Lesson 4: TRAFFIC STUDIES

A. VOLUME STUDIES
 most basic data needed for any traffic studies
 Volume studies are conducted to obtain factual information on the number of vehicles and/or persons that pass
at a specified point on the highway system.
 resulting volume data are expressed in relation to time

1. Types of Volume
a. Annual traffic is used for determining annual travel, estimating expected highway user revenue, computing accident
rates.
b. Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is used for measuring the present demand for service by the road, programming
capital improvements.
c. Hourly traffic is used for evaluating capacity deficiencies, geometric design or improvement of streets and
intersections.
d. Short-term count is used to estimate maximum flow rate and determine the characteristics of peak hour volumes.

2. Types of Data Collected

a. Mid-block counts are used for preparing traffic flow maps and determining trends.
b. Directional counts are used for determining directional distribution for capacity analysis, signal timing, justifying
traffic control, etc.
c. Turning movement or intersection counts are used for signal timing, designing or improving geometry of
intersection, planning turning prohibition, analyzing high accident intersections.
d. Classification counts are used for determining modal split, estimating effects of heavy vehicles on capacity,
determining correction factors for automatic counts.
e. Cordon counts are used to determine the number of vehicles and/or persons entering and leaving an enclosed area.
f. Screen line counts are classified counts taken at some points along a line that bisects a given area.

3. Time of Study
The time and duration of a traffic volume study depends on the type and application of the data to be gathered. Some
of the typical counts are as follows:
a. Twenty-four-hour counts from midnight to midnight
b. Sixteen-hour counts from 6 AM to 10 PM to represent most of daily flow, including evening traffic
c. Twelve-hour counts from 6 AM to 6 PM to cover most of daytime traffic
d. Peak period counts from 7 AM to 9 AM, 5 PM to 7 PM, or other time intervals corresponding to very high level of
traffic volume
e. Short counts of about one hour or less with intervals of 5-15 minutes to analyze characteristics of peak hours.

Abnormal conditions are usually avoided unless the purpose is to obtain information concerning those conditions. These
would include
a. special occasions such as public holidays or fiestas
b. days with abnormal weather conditions
c. strikes or demonstrations.

4. Methods
A. By tallying
 This is the simplest and sometimes most practical in the absence of any mechanical or automatic counting
device. Tally sheets are used to record the number of vehicles. The method may be used when traffic volume is
generally low or when observing a particular turning movement whose volume is relatively low.

B. Using manual counters

A manual counter is a mechanical device useful when volume is high. Counters may he of single or multiple type.

C. Using automatic counters

When traffic count of very long duration is required, automatic counters through the use of detectors may be
used. The simplest type of an automatic counter is a pneumatic tube laid transversely across the road. A counter
is actuated when tires pass over the tube. More sophisticated detectors make use of ultrasonic waves or
inductance loops.

D. Using video cameras

Video cameras may be used to take footage of the traffic flow. Counts may then be carried out later through
either tally or manual method while watching the video. Automatic counts can also be performed using
equipment and commercially available software for vehicle tracking. The cost, however, of such equipment is still
very prohibitive.

5. Presentation of Traffic Volumes

Traffic volume summaries may be presented in ways that should be easily understood by the readers, some of which are
as follows:
a. Variations
b. Flow Maps
c. Intersection Diagram

6. AADT and ADT

The annual average daily traffic or AADT has been a common measure of daily traffic at a given location. At a given
point along a particular highway, it is estimated as the total volume counted over one year divided by the number of days
in the year, or AADT = sum of all vehicles passing the site in a year / 365

Another measure of daily traffic is the average daily traffic or ADT. This is obtained by conducting traffic volume counts
over a number of days at least 2 days and less than 365 days. The Department of Public Works and Highways is
programming the conduct of such counts in such a way at to have good estimates of AADT for all national highways by
applying some seasonal factors.

B. SPOT SPEED STUDIES

The objectives of conducting spot speed studies are to
a. determine the range and magnitude of speeds as a basis for formulating the design standards,
b. establish maximum and minimum speed limits,
c. determine the need for posting advisory speed signs,
d. determine the need for school zone protection, and
e. evaluate the performance of a geometric improvement or traffic control device through a “before-and-after” study.

1. Time of Study
The period during which speeds are measured depends on the purpose of the study. Abnormal conditions such as
adverse weather condition or unusually heavy traffic condition should be avoided. The duration of the study should be
around one hour. Short study period will often lead to bias towards faster vehicles.
2. Sized of Samples
Normally, the speeds of at least 50 vehicles – preferably 100 – should be measured. To cover all representative vehicles,
measurement of every nth vehicle may be applied. In this way, bias that may be attributed to the following may be
avoided:
a. Selecting mostly leaders of the platoon
b. Selecting mostly one particular type of vehicle
c. Selecting faster vehicles

3. Methods
A number of methods for conducting spot speed studies are available. The lack of equipment does not pose any problem
as long as the procedure is done systematically.

a. Radar speed meter

When such instrument is available, the use of radar is very convenient way of conducting spot speed studies. The
radar is positioned at the edge of the roadway at an angle of 15 degrees with the centreline and is directed toward
the incoming vehicles. Radar maybe difficult to use when volume of traffic is high. Radar meters are often used by
police authorities for apprehending over speeding drivers.

b. Manual method
A very useful and less expensive way of conducting spot speed studies is called the “trap length” method. In this
method, two lines, 30-50 m apart, are drawn transversely on the pavement. A stopwatch is then used to measure the
“travel time” of the vehicle within the “trap”. The length of the trap is divided by the travel time estimate the speed.
The observer must be well trained in order to reduce error attributed to parallax, a common error in most visual
methods of conducting surveys.

4. Analysis and Presentation of Spot Speeds

Spot speed data are usually summarized in a frequency table. Data are normally grouped together in predetermined
class intervals, and distributions are calculated. There are no strict rules in deciding the number of speed class
intervals. However, the
Sturges formula k =1+3.322 log 10 n
where
k – number of class intervals
n – total number of observations may serve as a guide in determining the initial number of class intervals. It may be
further refined later. Preferably, the value of the midclass of each interval should be an integer or a whole number to
help simplify computations.

C. TRAVEL TIME AND DELAY STUDIES

Travel time studies normally give information on the performance of a particular roadway. Independent
measurements of stops and their observed reasons may also be included to give information on delays.

METHODS
a. Test car technique
The method makes use of a test vehicle that is driven over the road section under study. The driver is instructed
to travel at a speed that in his opinion is representative of the speed of the traffic stream.
b. Licensed plate method
When details on delay are not important, the license plate method may be conducted. The method basically
consists of observing and recording license plates of vehicles and time of arrivals at two points or more on the
road where the vehicles are expected to pass. The plate numbers are then matched manually, or encoded in the
computer for automatic processing. It may be convenient to divide the time of observation into 5- or 10-minute
intervals. Within each interval the license plates of vehicles passing the point of observation are recorded. If
traffic volume is heavy, it may be very difficult to observe and record the complete license plate number. It may
be more practical to just record the first letter and the last three digits.

c. Moving observer method

One of the most common survey methods for obtaining information on traffic volume. speed, and density of a
given section of road is the so-called moving observer method. Developed by the Transport Road Research
Laboratory in the United Kingdom, the method consists of one or two test cars traveling back and forth within
the section. A team is composed preferably of at least two observers and one timer. The survey is very easy to
conduct------one observer counts the number of vehicles moving in the opposite direction; another observer
counts the number of vehicles that pass them as well as the number of vehicles that they pass; the timer notes
down the time it takes to traverse the section.
ITE(Institute of Transport Engineers)
(EIA)-Environmental Impact Assessment
(DENR)-The Department of Environment and Natural Resources
(EMB)-Environmental Management Bureau
(EIARC) - Environmental Impact Assessment Review Committee
Lesson 4: Importance of a Feasibility Study

Feasible
Possible : can be made
Capable : can be done

Feasibility
 Situation/Problem
 Suggested Method/Plan/Solution
 Possible Optimum Outcome

Optimize
• Alternatives
• Most cost effective
• Highest achievable performance
• Constraints - Resource/Budget Constrai

Economics
• Allocation of “Limited Resources”
Components of a Feasibility Study
1 | Introduction

 Background/overview of the project

 Conceptual framework of the study
 Objectives of the study

Towards National Development

Analysis on how the project is aligned with national development plans and strategies and how it becomes an instrument
for the realization of such.

Sectoral Development
• Agriculture
• Commerce/Industry
• Tourism
• Education
• Environment
• Institutional
• Culture

Towards Regional and Local Development

Analysis on how the Project is aligned with regional and local development plans and how it becomes an instrument for
the fulfillment of such.

Regional Development Plans

• Regional Development Plans (RDPs)
• Area Development and Conservation Plans

Local Development Plans

Plans prepared by the local government units (LGUs):
• Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP)
• Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP)

2 | General Profile

A. URBAN
Municipal Jurisdictions with at least 1,000 persons per sq.km. or Poblaciones or central districts with at least 500
persons per sq.km.

• With street pattern

• At least 6 establishments
• At least 3 of the following: a town hall, church or chapel with religious service, a public plaza, park or cemetery, a
market place, a public building (school, hospital, health center or library)

Barangays with at least 1,000 inhabitants, meet the conditions set forth above and where the occupation is
predominantly non-farming or fishing.

B. RURAL
All poblaciones or central districts and all barrios that do not meet the requirements for classification of urban.

• Industries
• Agriculture
• Institutions
• Commercial Areas
• Residential Areas

3 | Traffic & Development Impact Assessment

TRAFFIC IMPACT ASSESSMENT
• How “traffic” is “traffic”?
• Does the project reduce traffic congestion?

DEVELOPMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT

• How will the project improve current users’ travel experience?
• Will the project create social and financial opportunities?

RESEARCH AND SURVEYS

• Manual Classification Count
• Origin and Destination
• Travel Time
• License Plate Survey
• Pedestrian Crossing
• Water Transport
• Passenger
• Socio Economic Profile of the Study
• Comprehensive Land Use Plans (CLUP)
• Specific Data e.g. Agricultural historical data/statistics, Demography, Economic activities, transport systems, Land Use,
etc.

4 | Design and Cost Estimates

• Plans and Profiles of the proposed alignment of the project (e.g. Slope, Terrain, Affected Structures, Crosssection,
Critical Sections
• Analysis of Slope, Terrains, Section, etc.
• SPT
• Core Drilling
• Core Sampling
• Historical Rainfall Data
• Water Level Data
• Discharge Data, etc.

GEOTECHNICAL ANALYSIS
• determination of soil characteristics/underlying materials
• estimation of soil bearing capacity/california bearing ratio
• soil profile

HYDROLOGICAL/HYDRAULIC ANALYSIS
• estimation of design rainfall
• estimation of design discharge
• establishment of design water level

• Preparation of Basic Design

• Quantity Cost Estimation
• Formulation of Implementation
• schedule

5 | Environmental Impact Assessment

PRESIDENTIAL DECREE 1586 : Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System
PD 1586 established an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System pursuant to Sec 4 of PD 1151 or the “Philippine
Environmental Policy”

LEGAL FOUNDATION
Presidential Proclamation 2146 “Proclaiming Environmentally Critical Projects”

ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL AREAS (ECAs)

national parks, reserves, tourist spots, habitats, archaeological/scientific interest, ancestral domain, frequently
disastered, critical slopes

ENVIRONMENTALLY CRITICAL PROJECTS (ECPs)

Heavy Industries, Resource Extractive Industries, Fishery Projects (dikes, fishponds), Major Infrastructure (dams, power
plants, reclamation, roads/bridges), Golf courses

6 | Right of Way Strip Planning

Surveys and Investigations

• Parcellary Reference Survey
• Utilities Survey
• Inventory of Project-Affected Persons (PAPs) and Project-Affected Families (PAFs)

Social Impact Study

Land Acquisition, Resettlement, Rehabilitation, and Indigenous Peoples (LARRIP)

Ribbon Development takes place when extensive residential/commercial/industrial development occurs in a linear
pattern along both sides of arterial roadways

Social Impact Study

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10066
National Cultural Heritage Act of 2009

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8371

The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act of 1997

7 | Economic Evaluation
QUANTIFICATION OF PROJECT BENEFITS
A. Direct Benefits
• VOC Savings
• Developmental Benefits
• Maintenance Cost Savings
• Generated Benefits

B. Indirect Benefits
 vulnerability to disasters
 risk towards accidents
 occurrence of diseases

Comparative analysis of different alternatives in terms of:

• technical feasibility (constructability of the project; simpler to complex)
• social acceptability
• costs (civil works/RROW, etc.)
• economic viability
• environmental soundness

LINKS:
DPWH Right-of-Way Acquisition Process
DPWH- focuses on infrastructure works such as:
 National Roads and Bridges
 Flood Controls
 Water Resources Structures
 Other Public Works

DPWH Mandate
 Planning
 Design
 Construction
 Maintenance
of public infrastructure

There’s a process before construction phase:

 Acquiring Right -of-Way (ROW acquisition)
o Parte or kabuuan ng isang property, site, location na mayroong malinaw na physical boundary.
o Kailangan para sa mga national project ng pamahalaan.
o Secured at nakalaan nang lupa para sa mga kalsada o highways sa bansa.

 Real Properties
o Uri ng ari-arian na kinukuha ng gobyerno para sa right-of-way ng infrastructure projects ng
DPWH.
o Kaya pwedeng masama sa ROW acquisition ang private properties ng mga pribadong
mamamayan dahil sa power of EMINENT DOMAIN

 Eminent Domain
o Kapanyarihan ng estado na makakuha ng private properties kung ang mga ito ay kinakailangan
sa pampublikonggamit (public use).
o Ang pagkakaroon nito ay mahalaga at importante dahil nagsisilbi itong protesksyon ng estado sa
pagganap sa tungkulin nito.

Para mapangalagaan ang RIGHT TO PROPERTY (Karapatan ng isan indibidwal na mayroon o nais magkaroon ng
pribadong pag-aari) mayroon pa ring limitasyon ang eminent domain power ng estado.

SEC. 9, Article III: states that private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.
o Sisiguraduhin ng expropriator o gobyerno na ang property na makukuha ay mayoong full and fair
compensation(karampatang bayad) na pinagsama-samang:
 Current market value ng lupa
 Replacement cost for structures
 Current market value of crops, plants and trees

Kailangan na pasok na requisites of valid exercise of the power of eminent domain ang gagawing
acquisition ng pamahalaan.
REQUISITES of VALID EXERCISE of EMINENT DOMAIN
1. Kailangang tunay na PRIVATE PROPERTY ang nakuha ng pamahalaan.
2. Mayroong GENUINE NECESSITY kaya kailangang i-acquire ang isang private property.
3. PUBLIC USE ang paglalaanan ng acquired property.
4. Makakatanggap ng JUST COMPENSATION and may ari ng property.
5. Ang mangyayring right-of-way acquisition ay dapat susunod sa tinatawag na DUW PROCESS of law

MODE OF ACQUISITION (RA 10752)

 Donation- pinakamabilis na mode of acquisition dahil sa kusa at libreng pagbibigay sa DPWH ng
affected properties na maaaaring pagmamayari ng isang private individual, corporation, or
other government agency.
 Negotiated Sale- DPWH ay magbibigay ng compensation price offersa property owner
 Expropriation:
2 Stages of Proceeding:
1. Determination of authority of expropriation na gamitin ang power of eminent domain ng
estado.
2. Determination of Just Compensation na nararapat matanggap ng property owner.

 Pwede ring gumamit ng ibang pamamaraan ang DPWH upang ma-secure ang kinakailangan
nitong right-of-way:
1. Exchange of Barter
2. Easement of Right-of-way
3. Acquisition of Subsurface Right-of-way
4. Acquisition of Property Under Commonwealth Act. No. 141 (Public Land Act)

Dahil sa komplikadong proseso nito, hindi maiiwasan ang balakid, delays, o pagkaantala sa
pagsasagawa ng right-of-way acquisition. Karaniwang hamon sa implementasyon ng infrastructure
projects ang mga informal settler families na naninirahan sa mga right-of-way areas. Sa mga sitwasyon
tulad nito, mayroong dalawang options ang DPWH:

1. Kung construction owners ang mga nasabin informal settler families, maaari silang bayaran ng
REPLACEMENT COST para sa kanilang napatayong mga bahay at iba pa basta pasok sila sa mga
sumusunod na requirements:
 No legal rights sa lupang kanilang inookupa
 Filipino Citizens
 No other property sa ibang urban or rural area
 Not professional squatters or squatting syndicate member ayon sa RA. 7279 (urban
development and housing act of 1992).

2. Kung hindi ito ang kalagayan ng informal settler families, papasok sa MEMORANDUM OF
AGREEMENT (MOA) ang DPWH kasama ang NATIONAL HOUSING AUTHORITY o Concerned local
government para sa relocation and resettlement ng mga informal settler families na kadalasan ay
pinupundahan ng DPWH.
Ang Right-of-Way acquisition ay nakadepende sa technical at legal na kakayahan ng mga nagpapatupad.
Kaya naman dapat na maging ma-alam sa proseso ang mga taong nagsasagawa nito.

ROW Issue: Jessica Soho News Clip

 Bilyong piso kada taon for ROW payments.

 35-B pesos budget for ROW payments ng DPWH
 37-B pesos for Department of Transportation
 Senator Panfilo "Ping" M. Lacson - bago humingi ng pondo, dapat may ROW na
 Secretary’s hotline (DPWH)- 16502 and task force against graft and corruption