Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the requirements for a Traffic Impact Study?

Most States and local governments have specific guidelines for preparing a Traffic Impact Study (TIS). It is important to note that even though the guidelines may be very similar, each government agency has its own specific requirements. Our team can help guide you in the process and advise on the best course of action to get the project approved. Here are some examples of TIS guidelines:
mass.gov/doc/transportation-impact-assessment-guidelines/download
portal.ct.gov/dot/osta/major-traffic-generators?language=en_US
vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/planning/documents/trafficresearch/TIS%20Guidelines%20Revised%20April%202019%20CGC.pdf
www.pbcgov.com/uldc/Article12.htm
www.fdot.gov/traffic/trafficservices/trafficstudies.shtm/traffic-engineering-manual

What’s the difference between a Traffic Impact Study and a Traffic Statement?

Traffic Impact Studies (TIS) are typically done for larger projects when there are no entitlements on the land while Traffic Statements are typically done for smaller projects or for site plan amendments where no (or very few) additional trips are generated by changes to the proposed uses and intensities.

What’s a Traffic Equivalency?

It is a type of traffic analysis where the existing vested traffic is the same or higher than the proposed uses in the site. A project is typically vested when 80% of the project has been built for more than five years.

What’s a project with insignificant impact?

A project is insignificant when the impact to the transportation networks is less than 1% of the adopted level of service on the roads surrounding the project. This is subject to local rules and regulations. Our team of traffic engineers can help guide you through this process and advise on the best course of action.

What’s the difference between a Future Land Use Traffic Study and a SitePlan/Rezoning Traffic Study?

This is more specific to the South Florida region. Traffic Studies for Future Land Use applications require analysis of Traffic Conditions five and twenty-five years from the day of application. Traffic Studies for Site Plan or Rezoning applications evaluate traffic conditions at the estimated project build-out.

An expert team of Traffic Engineers can help guide the design of your site in accordance with what a TIA determines is necessary, often resulting in saved time and costs. Many aspects of your project could be impacted from conducting a TIA. Including driveway locations, internal circulation, turn lanes, code requirement standards, and the provision of functional/safe access to the public.