Traffic Count Program


Why are Traffic Counts are important?
Traffic counting is an important transportation data collection function.  Traffic-count data is a vital component of the transportation project selection process because traffic count numbers can assist officials in determining transportation project needs.  The MACOG traffic-count program coordinates the collection of intra-/inter-jurisdictional traffic-count data, and as-needed traffic-count data.  A traffic-count database, dating back to 1976, is also maintained by MACOG staff. 

To view traffic counts in your community go to the MACOGGIS Website and click on the Traffic Counts Link.


How often are traffic counts completed and for what jurisdictions? Annually the MACOG develops a Traffic Count Report which includes the regions "functionally classified roads".  The MACOG region has more than 2,600 traffic count sites on a three-year count cycle--each site is counted once every three years.  These sites include state roads and local roads. All counts are conducted for a forty-eight hour duration. 

MACOG also maintains the Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) database for the region.  The HPMS provides statistical data used by Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation in determining funding formulas for road and highway construction.   The Traffic Count Report is completed for the following jurisdictions:  St. Joseph County, City of South Bend, City of Mishawaka, Elkhart County, City of Elkhart, City of Goshen, Nappanee, Marshall County and the City of Plymouth.  Sub-divisions and other local roads are generally not counted. Besides also counting roads in Elkhart, Marshall and St. Joseph Counties, MACOG also conducts counts on the state highways in Kosciusko County.

   


What is included in the Traffic-Count Report?
The traffic-count reports generated provide the annual average daily traffic (AADT) amount, which is identified by the year the count was taken.

The MACOG traffic-count data is capable of providing vehicle classification, speed, and weather conditions.  Such data are classified by time of day and day of week, and such classifications can be used to formulate peak-hour data.  Special traffic-counts may also be included in the report.

The traffic counts are adjusted to compensate for the seasonal changes in traffic.  Traffic counts are based on a 24-hour average for both directions since the counts are taken over a 48 hour period.


Shown below is a sample page from the 1997 Traffic Count Manualtraffic3.jpg (37948 bytes)


Who to contact?
MACOG will provide traffic-count information over the phone as long as the information that is being requested is not extensive. If you are requesting large amounts of traffic-count information, then MACOG suggests that a traffic-count manual be purchased. Count station maps for St. Joseph,  Elkhart and Marshall Counties are also available.  Traffic counts are also available on the MACOGGIS Website for Elkhart and St. Joseph Counties.

MAP AND MANUAL PRICING
Traffic Count Manual $45.00
St. Joseph County Map $8.00
Elkhart County Map $8.00
Marshall County Map $8.00

Please make all requests for materials in writing, accompanied with the appropriate payment.  MACOG can accept the correct change or a check.  We do not accept credit cards or billing.


For traffic count information, please contact MACOG at (574) 674-8894 or e-mail us at macogdir@macog.com.