When planning roadway improvements or new developments, choosing the right type of intersection control—whether a stop sign, traffic signal, or roundabout—can significantly affect traffic flow, safety, construction costs and long-term maintenance costs. That’s where Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) comes in.

ICE is a structured, data-driven process that agencies increasingly require to determine the most effective and safest control for a given intersection. At DVM Engineering, we specialize in guiding public and private clients through this process—ensuring that your projects meet agency standards and deliver lasting value.

What Is ICE?

Intersection Control Evaluation (ICE) is a formal method used to analyze and compare various intersection control options. Rather than defaulting to a signal or roundabout, ICE requires a comprehensive review of alternatives based on safety, operations, cost, and multimodal impacts.

ICE typically involves:

  • Stage 1 Screening: Identifying viable control options (e.g., roundabout, signal, stop-control).
  • Stage 2 Detailed Evaluation: Analyzing safety performance, delay, cost, and long-term operations for shortlisted alternatives.

Why Is ICE Required—and Where?

Many state and local agencies now mandate ICE as part of their planning and permitting processes. Departments of Transportation in Florida (FDOT), Massachusetts (MassDOT), New York (NYSDOT), Pennsylvania (PennDOT), and New Jersey (NJDOT)—among others—require ICE documentation for a wide range of projects, including:

  • Intersection upgrades
  • Corridor improvements
  • Roadway realignments
  • Land development and access permit reviews

In fact, ICE is often a critical requirement for land development projects, especially when a new intersection or a change in access to a public roadway is involved. Agencies use ICE to ensure that private developments do not compromise safety or capacity and that the proposed access solutions align with long-term transportation goals.

How DVM Engineering Can Help

At DVM Engineering, we bring deep expertise in transportation design, traffic analysis, and agency coordination—making us the ideal partner for navigating the ICE process. Our approach includes:

  • Early Engagement with Agencies: We meet with DOTs and municipal staff to understand expectations and streamline the process.
  • Data-Driven Analysis: Using industry-standard tools (e.g., Synchro, HCS, SIDRA), we model operations, simulate alternatives, and compare performance metrics.
  • Safety and Multimodal Focus: We evaluate all users and apply up-to-date crash data and safety performance functions.
  • Tailored Recommendations: We don’t push one-size-fits-all solutions. Our team helps you select the most appropriate and defensible control strategy—whether it’s a signal, roundabout, or something more innovative.

We also have extensive experience supporting private development clients, including residential, commercial, and institutional projects. Whether you’re navigating a complex approval process or coordinating multiple access points, DVM Engineering knows how to deliver ICE evaluations that meet agency standards while advancing your project goals.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your next project.