A traffic impact study or traffic impact assessment is a study which assesses the effect that a particular development has on the transportation network. A traffic impact study is generally required by roads authorities to evaluate the impact of a change in land use. These studies are a part of the mandatory process to be followed by an applicant to obtain new land use rights. A traffic impact study vary in complexity depending on the size of the development, the current and proposed land use and the location of the development. Various traffic engineering concepts and principles are applied while conducting a traffic impact assessment. We have conducted traffic impact study for various developments comprising of residential, business, retail, industrial and offices. We have also conducted studies for filling stations, mixed use developments and also transit oriented developments.
There are several steps within a Traffic Impact Study, including trip generation, trip distribution, mode choice and assignment, which are then followed by capacity analyses and the identification of possible road upgrades. Specific assistance is given to identify road upgrades, to ensure that a realistic first order road upgrade costing is provided which takes into account physical site limitations that might have an impact on the final road upgrades to be recommended. In the process, Koleko ensures that the applicant gets the value for money.
Koleko Solutions has conducted several traffic impact assessment for various developers. Koleko Solutions has conducted traffic impact studies for residential developments, retail, offices, businesses and also mixed use developments. We are familiar with the standards and requirements prescribed by the various municipalities and provinces. While conducting the study, we adhere to the traffic impact study standards. This ensures a quick approval of the study, causing little delay to the development.
A traffic impact study is generally used to:
- Assess impact of traffic due to new development (or re-development)
- Support comprehensive plan amendments
- Support rezoning applications
- Support subdivision of land applications
- Obtain site plan approvals
- Obtain driveway or access permits
- As a part of environmental impact assessment
- Prepare traffic mitigation plans
- Determine developer /bulk contribution
- Determine cost apportionment
- Development access/egress and on-site circulation plans
Road Closures & Traffic Calming in Residential Areas
Traffic impact study needs to be conducted for enclosed neighborhoods and street closures. In South Africa, road closures are often pursued by neighbourhood / home owners’ associations in order to reduce crime. The home owners association also approach us to reduce cut through traffic through their residential area and to help reduce speed on residential streets. Traffic calming includes physical design and measures that are put in place with the intention of reducing or slowing motor vehicles thereby improving safety of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in residential neighbourhoods.
Several important aspects need to be taken into consideration, such as the need for community involvement, the relevant road hierarchy, horizontal and/or vertical deviations required to achieve traffic calming objectives, pedestrian accessibility, existing public transport, schedule and routes of garbage trucks, and the role that decision makers play in the traffic calming process.
