Traffic Counts

What Are Traffic Counts

Traffic counts provide traffic volume information on selected roads and intersections. They are used for road condition and safety surveys, level of service and capacity analyses, and traffic studies. There are two types of counts:

• Tube Counts measure traffic volume along streets, and are conducted mechanically using tubes laid across the road over a 24-hour period.
• Intersection Turning Movement Counts provide detailed information about traffic flow and traffic needs at intersections and are conducted by field investigators over an 8-hour period.

How Are Counts Available

• The 2007 Average Daily Traffic Count Map shows the most recent counts for Forsyth County and the surrounding transportation planning area in parts of Davidson, Davie and Stokes Counties.
• The Historic Traffic Counts Table [pdf/162kb/24p] is an alphabetical listing of all the traffic count locations available. This document requires the free Adobe Reader; download it from the Adobe web site.

When Are Traffic Counts Taken

The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) conducts traffic counts every two to three years on selected roads; the Winston-Salem Department of Transportation (WSDOT) conducts counts within the Central Business District as a service to NCDOT. In addition, the WSDOT conducts annual Traffic and Intersection Turning Movement Counts at locations chosen on an as needed basis.

Who Uses Traffic Counts

• Businesses, developers, real estate professionals and future home buyers.
• Consultants for conducting traffic impact studies.
• NCDOT and WSDOT staff, the City/County Planning Board, and the Forsyth  County Environmental Affairs Department for traffic analyses, planning and studies. 

For More Information

Traffic count maps and data are available at the WSDOT in Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 East First Street, Room 307, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.