

sites. The majority of these sites collect a variety of classification, volume, and count data, while 26 

sites specifically collect Weigh In Motion (WIM) data. Additionally, each year ITD lays down over 

2,200 portable counts at more than 600 stations. The Roadway Data Section maintains all of the ATR 

and portable count equipment, collects the data, and processes it into a readable format. This 

information is available to internal and external customers.

ITD utilizes the TMG as a blueprint for its traffic monitoring program. From that foundation, the 

department has integrated other guidelines and established a network of traffic devices and 

processes. These processes determine everything from the frequency of collection to the methods of 

reporting, and they have been developed over the years to reflect the needs of ITD and its customers. 

Ultimately, The Roadway Data Section collects and processes this data in order to meet ITD internal 

and external needs, such as State and Federal reporting.

A multitude of reports are eventually made available to clients of the Idaho Transportation 

Department. Many reports are posted to the ITD website, while other detailed information is 

formatted and submitted electronically to meet FHWA requirements.

Clients of this data can include municipal planning organizations (MPOs), local highway districts, 

FHWA, law enforcement, and others. ITD strives to create an atmosphere of participation when it 

comes to working with other agencies. In fact, the department works with other States and highway 

districts frequently to provide comprehensive and consistent information sharing.

For example, Ada County Highway District (ACHD), which maintains the roadway system for the 

largest urbanized area in the state, routinely provides speed and/or volume data. At the same time, 

ITD provides ACHD with copies of the ITD portable count schedule. This allows for coordination 

between the two agencies, and reduces redundant data collection.
D-7

D.2.2 TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM PROCESSES

This section discusses the business processes, equipment, and information technology (IT) tools that 

are used with the ITD traffic monitoring program to support data collection, analysis, and query and 

reporting functions.

Statewide traffic data collection within Idaho follows a well-established, pre-determined order of 

business. It begins with equipment maintenance before each collection season, followed by 

scheduling and collection. The process continues with data processing and analysis, and results in 

reporting. Some activities occur throughout the year, such as continuous count collection and ATR 

installation and maintenance. All of these factors go into planning each year’s business needs.

Since its inception, the TMG has been used by ITD as an outline for comprehensive traffic monitoring. 

In addition, other sources (from other FHWA programs to vendor processes) complement the TMG

and enhance Idaho’s processes for monitoring and validating statewide traffic data. Ultimately, more 

than just the TMG provide a means for assuring and controlling the quality of data being reported by 

Idaho. 

Equipment – Collection

ITD collects traffic volume data at sites statewide. There are approximately 225 permanent traffic 

counting sites in Idaho using ATRs. Weigh-in-motion (WIM) data is collected at 26 permanent WIM 

stations statewide.

ITD uses four primary equipment vendors for collecting statewide traffic data: 

 Diamond Traffic Products of Oregon makes volume, speed, and classification equipment;

 Wavetronix, LLC of Utah also makes volume, speed, and classification equipment;

 Electronic Control Measurement (ECM) of Paris, France provides many of the WIM systems; and

 IRD of Canada manufactures several WIM systems used by ITD.

Most commonly, ATR sites collect speed and length data by bins. Straight volume collection occurs 

next in frequency; and individual vehicle data is collected third in order of frequency. The selection of 

data types for each permanent ATR site is based on various criteria, including roadway geometry, 

vehicle volumes, and the availability of power and phone at the time of installation.

New sites are added each year, and the locations are largely determined by special request and 

funding from the districts.

Information Technology Tools – Collection

The RDS uses several tools to perform collection activities. For short-term counts, the mainframe is 

used to start the information technology step of collection. On the mainframe, schedules are built for 

each field person and are printed out for them to take into the field. Then an internally developed 

DOS application (IDASITE) is used to generate a file that contains pertinent information about the 

location and geometry of each scheduled count. This file is sent out with the field personnel.

In the meanwhile, Geographical Information Systems (GIS) are used to create maps of where the 

collection should occur. The maps specify where the station and HPMS sample collection should 

occur, and are saved as PDF files. They provide the field personnel with a practical reference to use in 

the field. The field personnel then use the IDASITE software to load up the IDASITE files they received. 

Specific information about the location and the data collection filename are then tied to that original 

IDASITE file, and it is sent back into the office along with the data file for processing. Office personnel 

then tie all of this data together and load it into the recently implemented TRAffic DAta System 

(TRADAS).
D-8

Meanwhile, a series of modems are used to retrieve ATR data on a nightly basis. This continuous data 

is placed in TRADAS, thus making TRADAS the central storage system for traffic data collected by field 

personnel and by the ATRs.

Information Technology Tools – Analysis

ITD uses traffic data for many analysis scenarios, and also uses a multitude of platforms and 

applications. In the mainframe environment, SAS is primarily used for analyzing data and preparing 

data for reporting. Meanwhile, ITD utilizes in-house software applications, SAS for Windows, MS 

Excel, and other tools to analyze data in a MS Windows environment.

For example, the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is calculated using mainframe SAS, and then exported 

to the Windows environment where Microsoft Excel is used for final analysis. With the 

implementation of the new TRADAS system, and the general move away from the mainframe 

platform, more and more analysis will be done in the future using Structured Query Language (SQL).

Information Technology Tools – Query/Reporting

Many tools are currently available to report traffic information. On the mainframe, several SAS jobs 

provide reports, including volume and classification reports. Furthermore, analysts are able to query 

the data in order to perform quality assurance steps. In the future, however, the data will be 

migrated to a Microsoft Windows client environment.

The newly implemented ITD Traffic Asset Management System (TAMS) intends to link count data to 

location in order to merge the two types of data – pavement and traffic. This allows for greater 

power in comprehensively reporting the state of the roads. TRADAS will be the source of count data, 

while TAMS becomes the source of count locations, thus moving from the mainframe environment; 

TAMS will generate reports to internal ITD users. The department’s website will continue to provide 

data to outside users.

There are a wide variety of reports available to external customers as well, particularly for WIM and 

ATR data. These reports include monthly, annual, and specialty reports that can be accessed and 

downloaded from the ITD website. The reports are illustrated in Figures D-1 through D-3. 

Figure D-1 is a map of District 1 in north Idaho. This map identifies the locations of ATR sites 

(pentagonal shape), Weigh-In-Motion sites (rectangular shape), and sites that are inactive (circle 

shape). By selecting a site with the cursor, as illustrated in Figure D-2, a picture appears, with 

information about the location of the specific permanent ATR site (#46). The location information 

displayed includes the route-milepoint, distance from intersecting route(s), and segment code ID.

Also included in Figure D-4 is an example of a Flow Map that ITD publishes on its website. This series 

of maps shows Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) at points on the rural state highway system, as 

well as the entire interstate system. These maps provide an overview of traffic flow throughout the 

interstate and rural state highway system in Idaho. District-specific maps are also available. 

Furthermore, commercial maps show the flow of commercial traffic through the State. Figure D-4 

shows a partial view of District 1, between Coeur d’Alene and the Canadian border.
D-9

FIGURE D-1 DISTRICT 1

NORTH IDAHO

Source: Idaho Transportation Department.
D-10

FIGURE D-2 PERMANENT SITE LOCATION

ATR #46

Source: Idaho Transportation Department.

By clicking on the permanent site #46, a tabular report appears as illustrated in Figure D-3. This report 

includes average daily traffic for each month and an annual average daily traffic count over a multiyear period. This data is also available in comma delimited, tab delimited, and space delimited 

formats as noted at the bottom of the report.
D-11

FIGURE D-3 ATR TABULAR REPORT

SITE #46

Source: Idaho Transportation Department.
D-12

FIGURE D-4 PARTIAL DISTRICT 1 FLOW MAP

Source: Idaho Transportation Department.

D.2.3 SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Because traffic monitoring is such a specialized industry, the software needed can often be 

specialized as well. ITD has developed a multitude of specialized tools to schedule, collect, analyze, 

and report data. Some software has been around for many years (such as IDASITE and a host of SAS 

programs), while other systems have come online much more recently (such as ITD’s customized 

version of TRADAS).

Even as technology changes and the software itself changes to meet the changing requirements, the 

process itself remains sound. For example, as ITD moves away from the mainframe environment, the 

IDASITE software will be moved as well. However, because the business requirements are being met 

efficiently, only some minor software changes will be made in order to reflect the new environment. 

The manner in which the software is used will not change. The business of maintaining, collecting, 

analyzing, and reporting will continue to follow established business practices.

With the implementation and further development of the newly installed TRADAS, customized 

reports are expected to become more easily produced ad hoc and opportunities will arise to provide 

more information in a web environment.

D.2.4 LESSONS LEARNED

Over the years, personnel, technology, and processes have changed. ITD has learned a few lessons 

along the way. These lessons include challenges associated with implementing a traffic monitoring 

program, and recommendations for how to address the challenges. ITD’s experiences offer practical 

guidance to similar sized State DOTs in enhancing their traffic monitoring programs.

There are two main areas where ITD has learned important lessons in maintaining an effective traffic 

data collection and reporting business model. The first involves strong cooperation and coordination 

of work, and the second involves a strong business process around testing.
D-13

Coordination and Cooperation

The State of Idaho is largely unpopulated and primarily rural in nature. With only six urbanized areas 

and a handful of small urban areas, the majority of roads are rural in character and location. This 

makes gathering traffic data more time-consuming and difficult, because the portable counters take 

time to set up and maintain for the required 48 hour counts; not to mention that it could take a field 

person hours to get to the location. Add into these limitations the seasonal issues that occur. Forty 

eight hour short term counts can only occur for eight months out of the year in the southwest portion 

of the State (the desert region), with significantly shorter periods in the more mountainous regions in 

the northern “panhandle” and the east.

With limited personnel and time, the Roadway Data Section has spent a great deal of time trying to 

develop the best methods for scheduling portable counts and sharing information. By doing so, ITD 

can gather data more efficiently and provide a more comprehensive look at traffic in the State of 

Idaho. The Roadway Data Section continues to examine new technologies, never shrinking away from 

the ever-growing data requirements of the State and Federal government.

ITD has learned that by working cooperatively with others in the transportation industry, knowledge 

can be more comprehensively obtained and shared. Because ITD works with other groups, such as 

Ada County Highway District (ACHD), the Washington Department of Transportation, and others, data 

collection redundancy is reduced greatly through increased schedule coordination.

In previous years, the HPMS Coordinator simply provided a list of sections to the traffic monitoring 

group, broken down into three collection years. The person responsible for scheduling followed that 

list for each year. In scheduling portable counts, the Roadway Data Section has worked with Idaho’s 

HPMS Coordinator and established a more integrated method of scheduling.

Finally, the personnel in the field and the personnel in the office maintain close contact. Those who 

go out into the field routinely call into the office should questions arise, and the Roadway Data 

Section treats any calls from those out in the field as high priority. This close contact allows for a 

quicker resolution of any issues or concerns. It also makes the entire process from scheduling to 

collection to analysis cohesive.

The common thread is communication inside and outside of ITD. Because of information sharing, ITD 

maintains a consistent traffic monitoring system.

Testing

The Roadway Data Section spends a great deal of time and effort in maintenance-level and 

implementation-level testing. Maintenance ATR testing is exactly what is implied – maintenance 

checks are routinely run on counters to verify their accuracy. The field personnel perform manual 

counts, while the corresponding ATR collects volume data. The manual and continuous data are 

analyzed in the office to verify no systemic issues exist.

Field personnel perform manual checks against classifier sets. This acts as a refresher on setting 

classification counters and also verifies that the classifier hardware works prior to the traffic 

collection season starting. These ongoing maintenance tests occur regularly and are an integral part 

of how ITD does business.

Implementation testing tends to be more limited, because it revolves around the implementation of 

new software systems or types of hardware. The organization spends a great deal of time reducing 

the risk of failure by testing for as many potential issues as possible. By spending time testing, ITD 

assures a lower chance of systemic issues affecting the business processes from collection to 

reporting.
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Future Enhancements

The Roadway Data Section has several short-term and long-term enhancement goals. They revolve 

around integration and development of the newly implemented systems and technologies.

Short-term enhancements will include integrating TRADAS data with the pavement management 

system implemented in the winter of 2010. At the same time, ITD’s Location Referencing System will 

also be implemented in the pavement management system, making the data streamlined, cohesive, 

and complete.

The long-term enhancements include developing new reporting systems and tools. Standardized 

reports outside of those within the TRADAS software will be developed for more customized analysis. 

Ad hoc reporting tools will need to be implemented to handle specialized requests for information. 

Both of these are currently being researched, and business processes developed.

Besides these specific long- and short-term goals, the ITD recognizes that more changes will be 

occurring over the next few years. With reporting requirements changing on a more frequent basis, 

and technology rapidly advancing and changing the very environment in which data is stored and 

analyzed, the Roadway Data Section has been working towards developing a system that can handle 

unforeseen developments. This flexibility leaves the door open for more enhancements and 

refinement of existing systems in the future. 

D.3 CASE STUDY #3: STATE DATA SHARING – COLORADO DOT (CDOT)

D.3.1 INTRODUCTION 

This case study discusses the state data sharing activities of short term traffic count data between the 

Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) and local agencies in Colorado. This program has 

incorporated volume counts from vehicles as well as pedestrian and bicycle counts. This traffic data 

are submitted to CDOT and then incorporated into CDOT’s traffic database and shared through a web 

traffic data application. 

Background

The Traffic Analysis Unit (TAU) is responsible for the development and maintenance of the traffic 

monitoring program at CDOT. During the fall of every calendar year, TAU staff begins the process of 

contacting various local agencies for the submittal of their traffic data to CDOT. These local agencies 

include cities, counties, and metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs). Data must be submitted to 

CDOT by December 1 of every year in order for CDOT staff to have sufficient time to convert and 

submit the raw traffic data. Once traffic data is sent to CDOT, TAU staff converts the data into a 

TRADAS-readable format and submits and processes the data through TRADAS for incorporation into 

the traffic database. TRADAS then incorporates monthly, seasonal, and axle factors calculated from 

automatic traffic recorders (ATRs) into the raw count to calculate an AADT for that segment of road. 

Once annual traffic processing phases are completed, a statistically calculated or unofficial AADT is 

produced by TRADAS. These numbers are then rounded to produce a published or official AADT.

D.3.2 DATA SHARING ENVIRONMENT

The official AADT produced by CDOT is then able to be shared to local agencies through a web traffic 

data application called AVID. AVID allows traffic data to be seen spatially, incorporated from various 

data sources, analyzed once data is loaded into the traffic database, and shared within CDOT and 

external agencies. Traffic data given by local agencies to CDOT must also submit a latitude/longitude 

for each count in order for the data to be shown spatially in AVID. For the raw traffic counts that local 
D-15

agencies submit, they are given in return a statistically calculated AADT. This traffic data can be 

downloaded by local partners from the AVID website without waiting on a response from TAU staff.

D.3.3 USE AND BENEFITS OF SHARING DATA

The use of sharing data through local agencies has been a tremendous asset to CDOT. During the 

annual Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) submittal, there have been several HPMS 

sections that were flagged by CDOT staff due to significant changes in the AADT. With the counts 

collected both by CDOT and local agencies on these sections, TAU staff was able to defend the 

significant changes in AADT by showing two counts that were collected in the same section of road by 

two different agencies in the same year. Traffic counts by local agencies on CDOT highways have also 

been used in the development of the annual traffic file that CDOT produces for CDOT owned and 

operated highways. CDOT had collected a count in the City of Longmont on a CDOT-owned highway 

that was nearly double that of a count that was collected by Longmont traffic engineering staff. When 

looking at nearby traffic sections and historical AADTs, it was determined that the count collect by 

the City of Longmont was more accurate than the CDOT collected count. 

There has also been considerable cost savings by CDOT from the submittal of traffic data from local 

agencies. Since 2008, CDOT has received 3,946 short-term counts from local agencies. With the 

average cost of a short-term count by CDOT’s contractor being $100, the cost savings from the data 

sharing program have been approximately $400,000. 

D.3.4 LESSONS LEARNED

There were several lessons that were learned in the development of the data sharing program at 

CDOT.

 Standard data format submittal. When the data sharing program was first introduced, CDOT had 

requested local agencies to submit their traffic data using a CDOT-developed standard data 

submittal spreadsheet. The reason for this initial spreadsheet development was to allow a onestep process from the submittal of local agency traffic data into CDOT’s traffic database. This 

spreadsheet proved to be very time consuming and challenging for many local agencies because 

their raw traffic counts are converted into many different formats, including Adobe PDF, MS Excel 

and text files. Due to these challenges by local agencies, CDOT has allowed local agencies to 

submit their raw data in any format, with CDOT staff converting the data into an appropriate 

format for loading into TRADAS. 

 Data types/intervals. In order for TRADAS to calculate an AADT properly from a short-term traffic 

count, data must be a bi-directional volume count with a time interval of at least 24 hours. There 

were several cases where local agencies were submitting different types of counts such as turning 

movement and travel time counts that could not be incorporated into the TRADAS database. In 

addition, several of the counts that were submitted were shorter intervals from the 24-hour 

minimum requirement.

 Local Agency QA/QC steps. While CDOT has many steps in determining whether a CDOT collected 

count should be accepted or rejected, local agencies must have QA/QC steps in place to 

determine whether their raw traffic count is acceptable or not before submittal to CDOT. 

D.3.5 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

 Data from other jurisdictions in Colorado. While CDOT has received traffic data from 15 local 

agencies within the State, there is significant growth potential in the data sharing program. There 

are 271 incorporated municipalities in the State and 64 counties in the State; with the total share 

of local agencies involved in the data sharing program in 2011 at around 4%. CDOT will continue 

to build partnerships through its Statewide Traffic Data Committee to show the benefits of the 

data sharing program and to continue to encourage local agencies to submit their traffic data to 

CDOT. 
D-16

 Incorporating local data in AADT calculation. As traffic data is submitted by local agencies on 

traffic sections also collected by CDOT, business processes and rules must be developed to allow 

the incorporation of local agency data into the calculation of an AADT for a particular section of 

road.

D.4 CASE STUDY #4 (PART 1): LOCAL AGENCY DATA SHARING DELAWARE VALLEY 

REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION (DVRPC)

D.4.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study illustrates how the sharing of traffic data is accomplished from the perspective of a 

local agency, represented by the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). The types 

of traffic data shared include Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volume and classification counts for 

vehicles, as well as pedestrian and bicycle counts.

Background

The Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) is the Federally designated Metropolitan 

Planning Organization (MPO) that serves the greater Philadelphia region. The region includes nine

counties, five of which are located in Pennsylvania and four counties that are located in New Jersey. 

DVRPC’s responsibilities include planning for the immediate and long-term transportation needs in 

the region. The MPO relies on partnerships and sharing of data and information with the 

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), New Jersey Department of Transportation; 

county and local governments; and regional transportation providers in order to develop the LongRange Transportation Plan and the Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). One of the most 

important types of data shared between agencies is traffic data, which is used for assessing 

environmental impact to the region, addressing congestion, and managing projects to preserve and 

maintain the existing transportation infrastructure. 

DVRPC has also taken a leadership role in Transportation Operations (TO) by providing a forum in 

which a comprehensive Transportation Operations Master Plan has been developed for the region. 

While implementing the Master Plan is the responsibility of individual agencies, the plan identifies 

the services and projects that support ITS and operations in the region.

Data sharing is also exemplified by the Regional Integrated Multi-Modal Information Sharing (RIMIS) 

project. This is an information exchange network oriented to traffic and transit operations centers, 

state police, county 911/emergency management agencies, and local emergency responders. Its

primary objective is to provide situational information about incidents, maintenance and construction 

activity, and special events that impact the transportation system. In addition to event information, 

RIMIS is a common platform to distribute CCTV images, and eventually VMS messages and traffic 

speeds.

The next section explores the technology and tools that are used for sharing traffic data in the 

Delaware Valley region.

D.4.2 DATA SHARING ENVIRONMENT

The primary tool used for sharing traffic data is referred to as Traffic Count Viewers. These viewers 

are available on the DVRPC website. The traffic viewers are connected to the traffic count database, 

so that when counts are entered or updated in the database, they appear on the website and are 

accessible to the public. Figures D-5 through D-7 illustrate the basic functionality of the Traffic Count 

Viewers, which incorporates components including Google maps and tabular reports.
D-17

Figure D-5 shows the map of the region prior to the overlay of traffic count locations.

FIGURE D-5 DVRPC MAP OF REGION

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Figure D-6 illustrates the map of the region with the overlay of traffic count locations, indicated by 

the dots on the map. These dots represent counts taken between 1995 and the current time. A slide 

bar feature on the left side of the map allows the user to zoom in/out within the map window. 

Selection options are located to the right of the map. These options include the following:

 Data Filter – allows the user to select a:

- Range for the count year;

- Range for AADT counts from/to;

- Road name;

- Municipality; and

- Type of data to display, i.e. volume, classification, etc. 

 Zoom to a municipality – allows the user to zoom to a specific municipality within the region 

(there are 357 municipalities in the DVRPC region).

 How to Use – provides instructions for the use of the tool bar above the map.

 Contact and Disclaimer – contact information at DVRPC and disclaimer regarding use of the data. 

This is also important, as information beyond that available on the viewers can be obtained by 

contacting the Office of Travel Monitoring. Such information includes speed data, intersection 

turning movement counts, vehicle classification detail reports and counts at the 15 minute 

increment level of detail.
D-18

FIGURE D-6 DVRPC REGION TRAFFIC COUNT LOCATIONS

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Figure D-7 illustrates the type of report that is generated when the ‘select’ option is used for two 

traffic count locations on Wissahickon Avenue between Hortter Street and Westview Street. This 

figure also shows the report that is generated with information including the date of the count(s), the 

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) at the location, the road where the counts were taken, direction 

counted, and “from” and “to” limits (intersecting roads) of the counted road segment.

FIGURE D-7 DVRPC TRAFFIC COUNTS REPORT

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
D-19

Choosing the “Detailed Report” for a specific count generates a report for that count that contains 

further location information, the hourly count detail, factors used to calculate the AADT and the a.m. 

and p.m. peak hour information. In the Figure D-7 example, choosing the count taken 12/17/2002 

generates the report shown in Figure D-8.

FIGURE D-8 DVRPC TRAFFIC COUNT DETAIL REPORT

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Pedestrian and bicycle counts are also provided on the Traffic Count Viewers. Figures D-9 through D12 illustrate how the pedestrian and bicycle count data is displayed on the map and how reports can 

be generated for this type of data. When the viewer is first opened, a window appears providing a 

disclaimer, instructions on use, and contact information for pedestrian and bicycle counts.
D-20

FIGURE D-9 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE COUNTS DISCLAIMER, HOW TO USE AND 

CONTACT INFORMATION

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

Behind this information box, a map is displayed with dots to represent locations of pedestrian and 

bicycle counts. A link on the right side of the map adds the Google bicycle facilities in the region to 

the map.

FIGURE D-10 PEDESTRIAN AND BICYCLE COUNT LOCATIONS

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.
D-21

A location on the Walnut Street Bridge between Center City, Philadelphia and University City was 

selected for purposes of illustration in Figure D-11.

FIGURE D-11 BICYCLE COUNTS

WALNUT STREET BRIDGE; FROM SCHUYLKILL AVENUE TO 23RD STREET

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

The above figure illustrates the bicycle counts taken on the Walnut Street Bridge (from Schuylkill 

Avenue to 23rd Street). Similar to the case with the traffic viewer, the table provides a summary of the 

date of count (usually the first full day of data in a weeklong count), facility, limits of the counted 

segment, direction of the count and the average of the daily counts within the particular record. An 

additional function provides a link to Google Streetview so the user can see a street view of the count 

location.

A detailed report can also be generated for this location, as illustrated in Figure D-12. This report 

includes further detail of the location, hourly counts during the week that the count was taken, and 

an average of counts from complete days.
D-22

FIGURE D-12 BICYCLE COUNTS REPORT

Source: Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission.

The next section discusses the role of the data-sharing partners in the exchange of traffic data 

and information.

D.4.3 ROLE OF DATA-SHARING PARTNERS

DVRPC is not the only entity collecting traffic count data. Consultants regularly collect traffic count 

information in the preparation of development proposals, etc. The availability of count information 

from highway operations staff via many forms of technology (loosely grouped as ITS) is growing and 

will play an increasingly prominent role in the data field. Even private sector entities such as Traffic.com

(NAVTEC) are gathering count as well as speed data. All of these varied entities benefit when this data 

is brought together in a central location accessible to all data users. In DVRPC’s database, all traffic 

counts - no matter the source - are given equal value. On the traffic count detail report, the field 

“Taken By” identifies the source of the count.

In order to be effective as a source of data, all data must be put through a series of quality control 

checks. For counts taken by DVRPC staff (approximately 3,000 per year), the field sheet lists the 
D-23

previous two counts at a location. The new count must fall within a certain percentage of historical 

data or the count is flagged. When this situation arises, barring a reasonable explanation for the 

variation, the count is scheduled to be retaken. When a location has not been previously counted, 

nearby counts provide guidance. For counts submitted by traffic counting partners, the same 

procedure is performed. But when a count falls outside an expected range and no reasonable 

explanation for the variance is forthcoming, the count is rejected for inclusion in the database.

D.4.4 LESSONS LEARNED

The primary purpose of using the Traffic Count Viewers is to increase the efficiency of the data 

collection process. This helps to eliminate duplicate data collection efforts and to support the concept 

of “collect data once, use it many times”.

There are many advantages to this partnership for all providers and users of traffic data, from both 

the local agency and the state perspective. Several of these are listed below:

 Provides quick and easy access to traffic data for agencies, the consultant community, and the 

public.

 Reduces duplicate data collection efforts, thereby saving time and money for participating 

agencies and the consultant community.

 Provides a richer source of traffic data that includes data collection from State, regional, and local 

government; and private sector efforts. The comprehensive nature of the traffic data creates a 

better basis for planning decisions.

 Increases the efficiency of the data process by maintaining a central repository of data, lessening 

the need to consult multiple sources to obtain traffic count data.

D.4.5 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

 Expand the traffic count database to include additional types of counts (i.e. intersection turning 

movement counts, manual classification counts, speed counts) to increase the usefulness of the 

data to all users.

 Continue outreach to traffic counting entities to encourage them to submit their data so that the 

database can truly be a regional resource.

D.5 CASE STUDY #4 (PART 2): STATE DATA SHARING – PENNSYLVANIA DOT

(PENNDOT)

D.5.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study illustrates how the sharing of traffic data is accomplished from the perspective of a 

state Department of Transportation, represented by the Pennsylvania DOT (PennDOT). The types of 

traffic data shared include Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volume and classification counts for 

vehicles and other types of traffic data shared by PennDOT.

Background

The Bureau of Planning and Research (BPR) is one of 25 bureaus and offices under the Pennsylvania 

Department of Transportation (PennDOT). BPR’s Transportation Planning Division, Traffic Monitoring 

Section, is responsible for the development and maintenance of the State’s portable and permanent 

traffic counting programs. The Bureau partners with Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), 

Rural Planning Organizations (RPO), PennDOT Engineering Districts, and vendors. Data that is 

provided to BPR by those agencies and companies are used for Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA) reporting, congestion management, air quality, pavement design, and development of traffic 
D-24

factors. Over the years, several applications and tools have been developed to assist with timely 

submittal of traffic data, easy viewing of traffic data for both the public and counting partners, and 

quick and accurate reporting.

D.5.2 DATA SHARING ENVIRONMENT

Internet Traffic Monitoring System (iTMS)

The main way traffic data is shared is through the Internet Traffic Monitoring System (iTMS). 

Figures D-13 through D-16 show the functionality of iTMS. Users can search for traffic data by ten 

different categories that are listed below:

 County;

 Municipality;

 Zip Code;

 State Route;

 State Route and Segment;

 Place Name;

 Street Name;

 Road Intersection;

 Street Address; and

 TMS Site Number.

Figure D-13 shows the initial map when querying a county. 

FIGURE D-13 ADAMS COUNTY MAP

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
D-25

Figure D-14 illustrates the county map after the user zooms into a specific area. The purple dots 

represent the area where the traffic counts were collected. All data displayed on the iTMS website 

is current traffic data. An interactive legend displays on the left of the page, as well as a toolbar 

across the top of the map. Users can filter what information they would like to display by turning 

on/off the map icons.

FIGURE D-14 SPECIFIC TRAFFIC COUNT LOCATION

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Figure D-15 displays what type of information the user can expect when selecting the specific site 

location. The AADT, count frequency, count year, and latitude/longitude are also shown among other 

information. The user also has the ability to print the information or to go to PennDOT’s Videolog 

application.
D-26

FIGURE D-15 SITE SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Figure D-16 displays other information for the site’s limit. Some of the information displayed is the 

specific traffic data including AADT or the ADTT (Average Daily Truck Traffic). 

FIGURE D-16 LIMIT SPECIFIC INFORMATION

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Traffic Volume Maps and Permanent Site Location Maps:

The traffic data is shared with the public through the Bureau’s traffic volume maps. Statewide and 

county traffic volume maps (Figure D-17) are generated each year and are accessible for the public to 
D-27

view through PennDOT’s website. (www.dot.state.pa.us) The Statewide traffic volume map displays 

AADT’s for all interstates, U.S. and PA routes across the State. The county maps display the AADT’s for 

all State-owned roads in the specific county.

FIGURE D-17 COUNTY TRAFFIC VOLUME MAP

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

Permanent traffic sites maps, which show locations and specific information for each of the 

department’s permanent traffic sites are updated each year and can be found on the Department’s 

website. Maps are available by district or county. The maps are used by in house field staff and are 

also provided to PennDOT Engineering Districts as a reference when planning construction projects. 

Since the Districts were provided the maps, the Bureau has been able to have permanent sites 

reinstalled during construction projects. In the past, the sites were destroyed during construction and 

never replaced. 

Internet Traffic Data Upload System (iTDUS)

A second form of data sharing is the internet Traffic Data Upload System (iTDUS). iTDUS is a website 

that allows our traffic counting partners to submit their data quickly and more accurately. The 

previous traffic data upload system application was a desktop application. Each year the Bureau 

mailed out each partner’s counts on a floppy disk, which the partners then loaded to the software. 

Collected raw traffic count data would then be submitted to the Bureau either on floppy disks or via 

email. Traffic analysts would then have to manually verify the raw data formatting before submission 

into PennDOT’s mainframe system, Roadway Management System (RMS). 

iTDUS has automated error checks for formatting before the data files are entered into the database. 

The user is notified immediately if the file does not meet the submittal format. Traffic Counting 

Partners are now able to submit a site in less than one minute and the analyst can review the site 

right after submittal where previously it would take up to a week to get the same file checked and 

ready for the mainframe. 
D-28

Automatic Traffic Information Collection Suite (ATICS)

Another form of data sharing is the Automatic Traffic Information Collection Suite (ATICS). ATICS is a 

web portal that allows the Bureau to generate Station Cards (SCard), Volume Cards (Card3), Class 

Cards (CCard) and Weight Cards (WCard) for monthly permanent data submittals in minutes 

compared to hours in the previous application. ATICS also has an ad hoc reporting feature. Currently 

the web portal has 16 reports using the data from the State’s permanent sites. Most of the reports 

are used for requests such as AADT, AADTT, Volume Detail, and Class Detail among others. Some are 

used for factors that are stored in RMS and displayed in the Bureau’s traffic data book (PUB 601). The 

last two reports are used with the Bureau’s quality assurance program of the State’s permanent sites. 

Manual and tube counts are entered into ATICS; these reports compare the permanent data to the 

portable data. This program helps the Bureau know how the sites are performing. 

D.5.3 ROLE OF DATA SHARING PARTNERS

As stated before, the Bureau receives data from MPOs, RPOs, PennDOT Engineering Districts, BPR 

field staff, and vendors. All of the traffic counts are collected with guidelines that each vendor, 

agency, and State employee follows. 

The MPOs and RPOs are under agreement with the Department through the Unified Planning Work 

Program (UPWP). The UPWP specifies the number of counts and due dates the agencies are required 

to collect and the MPOs and RPOs are paid accordingly. Each year the Planning Partners are given a 

traffic count packet and are required to submit the data through iTDUS by a specified date.

The Department has a Statewide Traffic Counting Contract that is used as a supplement for collecting 

traffic count data. After all of the Planning Partners, PennDOT Engineering Districts, and Bureau Field 

Staff are assigned counts, the remainder of the counts are assigned to the vendor. There is no set 

amount of counts for each vendor every year. The vendor is paid for only accepted data. If a traffic 

count is rejected, the vendor is notified. The vendor has the option of resetting the count.

The partners play a significant role in data collection. Without the partners there would not be the 

quantity of accurate data to be able to display on the websites and report to FHWA. 

D.5.4 SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

The Bureau has created two websites that has not just helped the Bureau, but, also the agencies that 

use those websites. 

The internet Traffic Data Upload System (iTDUS) enables the partners to submit data quickly and 

more accurately. It has allowed for quicker upload of the raw data and quicker download for the 

analysts to get the counts into the mainframe system. With the built in error checks in iTDUS, the 

system has removed the hours of manual checking the analysts previously did with the desktop 

version. The website has built-in reports for agencies and analysts to see what data has been 

submitted. This feature was not available in the previous version. The capability of the report feature 

means less time for the traffic analysts to verify that all the data was provided to the Bureau. 

The Automatic Traffic Information Collection Suite (ATICS) web portal allows the traffic analysts to 

provide permanent data more quickly. The Bureau generates monthly permanent data submittals in 

minutes, compared to hours in the previous application. The reports now provide more data to a 

wider range of business areas. The quality assurance section allows the Bureau to see how the 

permanent sites are working. The configuration of each site is shown on one page within the portal. 

Previously the traffic analyst would have to update information through two applications on multiple 

pages. Along with the monthly submittals; the reports, station configurations, and quality assurance 

links have saved the Bureau hours in manual work. This allows the traffic analysts more time to 

review the permanent data in addition to other areas of their jobs. 
D-29

D.5.5 LESSONS LEARNED

Improving the applications and methods of data submission and availability has increased 

productivity and efficiency. The data sharing between the Department and partners helps provide 

data to multiple bureaus and thousands of customers for various purposes. 

Since the implementation of iTMS, the number of traffic data requests has been cut by nearly 50%. 

The creation of iTDUS has cut the lifecycle of the traffic count submission by more than 90%. This 

allows a quicker turnaround of the data to the user.

Permanent Traffic Site Maps have opened the lines of communications between the Bureau and the 

engineering districts, and made the districts more aware not only of the location of the sites but also 

the importance of the permanent traffic counting sites.

ATICS provides quicker generation of monthly files for FHWA submission and also internal report 

generation, which assists with developing factors and processing larger data requests. Larger data 

requests used to take days to extract. With the various reports now available, those requests can be 

done in a fraction of the time. The quality assurance section allows the Bureau to see potential issues 

with permanent site data and to address those issues before they become a significant problem.

D.6 CASE STUDY #5: ALABAMA

The State of Alabama has a unique approach for incorporating data collected by local governments, 

which is then used to provide some of the data for the HPMS submittal, and occasionally, the lower 

functionally classified roads. Alabama DOT (ALDOT) collects all of the traffic data except on the 

county roads. Local governments are used to collect the county road data. ALDOT provides 

instructions and regulations to the local governments for collecting the 48-hour counts by lane and by 

direction. The data is then sent to ALDOT where it is validated using established quality control 

procedures.

In addition to the partnership with local governments, which enhances ALDOT’s traffic data collection 

program, ALDOT has also developed an automated method to calculate AADT values using short 

duration counts. This method is described in the following paragraphs:

The continuous data is collected daily and processed through the Traffic Monitoring System (TMS) to 

produce the day of month counts, which are submitted to FHWA in a TMS Plan (note this is not the 

same as the Data Business Plan discussed in Chapter 2). At the end of the year, the continuous counts 

are grouped from recorders in the area where the short duration counts were made. A weighted 

average is then generated by the TMS system and this average is used to factor the short duration 

counts to produce the AADT values. For example, if a short duration count is made on June 1, the 

data is entered into the Traffic Data Processing System (TDPS) as raw data. At the end of the year, the 

TDPS program uses the continuous counts from the count stations around the same area where the 

counts were made, and for that same period (June 1), to calculate a weighted average from those 

counts. The TDPS then calculates a factor that is applied to the short duration counts to produce the 

AADT value. 

The automated method now used to develop the AADT from short duration counts replaces a 

previous method in which a 48-hour count was used to calculate a day of month count, which was 

then factored to derive an AADT value, and this process was all done manually. The automated 

method now allows ALDOT to go directly from short duration counts to AADT values, thereby, 

eliminating manual steps, reducing errors in manual calculations, and saving time for the entire 

process. 
D-30

D.7 CASE STUDY #6: CONNECTICUT

The State of Connecticut provides a different example of how factoring is done by computing a 

monthly rolling average based on the previous 12 month period. The following steps are used to 

develop the AADT from raw count data:

 Initially, raw count data is collected from a continuous site for 24 hours, 7 days a week, for 365 

days/year. This data is collected in both directions. If the CONTINUOUS site indicates that data 

was only collected in one direction, the data for the site for that day is not used.

 The data is then validated using established quality control procedures.

 A series of C++ programs (which are part of a traffic management system) are used to develop 

monthly factors, based on the previous 12 months of data. A weighted average of raw counts 

taken from the CONTINUOUS sites is calculated and is then used to develop monthly factors. At 

least six months of data taken in both directions must be available to develop the factors that are 

applied to the raw data. If six months of data is not available, ConnDOT does not use that 

information in developing the expansion factors. ConnDOT uses an average based on previous 

year’s data.

 The factors are developed based on six factor groups, and any counts taken on special holidays, or 

in construction zones are not used in developing the factors.

Once the factors are developed, they are applied to the weight-averaged data to calculate the AADT.
E-1

Appendix E. COMPENDIUM OF DATA QUALITY CONTROL CRITERIA

E.1 CASE STUDY #1:INNOVATIONS IN DATA QUALITY QA/QC SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC DATA

E.1.1 INTRODUCTION 

This case study describes innovations in the application of QA/QC systems at the Virginia Department 

of Transportation (VDOT) as part of the best practices of planning for, and building in, high quality in 

traffic monitoring, data collection, and the analysis of raw data. By utilizing private contractors for 

field installation and maintenance, selecting equipment with advanced classification and binning 

options, and specially tailored in-house software, VDOT was able to develop an end-to-end solution 

for processing large volumes of high quality site data efficiently. The automated software tools allow 

staff to efficiently review data, and quickly assess site performance, including diagnostic assessment 

of sensor performance as exhibited through classification patterns over time. This information is used 

to quality grade data and provides preliminary diagnostic information for service call dispatch of 

private sector contractors.

Virginia has developed a custom classification algorithm (Binning ClassTree), with the support of the 

equipment vendor, which uses loop logic and makes decisions based on empirical sensor factoring 

knowledge to accept the data from sites into 22 defined types, which is a superset of the commonly 

used FHWA 13 vehicle category classification system. 

An additional benefit of the process is the ability to continue to extract high quality useable data as 

sensors age, degrade or fail in the field, greatly extending the useable life of the site. When combined 

with a rigorous approach to site installation practices, VDOT has been able to deploy, operate and 

maintain over 600 traffic monitoring sites, with over 95% of sites generating useable data for multiple 

applications, using a combination of traditional sensors (loops and piezos), and non-intrusive radar 

sensors. The quality control procedures described in this appendix facilitate the assessment of the 

permanent telemetry sites using traditional in-pavement sensors.

E.1.2 VDOT QUALITY ANALYSIS SOFTWARE 

Back Office Quality Checks

Virginia has a very extensive traffic monitoring program. In order to process the large volume of data 

collected each year, VDOT has invested in a processing system to automate the flow of data and the 

necessary quality checks that are applied to the data. This effort has resulted in the development of a 

catalog of rules (currently over 95 rules - available on request) used in the Traffic Monitoring System 

Raw Data Error Review Process. As a part of the review analysis, quality ratings are assigned to the 

raw total volume data, the classification data, and the speed data. Per vehicle weight records of WIM 

data are processed separately, but classification, speed, and volume data that is collected 

concurrently from the same sites is included in the quality analysis software processing. The quality 

ratings determine the use of the raw data in reporting and processing activities that lead to the 

creation of AADT and VMT estimates and other special studies such as speed analysis.

Raw Data Pre Load Activity

Each permanent telemetry site is polled nightly by a process that contacts each site and downloads 

and processes the available previous day’s data. VDOT TMS analysts review the results each morning

and then manually contact any sites that did not automatically download. If problems are identified, a 

service call maybe initiated, with contractually specified service response times.
E-2

Raw Data Loading Process

Data files that were automatically downloaded are loaded into management software as part of the 

Quality Analysis procedure. Manually collected files, which include portable coverage counts and 

other data file formats can be manually loaded using one of the several acceptable formats. The 

preferred and fastest method uses a manufacturer’s proprietary binary format via a vendor DLL that 

is imbedded in the VDOT software. The other formats are typically ASCII text or PRN file readers and 

allow acceptance of all equipment generated data files in use in Virginia at this time. VDOT also has 

the ability to manually generate a special study data file as a text document that can then be system 

processed. This is occasionally done for data received from other sources, such as cities or 

consultants that are not normally part of the VDOT system. 

Raw Data Review Process

Once data is loaded into the system it can be processed by the automatic review software. This 

review process runs as a series of comparisons. Based on the results of the comparisons, a tentative 

quality rating is assigned for the volume data and for the classification data, and where appropriate, 

messages are created for review by the analyst. The analyst uses the same software to review the 

messages and to determine the validity. Spreadsheets can be produced from the analysts console for 

outside review. 

The analyst uses the information provided by the software and where appropriate can apply other 

information such as known site conditions (construction for example) to determine if the tentative 

ratings as determined by the software should be retained or if different quality ratings would be 

more appropriate. Due to the rigorous installation and maintenance practices followed, the default 

level is set at 5 as acceptable for all uses. The analyst may accept the system recommendations or 

may input a different rating based on other knowledge and experience with the site. Ratings are 

subject to review by contract administrators and in some cases by the service contractor to facilitate 

maintenance activity.

Raw Data Review Messages

A key element of the raw data quality review software is the creation of messages that provide advice 

to the analyst in data review. At this time there are 96 individual messages corresponding to rules in 

the software that are displayed when conditions are met. The messages are established at levels of 

guidance for the analyst with displayed icons for quick recognition.

TABLE E-1 MESSAGE URGENCY LEVELS 

Level one icon is a question mark in a circle, an advisory of a questionable nature.

Level two icon is the letter I in a circle, an informational advisory.

Level three icon is an exclamation mark in a triangle, which is a warning level message. 

Level four is an X in a circle, which is an error level message.

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.
E-3

Below is a screen image of the VDOT Quality Analysis Software.

FIGURE E-1 VDOT QUALITY ANALYSIS SOFTWARE

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

The following image is a VDOT display screen in spreadsheet analysis mode. As you look at the image, 

you will quickly note the upper interval of data has information boxes displayed in “Green is Good” 

mode, while the three lower intervals (which are subsequent days) are displaying the “Orange is Bad 

Mode” intended to catch the analyst’s eye that something has changed or is out of tolerance.

At the top is header information that identifies the site, followed by a banner bar for a day of data in 

columns from left to right. Column A is the date, and continuing as Counter Number, Lane, Direction, 

Daily Total, and then the volume per vehicle class starting with Class 2. Notice the classes do not 

directly progress as 2, 3, 4, etc., but are grouped by analysis of relationship within the 21 bin scheme, 

described more fully below. That is, that a Class 2 is followed by classes 16 and 18 and calculated 

percentages and class 16+1 and the percentage of class 16 plus 18. These are defined by the rules as 

empirically determined by the department.

Below the banner bar are blocks of explanatory color codes. Text of explanation inside the block 

instructs what rule has been activated. In this example there was a dramatic change from “Max Class 

20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 0.0%”, and “Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 0.00%” (i.e., good) to the 

following unacceptable call out.
E-4

FIGURE E-2 VEHICLE CLASS AND PERCENT OF LANE VOLUME

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

Note: This display image has been edited to fit the page in this document. 

LinkID: 40185 SR-00040 McKenney Hwy; .50 E RT 654 (RAINEY CREEK ROAD).

Dinwiddie County

Richmond District Functional Class: (State = 3; Federal = 6) Rural Minor Arterial

Speed Limit: 55

Daily Summary Sunday

Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 7.5% Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 7.5% Color Legend:

Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 0.71% Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 0.71% Dai

Value from Raw Data Table Class 20 Values Acceptable Value from Raw Data Table Class 20 Values Acceptable Value from 

Value from Loop Logic Table Value from Loop Logic Table Value from 

Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Lo

Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values fr

Percent Percent Pe

Percent Combined Sum Percent Combined Sum Percent C

Daily Summary Friday

Date CounterNumber Lane Direction DailyTotal Class2 Class16 Pct 16 Class18 Pct 18 Class16+18Pct 16+18 Class3 Class17 Pct 17 Class19 Pct 19 Class17+19Pct 17+19 Trucks Class20 Pct 20 Class21 Pct 21 Class15 

4/20/12 1 1 2 535 320 0 0% 271 85% 271 85% 100 0 0% 55 55% 55 55% 99 66 67% 13 2% 8

4/20/12 1 2 4 599 324 13 4% 218 67% 231 71% 158 1 1% 57 36% 58 37% 104 38 37% 8 1% 5

Daily Link Total 1134 644 13 2% 489 76% 502 78% 258 1 0% 112 43% 113 44% 203 104 51% 21 2% 13

Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 66.7% Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 66.7% Color Legend:

Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 9.17% Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 9.17% Dai

Value from Raw Data Table Data downgraded, not valid for factor creation purposes. Value from Raw Data Table Data downgraded, not valid for factor creation purposes. Value from 

Value from Loop Logic Table Rule D Value from Loop Logic Table Rule D Value from 

Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Lo

Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values fr

Percent Percent Pe

Percent Combined Sum Percent Combined Sum Percent C

Daily Summary Saturday

Date CounterNumber Lane Direction DailyTotal Class2 Class16 Pct 16 Class18 Pct 18 Class16+18Pct 16+18 Class3 Class17 Pct 17 Class19 Pct 19 Class17+19Pct 17+19 Trucks Class20 Pct 20 Class21 Pct 21 Class15 

4/21/12 1 1 2 425 354 0 0% 354 100% 354 100% 33 0 0% 32 97% 32 97% 25 25 100% 2 0% 3

4/21/12 1 2 4 443 345 0 0% 345 100% 345 100% 62 0 0% 62 100% 62 100% 33 33 100% 3 1% 3

Daily Link Total 868 699 0 0% 699 100% 699 100% 95 0 0% 94 99% 94 99% 58 58 100% 5 1% 7

Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 100.0% Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 100.0% Color Legend:

Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 6.68% Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 6.68% Dai

Value from Raw Data Table Generate Service Call. Value from Raw Data Table Generate Service Call. Value from 

Value from Loop Logic Table Rule E Value from Loop Logic Table Rule E Value from 

Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Lo

Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values fr

Percent Percent Pe

Percent Combined Sum Percent Combined Sum Percent C

Daily Summary Sunday

Date CounterNumber Lane Direction DailyTotal Class2 Class16 Pct 16 Class18 Pct 18 Class16+18Pct 16+18 Class3 Class17 Pct 17 Class19 Pct 19 Class17+19Pct 17+19 Trucks Class20 Pct 20 Class21 Pct 21 Class15 

4/22/12 1 1 2 358 70 6 9% 63 90% 69 99% 9 2 22% 2 22% 4 44% 24 4 17% 0 0% 25

4/22/12 1 2 4 376 305 0 0% 305 100% 305 100% 45 0 0% 45 100% 45 100% 23 23 100% 3 1% 2

Daily Link Total 734 375 6 2% 368 98% 374 100% 54 2 4% 47 87% 49 91% 47 27 57% 3 0% 28

Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 100.0% Color Legend: Max Class 20 as % of Lane Truck Volume = 100.0% Color Legend:

Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 3.68% Daily Total Class 20 as % of Total Volume = 3.68% Dai

Value from Raw Data Table Generate Service Call. Value from Raw Data Table Generate Service Call. Value from 

Value from Loop Logic Table Rule E Value from Loop Logic Table Rule E Value from 

Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Loop Logic Derivation Raw Data and Lo

Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values from Loop Logic Table Sum of Values fr

Percent Percent Pe

Percent Combined Sum Percent Combined Sum Percent C
E-5

E.1.3 THE 21 BIN CLASSIFICATION TABLE AND HOW IT WORKS 

Manufacturers typically supply a default classification table based on an interpretation of the 13 

FHWA class definitions and sensor characteristics. The 13 categories defined for vehicle types have 

some limitations for what to do with vehicles that either do not fit into the definitions, or due to 

missed sensor activations that can occur on the road, may be determined to be in error or 

incomplete. The cause of an error in sensing may be as simple as a vehicle changing lanes in the area 

of the sensors or may be a result of a defective sensor, vehicle characteristics, or rough pavement. 

The irregular sensor pattern, which may represent a valid vehicle, must be assigned to a class. 

One approach is to combine all the error vehicles into Class 2 that are normally the numerically 

largest class as it contains all standard passenger cars. Another is to provide additional bins in the 

default scheme, for example a set up for 15 bins of vehicle types with type 14 being unused, and type 

15 being the bucket into which all errors are tossed. VDOT takes advantage of the deployed 

equipment’s capability to provide more definitions and use additional criteria in the determination of 

vehicle class type. After empirical study of the pre vehicle raw data, VDOT determined that a 

specialized classification table could be used to apply logic based on the magnetic length of vehicles 

to the determination of what to do with irregular patterns that would otherwise be thrown into an 

unclassified category. This diagnostic classification algorithm adds six additional diagnostic data bins 

to the default 15-class scheme. At permanent sites, it is an excellent indicator of piezo health. The 

gradual degradation of piezo health and performance as the roadway ages and the surface wears is 

captured and can be traced over the life of a site, and allows for extended operation of the site 

before maintenance is required. Typically, missed axles tend to occur on lighter vehicles first, and are 

particularly noticeable on small front wheel drive cars where the second axle may be missed by the 

electronics as a low output signal is often produced. It was determined that loop logic could be 

incorporated to identify a real vehicle that had an appropriate length as measured by the loops, and 

be placed in to a normal classification bin with confidence, as described in the following figures.

FIGURE E-3 PIEZO HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE (VEHICLES)

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.
E-6

FIGURE E-4 PIEZO HEALTH AND PERFORMANCE (TRUCKS)

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.
E-7

TABLE E-2 ADR ADVANCED LOOP LOGIC

ADR Advanced Loop Logic-21 Bin Table Explanation

Vehicle Bins 

Displayed on 

TOPS and 

ADR Screen

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 N/A 15 16 17 18 19 20 21

Vehicle Class

After TMS 

Translation

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 N/A 15 2 3 2 3 15 15

Piezo Axle 

Performance

Normal Valid Vehicle Classification Axle Rules Apply

No Loop Logic Rules Apply

All Vehicles Have 2 or More Axles

Unchanged

1 Axle 

Vehicle

Detected, 

Loop Logic, 

Rules Apply

1 Axle 

Vehicle

Detected, 

Loop Logic 

Rules Apply

0 Axle 

Vehicle

Detected, 

Loop Logic 

Rules Apply

0 Axle 

Vehicle

Detected, 

Loop Logic 

Rules Apply

0-1 Axle 

Vehicle

Detected 

Loop Logic 

Rules Apply

Vehicle

Magnetic 

Length Rules

Normal Valid Vehicle Classification Axle Spacing Rules Apply

No Loop Logic Rules Apply

Unchanged

7’ to 16’ 16’ to 19’ 7’ to 16’ 16’ to 19’ 19’ to 100’ All Others, 

Including 

Vehicles Less 

than 7’ Vehicle

Length, Lane 

Changers, Etc.

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation

Table E-2 defines the relationship between the 21 bin classification scheme of Virginia and the FHWA 13 Per Vehicle Raw field data defining when a vehicle is 

assigned to one of the 21 bins that are subsequently post processed by analysis to a correlating FHWA 13 class. At this time, please notice the bin 18, which is a 

vehicle with zero detected axles and an overall detected length of 7 to 16 feet. Based on empirical study, this is a real vehicle, and based on the detected length 

is most likely a class 2, passenger car. 
E-8

Speed and Volume Graphs, a full day, hour by hour

Figure E-5 illustrates a graphic tool available to VDOT analysts responsible for checking the data. This 

particular visualization confirms that there is a serious problem at the site and that it was not just for 

an hour or for a single recording interval.

FIGURE E-5 WEST BOUND 21 BIN GRAPHS (FROM COLLECTED RAW DATA)

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

Previously it was pointed out that Bin 18 contains vehicles detected as valid, with a length of 7 to 16 

feet but with no detected axles. Notice that on this day there were approximately 275 vehicles in Bin 

18. 

FIGURE E-6 VEHICLE VOLUMES AND BIN CLASSIFICATION DATA

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

0

50

100

150

200

250

300

1 21 2 16 18 3 17 19 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 20

Volume

Class

Vehicle Classification - Data Quality 0-5

040185 - SR-40 WB Lane 1 - 4/23/2012
E-9

E.1.4 INITIATION AND RESOLUTION OF SERVICE CALLS

Example: In processing routine data files, a VDOT traffic data analyst initiates a service call because 

the VDOT quality analysis software “alarmed” at processing classification data from a site that was 

previously working. A typical service call is shown below, and the primary information is circled. Note 

the 21-Bin classification data provides additional diagnostic information for the technician.

FIGURE E-7 VDOT TRAFFIC SERVICE CALL APRIL 2012

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

As an additional diagnostic aid, the following is a partial print-out of the VML (Vehicle Monitoring Log) 

as referenced above in the service call. The VDOT analyst originating the service call created this log 

by telemetry contact from his office to the remote site using the equipment manufacturer’s supplied 

software to monitor the site in operation. The question marks indicate that the equipment could not 

calculate the length of the vehicle, and there are error (status) codes present. FFFF is a correctly 

detected vehicle, while FFAD indicates a vehicle that missed the piezo sensors.
E-10

FIGURE E-8 VML PRINT-OUT

***Opened On 04-24-2012 @ 12:01:33, Site: 087, Classes: (All)

HH:MM:SS ARR STAT VEHNO CL SPD LPL WBL AX WB1 WB2 WB3 WB4 WB5 WB6 WB7 WB8 WB9 WB10 

WB11 WB12 WB13 

12:01:40-ADRVehs, Viewed: 0, Skipped: 0, Classes: (All), ViewPVRs: 1,2

FB 10 0000 CONTROL: PSTART

00 01 CB93 LOOP ON

01 01 D4F3 LOOP ON

00 81 DF3C LOOP OFF

12:01:54 2+ FFAD 1 21 16 ??? --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

FE 02 EA5D MINUTE 02

00 02 126C LOOP ON

01 82 24BD LOOP OFF

12:01:54 1+ FFFF 1 20 5 932 --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

12:02:04 1+ FFAD 2 21 28 ??? --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

00 82 38D7 LOOP OFF

00 02 CB34 LOOP ON

01 02 D016 LOOP ON

00 82 D813 LOOP OFF

12:02:54 2+ FFFF 2 19 9 182 --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

12:02:58 2+ FFFF 3 18 13 135 --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

FE 03 EA5E MINUTE 03

12:02:53 1+ FFFF 3 20 9 362 --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

00 03 2A58 LOOP ON

01 83 3771 LOOP OFF

12:03:10 1+ FFAD 4 21 28 ??? --- 0 --- --- --- ---- ---- ---- ----

00 83 4793 LOOP OFF

12:03:57-ADRVehs, Viewed: 7, Skipped: 0, Classes: (All), ViewPVRs: 

***Exit VehMon On 04-24-2012 @ 12:03:59

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

In response to the emailed service call and its supportive information, the private contractor routed a 

technician to investigate the site. Excerpts from the service report containing his readings and 

observations is shown on the following pages along with photographs that he took while at the site.
E-11

FIGURE E-9 VDOT TRAFFIC SERVICE CALL REPORT APRIL 2012

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.
E-12

FIGURE E-10 OVERALL VIEW OF ROADWAY FACING EAST

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

Roadway has been completely milled, and the westbound lane has been widened and initial base 

asphalt has been placed. The entire road is expected to receive additional surface asphalt and then 

will be re-marked. 

FIGURE E-11 OVERALL SENSORS FACING EAST

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

DTS Technician found that milling did not reach the sensors and they were not exposed. Destruction 

of the sensors requiring replacement is due to the widening process that ripped out the lead wiring 

that was under the shoulder apron.
E-13

FIGURE E-12 PIEZOS 1 AND 2 LOOKING SOUTH

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

Piezos (old style) are visible but not exposed, and do not appear to be damaged in the roadway. 

Electronic test measurements indicate no connection to the cabinet.

FIGURE E-13 PIEZOS 1 AND 2 LOOKING SOUTH

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.
E-14

FIGURE E-14 LOOKING SOUTH AT LOOPS 4 AND 1, AND LOOPS 3 AND 2

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

Loops do not appear to be exposed or damaged by the milling in the roadway. Test measurements 

taken at the cabinet indicated the connecting wires are shorted. The technician also reported that 

he/she found long pieces of connecting wire and tubing in the grass at the side of the road. 

E.1.5 LESSONS LEARNED IMPLEMENTING QA/QC FOR TRAFFIC MONITORING

 Recognize that quality cannot be inspected into the data; rather all aspects of the program should 

be reviewed to ensure the quality is built into the process (see Case Study #2 for a detailed 

description of how VDOT and its private sector contractors have approached this). By focusing on 

high quality processes and materials, VDOT and its contractors have been able to greatly increase 

site reliability and performance, reducing total life cycle cost of operation and improving data 

availability. This focus has led to significant improvements in methods and equipment design, 

firmware, and configuration. 

 Automated processes allow for administrative efficiency, and to allow a consistent approach to 

data quality assessment. Quality rules are fully defined and coded into the automated review 

process. It should be noted that by focusing on a high quality field installation process, one is able 

to minimize the volume of data flagged for suspect data quality, even when the rules are quite 

tight. 

 The data is checked every day as part of the Traffic Monitoring System Raw Data Review Process 

software that uses automated data checks to flag potential issues, with rules for interpolating 

data and handling gaps. A calendar check of noted exceptions and events is used along with 

human review of flagged exceptions and Automated Alerts for the system. This allows rapid 

identification and correction of potential problems, avoiding significant data loss.

 The development and implementation of the 21 bin classification table was and is a most 

significant tool in the quest for data quality and reliability. In addition to providing useful 

diagnostic information to guide service call activity, it allows the continued use of sites with 

marginal sensor performance, to collect useful traffic data, greatly extending the useful 

operational life of sites, thus reducing overall program costs.
E-15

 By focusing on an automated end-to-end solution that generates high quality data, VDOT has 

been able to provide timely support for operations by providing reliable, accurate traffic data in 

real-time for multiple applications. The reliability, availability, and utility of this data feed has built 

support for the traffic monitoring function during a time of fiscal restraint. The QC/QA processes 

provide assurance that the data being provided are of consistent high quality, even prior to the 

daily QC/QA checks.

 A focus on continuous improvement within VDOT and by its private contractors has facilitated 

many changes to the program over the years, which, when taken as a whole, have allowed the 

expanded deployment of additional traffic monitoring sites (currently over 600 sites) in support of 

both core traffic monitoring needs and operations. Performance based contracting is an essential 

element in insuring VDOT is able to reliably generate the traffic data needed to support its

internal decision processes and provide timely accurate data to external parties.

E.2 CASE STUDY #2: QA/QC SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC DATA

E.2.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study discusses the quality control systems used for traffic data in the State of Vermont. 

Vermont has 3,900 road centerline miles on Federal aid routes and 10,200 road centerline miles on 

local roads. The Vermont Agency of Transportation (VTrans) Traffic Research Unit uses a combination 

of permanent in-house staff and summer temporary employees to collect traffic count data on 

Federal aid routes and on local roads. 

E.2.2 CONTINUOUS TRAFFIC COUNTS

VTrans is currently operating 60 continuous volume counters, 21 WIM, and 2 continuous vehicle 

classification counters.

E.2.3 SHORT-TERM TRAFFIC COUNTS

The coverage count program includes 2,200 short-term ATR counts on Federal aid routes and 2,400 

short-term ATR counts on local roads. The counts are done on either a three or a six-year cycle, 

depending on the route. Each year VTrans collects around 500 week long ATR counts on Federal aid 

routes, including interstate ramps and other grade separated ramps, and 400 weeklong ATR counts 

on local roads. Counts performed on the Federal aid routes are typically vehicle classification and 

speed while the local road counts are volume only.

VTrans conducts 12-hour manual turning movement counts at 1,300 intersections over a four-year 

period. Either counts are done on a two or four-year cycle, with about 450 counts annually. VTrans is 

in the process of implementing a bicycle and pedestrian manual count program. VTrans collected trip 

generation data over the past several years and has submitted 675 counts to ITE to be considered for 

the ITE Trip Generation Manual. VTrans intends to continue to collect trip generation data on an 

every other year basis, alternating with the bicycle/pedestrian count program.

E.2.4 TRAFFIC MONITORING SYSTEM

VTrans currently uses an Oracle based consultant designed traffic monitoring system to manage 

traffic count data but is planning to implement a new system within the next two years. Various offthe-shelf products are under consideration, as well as possibly another consultant designed system.

E.2.5 QA/QC PROCEDURES

The VTrans Traffic Research Unit does not have a formal QA/QC program but does have quality 

checks built into the data collection and data review procedures as described briefly herein.
E-16

Field Procedures – Continuous Traffic Counter (CTC)

VTrans field technicians check the CTC sites on a monthly basis while downloading data at the site. 

The field technician checks batteries and hardware as well as verifies that the counters are recording 

correctly.

Office Procedures – Continuous Traffic Counter (CTC)

Monthly traffic is reviewed for daily directional distribution. If the percent of traffic in the lower 

volume direction is less than 48% the data is reviewed more closely for a potential problem.

Using an Excel based routine that pulls data from the Traffic Monitoring System, graphs are produced 

on a monthly basis that show a particular day of the week, for each occurrence of that day of the 

week over the month. For example, Sundays are reviewed and differences between Sundays may 

indicate where the counter has stopped working on any one lane, or where there has been a period 

of resonation shown by surges in the volume. 

Monthly reports are generated that compare the current year’s average daily volumes with last year’s 

average daily volumes. Differences of more than 10% are reviewed more closely. 

Field Procedures – WIM

On a monthly basis, the WIM Technician visually inspects each WIM site and runs diagnostic reports. 

VTrans relies largely on auto calibration to maintain calibration at the WIM sites but on occasion has 

used a test vehicle or portable scales to recalibrate the systems.

Office Procedures – WIM

WIM counts are converted to volume counts and compared alongside the other CTC counts (see 

above). 

Field Procedures – Short-Term ATR

As each count is set out, the Field Technician checks to see that the recorder is collecting data and 

that the data is accurate. When the count is picked-up, the field technician downloads and reviews 

the data on a laptop computer and resets the count as needed.

Office Procedures – Short-Term ATR

Each ATR count is reviewed individually. The minimum duration is 48-hours of weekday data. The 

estimated AADT is compared to historical volumes to ensure that it is not unreasonable. The 

following table shows specific quality checks performed on vehicle classification counts.
E-17

TABLE E-3 QUALITY CHECKS FOR VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION COUNTS

Checks Criteria requiring additional review

Class 14s >5% for the count as a whole

Directional ADT DAY SPLIT > 53% for the count as a whole

Cycles > 2%

Cars <70%

Pickups >22%

Buses > 1%

8s vs. 9s 8s > 9s, N/A for local streets, weekdays only

Multi trailers CL 11-13 > 1%

Med vs. Heavy med < heavy (med - heavy < 0)

Sat % ADTT > 75% of weekday ADTT

Sun % ADTT > 75% of weekday ADTT

Peak hr trucks > weekday ADTT

Misclassification Class 3s can be misclassified as 5s – look for high class 5s;

High cycles can indicate problems with classes 2-5

Source: Vermont Agency of Transportation

Vehicle classification data is also reviewed for daily directional distribution by vehicle classification. 

Differences of greater than 10% indicate a potential problem requiring additional review. 

VTrans records speed as well as vehicle classification for most ATR counts, however the speed data 

files are not loaded into the database but are stored separately in their raw format and are used only 

occasionally. If the vehicle classification data for a count is rejected, the speed data for the same 

count is also rejected.

Regarding site location, the field technicians are able to load GPS coordinates directly into the traffic 

recorder and the coordinates appear in the header of each count file. The coordinates are checked 

using a GIS application to verify that the count was set in the correct location.

Field Procedures – Manual Turning Movement Counts

The turning movement count program is very well supervised with a Field Technician, as well as a 

senior temporary employee, circulating among the count staff answering questions, helping to find 

the correct intersection, verifying that safety measures are in place, filling out field sheets correctly, 
E-18

and providing breaks over the day. A one-day training program is provided at the start of the season.

Office Procedures – Manual Turning Movement Counts

The turning movement counts are reviewed by the Field Technicians at the end of the count season. 

Information provided on the field sheets is used to enter the street names, orient the count, etc. 

E.2.6 LESSONS LEARNED

Using GPS to locate the ATR sites has been very beneficial. The Field Supervision for the turning 

movement count program has also been very worthwhile, with very few counts rejected over the 

season and very few safety related problems.

The VTrans Traffic Research Unit does not have a well documented QA/QC procedure. This is due in 

large part to having a very experienced staff with quality checking routines in place and little need to 

refer to documentation. However, as staff members move on it will be more difficult to train new 

employees in QA/QC without written guidelines. This was made apparent when it was discovered 

well into the season that a new employee was setting up ATR counts incorrectly and the vehicle 

classification was inaccurate. 

E.3 CASE STUDY #3: PENNDOT – QA/QC SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC DATA

E.3.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study discusses the quality assurance and quality control processes for both short term 

traffic count data and permanent traffic count data at the Pennsylvania Department of 

Transportation (PennDOT). PennDOT is responsible for collecting, analyzing, and reporting traffic data 

on approximately 40,000 miles of road. This data collection includes short term and permanent traffic 

volume, classification, and weight data. Speed data is collected only at permanent traffic sites. 

PennDOT has 89 permanent traffic counting sites and over 42,000 short term count locations,

including ramp locations. 

E.3.2 QA/QC SPECIFIC PROCEDURES

The short term traffic count data go through a series of quality assurance edit checks. The raw count 

data are first submitted through PennDOT’s Internet Traffic Data Upload System (iTDUS). This web 

based application subjects the counts to basic checks (site number, file type, header file format, 24 

hours, duplicate data, and same data for both directions) before configuring the count in a format 

acceptable for the mainframe computer system, the Roadway Management System (RMS). Once the 

counts have passed the iTDUS checks, a text file is created from the iTDUS application and loaded 

weekly to the RMS. The short term traffic count data is run through a series of automated error 

checks. 

The raw traffic count data first goes through the 15 error checks contained in Table E-4. If the count 

fails one or more of the edits, it will appear on the 650 Traf Raw Count Load Error Report. 

TABLE E-4 TABLE 650: TRAF RAW COUNT LOAD ERROR REPORT ERROR CHECKS

Upload File Empty

Invalid Record Type

Header Sequence Error

Invalid Jurisdiction Code

Segment Not Found On Database
E-19

Key Does Not Exist On LFA DB

Offset Exceeds Segment Length

Invalid Count Type

Limit ID Not Found

Opposite Side Key Not Found

Duplicate Class Count Exists

Duplicate Volume Count Exists 

Parallel Count Types Not Equal

Incomplete Count < 24 Hours

Invalid Count Date

If the raw traffic count data passes the 650 edit checks, it moves on to the next set of edits as 

illustrated in Table E-5. If the count fails one or more of the 28 edit checks, it will appear on the 660 

Traf Raw Count Error Extract Report. 

TABLE E-5 TABLE 660: TRAF RAW COUNT ERROR EXTRACT REPORT ERROR CHECKS

Record not found on database

Traffic Offset greater than segment length

Parallel Road: Traffic opposite key = 0

Non-Parallel Road: Traffic opposite key > 0

Parallel road, Raw traffic opposite record not found

Errors encountered when processing opposite side data

Raw traffic volume count date greater than run date

Day of the week is Saturday or Sunday

Manual: Count not in 6am – 6pm range

Less than 6 consecutive hours of count data

Invalid hour range less than 24 hours

Zero volume for peak hours

6 or more non-consecutive hours with zero volume

Same volume has occurred 4 consecutive hours

Manual: Count of zero volume for 1 hour period

Midnight hour volume greater than noon hour volume

Machine: 2 axle truck count greater than car count

Distribution is greater than 60/40 for all count

Current traffic record not found

Current traffic count date greater than raw traffic count date

Machine: lane count invalid
E-20

Count dates not equal

Could not find child segment

Type of count not same for primary/opposite side

Parallel counts on same side of road

Peak hour comparison greater than percentage range

Cannot process data not numeric

Opposite side traffic factor julian date is greater than zero

If the count passes the 28 edit checks in Table E-5, the count moves on to the final set of automated 

edit checks illustrated in Table E-6. If the count fails one or more of the edits in Table E-6, it will 

appear on the 661 Traf Extrapolation Report. 

TABLE E-6 TABLE 661: TRAF EXTRAPOLATION REPORT ERROR CHECKS

AADT AND TRUCK PERCENT VARIANCE EDITS

0 – 2,000 AADT= 50% Variance

2,001 – 10,000 AADT = 20% Variance

10,001 – 25,000 AADT = 10% Variance

25,001 – 999,999 AADT = 10% Variance

Machine: Motorcycle count greater than 9.9%

Machine: Bus count is greater than 10%

Machine: 6 axle-single trl count greater than 9.9%

Machine: 5 axle-multi trl count greater than 9.9%

Machine: 6 axle-multi trl count greater than 9.9%

Machine: 7 axle-multi trl count greater than 9.9%

Machine: Car class greater than 99,000 vehicles for one side

Count date is less than 01/01/2008

If the count passes all checks, the data will be loaded automatically into the database.

Counts appearing on an error report are reviewed by a traffic analyst who will determine if the count 

is acceptable by reviewing historical data in RMS, traffic volume maps that allow them to see the flow 

of traffic in the area, viewing PennDOT’s Video Log, and even calling Planning Partner contacts in the 

area of the count. Data considered to be acceptable will be manually processed into the system. 

Counts that are rejected are requested to be retaken and run through the whole process again once 

new data is submitted. 

E.3.3 PERMANENT TRAFFIC COUNT Q/A PROCESS

PennDOT has 89 (42 ATR, 34 CAVC, and 13 WIM) permanent traffic counting sites. The ATR and CAVC 

sites are subject to the Quality Assurance Program. This program entails field staff performing a 4 

hour manual classification count at each CAVC and ATR site. The manual count data is then compared 

to the permanent traffic counter data for the same 4 hour timeframe. All of the data is entered into 

PennDOT’s Quality Assurance application that is part of the Automatic Traffic Information Collection 
E-21

Suite (ATICS). The application compares the data by lane, direction, and classification. The Quality 

Assurance application generates reports that show the comparisons of the data. 

E.3.4 QA/QC PROCEDURES

The short term traffic data collection program quality assurance/control program has been in place 

since 1985. Prior to 2008, the department grouped vehicles into 11 vehicle classes. This presented a 

problem for users trying to retrieve data for a specific classification because most of the requested 

classes were grouped together. There were adjustments made to the vehicle classes in 2008 when 

PennDOT went from 11 vehicle classes to 13 vehicle classes to comply with motorcycle data 

collection and the FHWA Scheme F format. The new vehicle expansion in RMS shows a more accurate 

vehicle breakdown that provides users better quality data. During the expansion, error checks were 

added to incorporate the new classes. This change took over a year to implement. 

The permanent traffic data collection program quality assurance/control program was automated for 

ATR and CAVC data within the ATICS portal. Prior to the use of automation, the data was collected 

and stored in spreadsheets. 

E.3.5 LESSONS LEARNED

When dealing with changes to the RMS mainframe system, patience is needed. The mainframe 

requires changes to be made using Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL) programming 

language. Due to the multiple areas within PennDOT that utilize RMS, changes must be carefully done 

so that other mainframe applications are not affected. Any changes, whether major or minor, take 

time and have to be subjected to extensive testing. 

When the opportunity presents itself, it is advisable to automate workflow processes. Automated 

processes save time. When automating a process, plan extra time for unexpected issues to arise. 

Even with the best planning, issues come about when converting a manual process (whether large or 

small) into an automated one. 

E.3.6 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

The current processes have been working well. Without being able to update the mainframe system 

(RMS), the short term traffic count program edit checks will remain the same. If the short term count 

duration is eventually extended to 48 hour counts, the edit checks within RMS would have to be 

reconfigured for the longer timeframe and the iTDUS application would have to be enhanced to 

handle 48 hours of data.

The permanent traffic count program QA reviews will be put on a cyclical basis. In 2011, all 

permanent ATR and CAVC sites were reviewed that provided a baseline. In previous years, only a 

handful of sites were reviewed each year. Starting with 2012, the sites will be put on a rotating basis 

to have a more consistent QA process of PennDOT’s permanent traffic counting devices. 

E.4 CASE STUDY #4: QA/QC SYSTEMS FOR TRAFFIC DATA – WASHINGTON STATE 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (WSDOT)

E.4.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study will discuss the quality assurance and quality control processes for both short term 

traffic count data and permanent traffic count data for the Statewide Travel and Collision Data Office 

(STCDO) of Washington State DOT. STCDO conducts an extensive traffic data collection, analysis and 

reporting program to gather information on usage of the approximately 7,060 miles of roadway 

composing the State highway system. The purpose of this program is to develop transportation data 
E-22

that will enable the department to construct, operate, and maintain the most efficient and costeffective transportation system possible. 

STCDO is responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting historical/archived traffic 

data for the State highway system and does not contract out for any services. The five major sections 

in STCDO that perform this work are Electronics, Short Duration Traffic Count Field Operations, 

Automated Data Collection, Short Duration Traffic Count Processing, and Travel Analysis. Each of 

these sections perform quality assurance (QA) and quality controls (QC) using their own procedures 

from site evaluation prior to collection of the traffic data to scrutinize the collected data for accuracy 

and consistency prior to dissemination to customers. The following paragraphs provide an overview 

of the procedures, experiences, and lessons learned over the history of WSDOT’s traffic data 

program. The data collected is made available to WSDOT’s customers through a Traffic Datamart, 

which includes traffic volume, classification, speed, and weight information.

E.4.2 QA/QC PROCEDURES

The following paragraphs describe specific quality control procedures that are used to evaluate 

WSDOT’s traffic data and to correct errors as they are identified.

Machine Malfunctions: Machine malfunctions are a common cause of invalid traffic count data. TRIPS 

edits detect some machine malfunctions. Most machine malfunctions are detectable by the field 

person and documented on the Recording Counter Field Sheet. Sources of malfunction include road 

tubes (or other roadway sensors), system electronics, power supplies, and data transfer links. 

Equipment Limitations and Improper Set-up: Factors such as traffic congestion, parking, counter/road 

tube placement, and total number of lanes being counted can influence data validity.

Typical Traffic Statistics: Peak hour percentages, truck percentages, and individual daily volume as a 

percentage of average daily volume generally fall within certain parameters considered to be 

“normal” for a short-duration count. Each count is reviewed in order to determine if the statistics 

from the count fall within these parameters. If not, the data is investigated more closely in order to 

determine ITS validity.

Atypical Traffic: Holidays, sporting events, parades, and traffic incidents can result in atypical traffic 

conditions. If a count is conducted entirely during abnormal conditions, such as the week of a major 

holiday, the count data will likely be inconsistent with data collected historically for that count 

location. If the atypical traffic conditions are more limited in duration, as can happen with a traffic 

accident, the data collected during the period of atypical traffic will often be inconsistent with the 

data collected during the same period of other days of the count. 

Data Context: Data context is both the history of traffic at the same location and traffic characteristics 

at other points along the same roadway. Comparing a count to historical count data or counts that 

have been taken in the same vicinity at the same time can identify questionable data for further 

review. This type of editing can also help identify equipment malfunctions. Particularly careful 

scrutiny in relation to data context should be given to any count that is in question.

Count Duration: A count should be a minimum of 48-hours in each direction. Counts that are less 

than 48-hours are difficult to validate because there is insufficient data available for comparisons. 

Therefore, traffic counts that have statistics calculated from less than 48-hours of data in each 

direction are labeled accordingly. 

The following is performed prior to accepting and updating summarized volume counts:

 Confirm that the header information on the count summary matches the header information on 

the field sheet. 

 Review field sheets for notes made by the field person that pertain to the performance of the 

counter. If equipment malfunctions, traffic congestion, parking on sensors, difficulties setting up 

equipment properly, or short-term abnormal traffic conditions (such as those caused by a 
E-23

collision) are noted, and the impacted time periods should be identified. This is done based on 

field sheet notes, a comparison of data between days and directions, and a review of data 

context. Data that is more than nominally impacted by such issues should be considered 

unacceptable and count statistics manually recalculated based on valid data (if the invalid data 

was used in the summarization process). However, if less than 24 hours of valid directional data is 

available, then the count is left as-is and an appropriate index note is added. 

 If 24 hours of potentially acceptable data remains for each direction, continue with Step 3. If only 

24 hours of potentially acceptable data remains for a single direction, only a more limited review 

of the count in relation to data context and fluctuations in volume is possible. 

 Compare daily totals on the directional summaries and scan interval data for gaps and erratic 

volumes. Daily totals should be within 10% of the average week day (AWD) directional volume. If 

the daily totals vary: 1) Review the hourly data more closely to verify that the counter was 

operating properly; 2) Look for other counts taken nearby during the same time period to see if 

the variability occurs on the same day; and 3) If the variability cannot be substantiated in this 

manner, but two out of three days is consistent with each other, use only those two days in 

calculating count statistics. If none of the days are consistent, the data should be appropriately 

labeled and professional judgment used prior to accepting it. 

 Compare the directional AWD volumes. AWD volumes by direction are generally within 10% of 

each other. If the volumes are not within 10% of each other, follow the procedure outlined 

in step 3 above. 

 Compare daily totals on the summary and scan interval data for gaps and erratic volumes. Daily 

totals should be within 10% of the AWD volume. If they are not, follow the procedure outlined 

in step 3 above. 

 Review the peak hour percentages and time. 

 Peak Time – The peak hour generally occurs in the afternoon between the hours of 3 p.m. and 6 

p.m. A morning peak hour is also acceptable between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m., as well as a 

lunch time peak hour between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. If the peak hour occurs outside of this time 

period: 1) Verify that the peak hour occurs during a similar time period on other days; 2) Look for 

other counts taken nearby during the same period to see if the peak hour occurs during a similar 

time period; and 3) Review historical counts to see if the peak hour occurs during a similar period. 

If a peak hour time cannot be substantiated, the peak hour period should be noted.

 K-Factor – The peak hour percentage (K) is most commonly less than 12% and greater than 7%. If 

the K does not fit these criteria: 1) Verify that the peak hour volume is similar on other days; 2) 

Look for other counts taken nearby during the same time period to see if the peak hour is similar; 

and 3) Review historical counts to see if the peak hour is similar. If a peak hour percentage cannot 

be substantiated, it should be appropriately labeled and peak hour percentages recalculated 

based on the next highest volume hour between noon on Monday and noon on Friday. If the 

newly calculated K-Factor is not less than 12% and greater than 7%, repeat the verification 

process.

 D-Factor – The peak hour directional percentage (D) is usually less than 65% (always 50% or 

more). If the D does not fit these criteria: 1) Verify that the directional split is similar on other 

days; 2) Look for other counts taken nearby during the same time period to see if the peak hour 

directional percentage is similar; and 3) Review historical counts to see if the peak hour 

directional percentage is similar. If a high peak hour directional percentage cannot be 

substantiated, it should be appropriately labeled, and peak hour percentages recalculated based 

on the next highest volume hour between noon on Monday and noon on Friday. Once peak hour 

percentages are recalculated, the review process must be repeated for the K and D-Factors.
E-24

The following seven steps are performed prior to accepting and updating summarized classification 

counts. Professional judgment should be used prior to accepting the data, and the data should be 

appropriately labeled if questionable: 

Step 1. Class unknown for each direction should be less than 10% of the directional AWD volume. If 

the class unknown is not less than 10%, then look at the distribution of class unknown. If the 

distribution is even, then write on the left of the field sheet that both directions of data must be 

deleted from the class count file. If the distribution is one direction only, then write that the one 

direction of data must be deleted from the class count file. If the distribution is limited to a certain 

number of hours, rework the count so that those hours are not used in any calculations and then 

write that those hours of data should be deleted from the class count file. 

Step 2. Summary single unit trucks should be less than 10% of the AWD volume. Single units are most 

commonly distributed as follows: bus low, medium high, heavy medium to high, and 4+ low. If the 

distribution and percentage of single unit trucks does not meet these criteria, then look at the 

distribution of singles. If the distribution is even or one direction only, follow the procedure outlined 

in step 7. If the distribution is limited to a certain number of hours, rework the count so that those 

hours are not used in any calculations and then write that those hours of data should be deleted from 

the class count file. 

Step 3. Summary double unit trucks should be less than 10% of the AWD volume. Double units are 

most commonly distributed with 4- low, 5 high, and 6+ medium. If the distribution and percentage of 

double unit trucks does not meet these criteria, then look at the distribution of doubles. If the 

distribution is even or one direction only, follow the procedure outlined in step 7. If the distribution is 

limited to a certain number of hours, rework the count so that those hours are not used in any 

calculations and then write that those hours of data should be deleted from the class count file. 

Step 4. Summary triple unit trucks should be less than 6% of the AWD volume. Triple units are most 

commonly distributed with 5- low, 6 medium, and 7+ high. If the distribution and percentage of triple 

unit trucks does not meet these criteria, then look at the distribution of triples. If the distribution is 

even or one direction only, follow the procedure outlined in step 7. If the distribution is limited to a 

certain number of hours, rework the count so that those hours are not used in any calculations and 

then write that those hours of data should be deleted from the class count file. 

Step 5. Summary total truck percentages will vary depending on the count location. Rural counts will 

normally be higher than urban counts. Counts taken in Eastern Washington will commonly be higher 

than those in Western Washington. Professional judgment should be used prior to accepting the data 

and the data should be appropriately labeled if questionable.

Step 6. Review directional data using the steps outlined for data.

Step 7. If truck data does not meet the criteria above: 1) Review the hourly data more closely to verify 

that the counter was classifying properly; 2) Look for other counts taken nearby during the same time 

period, as well as historical data collected at the same location, to see if the classification data is 

similar; and 3) If the variability cannot be substantiated in this manner, but two out of three days are 

consistent with each other, use only those two days. If none of the days are consistent, the data 

should be appropriately labeled, not used, and noted as requiring deletion from the class count file.

Implementation

WSDOT has not implemented any significant changes to their QA/QC procedures in the last several 

years. They have been using the same procedures for the last 15 years. The processing software was 

re-written to be compatible with Windows 7.

E.4.3 ESTIMATING MISSING OR EDIT-REJECTED DATA 

Data for short-duration traffic counting is never estimated. For example, if a traffic count contains 47-

hours of usable count data, the missing hour will not be estimated. However, in order to arrive at 24 
E-25

or 48 hours of valid data for use in calculating statistics for a count, missing or invalid weekday data 

may be replaced in the calculations with valid data from the same time period of a different weekday. 

This can only be done if the valid data is not thereby included twice in the calculations. 

Recounts

If an HPMS or ATR count did not have 48 hours of valid data in each direction from which to calculate 

an average weekday traffic figure, a recount note is written at the top of the field sheet and a copy is 

given to the Travel Data Field Operations Supervisor. This individual should also be notified of any 

equipment malfunctions not documented by the field person on the Recording Counter Field Sheet, 

regardless of the purpose of the count.

E.4.4 LESSONS LEARNED

 Routinely review QA/QC process to ensure that the process is correctly followed.

 Communicate with other States on what works and doesn’t work for them to prevent errors. 

E.4.5 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

The database infrastructure and reporting software currently in use is old and outdated. As funding 

becomes available, updated database infrastructure and reporting software will be purchased.

E.5 CASE STUDY #5: NEW YORK STATE DOT (NYSDOT) QA/QC SYSTEMS FOR 

TRAFFIC DATA

E.5.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study examines the QA/QC systems used by the New York State Department of 

Transportation (NYSDOT) for traffic data analysis and presents current practices and lessons learned 

that can benefit other State DOT’s traffic monitoring programs. NYSDOT is responsible for managing a 

State and local highway system of more than 113,000 highway miles and more than 17,400 bridges. 

This extensive network supports annual travel of over 130 billion vehicle miles. Also included in the 

New York State transportation network is an extensive 3,500-mile rail network over which 68 million 

tons of equipment, raw materials, manufactured goods, and produce are shipped each year. Over 

485 public and private aviation facilities are part of the transportation network that more than 80 

million people travel each year. Included are over 130 public transit operators that serve more than 

80 million passengers each day. Lastly, this extensive network also includes 12 major public and 

private ports. The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the traffic data at 

NYSDOT resides with the Highway Data Services Bureau. Managing the collection of traffic data for 

such an extensive network is challenging, however, NYSDOT uses a variety of counters and classifiers 

with over 170+ continuous count stations used to collect the volume data and 24 sites for collecting 

weigh-in-motion (WIM) data. The following information, documented in the report Change in Traffic 

on NYS Bridges, Thruway and Roads (January 2010), provides an overview of the use of continuous 

count stations statewide.

E.5.2 NYSDOT CONTINUOUS COUNT STATIONS

The New York State continuous count stations vary in volume size (ranging from low to high volume),

differing geographic location and areas of population density, and facility type (functional 

classification of the roadway). The individual continuous count sites are also subject to occasional 

equipment failure, removal, and addition of new sites. The continuous count sites are grouped by 

Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) volume group and urban type (urban, small urban 

and rural) categories. The vehicle miles traveled (VMT) is estimated through HPMS and as such, it 

relies on expanded samples and multi-year short count volume measurement adjusted to the current 
E-26

year. Equally important is how bridges and tunnels are considered. Often these represent constriction 

points within the network and may or may not be a fair representation of overall travel if no other 

toll or free alternatives exist. Figure E-15 provides an illustration of the New York State Thruway 

network and the continuous count sites.

FIGURE E-15 NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AND CONTINUOUS COUNT SITES

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.

E.5.3 WEIGH-IN-MOTION (WIM) STATIONS

Weight data are also collected at several WIM sites throughout the State. NYSDOT uses the following 

guidance in establishing their WIM sites. Each site should exhibit the following characteristics:

 Free flowing traffic (it is preferred that trucks travel 30 mph or more);

 No daily traffic jams;

 No nearby intersections;

 Straight and level terrain at the site, including pavement that is in good condition;

 At least 100 Class 9s identified in each lane daily;
E-27

 The process to collect and validate this data is documented in the next section; and

 QA/QC procedures used at NYSDOT.

The QA/QC procedures presented in this section provide a high-level overview of these processes, 

with more detailed information documented in Appendix F of the TMG. Quality control of traffic data 

at NYSDOT begins with field staff inspections of traffic data collection sites on an annual basis. All 

physical components of the data collection equipment are checked thoroughly and recorded on a site 

specific spreadsheet by the field staff to ensure that all components are in proper working order. 

How in-depth the checks are depends upon the level and type of data being collected at the site. The 

following paragraphs present an overview of the quality checks used at NYSDOT. 

E.5.4 VOLUME, CLASSIFICATION, SPEED DATA

In the case of volume data only, a process of assuring that the loops are activating and each vehicle is 

counted as one vehicle will typically suffice. Sites that collect speed data are checked for accuracy by 

a radar gun. Sites that collect classification data are checked to make sure that there are no missing, 

or extra axles on the vehicles. On a normal site inspection, data validation may range from watching 

just ten vehicles to watching a few hundred vehicles. At a minimum, the test will last until all lanes 

have been validated.

E.5.5 WEIGHT DATA

Validation of weight data at NYSDOT typically follows these steps (FHWA, Andrew Haynes, 2010):

 Data collected at counter.

 Data polled to office PC.

 WIM data is polled on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, and Friday.

 Data verified for completeness:

- Is there file corruption?

- Are all days retrieved?

- Are all days complete?

- Are all lanes present? 

 Initial daily and hourly validity checks performed:

- Is the clock correct to +/- 5 minutes?

 Monthly data checks performed.

 Data edited.

 Data stored in final database.

 There are also a series of office checks and remote checks that are performed for the WIM data 

collection sites. Additional information on the specific types of validations performed may be 

found in TMG Appendix F. 

 Experiences implementing QA/QC procedures at the DOT.

 This section provides information about the experiences and significant accomplishments and 

challenges in implementing QA/QC procedures for traffic data at NYSDOT. 

 Some of the challenges and some system limitations associated with collecting WIM data include 

the following:

- No vehicle types are collected, only classes;
E-28

- There is no way available to check lane discipline of the vehicles; vehicles riding the edge of a 

lane are likely to be classified correctly and weighed incorrectly;

- Additional checks such as left/right wheel weights are not available; and

- No error is given for vehicles changing speed over sensors.

E.5.6 LESSONS LEARNED

Several of the lessons learned in implementing the QA/QC procedures for traffic data at NYSDOT are 

listed below. These lessons are presented to offer guidance to other State traffic monitoring program 

managers who are responsible for the collection and quality control of their State’s traffic data:

 Each site has its own limitations – an acceptable error at one site is not necessarily acceptable at 

another site;

 Knowledge of the site layouts and typical traffic is required to decipher the automated check 

warnings;

 Monitor for data completeness;

 Monitor data from the bottom up: Volume > Class > WIM; and

 General WIM checks can be a good indicator of overall site health, but, they do not give the entire 

picture.

E.5.7 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

The most prominent enhancement to NYSDOT QA/QC procedures is the addition of TRADAS. The 

traffic monitoring group intends to use TRADAS to QC continuous data of all types using automated 

checks with parameters tailored to individual sites. This will provide the staff with additional time for 

a more in-depth analysis of problematic sites that require closer scrutiny of problems.

Current practices also put a lot of emphasis on monthly processing, which means that some errors 

are not identified until they have been occurring for many weeks. The implementation of TRADAS 

should allow NYSDOT to analyze more up to date data, and therefore catch problems sooner.

WIM data is currently monitored at a very high level and the WIM data that is disseminated is nearly 

always raw data. With less time spent converting data, NYSDOT has more time for a thorough review 

of data on a weekly basis. This will allow technicians to more closely monitor calibrations and provide 

better data to the customers.
F-1

Appendix F. COMPENDIUM OF EQUIPMENT CALIBRATION PROCEDURES,

CURRENT PRACTICES, AND NEW PROCEDURES

F.1 CASE STUDY #1: WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

(WSDOT), STATEWIDE TRAVEL AND COLLISION DATA OFFICE (STCDO)

F.1.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study discusses some of the equipment calibration procedures, current practices, and new 

procedures used by the Statewide Travel and Collision Data Office (STCDO) at the Washington State 

Department of Transportation (WSDOT). WSDOT conducts an extensive traffic data collection 

program to gather information on usage of the approximately 7,060 miles of roadway composing the 

State highway system. The purpose of this program is to develop transportation data that will enable 

the department to construct, operate, and maintain the most efficient and cost-effective 

transportation system possible given resource constraints. 

STCDO is responsible for collecting, processing, analyzing, and reporting historical/archived traffic 

data for the State highway system and does not contract out for any services. The five major sections 

in STCDO that perform this work are Electronics, Short Duration Traffic Count Field Operations, 

Automated Data Collection, Short Duration Traffic Count Processing, and Travel Analysis. Each of 

these sections perform quality assurance (QA) and quality controls (QC) using their own procedures 

from site evaluation prior to collection of the traffic data to scrutinize the collected data for accuracy 

and consistency prior to dissemination to the customers. The following paragraphs provide an 

overview of the procedures, experiences, and lessons learned over the history of WSDOT’s traffic 

data program. The data collected is made available to WSDOT’s customers through a Traffic Datamart 

that includes traffic volume, classification, speed, and weight information.

F.1.2 CURRENT PRACTICES

The following paragraphs describe the procedures used for equipment validation, field and office 

testing, and the reporting method used for WIM sites.

Equipment Calibration Methods/Field Testing

Permanent Count Equipment – WSDOT Statewide Travel and Collision Data Office (STCDO) field 

technicians check weigh-in-motion (WIM) and classification counters for accuracy of axle counts, 

vehicle speeds and lengths, weights for WIM computers, and basic total counts of vehicles. Loop and 

sensor sensitivity is checked for each site. Observations are recorded for each detector source. If the 

loop or axle sensor is found to be over or under counting, adjustments can be made that raise or 

lower the sensitivity. Loop size and spacing are based on actual measurements taken at each site that 

are then entered into the counter. Vehicle speeds are checked against a calibrated radar gun. Vehicle 

classification accuracy is visually checked against the data displayed in the permanent traffic recorder 

for the FHWA 13 vehicle category classification system if based on axles or on a length-based 

classification system developed based on a research project completed in the 1990s. Any counter 

that does not pass system checks is removed from service, repaired and then bench-tested before 

placing back into service. When performing WIM calibration, a class 9 truck is used that has been 

taken to a certified set of static scales and the weight of each axle is determined. All axle weights are 

recorded and vehicle axle spacing and overall length is measured. The truck then passes over the 

WIM sensors 10 plus rounds and calibration adjustments are completed to bring the WIM site 

accuracy to accurate levels. Weight tolerances are within 5% to 7% of static weight, vehicle lengths to 

one foot, and axle spacings within 5 inches. Calibrations are based on steering axle weight of a class 9 
F-2

truck. Weight checks are also tested at different vehicle speeds to achieve quality weights for varying 

traffic conditions. 

Pneumatic or Short Count Counters – Any new equipment is first tested on a highway using real 

traffic flow where the traffic volume is high enough to collect an adequate sample of at least 200 

vehicles per hour and classification of at least 20 trucks per hour. The vehicle counts and classification 

results from the new counter are compared to a manual count performed by a short count 

technician. If the counter passes the manual test comparison, the equipment is put into regular 

service. 

Each time a portable counter is set, the counter should be checked for proper operations and 

accuracy. Checks are accomplished by visual comparison and hand tally of vehicles for 5 minutes or 

50 vehicles for volume or class. Results of both comparisons are recorded on the traffic counter field 

sheet. If the traffic counter is not functioning properly, air tubes are checked and replaced or the 

traffic counter is replaced. Equipment malfunctions are recorded on the traffic counter field sheet. 

The supervisor is notified of traffic counter malfunctions and it is turned over to the Electronic 

Section for further testing and/or repair. 

Office Testing

Data collection counters for permanent and temporary count sites can be checked for operation with 

testing equipment available in the electronics shop. A loop/piezo simulation device was designed and 

built by the electronics shop. Any newly purchased equipment or permanent counter brought back to 

the shop for repairs can be tested for loop and piezo activations. 

Short count tube counters can also be tested in the office. Traffic counters can be connected to an air 

pulse simulator that runs through a sequence of classification schemes. 

Office Remote Checking (automated validation procedures)

All STCDO permanent count data sites are accessible from an office telemetry connection. Office 

personnel can look for possible data problems in all active lanes. Any sensor miss errors or unusual 

vehicle classification can be checked for possible calibration from the office or noted and sent to the 

electronics crew for further remote calibration or a possible field site visit. STCDO has found that 

copper landlines for data collection can be expensive and have erratic service. STCDO has been 

replacing typical phone lines with wireless IP devices, microwave, and fiber connections. Most all 

wireless IP connections have a monthly service bill of $5 to $7 per month, saving $25 to $45 per 

month for a single site.

Reporting Methods

A sheet 16 calibration report is completed for WIM calibration. This report is sent to LTPP for 

verification of calibration. All other QC reports for calibration and data accuracy are retained inhouse.

Challenges with Current Practices

Winter weather can inhibit regular site preventative measures (PM) in many areas of Washington 

State. The regular construction and repair season can leave little time for site preventative measures. 

Many permanent count sites do not get a regular PM check until a site visit is needed for some type 

of troubleshooting and repair.

Use of a known weight truck for WIM calibration can be costly. Budget reductions have limited the 

use of this resource. 
F-3

Challenges for short count are areas where tubes can no longer be set to collect the data due to 

traffic volumes or roadway geometrics. In this case, an alternative method is required to obtain the 

data. 

F.1.3 LESSONS LEARNED

 Accurate and reliable shop test equipment provides the best tool to prevent time spent 

troubleshooting in difficult field environments.

 A good product vendor is priceless. All of the data counting equipment currently in use has its

own unique characteristics, so buy a product that will offer good support.

 Communicate with other agencies that are using the same equipment that you intend to use and 

see what their experience has been.

 Vendor information for weigh-in-motion systems is lacking. STCDO WIM specialist has made 

changes to software programming and installation techniques.

 Contracting out services requires careful planning and close supervision.

F.1.4 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

 Require or encourage vendors to make products NTCIP compliant.

 Upgrade equipment as budget allows.

F.2 CASE STUDY #2: NEW YORK STATE DOT

F.2.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study examines the traffic data collection equipment calibration and validation procedures 

used by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), and presents current practices 

and lessons learned, which can benefit other State DOT traffic monitoring programs. NYSDOT is 

responsible for managing a State and local highway system of more than 113,000 highway miles and 

more than 17,400 bridges. The responsibility for collecting traffic data on this extensive system relies 

on a comprehensive network of data collection equipment for volume, classification, and weight 

data. Procedures are in place to ensure that the processing and reporting of this data results in 

delivering the highest quality traffic data possible. 

This case study focuses on the equipment used to collect traffic data for the highway system. The 

responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the traffic data at NYSDOT resides with the 

Highway Data Services Bureau. Managing the collection of traffic data for such an extensive network 

is challenging, however, NYSDOT uses a variety of counters and classifiers with over 170+ continuous 

count stations used to collect the volume data and a network of 24 sites for collecting Weigh-InMotion (WIM) data. 

F.2.2 NYS CONTINUOUS COUNT STATIONS

The New York State continuous count stations vary in volume size (ranging from low to high volume),

differing geographic location and areas of population density, and facility type (functional 

classification of the roadway). The individual continuous count sites are also subject to occasional 

equipment failure, removal, and addition of new sites. The methods used to field check and maintain 

the data collection sites are the subject of this case study. As a frame of reference, Figure F-1 

provides an illustration of the New York State Thruway network and the continuous count sites.
F-4

FIGURE F-1 NEW YORK STATE THRUWAY AND CONTINUOUS COUNT SITES

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.

F.2.3 WEIGH-IN-MOTION (WIM) STATIONS

In addition to the continuous count stations used to collect volume data, a series of WIM sites located 

throughout the state are used to collect weight data. Information about establishing the sites and 

calibrating the equipment used is discussed in more detail in the next section. At a minimum, NYSDOT 

uses the following guidance in establishing their WIM sites. Each site should exhibit the following 

characteristics:
F-5

 Free flowing traffic (it is preferred that trucks travel 30 mph or more);

 No daily traffic jams;

 No nearby intersections;

 Straight and level terrain at the site, including pavement that is in good condition; and

 At least 100 Class 9s identified in each lane daily.

F.2.4 CURRENT PRACTICES

This section presents current practices pertaining to equipment validation and testing.

Field Testing

In order to maintain quality data collection, the NYSDOT traffic monitoring field staff inspects each 

traffic data collection site annually. During these inspections, the physical condition of the site is 

recorded on a site-specific spreadsheet by field staff. This includes the counters, communications 

devices, cabinets, solar panels, pavement conditions, pull boxes, sensors, and cabinet wiring. Once all 

components of the site are deemed to be in good condition the communication is checked to be sure 

remote access and data retrieval is possible. Then the counter is checked to make sure that data is 

collecting correctly. This typically involves watching sensor activations in real time, and also watching 

vehicle records in real time. How in-depth the check is depends upon the level of data a site is 

collecting. For volume only data, typically assuring that the loops are activating and each vehicle is 

counted as one vehicle is sufficient. 

Sites that collect speed data are checked for accuracy by a radar gun. Sites that collect classification 

data are checked to make sure there are no missing or extra axles on the vehicles. On a normal site 

inspection, data validation may range from watching as few as ten vehicles to watching a few 

hundred vehicles. At the very least, the test will last until all lanes have been validated. The data is 

also validated in this manner any time a technician is on site. In some cases, a polling technician may 

log into a site without a field technician on site. In these cases, less information is available; for 

example there is no way to tell that a recorded class 8 was really a class 9 that missed a tandem axle.

Equipment Calibration

NYSDOT uses a TC/C-540 counter with a WIM board to collect WIM data. As such, the sites are autocalibrated by adjusting the Front Axle Weight of Class F9s to be between 9-12 KIPS. Depending upon 

the volume of trucks at the site, the calibration may be set to use the average front axle weight from 

a sample of anywhere from 10-30 trucks. WIM sites calibrations are monitored through a variety of 

charts and checks. The checks listed above provide minimal detail, and usually lead to resetting the 

auto-calibration factors to one. 

A FAW/GVW (Front Axle Weight/Gross Vehicle Weight) chart was developed that shows the Class 9s 

for a site by direction, and is also available in a PDF format to be used as a flip book to see where 

calibration has drifted and what data needs to be removed. Figure F-2 illustrates an example of the 

FAW/GVW chart. 
F-6

FIGURE F-2 FAW/GVW CHART
F-7

FIGURE F-2 FAW/GVW CHART (CONTINUED)

Sources: New York State Department of Transportation.

The field crews also spot check WIM calibration by running a class-9 lowboy carrying a loaded dump 

truck over the sensors. Prior to testing, the lowboy is weighed and axle spacings and overall length 

are measured and recorded. Then the truck performs ten passes over each WIM enabled lane. The 

results are recorded on the “WIM Field worksheet.tif” (see Figure F-3) and then entered into the 

“WIMCalibration.xls” file (see Figure F-4) to monitor the performance. If the performance is outside 

of acceptable range, the maintenance contractor is notified.
F-8

FIGURE F-3 WIM FIELD WORKSHEET

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.
F-9

FIGURE F-4 WIM CALIBRATION SHEET

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.

Office Testing

In the absence of having someone watch the traffic, the office is limited to checking that sensors are 

activating in sequence by lane and that speeds seem to be reasonable for the site. When available, 

the speeds can be validated by watching the drive axle spacing on Class 9s, if they are within the 

range of 4.2 to 4.4 feet. Under these circumstances, the site would be considered acceptable. Traffic 

can also be remotely monitored to make sure that there is an acceptable amount of sensor misses at 

the site. The amount of information available also varies based on the equipment used. NYSDOT uses 

a variety of counters and classifiers to collect their volume and classification data. 

Office Remote Checking (Automated Validation Procedures)

Several remote checks are performed using automated procedures. NYSDOT Traffic Monitoring 

polling technicians review data from continuous sites at many levels. The data starts on a counter and 

ends up in an Oracle database with many steps along the way.
F-10

The first step is downloading the data. This is done using the Autopoll function of a few different 

programs. From most sites, the data is downloaded once a week. The most basic high level checks 

include the following:

 Are the communications working?

 Is the counter collecting data?

 Are both the date/time correct?

 Has the counter been collecting data continuously since the previous polling?

 Is there any file corruption, and if so did it come from the transfer or the counter memory?

 Are all lanes accounted for?

Once these questions have been answered, the data collected is stored in a holding database. This 

database runs a number of automated quality checks on the data; some checks apply to volume, 

class, or WIM data. Higher levels of data have more checks that apply. 

Volume data checks include the following:

 Consecutive zero hours – Looks for periods where a given lane has more consecutive zero hours 

than a user set threshold. NYSDOT uses 3 hours.

 Midnight/Noon comparison – Compares the volume of the midnight hour to that of the noon 

hour. A flag is produced if midnight is greater.

 Directional Split Daily/Hourly – Compares the directional volumes and produces a flag if the 

percentage of traffic in one direction is greater than a threshold. NYSDOT uses 75% for the hourly 

threshold and 65% for the daily.

 Unchanging hours – Looks for periods where the volume in a given lane does not change, a flag is 

produced if more than 3 consecutive hours have the same value.

 Peak hour zeroes – Looks for zero hours in any lane during peak hours of 6 a.m.-9 a.m. and 

3 p.m.-7 p.m..

Classification data checks include the following:

 Class 1s – Provides a flag if a site has more class 1s than a user set threshold. NYSDOT uses 1%. 

This causes many extra flags, but also allows for earlier detection of problems.

 Class 2s – Provides a flag if a site has more class 2s in a given lane than a user set threshold. 

NYSDOT uses 95%.

 Percent Unclassified – Provides a flag if a lane has more unclassified vehicles than a user set 

threshold for an interval. NYSDOT uses 10%, and typically collects an hourly interval.

 Class 4-13 – Provides a flag if the sum of class 4-13s is higher than a threshold for a lane by 

interval. NYSDOT uses 25%. 

 Class 3-13 – Provides a flag if the sum of class 3-13s is less than a threshold for a lane by interval. 

NYSDOT uses 2%.

 Class 8 vs. Class 9 – Provides a flag if there are more class 8s than class 9s for a lane by interval. 

 Class 9 vs. Class 11-13 – Provides a flag if the sum of class 11-13s is more than class 9s for a lane 

by interval.

WIM data checks include the following:

 Class 9 Front Axle Weight out of range – This flag shows the percentage of vehicles with FAWs 

outside a user defined range. NYSDOT uses 9-12 KIPS and typically expects 15-30% out of range 

depending on the location.
F-11

 Class 9 Axle 2-3 spacing – The flag shows the percentage of class 9s with the axle 2-3 spacing 

outside of a user-defined range. NYSDOT uses 4.1-4.4 feet. This flag also does not display if less 

than 5% of class 9’s are out of range.

 The flags are displayed in a text document sorted by site and date. Each flag shows the lane, 

direction, and interval that it applies to, as well as specific information like how many class 1s are 

observed, or what is the total volume for the interval. Using the combination of flags displayed, a 

background of the site’s history, typical traffic, and weather reports, a polling technician then goes 

through the flags and determines if any action needs to be taken. 

F.2.5 REPORTING METHODS

Once data has been collected into the holding database for an entire month, it is extracted into the 

NYSDOT format as defined by NYSDOT EB 11-030 Traffic Monitoring Standards for Contractual 

Agreements. This format allows the data to be processed through NYSDOT’s Traffic Count Editor (TCE) 

program. This program displays volume, classification, and speed data in various charts and tables. It 

can allow a processor to find errors in the data that were not apparent from the initial automated 

checks. TCE also allows the technician to remove data that is identified as ‘no good’. The files are then 

edited and saved for import into the final Oracle database. On import, the data is checked to ensure 

it is not duplicate data. 

After completion of checks for duplicate data, the data is now ready for reporting. The standard 

FHWA Volume and Classification records are created and submitted to FHWA and an Hourly Volume 

report and Monthly Class and Speed summaries are created and posted to the NYSDOT Traffic Data 

Viewer available at https://www.dot.ny.gov/tdv. Raw data files for volume data are created and 

posted on the NYSDOT website: 

https://www.dot.ny.gov/divisions/engineering/technical-services/highway-data-services/hdsb. The standard

reports display data directionally. An example of this type of report is shown in Figure F-5. Figure F-6 

includes screen images of volume, speed, and classification reports.
F-12

FIGURE F-5 NYSDOT STANDARD REPORT EXAMPLE

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.
F-13

FIGURE F-6 VOLUME, SPEED, AND CLASSIFICATION REPORTS

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.
F-14

FIGURE F-6 VOLUME, SPEED, AND CLASSIFICATION REPORTS (CONTINUED)

Source: New York State Department of Transportation.

In addition to the standard reports, all data is available at the interval level by lane. NYSDOT provides 

this data in report and comma separated variable (CSV) formats on request. The next section 

discusses the challenges associated with using the current practices.

F.2.6 CHALLENGES WITH CURRENT PRACTICES

Communication with sites was a challenge for NYSDOT. Without communication, it takes longer to 

obtain data, identify errors, and correct problems. Over the last two years, NYSDOT has converted 

approximately 75% of continuous sites to IP connections over cellular networks. This allows for faster 

downloading and more reliable connections compared to landline and dial-up cellular service.

Another challenge is the conversion of data from counter to holding database then editing files and 

processing them to the final database. This process can be lengthy and without sufficient staff can 

take months to cleanse and publish the data. NYSDOT is currently going into production with 

TRADAS; this should allow data to be downloaded from the counters and placed directly into the final 

database. This process will not eliminate any of the QC checks and will add some that are not 

currently used by NYSDOT. Once this is fully implemented data publishing will be timelier.

F.2.7 LESSONS LEARNED

One advantage NYSDOT has when validating traffic counts is the Traffic Count Editor (TCE) software 

application. This software displays all short term and continuous traffic counts in side-by-side 

graphical and tabular displays. The user can choose the aggregation level of the charts and the type of 

charts. This visual display makes apparent errors that would not be found by automated means. The 

software was originally designed for short term counts, thus necessitating continuous counts to be 

loaded one month at a time to maintain performance. TCE is owned by NYSDOT and can be provided 

to other States, and modified by the developer at a modest cost to suit their individual needs.

NYSDOT also tests counters against existing permanent sites. Currently the favored test site used is a 

six-lane expressway with an AADT of more than 160,000. This site allows NYSDOT to see the 
F-15

performance of new devices in heavy volume, at both high and low speeds, and in free flow and 

congested conditions. 

NYSDOT requires their traffic count contractors to test annually all portable traffic counters intended 

for use on contracts, prior to the count season, to ensure that the contractor’s count deviation does 

not exceed 2%. The following instructions illustrate the required procedure for testing.

 Step 1 – Make sure that all counters display the same clock time when deployed and when picked 

up. Record the counter and module serial numbers.

 Step 2 – Set, at a minimum, 10 counters along the same section of road simultaneously. Obtain 

volume, speed, and classification data for the same traffic in the same direction at hourly intervals 

for a minimum of 24 hours. If available, a NYSDOT approved traffic simulating device capable of 

calibrating traffic counters may be substituted for this step. If such a device is utilized, obtain 

volume, speed, and classification data for the same simulated traffic in the same direction at five 

minute intervals for a minimum of 2 hours.

 Step 3 – If applicable, retrieve the counters and download and process the counts.

 Step 4 – Examine the output from the counters to find the counters with intervals that exceed the 

average value by +/- 2%.

 Step 5 – Compare the average value for each interval with the individual interval counts. 

Determine values that stand out and eliminate the respective machine from the comparison. Recompute the average values. Repeat this process until remaining count data falls within +/- 2% of 

the acceptable average.

 Step 6 – Troubleshoot suspect equipment, repair if necessary, and retest.

 Step 7 – Compile the results from the testing process in spreadsheet format listing the validated 

traffic counters by model and serial number and their comparative count values. Provide one copy 

of the results to the Regional Contract Manager and one copy to the Main Office Traffic 

Monitoring Supervisor.

F.2.8 FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

There are a number of areas that NYSDOT Traffic Monitoring has identified for improvement. One of 

these issues includes the time lag between collecting and publishing data, which will be resolved 

upon the implementation of TRADAS.

Reporting of data will be improved by reducing the number of steps between collection and 

publication. Currently, continuous count data is converted multiple times and edited manually before 

being published. Upon full implementation of TRADAS, continuous counts will be converted one time 

or perhaps not at all, and some data edits will be tied to automated validity parameters.

The implementation of TRADAS will also allow the NYSDOT Traffic Monitoring staff to pursue quality 

checks that are not currently being used, such as:

 Month to month and year over year volume and classification comparisons for continuous data.

 Short counts will be checked for location through the use of GPS points that are now required to 

be submitted along with traffic data.

 Short count classification data can be more readily compared to prior counts at the same location.

 WIM data will be analyzed both more frequently and more thoroughly. Current practice typically 

analyzes WIM data directionally, rather than by lane.

 More non-intrusive devices are also being approved for use in New York. This will allow segments 

that are difficult to count with traditional methods to be counted.
F-16

Traffic Monitoring is also pursuing collaboration with various other sections within NYSDOT and other 

agencies to collect more data. These sections include ITS for each metro area in New York, traffic 

safety and mobility, and even traffic signals groups. Various data types are becoming available to 

traffic monitoring, and will be integrated into NYSDOT systems as they become available.

F.3 CASE STUDY #3: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC 

FACILITIES (ADOT&PF)

F.3.1 INTRODUCTION

The State of Alaska DOT&PF has the responsibility for analyzing and reporting traffic data on the 

approximately 16,000 centerline miles of public roads in the state. The primary responsibility for 

traffic data collection is held by the State DOT, although about 5% of traffic count data comes from 

local governments. The data collection staff in each DOT region (Northern, Central, and Southeast) is 

responsible for the short term and continuous vehicle volume, classification, speed, and intersection 

turning movement count programs. The continuous count program in Alaska consists of about 100 

stations distributed throughout the State, of which half are vehicle classification sites. Approximately 

2,000 short-term counts are conducted annually. 

Traffic volume reports are published by each region annually and are located on the department 

website, and include continuous data, classification data, and VMT tables. The department does not 

currently have a bicycle and pedestrian data collection program, although some bicycle and 

pedestrian data is being collected at a project specific level. The weight data collection program is 

handled in the headquarters office that also compiles the completed ADT and AADT data and submits 

it to FHWA for the monthly travel volume trends report and annual HPMS report. 

F.3.2 CURRENT PRACTICES 

Continuous Count Program

In the process of installing new permanent traffic recorders or maintaining an existing site, traffic 

sensors, primarily inductive loops and piezoelectric axle sensors, are tested with the appropriate 

instruments before installation to ensure functionality. A member of the traffic monitoring program 

staff is on site to oversee the installation and offer any assistance that may be required during the 

construction process. Once installed, the site undergoes a formal acceptance testing procedure to 

ensure the proper calibration of the traffic counter and performance of the newly installed sensors. 

The test consists of 10 passes of three differently classified vehicles (Class 5, 6, and 9 or 10 with a 50% 

legal load). Before the test begins, measurements of the axle spacing for the test vehicles are 

recorded. In order to pass the acceptance testing, each lane should correctly assign the class 

designation for 9 out of 10 successive passes and compute axle spacing to within six inches of the 

actual measurements. As is the case with site construction, a traffic monitoring employee will 

supervise the test. If necessary, modifications to the set up of the equipment, such as loop sensitivity 

and axle spacing, are made to ensure that the sensors and traffic counter are accurately reflecting 

observed traffic patterns.

Field Testing

To ensure the accuracy of the permanent stations, each site undergoes an accuracy test annually. 

Traditionally manual two hours counts are conducted at permanent locations, recording either 

volume or classification depending on the site configuration. If available, video recorders are used to 

monitor two hour segments of traffic that are analyzed for vehicle volume or classification. The video 

has the added benefit of being able to be repeatedly played back if there are issues that need to be 
F-17

rectified due to discrepancies between the data sets. Along with the accuracy tests, manual site 

inspections are performed at this time. 

The manual site inspections are conducted twice annually. These primarily consist of testing traffic 

sensors with the appropriate test equipment, checking traffic counting equipment, testing batteries, 

communications equipment, and assessing the condition of the installation overall. 

Portable traffic counting equipment not only needs to be checked for accuracy before the season of 

short term traffic counts begins, but also needs to be configured once it’s deployed in the field. 

Configuring ADRs allows ADOT&PF to specify the type of modem and its communications, details of 

sensors, data and time, format media, assign file storage, check measurements, etc. Calibrating at 

each count station is important according to the road, sensor, and site condition. Not only do checks

ensure that the counter is calibrated correctly, but they also make sure that the sensors are working 

properly at each traffic count station.

Office Remote Checking

Before the beginning of each season, all of the portable traffic counters are tested using an ATRT1700 tester to assure the accuracy of collected data and identify potential problems so they can be 

repaired before being deployed. The ATRT-1700 is an automated tester of counters and classifiers 

that is designed to simulate any type of highway vehicle passing over a user-defined array of highway 

traffic sensors. The traffic count tester blows a set number of air pulses, similar to those generated by 

vehicles driving over pneumatic road tubes, so that they can test the accuracy of the air switches, 

which includes volume and class data. The tester can replicate vehicle classes and speeds by matching 

the timing of the simulated pulses. Different input sensors can also be tested, such as piezoelectric 

axle sensors, pneumatic road tubes, and inductive loops. Battery life is also tested in the office before 

the count season begins. 

QA/QC Procedures

Quality assurance and quality control procedures are manually conducted in order to eliminate the 

possibility of reporting bad data. The current traffic data system does not have the capability to run 

automatic QA/QC checks. Stations are set up to download nightly. The data is visually checked weekly 

to ensure conformity to the normal traffic patterns and any irregularities can be noted and explained 

if they arise. Before submittal, data is checked again manually and compared to both the previous 

five years of data in each direction and the current year’s patterns.

F.3.3 CHALLENGES WITH CURRENT PROCEDURES

The main challenge encountered is with the permanent stations, and the wear and lifetime of 

piezoelectric axle sensors. The sensors tend to have a 3-year lifespan, and with the short duration and 

compacted construction season in Alaska, repairing these locations is difficult to schedule as well as

costly to maintain. 

Equipment malfunction is also a challenge, especially when in remote areas. Often, simple repairs are 

not possible, and it is hard to troubleshoot and diagnose issues without sending them back to the 

manufacturer. Some of the issues include display, communication and download, and battery issues. 

This is both costly and consumes a lot of time out of a compact and busy season. 
F-18

F.4 CASE STUDY #4: PRIVATE SECTOR CONTRACTING FOR QUALITY INSTALLATIONS AND 

DATA-SITE SELECT, INSTALL, CALIBRATE AND MAINTAIN

F.4.1 INTRODUCTION 

This case study provides an overview of the benefits of state of the art “best practice” site selection, 

installation, and maintenance techniques as utilized in Virginia for continuous count, speed, 

classification, and WIM data. The direct benefits of these high quality installations include very high 

data quality and extended site life before failure. An additional benefit of these installations and the 

associated electronics has been the availability of “live” or “real time” traffic data in formats used by 

traffic operations centers throughout the state of Virginia as shared data. This is an example of 

achieving more while keeping expenditures within budget and fostering support for a comprehensive 

traffic monitoring program. Strict quality control measures on site selection and installation ensure 

that accurate traffic data is reliably available for all applications. QC/QA procedures supplement this 

focus on quality by efficiently identifying out of tolerance conditions quickly. This allows corrective 

action to be taken before there is meaningful data loss and the informed use of data with known 

characteristics. The collected data is used for the publication of reports, the certification of vehicle 

miles traveled, the forecasting of future traffic volumes, highway design, pavement life studies, and 

traffic operations.

While other States pay contractors to repair sensor systems when they break, providing no incentive 

for the contractor to exceed requirements or to improve the system installation or methods, Virginia 

pays its contractor for quality data, with the result that premature breakage or failure costs the 

contractor money in non-payment for lost data. There is the built in incentive to the contractor to 

perform all work to the highest standards of performance accuracy and reliability. Reliable and 

durable site construction facilitates the expanded deployment and support of traffic monitoring 

infrastructure in a world of financial budget constraints, allowing more to be done with a given level 

of budget. 

This case study has been prepared by Digital Traffic Systems, Inc. (DTS), which has been under 

contract to VDOT since 2001 for the technical services described herein. 

F.4.2 PLANNING FOR HIGH QUALITY

With cooperation and support from venders and Virginia DOT, procedures have been developed for 

data collection performance and reliability, which, barring complete pavement failure, assures high 

quality data is available from over 97% of all sites at a high level of confidence. The emphasis is on the 

following points:

 Attention to detail in site selection, to provide good conditions for collecting traffic data;

 Care in the specification, selection, and purchase of components and supplies;

 Precision and attention to detail during the installation and calibration process; and

 Ongoing cooperation with data customers and suppliers of equipment and software to facilitate 

continuous improvement for reliability and performance.

F.4.3 DOCUMENT THE NEEDS AND GOALS

The type of traffic data you require will have a direct bearing on the number, type, and location of the 

sensors that will be used. The first step is to identify the users of the traffic data and to identify their 

needs. Standard objectives include: volume counts, speed, classification, and weight data. Today it is 

reasonable to include the ITS and Traffic Operations needs in a data sharing arrangement to achieve 

the most cost-effective and responsive program.
F-19

F.4.4 CONSTRUCTION PLANNING/DOCUMENTATION OF PLANS

When discussing permanent traffic data collection sites, traditional inroad sensors such as loops, 

piezos, or quartz sensors are usually referred to. Keep in mind that some non-intrusive sensors are 

also capable of collecting vehicle volume counts, speed by lane, and length classification on a 

statistical or “real-time” basis and will provide very good data if carefully installed. Even before

deciding on the sensor type or configuration that is best for your application, it is important that a 

commitment to planning for quality be made. It is usually very difficult and expensive to return to a 

poorly designed and/or poorly installed site in an effort to correct problems post-installation. 

As the first step in the quest for reliable quality traffic data, develop standardized site designs by 

application:

 Develop a set of drawings and written descriptions to be used as standards for all sites.

 The basic standard layout of your typical traffic monitoring site should show the desired standard 

relationship of sensors, pull boxes, conduits, poles for power or cabinet mounting, guard rails, 

cabinet door opening direction, disconnect boxes, grounding, and surge protection.

 Standardize the electronics cabinet, size, shape, and material construction.

 Document the wiring layout and a schematic diagram of all connections into, inside, and from the 

cabinet to any external sensors or power supply connections.

 Include full details of your requirements for surge protection, earth grounding, and 

communications connections. In short, if you want it done right, you must document it.

 Address construction details that facilitate ongoing upkeep or maintenance of sites to foster 

reliable operation and long site life expectancy.

FIGURE F-7 TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION SITE PLANS

15.00in. 4.00ft. 13.25ft.

13.75in.

53.0°

Pelco Products PB-5335 Pelco Products PB-5325 Collar Assembly

Type 4 Cabinet Mounting Height: 4.0' to center of cabinet.

(2) 65 Watt Solar Panels a. Mounting angle: 51° to 54° b. Center Line Mounting height: 13' c. Facing south (188°)

Pole a. 4" OD Spun Aluminum b. 12' length

N
F-20

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation.

F.4.5 SELECT MATERIALS

All components and materials should be subjected to a pre-qualification testing regimen before wide 

spread installation and use. Ideally, all materials should be pre-approved and listed on the agency 

pre-approved materials listing or in contract specifications. For example, the specification and use of 

the highest quality most durable loop wire, IMSA 51-5 or 51-7 Traffic Signal Cable that are sheathed 

in a tubular protective sleeve provides significant benefits. Although nominally more expensive from 

an installation, material, and labor cost perspective, the installed loop lasts much longer, extending 

the effective life of the site, without costly in-road repairs. Use a high quality loop seal grout that is 

limited in shrinkage and remains slightly flexible for years for similar reasons. Loop seal grouts that 

shrink too much will pull away from the sides of the saw slot and will allow water entry in the small 

cracks thus formed. Water entry into even microscopic cracks is the single most common cause of 

failure of installed loops (and piezos) and the surrounding pavement. Hydraulic pressure exerted by 

passing vehicles or winter freezing will accelerate failure.

To promote long site life and reliable operation, special installation procedures have been developed 

for deep loop and deep piezo installation that lasts much longer, even in harsh climates, and is 

resistant to the freeze thaw cycles of winter. The deep installation will usually survive surface milling 

and pavement resurfacing overlay and will maintain full operation without repair or replacement for 

many years, allowing more sites to be installed and maintained for a given budget.

F.4.6 ELECTRONICS

The actual working performance of the electronics should be specified, tested, and certified before 

acceptance or final field installation. Ensure the team of manufacturer, supplier, and installer are 

working together to design, test, and provide a total system package that will work together to 

provide data in the field for years. Once it is installed and paid for, it is difficult to correct 

fundamental design flaws or incompatibilities between system components. Performance based 

contracts help avoid situations where the manufacturer can say the problem is the installers and vice 

versa, by holding a single party accountable. The certification of components should include the 

power supply, (solar or AC), regulators, batteries, cabinet, pole, pole mounting, base foundation 

design, pull box configuration, earth grounding, cable bonding, and surge protection. All of the 

various sensor interfaces and communication links should be identified, tested, and certified. Assure 

that supplier and installer demonstrates a complete and fully functional total system before 

acceptance. Quality data and long life begin with equipment and material selection and installation.
F-21

F.4.7 CERTIFICATION OF CONTRACTOR

It is extremely important to only use experienced traffic sensor installation contractors, with 

demonstrated experience in the specific requirements of your project or program. Require 

prequalification or demonstrated project experience to ensure your contractor has the correct skill 

set or experience to install a traffic data monitoring system to operate at high quality and reliably for 

years. Loops, piezos, and Quartz sensors are not something that can just be thrown into the 

pavement and expected to work reliably and properly for years to come. Only certified, bonded, 

licensed, and experienced contractors should be allowed to participate. Prepare a pre-approved 

qualified contractor list for your installation work. Inspect the sites where they have previously done 

work and consult with their customers to determine the level of satisfaction achieved and the 

reliability of the previous installations. Document the results and where permissible, use 

qualification-based procurement processes or performance-based contracts to ensure reliable 

delivery of traffic data.

F.4.8 TRAINING OF CREWS

The importance of installation crew training as a critical item in the overall quest for quality and 

reliability in traffic data site installations and their maintenance cannot be overstated. Due to the cost 

of continuously providing specialized training, staff retention is important, and conducive to 

consistent outcomes. An important key to success in achieving consistent high quality is formalizing 

the training process for each individual in the installation and maintenance operations. Each field 

installation or maintenance task is identified and documented with photographic and video 

procedural training aides and materials. Each employee has a “Training Qualification Record” that 

documents on a task by task basis the formal training received and the field evaluations of task 

mastery as demonstrated to the employee’s job mentors. Advancement is predicated on acquiring 

and mastering knowledge skills and abilities (SKA) of the job.

F.4.9 SITE SELECTION BEST PRACTICES

Site Selection Concepts

The task of consistently collecting excellent classification data should be subject to the same 

considerations that apply to the ASTM Type I WIM data collection site selection criteria. Anything less 

is a potential tradeoff of quality and reliable traffic data. If the basic location of the site is flawed, 

then the data collected from the site will always be less than perfect, as subject to the inherent site 

location flaws. Apply similar criteria to the selection of non-intrusive sensor sites with different 

decision points. Diligent attention to detail and documentation with digital photographs assures a 

careful process that can be reviewed before installation, and if necessary, a move to a different 

location can be made. Below is an overview listing of the criteria applied when surveying a suggested 

traffic monitoring site location. 

 Basic site selection criteria;

 Examine traffic patterns;

 Avoid curves;

 Avoid intersections;

 Avoid traffic signals;

 Avoid areas of congestion;

 Avoid stop and go traffic;

 Avoid merging traffic, ramps, and exits;

 Avoid busy driveways;
F-22

 Avoid areas of changing lanes;

 Avoid areas of speed changes (>15 mph recommended); and

 Make note of MOT safety concerns at the site.

Site Communications Criteria

Communications to the site, either by fiber-optic cable, wireless internet modem or the “plain old 

telephone” system is a critical part of the data collection system. Assure that your site selection 

survey comprehensively identifies your solution and establishes that it will work reliably. Wireless 

communications offer many inherent benefits with respect to system reliability, bandwidth, and 

remote operations.

Maintenance of Traffic Planning

While performing your site selection survey, prepare preliminary plans for maintenance of traffic 

during construction activities. A detailed plan should be fully developed as part of the 

preconstruction planning. A sample preparation and planning check list, and a developed plan are 

supplied as attachments for reference. Your local requirements may differ in some specifics; check 

with your agency.

Technician Parking

As part of the site survey, take note of the requirement for technicians to return to the site at various 

times in the future for calibration or testing activities. Where can they safely park without adversely 

affecting the passing traffic and the data collected and evaluated while on site? 

Site Planning

As part of the initial site location survey a preliminary proposed location for each of the following 

items should be identified and staked or marked with paint in a clear manner. It is a good idea to 

photographically record the location markings of all items. Also, use your camera to record the 

proposed layout of sensors, area road conditions, and show upstream and downstream approaches 

as well as the road profile at the sensors. Include pictures of the proposed cabinet location.

 Where on the road will the sensors be located? What is proposed? 

 Loops, size, type, location.

 Two per Lane (always a matched pair).

 Loop Size, 6’ × 6’ Turns of wire, always 4.

 Piezos, length of sensor, length of lead-in.

 There are several options of length and in lane placement. Virginia uses a full lane width (long) 

sensor. Other organizations use a half lane sensor. Allow no splices.

 Kistler Quartz, good for WIM.

 Similar to the piezo question of length and placement, there are several options to be considered.

Other Important Considerations

 Where will the electronics cabinet be located? Is the point of detection by the sensors clearly 

visible from this spot? The best cabinet location is behind a guard rail, outside the clear zone, 

accessible for maintenance, unobtrusive, and vandal resistant.

 Site power, AC or solar? Solar needs a clear view of the sun every day for at least eight hours.
F-23

 Mark a location for each junction box and underground conduit run.

 Mark or stake each pole and base foundation location.

 Where and how will communications arrive at the site?

 Are there any special grounding requirements such as a trench or array of rods?

F.4.10 SITE AND SENSOR INSTALLATION BEST PRACTICES

Virginia and their contractor work together to enforce rigid quality control over the site installations. 

Considerable effort is aimed at achieving high consistency with the mutual goal being to assure 

uniform maximum quality at each site and consistent reliable operation. Standardization and 

consistency are key factors in the effort to achieve reliable quality data. By utilizing precision 

installation techniques such as the now proven deep sensor installation, long life can be achieved, 

even to the point of surviving a surface milling of the road, and subsequent repaving. The focus on 

the consistent delivery of high quality data is driven by the performance-based contract terms, and 

supports the expanded use of traffic monitoring infrastructure for a broad range of data collection 

and operational needs.

For vehicle classification, Virginia specifies a loop-piezo-loop configuration of the detection sensor 

array in each lane of the roadway. This sensor array configuration provides excellent data and in the 

event of a sensor failure allows fall back data to continue to be collected in a highly usable form 

through the advanced filtering described in Appendix E Case Study #1. This provides better long-term 

data while often deferring the need for immediate site repairs. Numerous process improvements 

have been implemented over the years, all with the goal of enhancing the reliability and life 

expectancy of the site, or improving the quality and availability of traffic data for multiple 

applications. Examples of innovations include:

Deep Loop Sensor Installation

By installing the loops and lead-in 4” deep, the loop is able to survive most milling operations. The 

use of a high quality cable locator and site as-built drawings facilitates rapid replacement of axle 

sensors lost during the milling operation. This reduces the cost and effort required to repair the site. 

This innovation has proved so effective, that virtually the only time loops are installed is during new 

site installation activity. 

Deep Piezo Sensor Installation

This innovation involves installing the piezo more deeply in the slot than manufacturer 

recommendations provide, in combination with a second piezo sensor. The increased installation cost 

is more than offset by greatly increased sensor life, and the ability to properly classify truck traffic, 

even when an individual piezo fails. Detailed installation procedures are used and all staff provided 

with training to ensure the process is followed precisely, to achieve a reliable long lasting outcome.

Junction Boxes and Collars

Although often overlooked, a standard junction box or in ground pull box is an important component 

in almost every traffic data monitoring installation. The sensor connecting wires and often the power 

and communications links pass through the junction box. It is important to the reliability of the 

installation that the junction box be securely placed, with good drainage, ready access, and be strong 

enough to resist any incidental traffic, pedestrians, or mowers that might pass over or near it. If the 

box lid and collar are not strong and secure, they can be pushed down into the earth, or collapse, 

crushing the wires contained within. 
F-24

Cabinets, Poles, Solar Panels

Attention to detail in this area can result in significant improvements in site operation and reliability. 

Standard cabinets are often referred to as a “NEMA TS1-Type IV” design and were designed and 

developed for roadside equipment. They are a finished 0.125“ thick aluminum cabinet with standard 

3 point locking doors and weatherproofing and provide more than adequate room for batteries, 

regulators, electronics, communications devices, grounding, surge protection, and field connections; 

one or two adjustable shelves are specified as desired. The cabinets can be pole mounted, pedestal 

mounted, or base mounted as desired. 

Standard traffic industry readily available aluminum pedestrian poles are compliant with the needs 

for breakaway design when used on the side of the road. This is a four inch inside diameter aluminum 

pole with one-quarter inch wall thickness. This is normally installed using a frangible cast aluminum 

base available from several manufacturers. For solar panel or antenna mounting the poles are 

routinely available in 20-foot lengths and the frangible base is typically 18 inches in height. A standard 

is to mount the type IV cabinet at a cabinet center height of 48 inches on a 14-foot pole. This provides 

approximately 16 feet to the center of a solar panel mounting at the top of the pole that is beyond 

the reach of casual vandals. The use of the readily available aluminum pole and the frangible base is 

predicated on the installation of an in-ground foundation. 

Solar panels should be securely mounted and rated for the expected design wind speeds. This has 

saved a lot of rework and repairs after hurricanes and tornados, which is critically important if traffic 

monitoring assets are used to support emergency planning. Solar panel applications are an area 

where it is better to install oversize rather than undersize. The installations should provide reliable 

operation in remote areas and in harsh overcast or winter weather. The added cost of a larger solar 

panel is less than the one time cost of having a technician drive out to a site where the batteries have 

gone dead.

Grounding

The National Electric Code (250.56) requires an earth ground connection to be less than 25 ohms. 

Some equipment manufacturers recommend 10 ohms or less. It is important to recognize the 

protective value of a common point central earth ground in traffic monitoring applications. The 

electronics is at risk and is often placed in potential harm’s way. Examples are the installation of a 

typical traffic monitoring site that has loops and piezos in the road, or a traffic camera mounted 50 or 

60 feet in air on a pole. These sensors are effectively antennas and energy from thunderstorms 

(lightning) is induced into the sensors and the connecting wires in the same manner as radio signals 

are received by a radio. The induced signals can be thousands of volts and will have enough energy to 

blow sensitive electronic components up without proper grounding and surge protection. Test and 

record every ground connection from the cabinet central point to earth using a calibrated test 

instrument as designed for the task.
F-25

F.4.11 SURGE PROTECTION 

FIGURE F-8 LOOP FIELD CONNECTIONS DESTROYED BY LIGHTNING INDUCED SURGE

Source: Virginia Department of Transportation

The picture shows a panel of loop field connections in a cabinet after a nearby lightning strike that 

actually damaged the road. Direct and near direct strikes are unusual. This near strike illustrates the 

power unleashed. The entire system from power supply to sensors is recommended to be designed 

and professionally evaluated for surge protection. A standard reference for the design, evaluation, 

and test regimen is the NEMA TS2 environmental specification for electrical transients. The NEMA 

TS2 standard sets the environmental requirements for traffic control equipment. 

Communications

Reliable communication is imperative to the remote traffic monitoring system, especially when data 

is also used to support real-time operations, such as for incident management, severe weather 

events, or ITS and traffic operations. While many systems still depend on POTS as their 

communication backbone, appropriately sized solar panels can easily support wireless data 

infrastructure. Wireless modems are now available with IP addresses and direct internet access that 

are very cost effective, provide faster communications, and are significantly more reliable. It is worth 

noting that when disaster strikes, the wireless internet connection may not be lost at all, and if it is 

lost, it will be one of the very first services to be restored, because it does not rely on lines, cables, or 

wooden poles for connectivity.

F.4.12 SETUP AND CALIBRATION OF ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT

Please note that these instructions are generalized from Virginia Standard Operational Procedures 

and equipment, but can be further customized for other devices or local agency preference.
F-26

Site Setup Instructions

Most stations in Virginia record volume, classification, length, and speed at the same time. The 

equipment in use records multiple semi-independent traffic monitoring studies simultaneously. 

Classification: Classification is determined using two loops and one piezo in a lane.

Volume: Volume count data can be obtained at any and all sites with at least one loop in each lane.

Speed Studies: Speed and length data requires two loops in each lane.

The Electronics are Set for Speed by Length by Channel. 21 speed bins (beginning at 5 mph and 

ending at greater than 100 mph), 3 length bins (<22 feet, >22 to <45 feet, and greater than 45 feet),

Channels (depends on number of lanes at site).

Electronics Standard Setup Steps: Follow the steps and software as provided by the equipment 

manufacturer. Clear all old settings back to the factory default settings. Allocate file storage and 

essentials for the agency determined application. Load the (agency) classification scheme.

Set Site-Specific Settings: Set various filters and settings for use. ARM the unit for recording. 

Observing Traffic on Site: It is vitally important to observe traffic on site and to evaluate the correct 

operation of the sensors and electronics. 

Check for Accurate Speed, Classification, Counts, Number of Axles, Axle Spacing, Loop Length, and 

Weights (when applicable). Indicate a YES, NO, or N/A on the inspection form. 

Count Accuracy Check: To verify the accuracy of counts during the inspection, the technician will 

monitor each individual lane separately with the vehicle monitor utility while connected to the 

electronics. The technician chooses the lane to monitor. Start the vehicle monitoring (typically at a 

break in traffic). Visually count the number of vehicles in the lane while the monitor also records each 

vehicle. Stop the vehicle monitor utility. Count the number of records in the utility and compare to 

the visual count. Repeat these steps for each and every lane.

Classification Accuracy Check: To verify the accuracy of classification during the inspection, the 

technician will again monitor each individual lane separately with the vehicle monitor utility while 

connected to the electronics. The technician chooses the lane to monitor. Start the vehicle 

monitoring (typically at a break in traffic). Depending on the type of traffic at the site, the technician 

will initially verify more distinct class vehicles at the site. For example, Class 9 vehicles stand out in 

traffic and can be easily verified while using the vehicle monitor. If a high volume of traffic exists at 

the site, then a visual count and number comparison may need to be done in the same manner as 

outlined in the “Count” section described earlier.

Electronics Speed Check and Calibration: The accuracy of speeds can be established by direct 

measurement and comparison. One indicator is the reported wheelbase of the tandem axle on the 

tractor of Class 9 vehicles. The axle spacing between these two axles should be between 4.0 feet to 

4.3 feet. A technician on site can be immediately aware of discrepancies by observing the spacing 

reported in vehicle monitoring mode. Adjusting the speed calibration of a specific lane requires two 

people. One person will man the radar gun, taking measurements of vehicles, while a second person 

will be at the cabinet connected to the Electronics. The calibration should be done one lane at a time. 

Debounce: Debounce is a filter that should only be used when site specific installation issues result in 

a piezo or piezos generating extra axles because of something wrong with the piezo(s) installation or 

road structure (e.g. slab vibration).

Sensor Tests During Installation: The following tests should be performed by the field installation 

crews to verify that they have a good working sensor installation while working at a site. At the time 

of installation, the crews perform initial sensor tests with the presence of an on-site Quality 

Assurance inspector. After installation is complete, a trained technician revisits the site and performs 

a complete site final inspection and calibration of all functions.
F-27

 Checking the loops;

 Insulation test;

 Continuity test (low voltage continuity);

 Inductance test;

 Checking the piezos;

 Resistance checks;

 Voltage check; and

 Capacitance check.

Note: Any loop or piezo sensor found with less than standard readings at time of installation should 

be immediately replaced, or subject to extended warranty provisions.

F.4.13 DAILY AUTOMATED DATA PROCESSING AND QUALITY ASSESSMENT 

Working with the equipment supplier, Virginia has developed a custom classification algorithm 

(ClassTree) that uses loop logic and makes decisions based on empirical sensor factoring knowledge 

to accept the data from sites into 22 defined types that is a superset of the FHWA classification 

system. Post processing then assigns (re-assigns) the “Loop-Logic” classes in the appropriate 

externally reported class. An example of this action is that a vehicle detected as being 6 to 20 feet 

long (bumper to bumper) but having only one axle is first assigned to a special bin for strange 

unicycles and then in post processing, the vehicles from the strange unicycle bin are added to the 

Class 2 (cars) bin. If this logic and procedure was not in place, the vehicles would be unclassified as type 

15s. This logic method and procedure notifies the agency that there is a problem at the site with a piezo 

not detecting some axles, and yet provides good, usable, accurate data. 

Proposed equipment feature sets should always be reviewed and tested in detail to determine 

whether vendor specific features can enhance the overall quality and capability of the traffic 

monitoring program. VDOT was able to leverage the availability of a separate data feed for 

operations data to provide additional data services to internal users, increasing support for the traffic 

monitoring program.

F.4.14 ON CALL SERVICE AND PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES

Technicians install upgraded firmware and perform speed count and classification calibration checks 

as a normal part of servicing the sites. A technician typically visits each site at least once during each 

12-month period either for a service call or a certification visit. During any site visit, a prescribed 

preventive maintenance procedure is performed that includes brush removal and cabinet cleaning as 

well as power supply and electronics operational checks. The procedure is quite extensive, involving 

as many as 216 individual steps, checks, and upgrade operations. As part of the procedure, the onsite 

technician confirms operation by manual count and classification comparison to machine data, and

goes on line with the central office for communication checks. This preventive maintenance process 

provides greater assurance that site will perform reliably year round and allow early identification of 

potential issues, facilitating less costly repairs.

F.4.15 OPPORTUNITIES FOR CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AND FUTURE ENHANCEMENTS

Cloud-Based Data Collection

Virginia is currently operating several data collection systems, entailing some duplication of effort. As 

older legacy systems of dial up modems and permanent classification sites are replaced, the cloudbased server system (as is currently used for the non–intrusive and IP based systems) provides 

enhanced reliability and availability of data while reducing maintenance costs and duplicated efforts.
F-28

The use of new and enhanced technology provides opportunities for saving fuel and precious budget 

resources in many areas of traffic monitoring. The internet and wireless IP modems are examples of 

faster and better availability of data at lower costs. Data servers in the “cloud” make more data 

available to more people than could be imagined 10 years ago. They offer the ability to put important 

information in front of operations decision makers 24/7 without human involvement or delay.

F.4.16 FAILURE ANALYSIS

All site construction and service call information is maintained on line and facilitates remote access to 

full documentation of all sites and all procedures on line. This serves as a database history of sites and 

lessons learned.

F.5 CASE STUDY #5: NCHRP AND AASHTO RECOMMENDATIONS

F.5.1 INTRODUCTION

This case study summarizes the technical guidance available from existing NCHRP and AASHTO 

reports on the types of traffic data collection equipment available and the associated calibration and 

validation procedures used with specific types of equipment. Three recent documents are of specific 

interest to the traffic data collection community. 

The first report, NCHRP Report 509, Equipment for Collecting Traffic Load Data was produced as a 

result of NCHRP Project 1-39 Traffic Data Collection, Analysis, and Forecasting for Mechanistic 

Pavement Design. NCHRP Report 509 was written to help States understand the equipment options 

available for collecting the detailed truck volume, classification, and axle weight data needed to 

effectively use the new AASHTO Mechanical-Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG.) 

A second NCHRP project, NCHRP 3-68 Guide to Effective Freeway Performance Measurement, 

developed a comprehensive look at the collection, processing, and reporting of the traffic data 

needed to monitor and report on the operational performance of freeways and expressways. This 

report includes a chapter on the equipment options available for monitoring traffic flow on high 

volume, congested urban roadways. The project findings are available in an NCHRP report that is only 

available on the Internet, NCHRP Web-Only Document 97, Guide to Effective Freeway Performance 

Measurement: Final Report and Guidebook.

The final report of special significance to users of the Traffic Monitoring Guide is the second edition of 

the AASHTO report, Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs. This report is an excellent companion guide 

to the FHWA Traffic Monitoring Guide. It provides a more comprehensive overview of general traffic 

data collection needs, equipment, and procedures than the two NCHRP reports, which focus on the 

specific needs of key uses of traffic data. The AASHTO report contains a large, significant chapter on 

traffic data collection equipment options.

A summary of key information about equipment selection, calibration, and use that is contained in 

these three reports is provided below. 

NCHRP 509 

This report provides detailed descriptions of the technologies used for collecting the vehicle 

classification (truck volume) and axle weight data needed by States that wish to use the new AASHTO 

mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide. The report includes: 

 Detailed technology descriptions;

 A step-by-step guide that helps States select among available data collection equipment;

 Guidance for ensuring that the selected equipment operates as intended and thus collects 

accurate data; and 
F-29

 Discussions of the tasks needed to maintain the performance of well-functioning data 

collection equipment. 

Included in the technology descriptions are discussions of the types of data that can be collected with 

each technology (e.g., length based versus axle based vehicle classifications), the environmental 

limitations inherent in the use of specific technologies (e.g., the performance of many piezo-electric 

sensors can be affected by cold temperatures), and how operational, geometric, environmental, and 

other conditions at individual sites should be considered when selecting among available 

technologies (e.g., the presence of rough pavement indicates that a specific location is a poor choice 

for a WIM scale, or the fact that blizzard conditions occur reasonably frequently, and thus video 

technology may not be the best sensor for that location).

The guide provides step-by-step instructions that walk users through the process needed to select 

traffic data collection equipment appropriate for their needs and conditions. It also provides 

documentation of best practices needed to operate an efficient, productive data collection program, 

and helps walk an agency’s staff through those best practices. 

The best practice steps include:

 Identifying the user requirements;

 Determining site location and system requirements;

 Determining design life and accuracy requirements;

 Budgeting the necessary resources;

 Developing, using, and maintaining a quality assurance program;

 Purchasing equipment with a warranty;

 Managing the equipment installation;

 Calibrating the equipment and taking the steps needed to maintain that calibration; and

 Conducting preventative and corrective maintenance.

One very heavily stressed point in NCHRP Report 509 is the need for equipment calibration. The 

report points out that many States historically collected large amounts of vehicle classification and 

weight data while paying little or no attention to their equipment’s calibration. The result was the 

expenditure of fairly large amounts of money on “data” that had little value because it did not 

accurately reflect the characteristics of the traffic stream. WIM equipment in particular, has been 

shown to need careful calibration and periodic refinement of that calibration, as changes in roadway 

surface condition have large effects on scale and sensor performance. To ensure that the resources 

spent on WIM data collection result in accurate data, NCHRP 509 provides specific steps for 

calibrating equipment, and periodically validating the continued accuracy of each site’s performance. 

NCHRP Web Document 97

NCHRP Web-Only Document 97, Guide to Effective Freeway Performance Measurement: Final Report 

and Guidebook is the primary outcome of the NCHRP Project 3-68; Guide to Effective Freeway 

Performance Measurement. This very large report includes a chapter (Chapter 7 of the main report) 

on the collection, processing, and reporting of the data needed to monitor the operational 

performance of freeways and expressways. Several sections of this chapter relate to the collection of 

volume and speed data.

While this report does not include discussions of vehicle classification or weight data, it does provide 

an excellent summary of the difficulties of collecting accurate traffic data in heavily traveled, 

congested urban environments, and the strengths and weaknesses of the technologies that are 

commonly used in those roles. It also presents a brief introduction to the issues associated with 

purchasing and using vehicle speed data collected and re-sold by the private sector.
F-30

This chapter of the report also provides guidance on selecting and purchasing the data collection 

equipment needed for monitoring and reporting on the performance of these key urban roadways. 

The steps recommended include understanding and trading off the expected performance of 

available technologies in the areas of:

 Types of measures that are actually collected by a device under the expected environmental and 

traffic conditions;

 Accuracy of the data being collected in those conditions (and the importance of that accuracy 

during the worst of those conditions);

 Capital cost of the devices;

 Installation and deployment costs of the devices;

 Ongoing operations and maintenance costs; and 

 Communications costs of those devices. 

These same considerations are appropriate for the selection of equipment used for any traffic 

monitoring purpose.

AASHTO Traffic Data Guidelines

Published in 2009, the Second Edition of AASHTO’s Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs (Guidelines) 

contains an entire chapter (Chapter 3) on traffic data collection equipment. The chapter includes a 

comprehensive discussion of a wide variety of both intrusive and non-intrusive data collection 

technologies. Following the extensive discussion of alternative data collection devices, the report 

provides guidance on:

 Selecting the best equipment for an agency’s needs;

 Installing and maintaining equipment; and 

 Collecting data on congestion roadways.

When selecting equipment, the Guidelines recommend that agencies consider the following 

equipment attributes:

 Traffic characteristics that the equipment collects and stores;

 Accuracy that those characteristics are collected and any limitations on where and when the 

device can be used without compromising that accuracy;

 Expected longevity of the system along with any warranties that support that expected life cycle;

 Installation requirement of the system (in time, cost, and staffing);

 Operational requirements of the system, including power and communication needs;

 Cost of the system;

 Amount of vendor support provided; and 

 Compatibility of the data and the data retrieval software with the agencies existing and planned 

databases and data management systems. 

The AASHTO Guidelines correctly and effectively point out that no matter how carefully equipment is 

selected, if it is installed poorly or inadequately maintained, the “data collected” are often inaccurate 

and of little or no value. The Guidelines therefore provide best practices for installing and maintaining 

traffic monitoring equipment. While this section of the report is not a substitute for high quality 

installation instructions and training from an equipment vendor, the section does provide an 

excellent source of key quality assurance checks and inspection actions that should be performed 

when performing equipment installation. It also provides an excellent checklist against which the 
F-31

quality and completeness of a vendor’s instructions and training can be reviewed. 

The third section of this Guidelines chapter describes the options agencies have for collecting data on 

heavily congested roadways where many sensor technologies do not perform accurately. These 

include: purchasing expensive, but highly capable equipment when the value of the data being 

collected is greater than the cost of that equipment (e.g., in some toll revenue control applications), 

placing equipment only where it collects data accurately (i.e., outside of the most heavily congested 

locations) while sacrificing the ability to observe the most heavy congestion, or developing 

procedures to identify when congestion is causing the collected data to become unreliable, and 

adopting procedures that attempt to adjust the collected data to reflect the errors caused by the 

equipment limitations during those time periods of heavy congestion. 

Finally, this chapter describes the traffic control and management system’s requirement for the 

collection of traffic performance information in order to function as intended. The roadway 

performance information collected has the potential to meet a large portion of the traffic monitoring 

needs for the roads those management systems control. Thus, independently collecting data on these 

same roadways means that duplication of data collection resources is occurring. Consequently, there 

is considerable benefit to be gained if the general traffic monitoring needs of the agency can be 

coordinated with the traffic monitoring needs of the traffic management system. 
G-1

Appendix G. NORTH CAROLINA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

CLUSTERING METHODOLOGY FOR NC TRAFFIC DATA INPUTS 

FOR MEPDG

G.1 INTRoDUCTION

The recommended process for implementation of the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide 

(MEPDG) involves the development of data inputs that reflect the conditions experienced at the 

design locations. This requires some element of both site specific and regional inputs to support an 

effective design process. Data inputs include climate, soil, materials, and traffic categories. Agencies 

in the development of these inputs must decide what level of detail will be needed to produce a 

reliable pavement. North Carolina traffic inputs were developed based on a research study conducted 

by North Carolina State University for the North Carolina Department of Transportation. The study 

included the evaluation of data from 44 Weigh In Motion (WIM) stations located across North 

Carolina. The process used to develop the traffic data inputs from this resource involved:

 Quality control of vehicle class and truck weight data;

 Sensitivity analysis of design models to traffic inputs;

 Clustering analysis of the WIM based traffic inputs; and

 Selection criteria for using clustered based traffic data.

A brief explanation of the factors considered in developing traffic inputs, sensitivity of design models 

to North Carolina inputs, the clustering methodology used, and the results they produced is provided. 

A description of the method developed to select grouped data for input into the design process is 

provided also. Key decisions made during the process required to develop these traffic inputs 

are discussed. 

This paper is a brief synopsis of information provided in the final report of the research study related 

to generating clustered data sets. It is not intended to convey the complete findings of that study. All 

of the tables and figures are taken directly from the final report. 

The results of the analyses and factors developed may be fairly unique to North Carolina. The process 

used to develop the analysis, the methods used to cluster the data, and the considerations given and 

solutions selected to address the issues encountered during the research can be transferred to similar 

studies. The development of clustered data sets for the MEPDG can be complex and agencies 

involved in this type of development will have to make many choices. The experience in North 

Carolina may provide some insight into how best to make those choices.

G.2 FACTORS AFFECTING CLUSTERING REQUIREMENTS

A number of factors are critical to development of the analysis of the traffic data collected at WIM 

stations effectively. Factors that affected the development process were:

 Design Level – The NCDOT has selected Level 2 traffic inputs as the basis for most pavement 

designs. This is due to the impracticality of collecting site specific traffic for all inputs (Level 1) 

because of time and cost constraints. Level 1 traffic inputs will be used when a WIM site falls on or 

near a project. Level 3 inputs may be used on a limited basis and are supported also.

 WIM Data Types – The type of data collected at WIM stations by the NCDOT is continuous vehicle 

classification counts and truck weight measurements. These data resources provide the basis for 

Hourly Distribution Factors (HDF), Monthly Adjustment Factors (MAF), Vehicle Class Distributions 

(VCD), and Axle Load Distribution Factors (ALF). These statistics were generated for each station 
G-2

(Level 1) and clustering was performed to generate grouped factors for Level 2 inputs. Other 

statistics generated from this data but not clustered were average axle types by vehicle class and 

average axle spacing by axle type. The other traffic inputs to the MEPDG are either site specific 

(AADTT and growth) or national defaults are used (tire pressure, lane wander, etc.).

 Model Sensitivity – A sensitivity analysis identified which models are sensitive to each of the WIM 

based traffic inputs. When any of the models were found to be sensitive to a process, a clustering 

analysis was performed to generate grouped inputs. When all models were found not to be 

sensitive to an input, a statewide average was generated as the default values for that input.

These factors directly impacted the requirements for clustering a data type and influenced the 

process. Other factors affecting the clustering analysis of individual data inputs are provided below.

G.3 SENSITIVITY OF MODELS TO NORTH CAROLINA TRAFFIC DATA

The MEPDG process requires significantly higher levels of data inputs than legacy pavement design 

processes. A key component to understanding how best to use the process is an understanding of 

how traffic inputs, and in particular, North Carolina inputs, impact the output of the design models. 

This provides the basis for simplifying the process, where practical, and ensures the appropriate level 

of detail is input to generate reliable pavement designs.

The sensitivity analysis was performed using representative LTPP sites located in North Carolina as 

the structural and material data is available for input. The range of values for HDF, MAF, VCD, and ALF 

found in the data at the 44 WIM sites was used. Only one input was changed at a time and all models 

in the design process were run when evaluating sensitivity. When a model output changed enough to 

exceed a threshold specified by the pavement designers, that model was identified as sensitive to the 

input being evaluated. The results of the sensitivity analysis are provided in Table G-1.

The researchers found that the longitudinal cracking model for flexible pavements did not produce 

outputs consistent with what is observed in the performance of North Carolina pavements. Although 

this model was found to be sensitive to some traffic inputs, the unreliability of the outputs resulted in 

the exclusion of this model’s sensitivity from consideration in the clustering process.
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TABLE G-1 SENSITIVITY OF MEPDG TO NORTH CAROLINA BASED TRAFFIC INPUTS

Flexible Pavement Rigid Pavement (JPCP)

Total Rut

Depth (in)

Fatigue 

Cracking (%)

Longitudinal 

Cracking

(ft/mile)

IRI 

(in/mile)

Faulting 

(in)

Slabs 

Cracked 

(%)

IRI 

(in/mile)

HDF no no no no no no no

MAF no no yes no no no no

VCD yes yes yes yes no no yes

ALF yes yes yes yes no no no

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation

a The longitudinal cracking model produced unreliable outputs and the sensitivity of this model to 

traffic inputs was not used.

There are naturally occurring clusters in the HDF and MAF data sets. The lack of sensitivity of the 

models to these inputs (excluding the longitudinal cracking results), based on North Carolina data, 

eliminates the need for clustering data for these inputs. Statewide average values were generated 

using the average of the 44 WIM data sets for these inputs to simplify the design process.

The VCD data is a key input into the design process as models for both flexible and rigid pavements 

show sensitivity to this input. The flexible pavement models are sensitive to the ALF input but rigid 

pavements models are not sensitive. Based on these results, clustering analysis was performed on the 

VCD and ALF data to generate grouped data sets for Level 2 inputs.

G.4 HOURLY DISTRIBUTION FACTOR INPUT

The MEPDG models were found to not be sensitive to the range of HDF calculated for the 44 WIM 

stations in North Carolina. This allows the use of a single set of HDF for input into the pavement 

design process based on the average of the individual HDF. Figure G-1 provides a plot of the average 

HDF that is used in the design process.
G-4

FIGURE G-1 NORTH CAROLINA HOURLY DISTRIBUTION FACTORS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

G.5 MONTHLY ADJUSTMENT FACTOR INPUT

Similarly, the MEPDG models were not sensitive to the range of MAF experienced at North Carolina’s 

44 WIM stations. WIM Stations 533 and 560 were identified as outliers based on a principal 

component analysis and were excluded from further analysis. A statewide average based on the 

remaining 42 individual MAF was generated to provide a single set of MAF as input into the 

pavement design process. Figure G-2 provides a plot of the average MAF that is used in the design 

process with the outliers that were excluded identified. 

FIGURE G-2 NORTH CAROLINA MONTHLY ADJUSTMENT FACTORS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

G.6 VEHICLE CLASS DISTRIBUTION INPUT 

Due to the sensitivity of most of the models to VCD inputs, a clustering analysis was performed on 

this data. The VCD is the distribution of the AADTT into the 10 FHWA truck classes. Therefore, the 

method used should support evaluating the patterns observed between the ten classes of trucks in 

this input. The clustering methodology used was:

 Statistic – VCD Distribution of the 10 FHWA Truck Classes;

 Technique – Agglomerative Hierarchal Clustering; and

 Measure – Sum of Least Squares of the Differences in VCD Values.
G-5

This technique starts with each WIM site as an individual cluster and calculates the difference in VCD 

between each pair of clusters. The difference is calculated between each of the 10 VCD percentages, 

each of these values is squared, and the total is summed. The clusters having the lowest value of this 

measure are the most similar and are grouped together. The VCD for the new cluster is the average 

of the component VCD making up that cluster. This process is repeated until all 44 WIM sites are 

clustered into a single group. The stopping level was determined by applying a metric proposed by 

Mojena. As iterations of the clustering process are performed, there is a loss in the uniqueness of the 

patterns. The new clusters created are more generalized and greater amounts of variability are 

introduced into the clusters. The Mojena metric identifies the most suitable number of clusters based 

on the level of variability in the data set. Three clusters were identified for the VCD input and are 

shown in Figure G-3.

FIGURE G-3 NORTH CAROLINA VCD CLUSTERS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

As VCD is a distribution of total trucks at a location, it corresponds that as one class of vehicle 

increases, the other classes decrease. In the patterns represented by the clusters, Cluster 2 has a 

significantly higher proportion of Multi Unit (MU) trucks, found in Class 8 to 13, than Single Unit (SU) 

trucks, found in Class 4 to 7. Conversely, Cluster 3 has significantly higher proportion of SU trucks 

than MU trucks. Cluster 1 falls between the two other clusters with slightly higher MU trucks than SU 

trucks. The type of routes associated with these clusters is consistent with the patterns. Cluster 2 

includes interstate and higher order U.S. routes that serve long distance trips, provide a higher level 

of mobility, and serve major markets. There are a higher proportion of MU trucks in this cluster due 

to the longer trip lengths this type of vehicle travels, the large markets served, and the regional 

connections they provide. Cluster 2 includes mostly State and local routes with lower mobility and 

limited connectivity that serve primarily the shorter business day trips associated with the SU trucks. 

Cluster 1 is a mix of route types including interstate routes in urban areas where there is a higher 

level of business day travel by SU trucks than rural interstate locations. It includes U.S. and other 

routes where mobility is higher than local routes but they have a lower level of long haul trips 

because of the smaller markets served and lower levels of connectivity they provide.

G.7 VEHICLE CLASS SEASONAL FACTOR GROUPS

A basic input into the MEPDG process is Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic (AADTT) for a project. The 

NCDOT collects vehicle classification counts for each project as the basis for identifying base year 

conditions. The counts collected classify traffic into the FHWA 13 Class scheme. This provides not only 

a measure of total trucks for AADTT, but the distribution of trucks between the 10 truck classes 

required for the VCD estimate. Based on the higher sensitivity of the models to the VCD input, and 

the availability of data for each project, it was decided to estimate project specific VCD based on the 
G-6

short term class counts instead of using the generalized values from the VCD cluster analysis.

A key element in using short term class counts for generating AADTT and VCD estimates is seasonally 

factoring the count data to annualized values. A clustering analysis for the purpose of factoring short 

term class counts was performed. The observed pattern in the daily distributions of truck volumes 

through the year was performed for the 44 WIM stations available. The NCDOT processes and reports 

class data by aggregated vehicle class groups. Single Unit trucks (Class 4 to 7) have similar business 

day travel patterns and Multi Unit trucks (Class 8 to 13) have similar long haul travel patterns. This 

method of developing and applying seasonal factors using aggregated vehicle classes is supported by 

research and is a recommended practice in the Traffic Monitoring Guide. Key steps taken prior to 

clustering the data were:

1. Data Screening – The class volume data collected at the WIM stations was evaluated for daily 

truck distributions by day of week by month. The daily truck distributions (VCD) for each day of 

week within the same month were compared to identify the recurring or typical pattern for that 

day. Any day that exhibited a pattern different from the recurring pattern was flagged as an 

atypical pattern. This produced 7 day of week patterns for each month for a total of 84 sets per 

WIM station.

2. WIM Station Factors – The NCDOT collects short term counts on typical travel days. The 

factors used in this process reflect this practice. AADTT and Monthly ADTT (MADTT) were 

calculated for SU and MU truck class groups for each station using the method recommended in 

the Traffic Monitoring Guide. This includes using both typical and atypical days in these averages. 

Average day of week daily truck volumes for typical days were calculated for SU and MU trucks. 

Seasonal factors were calculated using the ratio of the AADTT to the average typical day of week 

volumes for SU and MU factors for each day of week for each month. The statistics generated for 

each station were:

 AADTT (1), Annual VCD (1), Monthly VCD (12);

 AADTT SU (1), MADTT SU (12), Day of Week Factor SU (84); and

 AADTT MU (1), MADTT MU (12), Day of Week Factor MU (84).

This data is suitable for factoring short term counts collected on typical days when at or near a WIM 

station location and was used as the basis for the clustering process for generalized class seasonal 

factors.

The clustering methodology used for seasonal factor development accounts for the truck volume 

seasonality experienced in North Carolina. A two stage procedure is used in development of seasonal 

factors: 

Phase 1 – Analysis of Monthly VCD Seasonal Patterns

 Step 1: Evaluate Principal Components for Outliers;

 Step 2: Perform Monthly Clustering Analysis; and

 Step 3: Identify Common Groupings.

Phase 2 – Analysis of SU/MU Seasonal Patterns

 Step 1: Evaluate MADTT/AADTT Plots by SU/MU;

 Step 2: Evaluate Principal Components for Outliers; and

 Step 3: Audit Confidence Intervals of Seasonal Factors.

Since a primary output of the factoring process is VCD, this attribute, and how it varies through the 

year, is used as the first stage in the development of seasonal factor clusters. The second stage 

involves the analysis of each aggregated truck class (SU/MU) for their underlying patterns within the 

VCD patterns. This generates groupings specific to what is being factored. 
G-7

Phase 1 – Analysis of Monthly VCD Seasonal Patterns

Step 1: A principal component analysis was performed to identify which components of the VCD are 

most important, or account for most of the variability in the data. In the case of VCD, the components 

are the 10 truck classes comprising the distribution. This portion of the analysis determined that Class 

4, 5, 6, 8, 9, and 11 were the classes that account for most of the variability in the data during the 

year. Individual classes determined to be principal components for a particular month will vary by 

month. The results of this analysis are provided in Table G-2.

TABLE G-2 PRINCIPAL COMPONENTS OF NORTH CAROLINA MONTHLY VCD

Month

Vehicle Class

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The PCA results were used to identify outliers to the principal components and 2 WIM stations were 

excluded due to their significantly different characteristics. The remaining 42 WIM stations were used 

in the clustering analysis.
G-8

Step 2: A monthly clustering analysis process was employed using the results of the PCA. This 

involved use of the following methodology:

 Statistic – Principal Monthly VCD Components by month;

 Technique – Agglomerative Hierarchal Clustering; and

 Measure – Sum of Least Squares of the Differences in Monthly VCD Values.

A cluster analysis was performed for each month to identify groupings for that month. In each case, 3 

groupings were identified for each month.

Step 3: The groupings were compared from month to month to determine if the same sites were 

being clustered across the year. Three groupings were identified where the same sites were grouped 

together in at least 11 of the 12 months. These groupings represent WIM stations with the same 

pattern in changes in VCD across the year.

Phase 2 – Analysis of SU/MU Seasonal Patterns

Step 1: The seasonal pattern of each of the aggregated truck classes should be evaluated for 

consistency within the groupings identified in Phase 1. The ratio of MADTT to AADTT is calculated for 

SU and MU truck groups as the basis for identifying their seasonal pattern. Plots of this statistic for all 

WIM stations within a factor group were generated for SU and a separate set of plots for MU to make 

this comparison. WIM stations found to have an inconsistent plot as compared to the common 

pattern were excluded from the group. This resulted in the exclusion of some WIM sites and the 

extraction of a fourth grouping of sites located on the I-95 corridor. The unique seasonal pattern on 

the I-95 corridor resulted in a separate fourth seasonal factor group for both SU and MU classes. 

Step 2: A separate principal component analysis of the ratio of MADTT to AADTT for SU and MU was 

performed. This process identified individual WIM stations that are not consistent with the pattern in 

principal components among a group. These were eliminated from the grouping when they occurred.

Step 3: Seasonal factors for each group are evaluated for the confidence interval obtained in them. 

These are calculated for each month of seasonal factors. Any WIM station whose seasonal factors 

exceed the 95% confidence level in multiple months were eliminated from the grouping. This 

occurred once in one of the SU factor groups.

The results of this two phase process are a set of seasonal factor groups for SU and MU class groups. 

The results are represented in the plot of the average monthly MADTT/AADTT ratio for each factor 

group in Figures G-4 and G-5.

In general, selection of a factor group/station for application of seasonal factors to a portable vehicle 

classification (PVC) count has been correlated to the route the count is located on and the class 

distribution identified in the count. The route location is used to determine if the I-95 group factors 

are to be used or the count is located on the same corridor as a WIM station and the seasonal factors 

from that individual WIM station should be used. If the route location is found not to be the 

determining characteristic, then the class distribution found in the count is used as the basis for 

selecting a seasonal factor group. The correlation between the distribution of total trucks between 

SU and MU types counted during a 48 hour short term count period and the seasonal factor group 

assignment is determined using the criteria provided in Table G-3.
G-9

FIGURE G-4 MADTT/AADTT FOR NORTH CAROLINA SINGLE UNIT TRUCK SF GROUPS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

FIGURE G-5 MADTT/AADTT FOR NORTH CAROLINA MULTI UNIT TRUCK SF GROUPS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

0.00

0.20

0.40

0.60

0.80

1.00

1.20

1.40

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

MADTTSU/AADTTSU

SU Factor Group 1 SU Factor Group 2

SU Factor Group 3 SU Factor Group 4

Sep Oct Nov Dec

U-GF 1 MU-GF 2

U-GF 3 MU-GF 4

0.70

0.80

0.90

1.00

1.10

1.20

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

MADTTMU/AADTTMU

MU-GF 1 MU-GF 2

MU-GF 3 MU-GF 4
G-10

TABLE G-3 ASSIGNMENT CRITERIA OF PVC TO NORTH CAROLINA SEASONAL FACTOR GROUPS

SU Trucks/Total Trucks

Min (=) Max (<) SU Group

0.09 0.34 1

0.34 0.50 2

0.50 0.71 3

MU Trucks/Total Trucks

Min (=) Max (<) MU Group

0.67 0.92 1

0.50 0.67 2

0.29 0.50 3

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

The criteria provided in Table G-3 does not cover the extreme ends of the spectrum of distributions; 

the WIM monitoring practice in North Carolina has been to monitor those routes that have a 

moderate to significant volumes of trucks. The extreme end of the range represents primarily low 

volume locations or facilities serving specialized land uses. It is assumed that these types of facilities 

will exhibit similar seasonal patterns as the adjacent seasonal group. This assumption is applied by 

the following rules:

If SU/Total < 0.09 assign SU Group 1

If SU/Total ≥ 0.71 assign SU Group 3

If MU/Total < 0.29 assign MU Group 3

If MU/Total ≥ 0.92 assign MU Group 1

The NCDOT plans to install monitoring stations at the extreme ends of these distributions to develop 

a more complete understanding of truck travel and a comprehensive method for seasonal factoring 

of truck data.

G.8 AXLE LOAD DISTRIBUTION FACTOR INPUT

The sensitivity analysis showed that the flexible pavement models were sensitive to the Axle Load 

Distribution Factor (ALF) input. An analysis of the per vehicle truck weight data collected at WIM 

stations was required to develop Level 2 inputs. This involved performing of the following tasks:

1. Convert axle spacing and axle weight measurements into axle load data;

2. Generate ALF for each WIM station (Level 1 inputs);

3. Identify the ALF factors that most impact the pavement design process;

4. Perform a principal component analysis to eliminate outliers/aggregate load bins;

5. Perform a clustering analysis to identify groups of similar ALF patterns; and

6. Evaluate the characteristics of the groups to define a method for selecting ALF.

The ALF data is an input that influences the flexible pavement design process. The research team had 

two issues to consider that impacted the development process: 
G-11

 Quality Control of Axle Spacing/Weight Measurements – The QC method used was a rule based 

evaluation of individual measurements or a combination of measurements to eliminate illogical 

values. There are additional QC methods available that can be used to identify misclassified trucks 

based on axle weights. The NCDOT classifies vehicles based on the number of axles and their 

spacing. This is not an axle weight based algorithm. This algorithm is used in all devices that collect 

vehicle classification data, including portable classifiers and WIM stations. The basis for AADTT 

and VCD inputs for pavement design are counts collected with portable classifiers. The basis for 

the classifications in the ALF should be identical to those used for other classification based 

inputs. Although these are errors in the ALF classifications, they are measurements of valid 

loadings on the pavement. As long as the classification algorithms are identical for all inputs, the 

appropriate loadings will be generated by the models, even if applied through a different class of 

truck. Therefore, quality control of the axle weight data did not include validation of vehicle 

classification based on axle weights or validation of axle weights based on vehicle classification. 

 Damage Based Clustering – The research team advised that the ALF clusters would be more 

reliable if based on the relative level of pavement damage caused by each ALF input. This required 

identifying not only which axle types caused the most damage, but the weight ranges (load bins) 

for those axle types that accounted for the majority of the loads being applied. Once these critical 

inputs were identified, the clustering process was based on them to avoid influencing the results 

on non-essential or nominal ALF factors. The technique was developed in Step 3 of the ALF 

development process.

These decisions had a significant impact on the ALF development process. Without considering these 

issues and addressing them appropriately, the ALF factors generated would be less reliable and could 

require more expensive pavement designs to adjust for this limitation.

Step 1 – Convert WIM Data into Axle Load Data

This process required the identification of axle types from the axle spacing data and combining of axle 

weights when an axle type included two or more axles. Although the original MEPDG software 

includes a module to generate this data, the class algorithm used by the NCDOT is moderately 

different than the default values used in the module. The truck spacing/weight data was processed 

using the ASTM E 1572-93 methodology for identification of axle types from axle spacing data. 

However, the spacing thresholds were adjusted to reflect North Carolina’s classification algorithm. 

The spacing ranges applied are provided in Table G-4.
G-12

TABLE G-4 NORTH CAROLINA AXLE SPACINGS DEFINING AXLE TYPES FOR ASTM E 1572-93

Axle Spacing (inches)

Axle Count 24-39 40-96 97-150 118-192 193+

1 Single Single Single Single Single

2 Single-2 Tandem-2 2 Singles 2 Singles 2 Singles

3 Tandem-3 Tridem Tridem 2 or 3 confg.

4 Tandem-4 Tridem-4

a Quad-4 Quad to 288

5 Tandem-5 Tridem-5

a Quad-5 Quad to 384

6 Tridem-6

a Quad-6 Quad to 480

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

a Quad axle types takes precedence over these configurations for spans ≥ 118 inches.

Once an axle type is defined, the weight for that axle type is generated. Axle types with a single axle 

are assigned the weight of that axle. Axle types with 2 or more axles are assigned the sum of the 

individual axle weights. The process converts each weight record to an axle load record including 

vehicle classification and the individual axle types and their associated weights for all axle types 

identified for that truck. This process was applied to each WIM station separately to allow generation 

of station specific ALF.

Step 2 – Generate ALF for each WIM Station

The converted axle load data was used as input into this process. Each record in the axle load data 

was disaggregated by each individual axle type and then categorized by the weight range it falls in. 

The ALF are based on frequency distributions of axle types for each vehicle class stratified by weight 

ranges. The factors are the ratio of the number of an axle type occurring within an individual weight 

range to the total number of that axle type occurring in all weight ranges. Not all axle types occur in 

all truck classes (e.g. Class 5 has single axles only). This is dependent on the variety of axle 

configurations that occur within a vehicle class. A set of ALF was generated for each of the 44 WIM 

stations available.

Step 3 – Identify Critical ALF

The use of a multidimensional clustering technique was selected as it supports evaluation of multiple 

sets of data elements. The advantage of this technique is that the multiple sets of ALF used in 

generating loadings on a pavement are incorporated in the cluster analysis. The limitation of this 

technique is the complexity of working with so many data sets and the potential for influencing the 

results based on data that has high variability but contributes little to the design process. To reduce 

the potential for this, a method was developed to identify those ALF inputs critical to the design 

process. 

The method used involved quantifying the distribution of damage occurring during the design life of a 

pavement between the axle types used in the ALF. The researchers developed the Damage Factor 

metric that is the ratio of the fatigue damage caused by a particular axle type within a particular 

weight range (called a load bin) to the fatigue damage caused by an 18-kip Equivalent Single Axle 
G-13

Load. The Fatigue Cracking model was used to develop these factors as 90% of pavements in North 

Carolina are flexible pavements and this is the primary mode of failure experienced in North Carolina 

for this pavement type. The damage factors were developed for each WIM station and are unique to 

the conditions experienced at each station. The output generated from factoring the axle types/loads 

to ESALs provides the basis for making comparisons and developing an understanding of the critical 

ALF. The result of this process is provided in Figure G-6 which shows the contribution each axle type 

makes to total damage at each of the 44 WIM stations. 

FIGURE G-6 PERCENT DAMAGE BY AXLE TYPE AT NORTH CAROLINA WIM STATIONS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

It was determined that 98% of total damage is caused by Single and Tandem axle types. This 

characteristic allowed the exclusion of Tridem and Quad axle types from the clustering analysis. 

Additionally, the individual load bins for the Single and Tandem axle types were evaluated for two 

characteristics:

 Did the load bin include more than 1% of all loadings for that axle type?

 Did the load bin contribute more than 1% of all damage for that axle type?

If either of these conditions were met, the load bin was considered significant and retained for the 

cluster analysis. If neither of these conditions were met, the load bin was excluded. Table G-5 

specifies the load bins retained based on this evaluation.

TABLE G-5 LOAD BINS RETAINED FOR ALF CLUSTER ANALYSIS

Single Tandem Tridem Quad

3 KIPS-21 KIPS 6 KIPS-50 KIPS None None

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Single Tandem Tridem Quad

% of Damage

% Damage Caused by Each Axle Type
G-14

Step 4 – Analyze Principal Component

The analysis involved the evaluation of the ALF to determine principal components. This information 

was used as the basis for identifying WIM stations with ALF that were significantly different and were 

excluded as outliers. Two stations were identified as outliers and the remaining 42 WIM stations were 

used in the clustering analysis.

A second principal component analysis was performed to identify aggregations of load bins, within 

each axle type, that could be used in the clustering process to minimize the affect of variability in 

individual load bins. The results of this analysis are presented in Table G-6.

TABLE G-6 RESULTS OF THE PRINCIPAL COMPONENT ANALYSIS FOR SINGLE-TANDEM ALF

Principal Component Aggregated Load Bin Variance Cumulative Variance

1 Heavy Tandem (22-50 KIPS) 74.82 0.65

2 Light Tandem (6-20 KIPS) 24.10 0.86

3 Single (11-20 KIPS) 8.83 0.94

4 Single (6-10 KIPS) 5.59 0.99

5 Single (3 KIPS) 1.42 1.00

6 Single (4 KIPS) 0.15 1.00

7 Single (5 KIPS) 0.03 1.00

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Step 5 – Evaluate Cluster Analysis of ALF

A two dimensional clustering technique was used to evaluate the 44 WIM station ALF to identify 

stations with similar loading patterns. The analysis was based on the Single and Tandem axle types for 

the 7 aggregated load bins found to be significant.

 Statistic – ALF for Single and Tandem Axle Types for 7 Aggregated Load Bins;

 Technique – Two Dimensional Hierarchal Clustering; and

 Measure – Sum of Least Squares of the Difference in ALF by axle type/load bin.

This technique requires the calculation of the difference between the ALF for each of the 7 

aggregated load bins for a WIM site and the average value of all WIM sites for each load bin. This is 

done for all WIM stations in a cluster being considered. Each of those differences is squared and then 

summed to provide a single variability metric for the proposed cluster. This is done for all potential 

clusters in the step being evaluated and the cluster with the lowest value; representing the least 

amount of variability is the cluster identified for grouping for that step. This process is repeated until 

all WIM sites are grouped into a single cluster. Similar to the previous clustering analyses, the metric 

introduced by Mojena is the method used in identifying the appropriate number of clusters for the 

analysis.
G-15

The clustering analysis identified 4 clusters of WIM stations with similar ALF patterns. Figure G-7 

provides the average Single and Tandem ALF (plotted as single line) using the aggregated load bins for 

each of the 4 clusters for comparison. The average VCD for each of the clusters is provided in Figure 

G-8. This plot helps us to understand the patterns observed in Figure G-7. Observations based on 

these two figures include:

 The VCD for Cluster 1 exhibits a much higher proportion of SU trucks compared to MU trucks; this 

correlates with the higher frequency of the single axle load bins and a lower frequency in the 

tandem, especially the heavy tandem bin as compared to the other three clusters;

 The VCD for Clusters 2, 3, and 4 all have higher proportion of MU trucks than SU trucks; these 

proportions increase as you progress from Cluster 2 to 4; this correlates to the higher frequency in 

the tandem load bins; and

 The VCD for Cluster 4 has the highest proportion of MU trucks; this correlates with the highest 

proportion of heavier single and heavy tandem load bins.

FIGURE G-7 AVERAGE AGGREGATED SINGLE-TANDEM ALF FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL CLUSTERS

FIGURE G-8 AVERAGE VEHICLE CLASS DISTRIBUTION FOR TWO-DIMENSIONAL ALF CLUSTERS

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

S(3) S(4) S(5) S(6-10) S(11-21) T(6-20) T(22-50) Frequency %

ALF Cluster 1

ALF Cluster 2

ALF Cluster 3

ALF Cluster 4

Single Axles (Kips) Tandem Axles (Kips)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

VCD

ALF Cluster 1

ALF Cluster 2

ALF Cluster 3

ALF Cluster 4
G-16

It appears that as the proportion of MU trucks increases, the frequency in the heavier load bins 

increases also. This indicates that the type of facilities that serve long haul MU trucks well will 

experience the heaviest loading. Although this conclusion can be somewhat intuitive, it is validated 

by the results of the cluster analysis.

A plot of the average ALF for Single and Tandem axle types are provided in Figure G-9. These are the 

values used for input into the pavement design process. The average ALF for Tridem and Quad axle 

types were generated using the same WIM sites in each cluster to provide these inputs also.

FIGURE G-9 AVERAGE SINGLE AND TANDEM ALF FOR NORTH CAROLINA 

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

Step 6 – Develop Method for ALF Group Selection

The results of the analysis explained in the previous steps provide the axle loading inputs needed for 

the pavement design process. To use these resources effectively, the designer will need to select the 

ALF most suitable to the traffic anticipated to travel over the pavement being designed. The research 

team performed an evaluation of the characteristics of the WIM stations that comprise each cluster 

to identify attributes that may explain why they have similar loading patterns. The same attributes for 

the pavement design location could then be used as the basis for selecting the appropriate ALF. Some 

of the attributes evaluated included:

Quantitative – AADT, AADTT, VCD, SU%, MU%, Class 5%, Class 9%

Qualitative – Route Type, Route Category, Facility Type, Functional Classification, Geographic Region, 

Area Type 

There are some definitive quantitative measures that will determine specific ALF selections. These are 

based on the Class 5 and 9 percentages of total trucks calculated from the short term counts 

collected for a project. However, these statistics have overlap between two to three ALF groups in 

some ranges. In these cases, the designer will need to use a qualitative attribute, the route category, 

to select between the overlapping ALF. The route category types are Primary Arterial, Secondary 

Arterial, Collector, and Local routes. This is very similar to the Functional Classification attribute but is 

selected in the context of how a route will serve truck trips instead of total traffic. The designer must 

exercise some judgment when selecting the appropriate route category for a project. The ALF 

selection process is provided in Table G-7.

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 33 36 39 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48 54 60 66 72 78 Normalized Frequency

Average Single and Tandem ALF

ALF Cluster 1

ALF Cluster 2

ALF Cluster 3

ALF Cluster 4

Single Axles (Kips) Tandem Axles (Kips)
G-17

TABLE G-7 SELECTION CRITERIA FOR NORTH CAROLINA ALF

Parameter Route Category ALF

Project Route Location = WIM Route Location N/A WIM ALF

30 ≤ Class 5% < 54 and 4 ≤ Class 9% < 44 N/A ALF Group 1

3 ≤ Class 5% < 18 and 68 ≤ Class 9% < 85 N/A ALF Group 4

24 ≤ Class 5% < 37 and 44 ≤ Class 9% < 68 Primary Arterial ALF Group 4

Collector ALF Group 2

10 <= Class 5% < 24 and 44 <= Class 9% < 68 Primary Arterial ALF Group 4

Secondary Arterial ALF Group 3

Collector ALF Group 2

Source: North Carolina Department of Transportation.

If the data for Route Location, Class 5%, Class 9%, and Route Category for a project are not covered 

by the parameters specified in Table G-7, the designer should select the nearest match as the basis 

for selecting ALF. This could indicate a potential gap in the ALF data and the need to install a WIM 

monitoring station to provide the missing data.

G.9 SUMMARY

The study analyzed WIM data sets to generate appropriate traffic inputs for the MEPDG process. The 

methods used to generate North Carolina data are transferable to similar analyses. The elements 

considered critical to development of reliable traffic inputs for MEPDG include:

 Class Algorithms – Data collected using different technologies for traffic inputs should use the 

same class algorithm. This eliminates inconsistencies in the data that may result in a less reliable 

design process. 

 Quality Control of Data – All data collection processes will capture anomalous data sets. Agencies 

should have a well designed quality control process to trap anomalous data and identify when 

data should be excluded.

 Principal Component Analysis – It is critical to perform these type of analyses to determine what 

elements in a data set are critical and when individual data are not consistent with the data being 

analyzed and should be excluded. This step is critical to understanding how the data should be 

clustered.

 Clustering Methodology – The method selected should account for the statistics being generated 

and the component elements found to be critical. This process should be simplified when practical

without adversely affecting the results. This should make it easier to develop an understanding of 

the types of patterns captured in the groups and why those patterns occur.

 Selection Criteria – The results of the clustering analysis can’t be used without developing a 

method for selecting the appropriate clustered data set to be used as an input. Objective measures 

are preferred as this simplifies the selection process. Multiple criteria may be required to definitively 

select the appropriate input.
G-18

There are many decisions made during the analysis process. These should be made based on the 

intended use of the data and the characteristics of the data being evaluated. If the analyst exercises 

care, and solicits input from traffic and pavement design experts, a reliable set of traffic inputs for the 

MEPDG can be developed. 

G.10 REFERENCES

American Society for Testing and Materials. Standard Practice for Classifying Highway Vehicles from 

Known Axle Count and Spacing, ASTM E1572-93, 1994.

Stone J.R., Kim Y.R., List G. F., Rasdorf W., Jadoun F., Sayyady F., Ramachandran A., Development of 

Traffic Data Input Resources for the Mechanistic Empirical Pavement Design Process, NCDOT Report 

2008-11, 2011.

Traffic Monitoring Guide, FHWA, U.S. Department of Transportation, May 2001.

Contact Information

Kent L. Taylor

State Traffic Survey Engineer

Traffic Survey Group

Transportation Planning Branch – NCDOT

Office Telephone: (919) 771-2520

Cell Telephone: (919) 218-4049

Fax: (919) 773-2935

E-mail: kltaylor@ncdot.gov

Mailing Address:

Traffic Survey Group

1547 Mail Service Center

Raleigh, NC 27699-1547

Delivery Address:

750 N. Greenfield Parkway

Garner, NC 27529

Link to Final Report for NCDOT 2008-11

http://www.ncdot.org/doh/preconstruct/tpb/research/download/2008-11FinalReport.pdf
H-1

Appendix H. TRAFFIC DATA FOR PAVEMENT DESIGN

H.1 BACKGROUND

The goal of pavement design is to obtain a set of specific pavement construction parameters, such as 

types of construction material and construction methods; thickness of various courses, including 

base, structural layer; and a surface course to achieve pre-determined performance criteria. Traffic, 

climate, soil, and other geological data are typically used as inputs for pavement design. Traffic data 

shall cover the entire life expectancy, which is between the opening year and the last year of life 

expectancy (Figure H-1). The last year of life expectancy of pavement is often referred to as the 

design year.

FIGURE H-1 TEMPORAL DATA SEQUENCE

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

Traditionally, traffic impact on pavement design is through the concept of equivalent single-axle loads 

(ESAL). ESAL is the equivalent number of 18,000 lbf (pound force) single-axle loads that would 

produce the same amount of damage over the pavement design life. Traffic modeling and design 

traffic professionals project cumulative ESAL data from all vehicles for the entire pavement life 

expectancy. 

NCHRP Project 1-37A’s Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide enables a dynamic approach 

where pavement performance can be modeled with very specific traffic related parameters. The new 

process requires significant traffic data from demand forecasting professionals, which in turn 

necessitates significant field monitoring data. 

H.2 VEHICLE RELATED TERMINOLOGIES

The FHWA’s 13 vehicle category classification system relies on vehicle axle spacing to differentiate 

various vehicles. Vehicle data classified under this system are referred to as vehicle class information 

or data.

Vehicle axle configuration refers to the different axle configurations that a vehicle may have. Under 

each vehicle axle configuration, the weight on the axle/axles is called axle loading. Axle load reflects 

both the weight of a vehicle itself and the cargo it carries. 

H.3 TRAFFIC DATA ASSOCIATED WITH ESAL

To design pavement for a travel lane, AASHTO’s Guide for Design of Pavement of Structures offers the 

formula for traffic data as listed below.
H-2

TABLE H-1 TRAFFIC DATA SUMMARY

1 DL (lane splitting factor): traffic distribution among different lanes with the same travel 

direction by vehicle types

2 DD (directional factor): directional traffic split of a two way roads

3 AADT by vehicle types

4 AADT by axle weight by vehicle types

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

w18= DD × DL × W18

Where:

w18 is the ESAL for the design lane. W18 represents the ultimate traffic data needed for pavement 

design.

DD is the traffic directional factor for a two way roadway.

DL is a lane traffic splitting factor for a roadway having more than one lane in each direction.

W18 is cumulative two way ESAL projected for a roadway segment. 

H.3.1 W18 – CUMULATIVE TWO WAY EASL

The W18 is the cumulative dual directional ESAL covering the entire life expectancy. To compute W18, 

data on number of axles for various axle configurations under various axle loads is needed. While the 

number of axles for various axle configurations under various axle loads can be obtained from traffic 

projection professionals, axle load equivalence factors are to be obtained from AASHTO’s Guide 

Appendix D. 

H.3.2 ONE OF MANY POTENTIAL W18 COMPUTATION PROCEDURES

1. Obtain Column A, B, and C information from AASHTO’s Guide for Design of Pavement Structures 

Appendix D.

2. Fill out Column D with forecasted cumulative traffic measured in number of axles by axle load 

from traffic forecasting professionals.

3. Column E = Column C × Column D.

4. Summarize Column E to obtain the W18.
H-3

TABLE H-2 ESAL COMPUTATION ILLUSTRATION

A B C D E

AASHTO Guide Table Traffic Forecasting D × C

Axle Type Axle Loads (KIPS)

Axle Load 

Equivalence Factor

Cumulative 

Number of Axle ESALs

Single Axle

2.00 0.00 768,021 153.6

4.00 0.00 120,123,356 240,246.7

6.00 0.01 3,227,896,123 35,506,857.4

8.00 0.04 623,456,799 22,444,444.8

10.00 0.09 321,456,799 28,931,111.9

12.00 0.19 2,100,003 396,900.6

14.00 0.35 186,000,159 65,844,056.3

16.00 0.61 0 0.0

18.00 1.00 0 0.0

20.00 1.56 0 0.0

22.00 2.35 0 0.0

24.00 3.43 0 0.0

26.00 4.88 0 0.0

... 0 0.0

50.00 97.00 0 0.0

Tandem Axle

2.00 0.00 0 0.0

4.00 0.00 0 0.0

6.00 0.00 0 0.0

8.00 0.00 12,345,789 37,037.4

10.00 0.01 8,964,566 71,716.5

12.00 0.02 368,945 5,903.1

14.00 0.03 14,789 428.9

16.00 0.05 78,965,145 3,948,257.3

18.00 0.08 32,514,589 2,633,681.7

... 0 0.0

32.00 0.84 45,678,912 38,507,322.8

34.00 1.08 256,000 276,480.0

36.00 1.38 12,589,631 17,373,690.8

38.00 1.73 0 0.0
H-4

A B C D E

AASHTO Guide Table Traffic Forecasting D × C

Axle Type Axle Loads (KIPS)

Axle Load 

Equivalence Factor

Cumulative 

Number of Axle ESALs

40.00 2.15 4,781,265 10,279,719.8

42.00 2.64 3,612,987 9,538,285.7

... 0 0.0

68.00 22.40 0 0.0

70.00 25.60 0 0.0

... 0 0.0

86.00 66.00 14,569,124 961,562,184.0

88.00 73.40 1,256,789 92,248,312.6

90.00 81.50 345,789 28,181,803.5

Cumulative ESAL 1,289,846,791.7

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

H.4 TRAFFIC DATA ASSOCIATED WITH MECHANISTIC AND EMPIRICAL PAVEMENT DESIGN

NCHRP Project 1-37A’s Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide requires the extensive input of 

traffic data. The following are traffic data items required for the process:

1. Opening Year Two-Way Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic

Two-way annual average daily truck traffic (AADTT) (trucks are referred to as FHWA’s class 4 to 13 

vehicles) is needed for opening year condition. This data is used as the base for future growth 

projection. It is a projected traffic value done by a traffic forecasting professional.

2. Percent of Truck Traffic in Design Direction 

This value is the percentage of truck traffic in the design direction. Unless a roadway has an 

unbalanced travel for trucks, it should always be 50%.

3. Percent of Truck Traffic in Design Lane %

This is the percentage of truck traffic for the design lane. The design lane is typically the outside lane 

with a multilane highway (more than one lane in each travel direction). Trucks tend to operate away 

from the far inside lane, which is adjacent to the median or the center lane divide on a multilane 

roadway. 

4. Truck Monthly Adjustment Factor (TMAF)

The Truck Monthly Adjustment Factor reflects truck travel patterns throughout the year. There are 10 

truck types (FHWA vehicle class 4-13) that result 10 potential different temporal patterns over a 12 

month period. Mathematically the monthly adjustment factor for a given vehicle class and a given 

month is obtained by dividing the average monthly average daily truck traffic (MADTT) for the month 

by the summation of all the 12 month MADTTs and then multiplied by 12. There are a total of 120 

TMAFs [10 vehicle classes × 12 months = 120 individual TMAF]. 
H-5

The TMAF formula for vehicle class i and month k is TMAFik=[MADTTik/(∑(MADTT)i)] × 12.
H-6

TABLE H-3 ILLUSTRATION OF MAF COMPUTATION FROM MADTT

MADTT Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 8 Class 9 Class 10 Class 11 Class 12 Class 13

January 588 2,800 1,216 502 250 527 485 51 142 124

February 598 2,851 896 498 263 654 493 38 152 108

March 602 2,864 1,211 561 296 625 520 25 164 165

April 630 3,001 1,321 598 299 692 586 62 159 154

May 674 3,213 1,452 625 421 568 564 45 156 142

June 717 3,415 1,621 740 465 587 652 65 187 165

July 756 3,602 1,690 789 489 623 657 82 221 120

August 810 3,859 1,699 785 620 621 678 32 235 95

September 832 3,962 1,780 741 661 451 725 67 268 67

October 755 3,455 1,795 645 561 482 712 12 189 64

November 685 2,699 1,400 560 421 389 608 18 167 96

December 598 2,760 1,324 495 412 462 527 19 152 116

Total 8,245 38,481 17,405 7,539 5,158 6,681 7,207 516 2,192 1,416

TMAFij=MADTTij/[∑(MADTT)j] × 12 MAFij; MAFij is the monthly adjustment factor for month i and vehicle class j truck

MADTT Class 4 Class 5 Class 6 Class 7 Class 8 Class 9 Class 10 Class 11 Class 12 Class 13

January 0.86 0.87 0.84 0.80 0.58 0.95 0.81 1.19 0.78 1.05

February 0.87 0.89 0.62 0.79 0.61 1.17 0.82 0.88 0.83 0.92

March 0.88 0.89 0.83 0.89 0.69 1.12 0.87 0.58 0.90 1.40

April 0.92 0.94 0.91 0.95 0.70 1.24 0.98 1.44 0.87 1.31

May 0.98 1.00 1.00 0.99 0.98 1.02 0.94 1.05 0.85 1.20

June 1.04 1.06 1.12 1.18 1.08 1.05 1.09 1.51 1.02 1.40

July 1.10 1.12 1.17 1.26 1.14 1.12 1.09 1.91 1.21 1.02

August 1.18 1.20 1.17 1.25 1.44 1.12 1.13 0.74 1.29 0.81

September 1.21 1.24 1.23 1.18 1.54 0.81 1.21 1.56 1.47 0.57

October 1.10 1.08 1.24 1.03 1.31 0.87 1.19 0.28 1.03 0.54

November 1.00 0.84 0.97 0.89 0.98 0.70 1.01 0.42 0.91 0.81

December 0.87 0.86 0.91 0.79 0.96 0.83 0.88 0.44 0.83 0.98

Total 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00 12.00

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
H-7

5. Vehicle Class Distribution

Vehicle class distribution (VCD) refers to AADTT distribution among the 10 vehicle types (FHWA’s 4 to 

13 vehicle class). The percentage data are computed directly from vehicle classification data. There 

are 12 of such VCDs.

TABLE H-4 VEHICLE CLASS DISTRIBUTION COMPUTATION ILLUSTRATION

Class 

4

Class 

5

Class 

6

Class 

7

Class 

8

Class 

9

Class 

10

Class 

11

Class 

12

Class 

13 Total

AADTT 235 654 961 1,620 1,240 654 598 103 1,245 4,621 11,931

% 2.0 5.5 8.1 13.6 10.4 5.5 5.0 0.9 10.4 38.7 100.0

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

VCDj=AADTTj/∑(AADTT)j; VCDj is the truck distribution factor for vehicle class j truck 

6. Truck Hourly Distribution Factor (THDF)

Truck hourly distribution factor refers to the percentage of hourly AADTT among a 24 hour period 

starting at midnight. There are 24 THDFs.

TABLE H-5 TRUCK HOURLY DISTRIBUTION FACTOR COMPUTATION ILLUSTRATION

Start Time End Time

Hourly Distribution

Hourly-AADTT %

00:00 01:00 8 0.6

01:00 02:00 9 0.7

02:00 03:00 12 0.9

03:00 04:00 16 1.3

04:00 05:00 25 2.0

05:00 06:00 36 2.8

06:00 07:00 45 3.5

07:00 08:00 68 5.3

08:00 09:00 78 6.1

09:00 10:00 76 5.9

10:00 11:00 78 6.1

11:00 12:00 82 6.4
H-8

Start Time End Time

Hourly Distribution

Hourly-AADTT %

12:00 13:00 98 7.7

13:00 14:00 98 7.7

14:00 15:00 86 6.7

15:00 16:00 88 6.9

16:00 17:00 74 5.8

17:00 18:00 78 6.1

18:00 19:00 64 5.0

19:00 20:00 52 4.1

20:00 21:00 54 4.2

21:00 22:00 26 2.0

22:00 23:00 18 1.4

23:00 24:00 10 0.8

Total 1,279 100.0

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

THDF%h=AADTTh/(AADTT); THDF%h is the truck distribution hourly factor for the hth hour of the day

7. Axle Load Factor

FHWA vehicles in class 4 to 13 can have a variety of axle configurations, including single axle, tandem 

axle, tridem axle, and quad axle. For a given vehicle class and axle configuration, axle weight varies 

depending on vehicle load. Axle Load Factor (ALF) is to capture that information in terms of 

distributions of vehicles based on axle weight under a given vehicle class and axle configuration for a 

given month. This is one of the most demanding data sets. Mathematically, the ALF is the percentage 

of a given axle load among all axle loads under a given vehicle axle configuration.

7a. Single Axle Configuration Axle Load Factor

There are 39 axle weight groups for single axle configuration vehicles. The axle weight group ranges 

from 3,000 lbs. to 41,000 lbs. with increments of 1,000 lbs. The computation of the axle load factor 

data is based on MADT for a particular vehicle class and axle weight group.
H-9

TABLE H-6 ILLUSTRATION OF SINGLE AXLE LOAD FACTORS FOR JANUARY, FEBRUARY AND DECEMBER

Month January January January January January January January January January January February February December

Vehicle Class 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 13

Axle Weight (lbs) 3,000 1.8 10.05 2.47 2.14 11.65 1.74 3.64 3.55 6.68 8.88 1.8 10.03 8.88

4,000 0.96 13.21 1.78 0.55 5.37 1.37 1.24 2.91 2.29 2.67 0.96 13.21 2.67

5,000 2.91 16.42 3.45 2.42 7.84 2.84 2.36 5.19 4.87 3.81 2.91 16.41 3.81

6,000 3.99 10.61 3.95 2.7 6.99 3.53 3.38 5.27 5.86 5.23 3.99 10.61 5.23

7,000 6.8 9.22 6.7 3.21 7.99 4.93 5.18 6.32 5.97 6.03 6.8 9.24 6.03

8,000 11.47 8.27 8.45 5.81 9.63 8.43 8.35 6.98 8.86 8.1 11.47 8.27 8.1

9,000 11.3 7.12 11.85 5.26 9.93 13.67 13.85 8.08 9.58 8.35 11.31 7.12 8.35

10,000 10.97 5.85 13.57 7.39 8.51 17.68 17.35 9.68 9.94 10.69 10.97 5.85 10.69

11,000 9.88 4.53 12.13 6.85 6.47 16.71 16.21 8.55 8.59 10.69 9.88 4.54 10.69

12,000 8.54 3.46 9.48 7.42 5.19 11.57 10.27 7.29 7.11 11.11 8.54 3.46 11.11

13,000 7.33 2.56 6.83 8.99 3.99 6.09 6.52 7.16 5.87 7.32 7.32 2.56 7.32

14,000 5.55 1.92 5.05 8.15 3.38 3.52 3.94 5.65 6.61 3.78 5.55 1.92 3.78

15,000 4.23 1.54 3.74 7.77 2.73 1.91 2.33 4.77 4.55 3.1 4.23 1.54 3.1

16,000 3.11 1.19 2.66 6.84 2.19 1.55 1.57 4.35 3.63 2.58 3.11 1.19 2.58

17,000 2.54 0.9 1.92 5.67 1.83 1.1 1.07 3.56 2.56 1.52 2.54 0.9 1.52

18,000 1.98 0.68 1.43 4.63 1.53 0.88 0.71 3.02 2 1.32 1.98 0.68 1.32

19,000 1.53 0.52 1.07 3.5 1.16 0.73 0.53 2.06 1.54 1 1.53 0.52 1

20,000 1.19 0.4 0.82 2.64 0.97 0.53 0.32 1.63 0.98 0.83 1.19 0.4 0.83

21,000 1.16 0.31 0.64 1.9 0.61 0.38 0.29 1.27 0.71 0.64 1.16 0.31 0.64
H-10

Month January January January January January January January January January January February February December

Vehicle Class 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 13

22,000 0.66 0.31 0.49 1.31 0.55 0.25 0.19 0.76 0.51 0.38 0.66 0.31 0.38

23,000 0.56 0.18 0.38 0.97 0.36 0.17 0.15 0.59 0.29 0.52 0.56 0.18 0.52

24,000 0.37 0.14 0.26 0.67 0.26 0.13 0.17 0.41 0.27 0.22 0.37 0.14 0.22

25,000 0.31 0.15 0.24 0.43 0.19 0.08 0.09 0.25 0.19 0.13 0.31 0.15 0.13

26,000 0.18 0.12 0.13 1.18 0.16 0.06 0.05 0.14 0.15 0.26 0.18 0.12 0.26

27,000 0.18 0.08 0.13 0.26 0.11 0.04 0.03 0.21 0.12 0.28 0.18 0.08 0.28

28,000 0.14 0.05 0.08 0.17 0.08 0.03 0.02 0.07 0.08 0.12 0.14 0.05 0.12

29,000 0.08 0.05 0.08 0.17 0.05 0.02 0.03 0.09 0.09 0.13 0.08 0.05 0.13

30,000 0.05 0.02 0.05 0.08 0.04 0.01 0.02 0.06 0.02 0.05 0.05 0.02 0.05

31,000 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.72 0.04 0.01 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.05 0.04 0.02 0.05

32,000 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.06 0.12 0.01 0.01 0.04 0.01 0.08 0.04 0.02 0.08

33,000 0.04 0.02 0.03 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.06 0.04 0.02 0.06

34,000 0.03 0.02 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.01 0.01 0 0.01 0.02 0.03 0.02 0.02

35,000 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.02 0 0.01 0 0 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01

36,000 0.02 0.02 0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0 0 0 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.01

37,000 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

38,000 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0 0 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01 0.01

39,000 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0 0.01

40,000 0.01 0 0.01 0.01 0 0 0.04 0.02 0 0 0.01 0 0

41,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
H-11

Month January January January January January January January January January January February February December

Vehicle Class 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 13

% of Total 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
H-12

H.4.2 7B. TANDEM, 7C. TRIDEM, AND 7D. QUAD AXLE VEHICLES

For tandem axle vehicles, the axle weight group starts at 6,000 lbs. and ends at 82,000, lbs. with 

increments of 2,000 lbs. For both tridem and quad axle vehicles, the axle weight group start at 12,000 

lbs. and ends at 102,000 lbs. with increments of 3,000 lbs.

8. Number of Axle Types per Truck Class

The number of axles per vehicle class for a given axle configuration is an annual average number of 

axles per vehicle category (per vehicle class and vehicle axle configuration).

TABLE H-7 AVERAGE NUMBER OF AXLES

Single Axle Tandem Tridem Quad

Class 4 1.62 0.39 0

Class 5 2 0 0

Class 6 1.02 0.99 0

Class 7 1 0.26 0.83

Class 8 2.38 0.67 0

Class 9 1.13 1.93 0

Class 10 1.19 1.09 0.89

Class 11 4.29 0.26 0.06

Class 12 3.52 1.14 0.06

Class 13 2.15 2.13 0.35

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

9. Axle Spacing

Axle spacing data are only applicable to tandem, tridem, and quad vehicles in the sense for pavement 

design concepts discussed here. It is the distance between two consecutive tandem, tridem, and 

quad axles. 

10. Average Axle Width

The distance between the two outside edges of an axle is defined as axle width.

11. Wheelbase

The distance between the steering and the first device axle of a tractor or a heavy single unit. This 

definition is only applicable to the pavement design concept discussed here.
H-13

TABLE H-8 TRAFFIC DATA SUMMARY

Date 

Item # Date Item Name # of Data Points Frequency Foundation Data Data Dimension

1 Annual Average 

Daily Truck Traffic

1 Annually AADTT By sum of all trucks

2 % of Truck Traffic 

in Design Direction

1 Annually AADTT By sum of all trucks and 

travel direction

3 % of Truck 

Traffic in Design Lane

1 Annually AADTT By sum of all trucks, travel 

direction, and travel lane

4 Truck Monthly 

Adjustment Factor

120 Monthly MADTT MADTT by truck class for 

each month in a year

5 Truck Classification 12 Annually AADTT AADTT by truck class

6 Truck Hourly 

Distribution

24 Annually AADTT AADTT by sum of all trucks 

by hour of the day

7 Axle Load Factor –

Single Axle

4680 Monthly MADTT MADTT by truck class, axle 

configuration, and axle 

weight group

Axle Load Factor –

Tandem

4680 Monthly MADTT MADTT by truck class, axle 

configuration, and axle 

weight group

Axle Load Factor –

Tridem

3720 Monthly MADTT MADTT by truck class, axle 

configuration, and axle 

weight group

Axle Load factor –

Quad

3720 Monthly MADTT MADTT by truck class, axle 

configuration, and axle 

weight group

8 Number of Axles 40 Annually AADTT AADTT by truck class and 

axle configuration

9 Axle Spacing-tandem, 

tridem, and quad

3 Annually AADTT AADTT by axle 

configuration

10 Wheelbase 3 Annually AADTT AADTT by wheelbase

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

H.5 SUMMARY

Traffic data is one of the most critical elements in pavement design. Even though all traffic data used 

in pavement design reflects future traffic conditions, traffic monitoring programs and traffic 

monitoring data provide the needed ground truth in the projection processes including, but not 

limited to, establishing historical trend and model calibration and validation. 
I-1

Appendix I. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q.1 – When I compute a weekday factor, should I include Mondays in the weekday? 

Should I include Fridays?

There is no definite answer. The decision must be made by each organization. Traffic patterns vary 

from site to site. In most urban cases, Monday traffic volumes are fairly similar to Tuesdays, 

Wednesday, and Thursdays. Fridays, however, tend to have lower morning volumes and slightly 

higher afternoon volumes than the other weekdays. In rural recreational areas, Mondays, like Fridays, 

can have substantially different volumes than the other weekdays. In other rural areas, Monday 

volumes tend to be similar to Tuesday through Thursday volumes. The procedures recommended in 

the TMG produce adequate estimates of AADT regardless of whether these days are included or 

excluded.

Q.2 – Should I compute factors for days that run from midnight-to-midnight or 

from noon-to-noon?

The answer to this question depends on the data that analysts will be factoring. If counts are 

routinely taken from noon-to-noon, then computation of the factors using noon-to-noon days is 

appropriate. If the days from short duration counts are always based on midnight start times (that is, 

the earliest hours of the data collection period are essentially discarded), then the days used in the 

factor computation should be based on calendar days. Analysis has shown that the use of either 

alternative has little impact on the AADT estimates.

Q.3 – Should I use data from this year, last year, or a combination of several years 

to compute factors for short counts taken this year?

The best factoring results are obtained if the factors being applied are for the same year as the short 

duration counts being factored. That is, a short count taken in 2000 should be factored with 

continuous count data from 2000. This is done because significant events affecting the ratio of a short 

duration count to annual travel this year (e.g., a big snow storm) are accounted for in this year’s 

continuous count data. They were not present in last year’s continuous count data.

The drawback to using current year data for the factors is that computation must wait until the end of 

the year. States often wish to use AADT estimates from short counts taken during the current year 

before the end of the current year. One alternative is to create and use a temporary factor until the 

calendar year is complete. This factor is computed with the data from the previous 12 months. The 

temporary factor would be used until the final factors are computed. This final value would then be 

maintained as the annual estimate.

Another alternate is to use more than one year of data to compute seasonal factors. However, this 

technique does not account for annual conditions that affect traffic when it is applied to short 

duration counts that are from a different year. 

Perhaps the simplest solution is to use the available AADT figure until a new one based on the current 

year factors is computed. Factors based on current year data are recommended. 

Q. 4 – How do I assign short counts taken in rural areas that are affected by urban 

traffic? Are they urban counts or rural counts?

There is no simple solution to this problem. These locations tend to have unique day-of-week 

patterns that reflect typical urban patterns on the weekdays, but rural patterns on weekends. 

Similarly, seasonal variation tends to be partway between the flat pattern found in most urban 

settings and the more varied peak patterns often found in rural areas. This occurs with commuter 
I-2

routes where the urban pattern extends outside the urban boundary. In most cases analyst judgment 

is the answer.

One alternative is to take longer short duration counts. A week-long count will provide the data 

needed to account for the day-of-week variation without factors. The factor application then only has 

to adjust for the seasonal component. Another solution may be to install a continuous counter for 

that route. Another may be to apply the appropriate factors outside the group boundaries as a 

special case.

Q.5 – How many continuous counts should be in a factor group?

There is no single answer to this question. Statistics and the desire to have factors that yield annual 

AADT estimates with +10 percent accuracy with 95 percent confidence tend to require a factor group 

size of five to eight counters. A minimum of two counters is required to compute a standard deviation 

of the average factors that become the group factors. The standard deviation is used to estimate the 

reliability of the group factors. Recreational or special groups often have only a single continuous 

counter. Many States prefer to have additional counters to compensate for downtime and missing 

data problems.

Q. 6 – Can continuous counters be used to accurately track vehicle distance 

traveled (VDT)?

Continuous counters track traffic at a point. Depending on the site, this can be expanded to a section 

or route. It is rarely practical to track area wide travel with continuous counters. Few agencies have 

the large number of continuous counters required to provide statistical reliability to the area wide 

travel estimates. In most cases, agencies use a limited number of continuous count locations to 

provide traffic trends at a limited number of sites. Individual road volumes are dramatically affected 

by local changes in land use and economic activity. The use of a small number of continuous count 

locations can result in highly biased VDT calculations. The FHWA uses the continuous count data 

reported monthly to the travel volume trends (TVT) system combined with the annual HPMS VDT 

estimates to track changes in monthly travel. A similar approach could be applied statewide for States 

with sufficient number of continuous counters.

Q.7 – How do I define a road segment for traffic counting?

A road segment for traffic counting is a section of road with homogeneous volume (i.e., the traffic 

volume does not change throughout the segment). Many State traffic programs divide their systems 

into traffic segments and physically count each segment to provide complete system coverage. Traffic 

volume is constantly changing and a perfect segment definition is not possible. For access-controlled 

systems, a definition between interchanges is the simplest. For non-controlled systems, the TMG

recommends keeping a single segment until volume changes of plus or minus 10 percent are 

identified, at which point a new segment should be created. 

Q.8 – How many vehicle classifications should I collect data for?

There is no simple answer to this question. In most cases, when using portable vehicle classification 

equipment, FHWA’s 13 vehicle category classification system (Appendix C) have become the 

standard. However, it is certainly appropriate to further sub-divide these classifications to provide 

data on specific vehicles of interest. For example, Oregon DOT collects data on the use of triple trailer 

vehicles. This classification is a sub-set of class 13 (multi-trailer vehicles). Thus for their own purposes, 

these vehicles are a specific class of trucks. When Oregon reports data to the FHWA, the triple trailer 

class vehicles are simply combined with the other multi-trailer vehicles measured, and the total is 

reported as the volume in FHWA class 13. Permanent axle classifiers and WIM scales should also 

collect the FHWA 13 vehicle classes. 

On many roadways, it is not possible to place axle sensors so that they accurately collect the 13 

FHWA vehicle categories. However, it is possible to use two inductance loops or magnetic units to 
I-3

differentiate vehicles by total length. Four vehicle classes are recommended when collecting data in 

this fashion. These classes should reflect cars (and pick-up trucks), single-unit trucks, single-trailer 

combination trucks, and multi-trailer trucks. In some States, the multi-trailer truck category may be 

unnecessary, and these trucks can be incorporated into the combination category because there are 

few multi-trailer trucks. As the truck fleets and truck size and weight laws change, States not 

collecting data on these vehicles may have to revise their data collection process to collect the data. 

While use of the simplified vehicle classes does not meet the desired level of reporting for many 

purposes, collecting data in the simplified categories is far better than collecting no vehicle 

classification data at all, and it allows monitoring the presence of trucks in urban traffic.

Q.9 – How many permanent, continuously operating vehicle classifiers should my 

State install and maintain? 

A reasonable answer to this question cannot be given without first understanding how the State 

proposes to factor short duration vehicle classification counts. If a traditional factoring approach is 

selected (i.e., something similar to the continuous count program operated by almost all States), then 

as many continuous classifiers as continuous counters should be operated. If the State chooses a 

classification count factoring approach that measures and applies road-specific factors, the number 

of counters required will increase significantly.

Q.10 – How many portable classification counts should my State undertake?

There are many factors to consider in the answer. As a rule of thumb, 25 to 30 percent of volume 

counts should be classified. In general, each State should undertake a vehicle classification count at 

least once every counting cycle that can be applied to each road segment under its control. This does 

not mean that each road segment should be counted. Instead, super segments consisting of 

combined roadway volume segments should be counted. Each super segment should be relatively 

homogeneous for truck traffic along its length. Each super segment should be counted at the same 

interval used by the State for collecting volume counts. Annual truck travel estimates can be derived 

from the counts. The annualized truck percentages can then be converted to estimates of truck travel 

for the entire super segment.

Q.11 – How can my State collect classification data in urban areas?

Traditional vehicle classifiers have difficulties operating accurately in urban areas because vehicle 

acceleration/deceleration makes speed and length calculations inaccurate, and because closely 

following vehicles result in misclassification of cars as trucks. On freeways, careful placement and 

calibration of either video or loop based classification equipment can produce accurate truck volume 

counts. To date, no inexpensive classifier is available that works accurately under stop-and-go arterial 

conditions. 

For higher systems, permanent classifiers using loops or video may be the only alternative. On lower 

systems, there are locations where axle or magnetic (length) portable classifiers will work. In many 

cases, visual counts may be the last resort.

Q.12 – How do I define a vehicle classification road segment?

In simple terms, a traffic road segment is a section of roadway that has similar (or homogeneous) 

volume or classification characteristics. The difficulty comes from the fact that a homogeneous 

segment for traffic volume may not be a homogeneous segment for other purposes such as 

classification or pavement design purposes. For example, the road may change from asphalt concrete 

to Portland cement concrete even though the volumes being carried on that road do not change 

appreciably. When developing a count program for vehicle classification, it may be necessary to 

create classification roadway segments where truck volumes do not change significantly. A single 

classification count taken within a properly defined super segment provides the classification data for 

all segments within that super segment. The use of these super segments reduces the number of 
I-4

physical classification counts needed to provide adequate roadway coverage for truck volume 

information.

Q.13 – What vehicle lengths should I use for vehicle classification?

Analysis of available data indicated that no single set of vehicle lengths worked best for all States, as 

vehicle characteristics vary from State to State. As of November 2012, the vehicle length classification 

system that worked the best on combined data from all States is shown in Table I-1.

TABLE I-1 LENGTH BASED CLASSIFICATION BOUNDARIES

Primary Description of 

Vehicles Included in the 

Class

Lower Length Bound

>

Upper Length Bound

< or =

Passenger vehicles (PV) 0 m (0 ft) 3.96 m (13 ft)

Single unit vehicles (SU) 3.96 m (13 ft) 10.67 m (35 ft)

Combination vehicles (CU) 10.67 m (35 ft) 18.59 m (61 ft)

Multi-trailer vehicles (MU) 18.59 m (61 ft) 36.58 m (120 ft)

Source: Federal Highway Administration.

These criteria did an acceptable job of classifying vehicles into the four general categories. 

Considerable error was found in how well the length bins (and the corresponding classification 

results) performed when estimating aggregations of the FHWA 13 vehicle category classification 

system. A classifier can accurately measure vehicle length (for example as 34 feet for a given small 

vehicle combination), place that count in the correct length bin (in this example, the bin from 13 to 

35 feet), but incorrectly classify that vehicle (in this case calling a small combination vehicle a single 

unit). 

Table I-2 shows the errors associated with using vehicle lengths to estimate the four vehicle 

categories shown in Table I-1 when using the vehicle length boundaries shown in that table.

TABLE I-2 MISCLASSIFICATION ERRORS CAUSED BY USING ONLY TOTAL VEHICLES LENGTH AS 

THE CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA

Classification Based on Total Vehicle Length

Classification Based 

on Configuration and

Number of Axles

PV SU CU MU

SU 17.7% 81.9% 0.4% 0%

CU 0% 1.8% 84.2% 14.0%

MU 0% 0.1% 20.8% 79.1%

Source: Federal Highway Administration.
I-5

Many States will be able to improve on these results by fine-tuning the length spacing boundaries to 

account for the characteristics of their trucking fleets. However, no amount of fine-tuning will lead to 

a perfect length classification system (where perfection is defined as the ability to use overall vehicle 

length to classify vehicles based on the number of units they include or the number of axles they 

use). This is because total vehicle length is not a consistent indicator of vehicle class as defined by 

these attributes. Consequently, highway agencies should be aware of the size and type of 

misclassification error that exists, and set their length boundaries to minimize error.

States should not abandon the axle based vehicle classification system. Data for all pavement designs 

are still based on FHWA’s 13 category vehicle classification system, which is an axle system.

Q.14 – Should WIM data be collected only on smooth and flat pavements? 

WIM data is needed to address pavement design and other uses involving all types of pavement. Data 

collection mechanisms that provide quality data are needed under all conditions. Indeed, the 

dynamic forces that vehicles apply to the pavement may increase as the quality of the pavement 

decreases. Research and equipment activities under the auspices of the traffic monitoring program 

should continue under a variety of roadway conditions. However, under current equipment 

constraints, the collection of WIM data based on calibrated equipment and comparable to static 

weight data may only be possible on smooth and flat pavement. The TMG emphasizes the collection 

of quality WIM data at permanent installations in flat and smooth pavement to insure the quality and 

veracity of the resulting WIM data. The limited WIM data at these sites is then expanded based on 

specific road groups and detailed classification data to apply WIM estimates to the complete roadway 

system. Extended information on these issues is available from ASTM or the LTPP program.

Q.15 – What type of information does the traffic volume trends (TVT) reports have? 

TVT reports vehicle miles traveled (VMT) on all U.S. public roads on a monthly basis. VMT change 

rates are also reported. The geography is done by individual State.

Q.16 – When is the monthly TVT report published? 

The TVT report is published within 60 days after the close of the given month. A copy of the report 

can be obtained at: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/tvtpage.cfm.

Q.17 – Can you notify me when a new TVT report is posted on your website? 

To subscribe the TVT, please visit the following website, select the eSubscribe button and then follow 

the instruction provided.

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm. 

Q.18 – Where did the FHWA get the traffic data used in TVT? 

The TVT report is based on traffic data from the Highway Performance Monitoring System and on 

data submitted to the FHWA by State highway agencies throughout the entire U.S. The State highway 

agencies collect the data through continuous counters on public roadways.

Q.19 – When should State highway agencies submit their continuous count data 

to FHWA?

Monthly continuous count data should be submitted to the FHWA within 20 days after the closing of 

the month. For example, the January 2013 data should be submitted to FHWA no later than 

February 20, 2013.

Q.20 – How does the FHWA compute VMT for a missing State in the TVT report?

In the event that a State does not have a traffic counter on a given functional classification of 
I-6

roadway, the TVT procedure is to estimate the missing value(s) from other functional classes from the 

same State. If the State does not have any valid values, the average value from the surrounding 

States for the same roadway functional class is used. If no surrounding State data is available, 

National average(s) are used.

Q.21 – What is TMAS and how do I get access to it?

The Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS) provides online data-submitting capabilities to State 

traffic offices to submit data to FHWA. Access to TMAS is obtained through the FHWA Division office 

in the individual State. This link provides contact information to all the Division offices: 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/field.html#fieldsites.

Q.22 – How many permanent and portable traffic counting sites should a given 

State have? 

A State should have 5 to 8 permanent sites for each grouping of functional classified roadway. 

Q.23 – How is TVT done each month?

The Traffic Volume Trends (TVT) report is published monthly by the Federal Highway Administration 

(FHWA). The report estimates the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) by State and several functional classes 

of roads. The estimates are based on two sources of data:

 The Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS); and

 Monthly traffic counts from continuous counters. 

The HPMS compiles data from the States annually concerning the condition and performance of all 

roads in the United States. HPMS includes the annual average daily traffic (AADT) by road segment. 

When these AADTs are multiplied by the length of each road segment and summed for all road 

segments and days of the year, they yield the annual VMT.

The States submit to FHWA traffic counts from their continuous counters each month. These 

continuous counters are permanent traffic counting devices such as inductive loops in the roadway. 

There are about 4,000 continuous counts that are reported to FHWA each month.

Continuous count data is submitted and processed using the Travel Monitoring Analysis System 

(TMAS). The FHWA runs quality control checks on all data received. Only data passing the checks are 

used for the TVT report.

Monthly average daily traffic (MADT) is computed from the continuous counts. Each MADT is 

compared with the MADT for the same month the previous year to yield a change rate. The change 

rates are averaged by functional class of road. If a State does not provide traffic data in time, their 

change rates are estimated from the surrounding States.

TVT estimates monthly VMT by combining the change rates for each month with the most recent 

annual VMT from HPMS. The TVT report is available to the public within 60 days after the close of the 

month. Data that covers a minimum of 30 States and 70% of the VMT is required for publication. The 

next month’s TVT report will include an update that covers more data.

The December TVT provides the first estimate of annual VMT for performance measures such as 

crash rates. When the annual HPMS data is available, they will supersede the total VMT from TVT.

Q.24 – What is a K-Factor?

The K-factor is the proportion of AADT occurring in the analysis hour. It is the ratio of analysis hour to 

annual average daily traffic. For example, the peak proportionality K-factor is the ration of peak hour 

to annual average daily traffic. By applying the peak hour proportionality K-factor to an AADT, design 

hour volume can be estimated. Other K-factors include the K30, which is the 30th highest peak hour 

divided by the annual average daily traffic (K100 is the 100th).
I-7

Q.25 – How should K-factor data be developed for HPMS reporting purposes?

The most accurate way to do this is to have a continuous count station on every HPMS sample 

section. This is very unlikely because of the amount of money and staff needed to maintain and 

operate that type of system. However, every sample section should have K-factor data coded, and an 

estimate should be provided for sections without a direct measurement; zero coding is not an option 

for this data item.

Q.26 – How are States developing estimates of K-factors on sample sections 

without continuous count stations?

States are using a variety of methods to develop K-factor estimates. In general, we encourage the 

States to use the same procedures for HPMS sample sections that are used to estimate K-factors for 

project level engineering and design decisions.

Q.27 – What are some of the common estimating methods used by the States?

There are a number of estimating methods in use, including use of:

 K-factors computed for a continuous count site for samples having similar road type and traffic 

characteristics; 

 The highest hourly volume from 48 hour short counts for the sample section as a percent of the 

AADT; 

 The peak hour volume from short term counts for the sample section as a percent of AADT. States 

may use either one direction or combined directions to determine the peak hour; 

 Available project level information for the sample section, or for a nearby section with similar 

physical and traffic characteristics. Information from turning movement, volume, and/or 

classification counts may be used to estimate a peak hour volume as a percent of AADT; and

 Default values that adequately represent typical or average values by functional class and State 

sub-region or urbanized area. The use of average statewide values by functional class should only 

be used as an interim procedure until site-specific traffic monitoring data is available. 

Q.28 – What other methods are being investigated by the States?

There are a number of estimating methods being used by States that are not common practice and 

that may require further investigation for applicability to other States. These include use of: 

 Default values, such as functional class versus AADT, determined from a regression analysis of 

computed K-factors at continuous count stations. This may be useful for rural States and for low 

traffic volume locations.

 An average K-factor developed from continuous count data on a specific route or functional class 

for an individual urbanized area or a group of urbanized areas (grouped only for analyzing traffic 

data). Travel characteristics of the HPMS sample location and the continuous counts averaged 

should be similar in terms of number of lanes, percent trucks, and peak direction. This may be 

more accurate than short term counts because the daily variability is eliminated.

 Average highest hour volume from short term counts as a percent of the AADT at locations 

grouped by number of lanes actually monitored and by one or both directions (i.e., eight lanes 

monitored in two directions are grouped to develop an average K-factor for that group). All travel 

lanes may not be monitored in multi-lane high volume locations with traffic surveillance strategies 

in place. This may be appropriate for urban, high volume, or multi-lane locations.

Q.29 – Does FHWA endorse any particular estimation method?

No. States should use K-factors from site-specific traffic monitoring data to the greatest extent 

possible. Any estimating procedures should make best use of the available information and sound 
I-8

traffic engineering judgment. In addition, they should be validated through the execution of a 

periodic test program that assesses the quality of the relationship between the estimate and factors 

computed from measured values. FHWA does not support the use of statewide values by functional 

class.

Q.30 – How should percent truck data be reported for HPMS sample sections where 

there is not site-specific data available?

Every sample section should include associated truck percentage data; zero should only be associated 

with a site if there is no truck traffic on the section or if the percentage of trucks is less than one-half 

of one percent (result of rounding to nearest whole percent). Zero should not be associated with the 

site if the percent of trucks is unknown; an estimate of the value should be used instead. Associating 

truck percentage data with sites where only sections that have actual measured value results in too 

many sample sections with zero trucks; since the HPMS uses a single expansion factor for all 

variables, this practice distorts the information resulting from the expanded sample. In other words,

having too many zero truck percentages will result in a lack of valuable information.

Where States are collecting data that results in rounded percentage of truck values of zero, a note in 

the submittal comment file is appropriate. This may be the case on high volume routes, especially in 

urban areas, where the volume of trucks may be significant but their percent of total AADT is 

insignificant.

The preferred way to eliminate this problem over time is to upgrade equipment used for short count 

purposes to counters that also provide vehicle classification information. Used where needed for 

short counts on HPMS sample sections, they will permit reporting measured values.

When it is necessary to use an estimate, the State should determine the best way to estimate 

percentages of trucks based on the information available. The most credible method is to assign 

known site-specific values to other samples that are located on the same route. Other methods 

include assigning known site-specific values to other samples that are located on similar facilities with 

similar traffic characteristics that are located in the same geographical area and are in the same 

volume group; or, assigning known site-specific values to other samples that are in the same 

functional class and are located in the same area type (rural, small urban, urbanized) with similar 

travel characteristics. Average statewide values calculated by functional class should not be used.

Supplemental methods and sources may be particularly useful in urban areas; some of these include 

turning movement studies, origin and destination studies, license plate surveys, design estimates and 

projections, and MPO/municipal data obtained for other purposes. Short-term visual observation of 

truck travel on a sample section can also be of help in developing an estimate. The HPMS analyst 

should enlist the assistance of the State traffic engineering or traffic operations unit in developing 

percentage of trucks estimates.

The percentage of average daily trucks should be reported as an annualized value. This is consistent 

with the new TMG that has as a goal of traffic monitoring programs the ability to adjust short-term 

truck data to represent truck AADT. Until States are able to estimate truck AADT values, percent truck 

data that best represents average conditions should be reported.

The percentage of peak trucks should be reported as the proportion of trucks in the traffic stream 

during the hour or period of peak total traffic flow on the sample section.

These questions do not have one specific answer and will require input from the States and FHWA for 

a general response to each question.

Q.31 – What is the recommended method for collecting motorcycle data?

FHWA does not endorse one method over another. The States are encouraged to develop and test 

equipment and methods to meet the local conditions. Motorcycle detection and accuracy varies 

depending on the technology used and local environmental conditions existed. Some technologies 
I-9

are suited to better count motorcycles while classification can be much harder to perform. Tracking 

individual motorcycles may be possible while tracking grouped or multiple motorcycles closely 

grouped and spread in the lanes may be much harder to count and classify properly.

Q.32 – What is the recommended depth for piezo traffic sensors to get the 

maximum benefit of data collection, while protecting the equipment?

Given that equipment is different, there is no universal depth to be recommended. Installer should 

consult vendor specification and seek State DOTs for specific information.

Q.33 – The 3-day continuous count data (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) have 

been collected for the capacity analysis. Highway capacity software and Synchro 

are being used for the analysis. Do peak hour volumes need to be multiplied by 

seasonal and axle adjustment factors (in the same manner as daily volumes when 

converted to AADT)?

Seasonal factors are used to convert average daily traffic (ADT) to annual average daily traffic (AADT). 

Axle adjustment is used to convert axle counts to volume. For capacity analysis, you may not have to 

apply any correction.
J-1

Appendix J. TMAS 2.0 QUALITY CONTROL CHECKS

STATION DATA 

Duplicates within the batch

Duplicates against the National Database

Fatal errors

no S or 1 in the 1st digit of the record

record length less than 167 characters

no station ID in the record (columns 4-9)

Critical errors occur if:

blank or invalid direction or lane

blank or invalid functional classification

blank or invalid state code 

improper vehicle classification designated (column 24-25) 

(all critical errors are correctable in TMAS) 

Caution flags include:

missing Latitude/Longitude

missing Year Established

missing route number

missing number of lanes for volume, classification or weight

missing HPMS Sample, NHS or type of sensor 

(all caution errors are correctable in TMAS)

Warning flags occur if:

any two records that have all digits being exact duplicates will have one record removed

VOLUME DATA (TMG 3-CARD) - MONTHLY

Duplicates within the batch

Fatal errors occur if:

no 3 in the 1st digit of the record

record length less than 141 characters

no station ID in the record (columns 6-11)

no corresponding station in National Database

Critical errors occur if:

record includes 7 or more consecutive zero hours

every DOW (day of week) not present for the given site/month/year

record includes any zero hour volume with one or more boundary with over 50 vehicles

24 hours of data not in a given record

any hourly volume exceeds the max per hour per lane value

directional splits check show unbalanced directional volumes greater than 10% 

variance from 50%

Monthly Average Daily Traffic (MADT) from same month previous year not within 20%

State marks data as restricted in column 141

Warning flags occur if:

any two records that have all digits being exact duplicates will have one record removed

CLASSIFICATION DATA (TMG C-CARD) - MONTHLY

Duplicates within the batch

Fatal error occurs if:

no C in the 1st digit of the record

record length less than number of characters based on station data field 15

no station ID in the record (columns 4-9)

no corresponding station in National Database

Critical errors occur if:

volume checks done on all classification data – see volume section above

all classification data utilizes the station file algorithm for vehicle classification (23) 

and classification system for vehicle classification (24-25) for determining the 

length of the given record.

Caution flags occur if:

maximum percentage by classification by day check (done by direction)

historical check for 6 weeks of prior approved data based on the same DOW for each class of 

vehicle by day 

any historical quality control check where insufficient historical data is available

Warning flags

any two records that have all digits being exact duplicates will have one record removed 

WEIGHT DATA (TMG W-CARD) - MONTHLY

Duplicates within the batch

Fatal error occurs if:
J-2

no W in the 1st digit of the record

record length less than 39 characters

no station ID in the record (columns 4-9)

any record with more than 25 axles will not be kept in TMAS 2.0

Critical error occurs if:

none 

Caution flags 

total weight (25-28) not equal to the sum of all axle weights

every axle weight not within acceptable range (1 kip to 50 kip)

any inter-axle spacing not within acceptable range (1’ to 50’)

sum of axle spacings by vehicle classification not within acceptable range

number of axles by vehicle class exceeded

historical check for 8 weeks of data using the steering axle weight average (SAWA) by 

day by lane check based on the same DOW for class 9 vehicles

historical check for 8 weeks of data using the average tandem axle spacing (ATS) average by 

day by lane based on the same DOW for classes 8-13 vehicles

any historical quality control check where insufficient historical data is available

Warning flags

any record with between 13 and 25 will not be processed in TMAS 2.0 but will be placed in a 

special database.

any two records that have all digits being exact duplicates will have one record removed 
K-1

Appendix K. LENGTH BASED CLASS MEMO

INFORMATION:

Reporting of Length Based February 24, 2000

Vehicle Classification Data to the Highway

Monitoring System (HPMS)

Director, Office of Highway Policy Information HPPI-30

Division Administrators

The HPMS calls for the annual reporting of various types of vehicle classification data. This reporting 

ranges from the percent of single-unit and combination trucks on HPMS sample sections to highway 

functional class level summary reporting of 13 vehicle classes. Because collecting such data on multilane, or high volume facilities is difficult, some States have proposed collecting vehicle classification 

data using a limited number of vehicle length categories. To date, we have not seen information that 

objectively compares the data collected through length based methods with that collected through 

the more traditional methods based on the 13 categories described in the Travel Data by Vehicle

Type section of Chapter III of the HPMS field Manual. Without the review and approval of such 

information by my office, vehicle length based classification data are not to be reported to the HPMS.

The States proposing to report vehicle length based classification data to the HPMS must provide the 

following information.

 A description of the length categories to be used and how they relate to the 13 categories. For 

example, if four length categories are used, the description should explain how each of the 13 

categories relates to a particular length category;

 A description of the method used to test how well each of the length categories captures the 

vehicles classes identified in point 1 and the results of those tests;

 If a State intends to disaggregate length based data into the 13 categories the imputation method 

must also be described; and

 Documentation on the situations in which length classification will be used. For example, a State 

might propose to such techniques only on high volume urban streets or a State may want to use 

length based classification for collecting information on percent trucks for reporting on HPMS 

sample sections, but will use other methods to report the Travel Data by Vehicle Type.
L-1

Appendix L. ADDITIONAL STATE TRAFFIC MONITORING PROGRAM 

EXAMPLES

L.1 ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION AND PUBLIC FACILITIES

The example below summarizes the ADOT&PF process for traffic data collection in the regions. This 

information is excerpted from the Traffic Data Systems Concept of Operations report for ADOT&PF 

(June, 2011).

The traffic data collection process is the responsibility of the regions, with the Headquarters Program 

Development Division being responsible for maintaining the database of the traffic data for analysis 

and reporting in the Highway Analysis System (HAS).

There are two types of volume counts that are taken in the regions: the continuous counts and the 

coverage counts. These are identified as “collect traffic data” in Figure L-1.

FIGURE L-1 ADOT&PF REGIONAL TRAFFIC DATA COLLECTION

Source: Alaska Department of Transportation.

L.2 GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (GDOT)

In 2006, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) conducted a Traffic Count Strategy Plan 

to maximize the value and return-on investment of scarce transportation revenues, and to ensure 

that customers’ needs for traffic data were being met. The following elements were included:

 Existing Traffic Data Program Methodology and Business Processes:
L-2

- Overview of Existing Traffic Data Systems;

- Equipment Set Up and Maintenance;

- Quality Assurance;

- Description of Existing Georgia DOT Office of Transportation Data Reporting and Data 

Sharing Process;

- Description of Additional Programs; and

- Summary of Business Processes.

 Federal Literature Review:

- Federal Requirements Related to Traffic Data Collection; and

- Summary of Other Key Federal Literature Related to Traffic Data Collection.

 Select Summary of Processes Implemented in Other Departments of Transportation.

 Stakeholder Workshops and Interviews. 

 Business Process Strategy.

 Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Needs:

- Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG);

- Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) Field Manual; and

- AASHTO’s Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs.

 GDOT Business and Customer Needs:

- Short-Term Actions for OTD;

- Mid-Term Strategies; and

- Long-Term Strategies.

 Traffic Program Issues:

- Documentation;

- Retrieval of Data/Reports; 

- System Design;

- Specials Program Improvement; and

- Balancing Resources.

 Recommendations:

- Documentation;

- Retrieval of Data/Reports;

- System Design;

- Specials Program Improvement; and

- Balancing Resources.

 Strategy Plan.

This project enabled GDOT to move forward with the recommended improvements including 

procuring a traffic data software solution. 
L-3

L.3 COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (CDOT)

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), Division of Transportation Development (DTD)

and Traffic Analysis Unit (TAU), has been very proactive in improving the CDOT traffic data program. 

In 2008, CDOT embarked on a business planning process review project. Phase 1 of the Traffic 

Analysis Business Process and Integrated Software Recommendations project resulted in the 

development of a comprehensive set of business process diagrams and maps documenting the 

existing and recommended business process overview. The report included specific evaluations of the 

capability of their traffic software project to streamline and improve CDOT’s collection and analysis 

processes. The recommended processes resulted in an estimated reduction of 318 different business 

processes. Recommendations of the Phase 1 report also included specific areas of improvement for 

CDOT associated with resources, processes, and tools. Phase 2 included follow-up on the 

recommendations from Phase 1; update of business process diagrams and creation of new process 

diagrams; improvement of the process of local traffic data sharing; development of a digital portal 

and requirements report; and recommendations for further enhancement of the CDOT traffic data 

program.

The following figure documents the high-level processes. There are numerous other detailed 

diagrams and process steps.
L-4

FIGURE L-2 COLORADO DOT HIGH-LEVEL BUSINESS PROCESSES

Source: Colorado Department of Transportation.

H Reporting/Distribution

A Collection

Analysis G Storage

B

Daily Processing

D Annual Processing

C Monthly Processing

F Permanent Traffic Location Evaluation

E 20 Year Growth Factor Creation Other
M-1

Appendix M. REFERENCES

AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs. Washington: AASHTO. 2009. 

AASHTO Guide for Design of Pavement of Structures.

American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM). Standards. http://www.astm.org/index.shtml.

Assessing the Value of the ADOT&PF Data Programs White Paper, September 2009.

ASTM Loop Detector Handbook.

Butler, 1993.

Caltrans Standard Plan ES-5B. 2002.

Cherry Creek Trail 2010 Continuous Count Data, Colorado Department of Transportation.

Cochran, William G. 1977. Sampling Techniques, Third Edition. Wiley: New York.

Counting Motorcycles, AASHTO Standing Committee on Planning. February 2010.

CycleTracks for iPhone and Android. Accessed March 12, 2012. http://www.sfcta.org/cycletracks.

Federal Highway Administration HPMS Community of Practice website: 

http://knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/cops/hcx.nsf/home?openform&Group=Highway%20Performance%2

0Monitoring%20System%20(HPMS).

Federal Highway Administration Travel Monitoring Community of Practice website. 

http://knowledge.fhwa.dot.gov/cops/hcx.nsf/home?openform&Group=Travel%20Monitoring.

Federal Highway Administration. 2006. Traffic Detector Handbook, Third Edition, Vol. 1, Chapter 1. 

FHWA-HRT-06-108. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/operations/ITS/06108.

FHWA-PL-97-018, Field Test of Monitoring of Urban Vehicle Operations Using Non-Intrusive 

Technologies, May 1997, by Minnesota DOT and SRF Consulting.

Georgia Department of Transportation Traffic Monitoring Program V2, 2012.

Greene-Roesel et al., 2008.

Grembek and Schneider, 2012.

Hallenbeck and Kim, 1993.

Hallenbeck and Weinblatt, NCHRP Report 509, Equipment for Collecting Traffic Load Data, 

Transportation Research Board, 2004.

Hallenbeck, et al., Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, 1997.

HPMS Field Manual. September, 2010. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/ohpi/hpms/fieldmanual.

https://www.dot.ny.gov/about-nysdot/history/past-present.

Hu, P., Wright, T., and Esteve, T., Traffic Count Estimates for Short-Term Traffic Monitoring Sites: A 

Simulation Study. Transportation Research Record, Number 1625, pp. 26 - 34. National Research 

Council, Washington, D.C., 1998.

J. Bunker, City of Boulder.

J. F. Rheault, Eco-Counter.

Kotzenmacher, Minge, and Hao, Evaluation of Portable Non-Intrusive Traffic Detection System, 

Minnesota Department of Transportation, MN-RC-2205-37, September 2005.
M-2

Lindsey, G., Chen, J., Hankey, S., and Wang, X. 2012. Adjustment Factors for Estimating Miles Traveled 

by Non-motorized Traffic. Unpublished manuscript prepared for submission to the Transportation 

Research Board 2013 Annual Meeting. Humphrey School of Public Affairs, University of Minneapolis, 

MN.

Long Term Pavement Performance Program. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/pavement/ltpp/.

LTPP Customer Support Service Center at ltppinfo@dot.gov.

Malinovskiy, Y., Zheng, J., and Wang, Y.,. Model-Free Video Detection and Tracking of Pedestrians and 

Bicyclists. Computer-Aided Civil and Infrastructure Engineering, Volume 24, 2009.

Marin County NTPP Specifications Sheet, 2009.

MEPDG Traffic Loading Defaults Derived from LTPP Pooled Fund Study, 2012.

National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation Project: Instructions. Accessed March 22, 2012. 

http://bikepeddocumentation.org/downloads/. 

National Bike and Pedestrian Documentation Project. http://bikepeddocumentation.org/.

National Condition and Performance Report.

NCHRP Project 1-37A, Development of the 2002 Guide for the Design of New and Rehabilitated 

Pavement Structures: Phase II.

NCHRP Project 1-37A, Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide.

Official FHWA Office of Highway Policy Information, Highway Performance Monitoring System 

website: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/hpms/faqs.cfm.

Oregon DOT, www.oregon.gov/ODOT/MCT/docs/weight_limits.pdf.

Request access to Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS). 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/field.html#fieldsites.

State practices to report local travel, http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/statepractices.cfm.

Target Setting Methods and Data Management to Support Performance-Based Resource Allocation by 

Transportation Agencies. NCHRP Report 666.

Target Setting Methods and Data Management to Support Performance-Based Resource Allocation by 

Transportation Agencies, Volume II. NCHRP Report 666.

Thomas O. Schinkel, Mid-Atlantic Successes and Challenges presented at NATMEC, August 2008.

Travel Volume Trends (TVT) Report. 

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/travel_monitoring/tvt.cfm

Turner, et al., 2007.

Vehicle Detector Clearinghouse. http://www.nmsu.edu/~traffic/ (site contains outdated materials).

Vehicle Travel Information System (VTRIS). https://fhwaapps.fhwa.dot.gov/VTRIS/default.aspx.

Vehicle Volume Distributions by Classification, Hallenbeck, Rice, Cornell-Martinez, and Smith, June, 

1997 for the Long Term Pavement Performance Project. FHWA-PL-97-025

Welcome to CycleTracks Austin. Accessed March 12, 2012. http://cycletracksaustin.com/.

Wright, et al., Traffic Count Estimates for Short-Term Traffic Monitoring Sites: A Simulation Study.

Wright, T., Hu, P., Young, J., and Lu, A., Variability in Traffic Monitoring Data, Final Summary Report, 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, August 1997.

Wyman, John, Gary Braley Gary, and Robert Stevens, Field Evaluation of FHWA Vehicle Classification
M-3

Categories, Maine Department of Transportation, Final Report for contract DTFH-71-80-54-ME-03 for 

the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Office of Planning, January 

1985.
N-1

Appendix N. INDEX

AADT Reporting on Mainlines and Ramps, 6-6, 6-7

AADT_Combination, 6-4, 6-6, 6-19, 6-20, 6-23, 6-24

AADT_Single_Unit, 6-3, 6-6, 6-19, 6-20, 6-23, 6-24

AASHTO Guidelines for Traffic Data Programs, 1-15, 

3-19, 3-81, 5-3, D-1, M-1

Active Infrared Sensor, 4-15

Adjustments to Short Duration Volume Counts, 3-67

ADR Advanced Loop Logic, E-7

Alternative Factor Procedures, 3-24

Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), A-1, D-16, D-18, 

D-23

Annual Average Daily Truck Traffic (AADTT), A-1, G-5

Annual Vehicle Distance Traveled (AVDT), A-1

ASTM Loop Detector Handbook, 2-3, M-1

ATR Site, A-1

Automated Traffic Recorder (ATR), 1-2

Axle Correction Factor, 1-3

Axle Factor, 1-3, A-1

Axle Spacing, 1-8, 7-49, E-7, F-26, G-11, G-12, H-12, 

H-13

Axle Weight, 1-21, 7-43, 7-44, 7-46, 7-58, 7-59, 7-60, 

7-61, A-1, B-2, F-5, F-10, H-9

Bicycle, 1-15, 4-9, 4-34, 4-35, D-20, D-21, D-22, M-2

Bicycle Counts, D-20, D-21, D-22

Bicyclist and Pedestrian Counting Technologies, 4-7

Blank-Fill, A-1

Calculations and Computations, 3-1, 3-78

Classification Data Needs, 2-5

Classification Short Duration Counts, 3-69

Cloud-Based Data Collection, F-27

Cluster Analysis, 3-10, 3-11, 3-49, G-13, G-14

Clustering Methodology, ES-4, G-1, G-17

Code of Federal Regulations, ES-2, B-1

Combination Unit Truck (CU) Factor Groups, 3-28

Compendium of Designing Statewide Traffic 

Monitoring, 3, D-1

Compendium of Equipment Calibration Procedures, 

ES-3, F-1

Computation of Axle Correction Factors, 1-4, 3-80

Conditions and Performance Report to Congress, 6-1

Continuous Count Locations, 3-6, 3-13, 4-26

Continuous Count Program, 2-4, 3-5, 4-26, F-16

Continuous Counts, 1-3

Continuous Data Program, 1-3, 2-8, 3-1, 3-3, 3-5, 3-

36

Continuous Traffic Counter, E-16

Coordinating Count Programs and Sharing Data, 2-9

Count Magnitude and Variability, 4-36

Count Station, 1-2, 1-28, 7-70, 7-71, A-1, B-1, E-25, F3

Coverage Count, A-1

Daily Load Distribution Table, 3-42

Data Business Plan, 2-9, D-29

Data Processing, 4-27, D-29, F-27

Data Submittal Frequency, 7-2, 7-70

Detection Technology, 1-1, 1-15

Detection Theory, 1-1, 1-9

D-Factor, 1-5, 2-5, 6-1, E-23

Direction of Travel Codes, 7-6, 7-74, 7-82

Directional Variation, 1-29

Duration of Short Counts, 3-73

Equipment Calibration, 5-3, 6-23, F-1, F-5

Equipment Maintenance, 5-3

Estimates of Travel by Vehicle Type, 6-7, 6-20

Extent, A-1

Federal-Aid Highways, A-1

FHWA 13 Vehicle Category Classification, 3-24, C-2

FHWA Vehicle Classes, 1-9, 3-24, 7-45

Field Testing, F-1, F-5, F-16

File Naming Recommendations, 7-1

FIPS State Codes, 7-4, 7-5, 7-72

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), ES-2, ES-4, I-1

Full Extent, A-1

Functional Classification Codes, 7-7, 7-8

Functional Systems, A-1

Future AADT, 6-23, 6-25

Geographic Variation, 1-30

Gross Vehicle Weight, F-5

Growth Factor, 6-23

Heavy Vehicle Weight User Needs, 3-36

Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS), 

ES-1, ES-2, ES-3, 1-2, 2-3, 3-75, 6-1, D-3, D-15, E25, I-6, L-2

Hourly Traffic Volume Record, 7-18, 7-19, 7-22

HPMS Requirements for Traffic Data, ES-3, 6-1

HPMS Traffic Data Items, 6-6

HPMS Vehicle Class Groups, 3-24

Inductance Loop Detector, 4-9, 4-10, 4-11, 4-12, 4-

13, 4-14

Inductive Loop Detector, 1-9

Information Technology Tools, D-3, D-7, D-8

Infrared Counters for Non-Motorized Traffic, 4-14

Infrared Sensor, 4-13

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), ES-1, 2-6, D4

Internet Traffic Data Upload System, D-27, E-18
N-2

Internet Traffic Monitoring System, D-24

K_Factor, 6-4, 6-6, 6-23, 6-24

Lane Occupancy, 3-62

Lane of Travel Codes, 7-6

Local Agency Data Sharing, D-16

Long Term Pavement Performance, 1-15, 3-23, 3-46, 

3-47, B-2, M-2

LRS Identification, 7-3, 7-12, 7-72, 7-78

LRS Location Point, 7-4, 7-12, 7-72

Magnetic Detector, 1-9

Magnetic Sensor, 1-9

Magnetometer, 1-9, 1-11, 1-14, 1-33, 1-35, 1-36, 4-7, 

4-16, 7-11, 7-76, 7-84

Manual Classification Data Collection, D-2, D-5

MAP-21, ES-1, ES-2, 3-76, 5-1, 6-22, A-2, B-2

Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide 

(MEPDG), 3-38, G-1

Metadata, 2-11, 3-73, 6-3, 6-21, A-1

Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), D-16

Microwave Doppler, 1-9, 1-14

Microwave Radar Sensors, 1-9

Monthly (Seasonal) Variation, 1-28

Monthly Average Daily Traffic (MADT), 4-39, A-2, J-1

Monthly Factor, 1-4, 3-8, 3-28, 3-29, 3-33

Monthly Variation, 4-23

Motorcycle, 1-21, 3-32, 3-33, 3-34, 3-75, 3-76, 6-6, 6-

19, E-20, I-8

Motorcycle ADT, 3-34

Motorcycle Counting, 1-21

Motorcycle Counts, 6-6, 6-19

Motorized Sensor Comparison, 1-14

National Highway System (NHS), 6-1, 6-2, 6-3, A-2

NCHRP and AASHTO Recommendations, F-28

Non-Motorized Count Data Format, 7-2, 7-80

Non-Motorized Count Equipment, 4-4, 4-5

Non-Motorized Count Record, 7-70, 7-80, 7-87

Non-Motorized Count Station Description Data 

Format, 7-2, 7-70

Non-Motorized Count Station Description Record, 7-

71, 7-79, 7-81, 7-83

Non-Motorized Data, 7-70

Non-Motorized Traffic Monitoring, 4-1

Occlusion, 1-22, 1-33, 4-37

Office Remote Checking, F-2, F-9, F-17

Office Testing, F-2, F-9

Operations-Based Traffic Monitoring Systems, 5-2

Passenger Cars, 7-39, C-1

Passive Acoustic Array Sensor, 1-10

Passive Infrared Sensor, 1-9, 4-14

Pct_Peak_Combination, 6-3, 6-4, 6-6, 6-20, 6-23, 6-

24

Pct_Peak_Single, 6-3, 6-6, 6-20, 6-23, 6-24

Peak Hour Factor, 1-5, B-2

Pedestrian, 1-15, 4-26, 4-32, 4-34, 4-35, D-19, D-20, 

M-2

Pedestrian and Bicycle Count Locations, D-20

Per Vehicle Data Format, 7-2, 7-48

Permanent Counts, 1-34

Permanent Data Program, 4-26

Permanent Site Location, D-10, D-26

Piezo-Electric, 1-35

Pneumatic Tube Data Collection, D-2

Pneumatic Tubes, 4-16

Portable Traffic Recorder (PTR), 1-2

Posted Route Signing Codes, 7-13, 7-78

Pressure and Seismic Sensors, 4-17

Program Design, 2-1, 2-3, 2-4, 4-27

Program Evaluation, 2-5

QA/QC Systems for Traffic Data, E-1, E-15, E-18, E21, E-25

Quality Assurance, i, 2-11, E-20, F-26, L-2

Quality Control, ES-3, 3-6, 3-19, 6-23, E-1, G-11, G17, J-1

Regional and Sub-Area Traffic monitoring Design, 2-5

Reporting Methods, F-2, F-11

Resource Sharing and Coordination, 5-3

Road Tubes, 1-33

Roadway Facility Specific Traffic Monitoring Design, 

2-5

Roadway-Specific Factors, 3-25

Sample Panel (HPMS), A-2

Season Pattern Group, 3-11

Seasonal Factor, 1-4, G-5, G-6, G-10

Seasonality Factor, A-2

Selection of Count Locations, 4-33

Sensor Technology Combinations, 1-10

Setup and Calibration of Electronics Equipment, F-25

Short Duration Count, ES-3, 1-3, 1-33, 3-63, 3-68, 3-

73, 6-22, A-2

Short Duration Count Program, 1-3, 3-73

Short Duration Data Program, 3-1, 3-63, 4-33

Short-Duration Coverage Counts, 2-4

Short-Term ATR, E-16

Short-Term Temporary Counts, 1-31

Single Unit Trucks, 3-29, 6-23

Site and Sensor Installation Best Practices, F-23

Site Planning, F-22

Site Selection Concepts, F-21

Special Monitoring, 5-7

Special Needs, 2-4, 3-65, 3-66, 3-67, 3-72

Speed Bins, 7-24, 7-26

Speed Data Collection, 1-33

Speed Data Format, 7-2, 7-23

Speed, Length Classification, and Volume Data 

Format (T Variant), 7-53

State Data Sharing, D-14, D-23
N-3

State Traffic Monitoring Program Examples, ES-4, L-1

Station Description Data Format, 7-2

Station Description Record, 7-3, 7-15, 7-19, 7-36, 7-

38, 7-70, 7-71

Station Identification, 7-5, 7-18, 7-19, 7-25, 7-37, 7-

45, 7-50

Summary Statistics, 3-6, 3-19, 4-28

Table of Potential Samples (TOPS), A-2

Temporal Factors, 3-15

Terminology, 1-1

Time-of-Day Variation, 4-20

Traditional Factor Approach, 3-26

Traffic Counter, 1-1

Traffic Data Collection and Motorcycles, 3-75

Traffic Data for Pavement Design, ES-4, H-1

Traffic Data Uses, 2-2

Traffic Detector Handbook, 1-9, 1-13, 4-11, 4-15, M1

Traffic Management and Operations, 5-1

Traffic Metadata, 6-7, 6-21

Traffic Monitoring and Evacuations, 5-9

Traffic Monitoring Formats, ES-3, 7-1

Traffic Monitoring Program Processes, D-1, D-7

Traffic Monitoring System (TMS), 3-16, 7-9, D-29

Traffic Patterns, 1-27, 3-6, 3-7, 3-18, 3-19, 3-21, 4-27, 

4-28, 4-29, 4-30, 4-31, 4-32

Traffic Variability, 1-24, 1-30, 4-25

Traffic Volume Data Format, 7-2, 7-18

Traffic Volume Only Format (V Variant), 7-50

Travel Estimates for Local Roads, 6-6, 6-17

Travel Monitoring Analysis System (TMAS), ES-2, 6-

23, 6-25, 7-1, 7-48, A-2, I-6, M-2

Truck AADT, 6-6, 6-20

Truck Loading Estimates, 3-38

Truck Loading Groups, 3-49

Truck Weight Data Summaries, 3-37

Truck Weight Groups, 3-50, 3-51

Ultrasonic Sensor, 1-10

Units of Measurement, 7-49

Urban Classification Count Programs, 3-72

User Profile and Access Control System (UPACS), 7-

70, A-2

Variation of Traffic Data, 1-1, 1-24

Vehicle, ES-1, ES-3, 1-4, 1-6, 1-8, 1-9, 1-16, 1-17, 1-

18, 1-20, 1-21, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28, 1-33, 1-35, 

2-2, 2-5, 3-18, 3-19, 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 3-29, 3-31, 3-

35, 3-39, 3-42, 3-43, 3-47, 3-74, 3-75, 3-77, 3-80, 

5-9, 6-6, 6-19, 6-20, 6-21, 6-23, 7-2, 7-3, 7-8, 7-9, 

7-10, 7-23, 7-25, 7-36, 7-37, 7-38, 7-39, 7-41, 7-43, 

7-45, 7-48, 7-49, 7-50, 7-52, 7-53, 7-54, 7-55, 7-57, 

7-58, 7-62, 7-63, 7-64, 7-68, 7-70, A-1, A-2, B-1, B3, C-1, E-4, E-7, E-8, E-9, E-17, F-1, G-1, G-4, G-5, 

G-7, G-15, H-1, H-7, H-9, I-4, K-1, M-1, M-2

Vehicle Axle, 1-8, 7-54, A-2

Vehicle Axle Classification Only Data Format (C 

Variant), 7-54

Vehicle Axle Spacing, A-2

Vehicle Class, 1-17, 1-20, 3-18, 3-19, 3-22, 3-23, 3-24, 

3-29, 3-31, 3-39, 3-42, 3-75, 3-77, 3-80, 6-6, 6-19, 

6-23, 7-2, 7-3, 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, 7-36, 7-37, 7-38, 7-

39, 7-41, 7-43, 7-45, 7-48, 7-53, 7-54, 7-55, 7-58, 

7-63, 7-64, A-2, B-1, E-4, E-7, E-17, G-1, G-4, G-5, 

G-7, G-15, H-7, H-9, K-1, M-2

Vehicle Classification, 1-17, 1-20, 3-18, 3-19, 3-31, 3-

77, 6-6, 6-19, 6-23, 7-2, 7-3, 7-8, 7-9, 7-10, 7-36, 7-

37, 7-38, 7-39, 7-41, 7-53, 7-54, 7-55, 7-58, 7-63, 

7-64, B-1, E-7, E-17, K-1, M-2

Vehicle Classification and Axle Weights (W Variant), 

7-58

Vehicle Classification and Wheel Weights (Z Variant), 

7-63

Vehicle Classification Counts, 6-6, 6-19, E-17

Vehicle Classification Data Format, 7-2, 7-36

Vehicle Classification Groupings, 7-3, 7-9, 7-10, 7-38

Vehicle Classification Record, 7-9, 7-36, 7-41

Vehicle Counts, 1-8, A-2

Vehicle Length, 1-8, 7-49, 7-53, 7-54, 7-55, 7-58, 7-

64, A-2, E-7, I-4

Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT), ES-3, A-2

Vehicle Speed, 7-23, 7-25, 7-53, 7-55, 7-58, 7-64, A-2

Vehicle Speed Record, 7-23

Vehicle Types, ES-3, 7-9, C-1

Vehicle Volume, 1-4, 1-16, 1-25, 1-26, 1-27, 1-28, 3-

80, E-8, M-1, M-2

Video Detection System, 1-10, 1-14, 1-33, 1-36

Video Image Processing, 4-18, 4-19

Volume Data, 7-70

Volume Group Assignments, 6-7, 6-21

Weigh-In-Motion (WIM), 1-2, E-26, F-3, F-4

Weight Data Collection Locations, 3-43, 3-52

Weight Data Collection Program, 3-36, 3-62

Weight Data Format, 7-2, 7-43

Weight Record, 7-43, 7-47, 7-48

WIM Site, 3-57, 3-58, 3-61, 3-62

Zero-Fill, A-2