A Traffic Study can also be referred to as a Traffic Impact Study (TIS) or a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). Although they have different names, they are basically the same thing. Traffic studies are done by traffic engineers. Most typically, traffic studies are completed for developers or towns who want to build new or existing developments, such as schools, shopping centers, hospitals, or other public developments.

The purpose of the traffic study is to identify how traffic impacts the development. Most often, the main impact to developments are traffic congestion and other safety related topics. Traffic studies are recommended by municipalities and State transportation engineers when they become aware of areas where there is frequent congestion to find a way to alleviate the problem. A traffic study concludes with a final written document that reports information and recommendations from the study. ~adapted from Traffic Studies, Engineering

Each intersection and entrance/exit can take up to a week to survey and observe. A traffic study from start to finish can take anywhere from a few weeks to upwards of half a year depending on how large the study is. The Local Traffic Authority of a municipality conducts traffic studies.

There are many providers who provide Traffic Study services. Depending on the engineering firm a general rule of thumb is to consider anywhere between $3-5,000 PER intersection or area. Depending on the size of the study; time of year; how complicated the area is; the study as a whole can become quite costly.

Both JTPS and WHS have changed over the past 24 years.

Watertown Elementary School, now named John Trumbull Primary School was built in 1998 and Watertown High School was renovated with a front extension in 2011. Over these years and changes, the parking lot and single main entrance/exit has remained the same. A traffic study will provide us information and recommendations in relation to the changes that have taken place these 24 years. A traffic study may yield the following information:

• Existing congestion: delay times and queue lengths

• Existing queue lengths (number of stopped vehicles in lane, typically measured in feet)

• Future traffic projections on major routes leading into areas

• Projected congestion and queue lengths

• Recommendations to address congestion and safety hazards such as:

  • Additional Lanes

  • Additional Entrance and Exits

  • Signs

  • Markings

  • Signals

  • Sidewalks

  • Sight distance improvements

  • Lighting

Number of Students: Approximately 650

Number of Parking Spaces: 224 original parking spaces from 1998

Square Footage of School Building: Approximately 122,000 sq.ft

There is one entrance and exit at the front of the school. This main opening is the only driveway for all buses, car riders, and pedestrian walkers to come in and out of the school's front parking area.

Number of Students: Approximately 750

Number of Parking Spaces: Approximately 390

Square Footage of School Building: Approximately 207,211 sq. ft

There is one entrance and exit at the front of the school. This main opening is the only driveway for all buses, car riders, and pedestrian walkers to come in and out of the school's front parking area.