NCDOT requires a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) for some developments based on the site trip generation estimates, site context, or at the discretion of the NCDOT District Engineer. An accurate TIA is essential to appropriately plan for a specific development and its expected impacts, along with any relevant mitigation factors. Many aspects of the TIA build on the trip generation estimates, which means the trip generation process of a TIA is a critical component and receives substantial attention and review from both NCDOT and the developer. As a result, vehicle trips may be impacted by developments in locations with multimodal options. Recent TIAs in these locations commonly include vehicle trip reductions. However, a thorough documentation and examination of reasonable vehicle trip reduction rates is not available in North Carolina.
This research will assist NCDOT by developing a better understanding of the application of vehicle trip reduction rates for sites with probable multimodal usage in the context of Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA). Using data from North Carolina sites, the research will provide estimates of vehicle trip reduction rates for sites with probable multimodal usage (based on common location types with expected trip reduction requests in TIAs). The research will also provide recommendations for the application of vehicle trip reduction rates for NCDOT in the review of TIAs. This information will be useful for NCDOT in the review of TIAs, but can also be useful for developers and municipalities who may be intentionally focused on designs and developments that encourage multimodal transportation uses and options.
