Traffic Study

A traffic study is conducted to evaluate the transportation system serving an area and to identify any improvements necessary to accommodate existing or projected traffic volumes. The study consists of data collection, including existing traffic volumes and turning movement counts, projected traffic volumes, and the identification of required improvements such as traffic calming devices. Any identified improvements may include a feasibility analysis, including identification of impacted properties, impacted structures, alternate alignments, physical constraints and roadway design criteria to be used.

Traffic Counts

Traffic counts measure the volume of traffic, the type of vehicles, and vehicle speeds for a roadway. This information can be gathered either by an automated tube counter or manually by County staff. For an automated traffic count, the information is recorded in a tube counter placed along the roadway. The tube counter is a metal box connected to a black tube laid across the travel portion of the roadway. Each time a vehicle crosses the black tube data is collected in the tube counter.

Another way to perform traffic counts is to position personnel at intersections, usually during the morning or evening rush hours, to count the volume of traffic passing through an intersection and record the turning movements of the vehicles.

The information gathered during a traffic count is used to determine the need for future capital improvement projects, traffic calming measures, signalization, intersection improvements or changes in traffic patterns.

Traffic Calming

Traffic calming is the term used to describe the County's efforts to reduce the impact of traffic on neighborhoods, most typically, speeding. The Neighborhood Traffic Management Program (N.T.M.P.) is used to determine if neighborhoods are eligible for traffic calming measures. The N.T.M.P. provides a process for identifying, evaluating, and addressing undesirable traffic conditions related to speeding and excessive volumes in residential subdivisions. Residents can request traffic calming devices be installed in their neighborhood.

The evaluations are conducted on a point system to determine the level of traffic calming measures that may be used. Level 1 measures are more passive and include educational methods and special pavement markings. Level 2 measures include traffic control devices and physical measures such as speed humps, chokers, islands, roundabouts, etc. If the evaluation finds that a street has a score high enough to warrant traffic calming measures, and if there is the required approval of the affected residents, Harford County will install appropriate traffic management devices.