Many of us go about our day commuting to and from work without ever stopping to think about why the intersection we travel through is timed the way it is or why there is a stop sign versus a traffic signal. A lot of traffic data collection goes on behind the scenes to get us safely and efficiently from point A to Z and all the places in between.
Traffic Data Collection
Over the course of a year, Schemmer provides traffic data collection at more than 160 locations for our clients. This data is captured utilizing Miovision cameras in the intersection or area. A study typically includes one camera, but there are instances, such as larger intersections, that could require two or even three cameras depending on the layout of the area.
“We recently gathered traffic data on the Highway 50 and I-80 on/off-ramp in Nebraska that required three cameras due to the free right-off to the side, which required its own camera. The main intersection was relatively small, but we used two because there is a high volume of large truck traffic. Sometimes when semis travel through the intersection they block the view of smaller cars behind them. The extra camera ensured we were seeing the traffic from all angles and that our data was accurate,” said Schemmer’s Tyler Lerdahl, Transportation Engineer.
Traffic Studies
The Miovision cameras allow Schemmer’s team to gather data, which in turn helps our clients address inefficient transportation flow and allows them to improve the transportation experience for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Schemmer performs multiple types of studies such as:
- Intersection Counts
- Road Volume Counts
- Roundabout Counts
- Vehicle Gap Data
- Pedestrian Junction Counts
- Pedestrian Pathway Counts
For traffic engineering, a typical eight-hour count is split into three groups:
- 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.;
- 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; and
- 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
These specific groups of time are analyzed because they include peak traffic times throughout the day. Schemmer typically conducts a 12-hour count from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., but periodically a client will need a 24-hour count from 12 a.m. to 12 a.m.
After the data is collected on-site the equipment is returned to the office and the videos are downloaded and reviewed for any interruptions to the typical traffic flow or issues with visibility. This could include:
- an accident in the intersection;
- street construction;
- local events that cause an increase in traffic; and
- weather
The video is then uploaded to Miovision software for analysis. The video data collected can be analyzed in numerous ways to produce a customized report by study type, specific time of day, vehicle classification and much more, depending on the client’s needs.
Providing Responsible Solutions
Schemmer has been providing traffic data collection services for more than two decades and has been utilizing the Miovision cameras for over five years. Gone are the days where data was collected by a person on the roadside manually clicking a button. Using cameras for data collection saves staff time, is more efficient and accurate, which in turn offers savings to our clients and allows them to use the data to help make decisions to improve the driver, cyclist and pedestrian experience within our towns and cities.
Design with Purpose. Build with Confidence.
Keeping communities in motion. Schemmer is a leader in developing creative and innovative transportation engineering planning and design solutions. We understand that getting people to their destination in the easiest, quickest and safest way possible is important to progressive communities. Our integrated team of:
- Roadway
- Bridge
- Hydrology
- Traffic Engineers
provides a variety of design services that promote sustainability and creates results that are functional, flexible and attractive.
Our Transportation Engineering services include:
- Traffic Analysis & Studies
- Highway & Roadway Design
- City Street & County Road Design
- Complete Streets & Streetscapes
- Roundabout Analysis & Design
- ADA Planning & Design
- Transportation Plans
- Bridge Design
- Bridge Inspections
- Box Culvert & Drainage Structure Design
- Bicycle & Trail Master Planning
- Hydraulic & Hydrologic Analysis
- Safe Routes to Schools
- Public Involvement
