Traffic Impact Study
A Traffic Impact Study is a detailed report that shows how new buildings or developments might affect traffic in the area. It's like a forecast that helps cities and developers understand if roads can handle more cars, if new traffic lights are needed, or if other changes should be made. Transportation planners create these studies to help decision-makers understand potential problems before construction begins. You might also see this called a "Traffic Impact Analysis" or "Transportation Impact Assessment" - they all mean basically the same thing.
Examples in Resumes
Conducted over 20 Traffic Impact Study|Traffic Impact Studies for major retail developments
Led team in completing Traffic Impact Analysis for new downtown residential complex
Prepared Transportation Impact Assessment recommendations for county planning board
Typical job title: "Transportation Planners"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Transportation Planners
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you handle disagreements between developers and local communities regarding traffic impact findings?
Expected Answer: Should discuss experience in presenting technical information to non-technical audiences, mediating conflicts, and finding compromise solutions that satisfy both development needs and community concerns.
Q: What considerations go into planning a traffic impact study for a major mixed-use development?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of determining study area, peak hours, data collection methods, future growth projections, and how to account for different types of land uses.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What software tools do you use for traffic analysis and why?
Expected Answer: Should be able to discuss common traffic analysis software, explain when to use different tools, and demonstrate understanding of their strengths and limitations.
Q: How do you determine the study area for a traffic impact analysis?
Expected Answer: Should explain factors like project size, existing traffic conditions, nearby intersections, and local agency requirements that influence study area boundaries.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What basic elements are included in a traffic impact study?
Expected Answer: Should mention traffic counts, peak hour analysis, trip generation calculations, and basic intersection analysis.
Q: How do you calculate trip generation for a new development?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of using ITE Trip Generation Manual, explaining basic concepts of peak hour trips and daily traffic volumes.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic traffic counting and data collection
- Simple trip generation calculations
- Understanding of traffic analysis software
- Report writing and basic analysis
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex intersection analysis
- Multiple scenario modeling
- Project management
- Client communication
Senior (5+ years)
- Large-scale impact assessments
- Policy recommendations
- Public presentation skills
- Team leadership and project oversight
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of current traffic analysis software
- Lack of understanding of basic traffic engineering principles
- Poor technical writing skills
- No experience with public agencies or development review process
Related Terms
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