Traffic impact studies are conducted to evaluate the impacts of proposed land developments can have on the existing transportation network. Proposed changes might include new development, redevelopment of an existing area into new or mixed land uses, or possibly rezoning. These traffic studies are designed to assist the public works department and private planners in making decisions on how to plan for future transportation needs, assess the impact of changes in land use, and suggest ways for mitigating the adverse effects of these land use changes.
Requirements for when a traffic study will be necessary as well as guidelines for conducting these studies are included in the Traffic Management Manual .