Monday, December 13, 2021

Highland Traffic Data

2021-12-16 Highland TrafficThis post allows you to access traffic data Highland City has collected from 2016 through 2021 via a Google map or a list of collector and residential roads. Following the lists are sets of comparative charts for roads where multiple traffic counts exist. Each set consists of three charts that compare traffic counts, average speed, and percentage of traffic that is within the speed limit, moderately over the limit, and significantly exceeds the limit.

If speeding is an issue it is possible that the speed limit is set too low or there that there is an issue with the configuration of the road. The speed most people drive has more to do with their feel of what a safe speed is rather than the posted speed limit. Factors that influence the “feel” include:

  • Lane and shoulder configurations, widths, and presence of curbs
  • Presence of surrounding developments to the street
  • Medians and turn lane configurations

At the end of the post are links to information on setting speed limits from the Federal Highway Administration, Institute of Traffic Engineers, and Strong Towns. They all agree with the assessment above.

Google Map with traffic data collection points
The red icons show the locations. The “car” icon indicates that tubes were used to collect data while the “WIFI” icon indicates that radar was used. Note, Highland City purchased radar traffic counters early in 2021. Clicking an icon in the map below shows the date(s) data was collected and provides a link to a summary report for each collection. Note, if you click on the view larger map icon in the top right corner of the map a separate map will open up in its own window.

Below are links to traffic data organized by road types (collector/residential) and orientation (north/south, east/west). For both road types where there are multiple data collections comparative charts are displayed at the end of this post. For each set of traffic data there are three links:

  • Charts: A report that includes a picture showing the location of the traffic counter(s), tabular data that includes the speed limit, the min and max speeds recorded, the 85th percentile speed -- the upper limit of the speed which 85% of the drivers travel (note, this is used as a general guide to setting speed limits), and a set of charts depicting key traffic information.
  • 24 Hour Heat Map: A color coded table showing the average number of trips for each hour of the day for speed range from 5 MPH to 80+ MPH. Counts representing trips that are less than 5 MPH over the speed limit are colored green, 5 to 10 MPH over the limit are yellow, and 10 MPH or more over the limit are red. This is a tool the police can use on where and when to watch for speeders.
  • Details: Link to a Google spreadsheet contain the traffic data along with various analysis.

Roads highlighted in green indicate that the 85th percentile speed is less than 10% over the speed limit. Those highlighted in yellow have an 85th percentile speed that is between 10% and 25% higher than the limit while for those highlighted in red the difference is greater than 25%.


Collector Roads

A street which provides both access to property and carries traffic from residential roads to arterial roads (e.g. Alpine Hwy, N. County Blvd, Timpanogos Hwy). These roads generally have a limited number of homes which front them (6800 W, Canal Blvd and Highland Blvd are good examples). The 85th percentile speed (the speed at or below which 85 percent of all vehicles are observed to travel under free-flowing conditions past a monitored point). is a tool that generally can be used to help determine an appropriate speed limit.

North/South Collector Road Details

East/West Collector Road Details


Residential Roads

A street whose primary function is to provide access to residential properties for motorized vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians. In Highland residential roads normally have a speed limit of 25 MPH. If the 85th percentile speed is significantly higher than this enforcement may be needed or a speed feedback sign may help. Note, experience has shown that enforcement has a temporary impact.

North/South Residential Road Details

East/West Residential Road Details


Comparative Charts

5500 W Comparison Charts

6000 W Comparison Charts

6800 W Comparison Charts

9600 N Comparison Charts

10250 N Comparison Charts

10400 N Comparison Charts

Canal Blvd East of Alpine Hwy Comparison Charts

Canal Blvd West of Alpine Hwy Comparison Charts

Collector Road Comparison Charts
Most Recent Data Per Location

Residential Road Comparison Charts
Most Recent Data Per Location

Links

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2 comments:

  1. MarkSDecember 14, 2021 at 11:53 AM

    Thanks for sharing this, I just checked out the summary page for Canal. Your 85th percentile data on speed suggests the speed limit there should probably be 40 instead of 30.

    If Cedar Hills wanted to use your equipment to check out some of their own roads, would Highland rent it out?

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    Replies
    1. Rod MannDecember 15, 2021 at 3:35 PM

      Just have the Cedar Hills city admin call Highland's.

      In my view the the Canal Blvd speed limit should be raised. The council will need to make that decision. I presented some of the info (including Canal Blvd) at our last council meeting but it was in the agenda as a report not an action item.

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