Traffic Forecasting and Analysis Unit
Goal
The goal of this unit is to provide guidance and historic data used to predict traffic trends and socioeconomic factors for the production of future traffic volumes and loads on roadways.
Products the unit provides
- Current and historical annual average daily traffic (AADT)
- Current and historical vehicle classification data (HCAADT)
- Weight data
- Vehicle miles traveled (VMT)
- Forecasting tool (MnESAL) that includes
- County growth factors
- Monthly adjustment factors
- Geographical factors
- ESAL factors
- Axle correction factors
- Design lane factors
- Other forecasting tools
- Preliminary estimates of traffic volume and loads
- Roundabout tool
- Interpolation calculation
What to expect from the unit
- Guidance, methods, training, technical assistance, and quality assurance for traffic volume and load forecasts
- Support for StreetLight (web-based software product that develops transportation analytics generated by “Big Data,” such as smart phones, in-car navigation systems, and truck fleet management systems)
- Approval authority
What you need to provide to the unit
- Base and design year AADT
- Base and design year HCAADT
- Design hour volumes (DHV) with associated directional distribution (DD)
- 20 and 35 year cumulative equivalent single axle loads (ESALs)
What the unit expects from you
- Completion of volume and load forecast provided by district offices
- Notification when a forecast is being done by a consultant