Traffic Volume Maps
Annual average daily traffic (AADT) volume maps that present the traffic average for a specific year at specific points on North Carolina's roads

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  • The N.C. Department of Transportation's Traffic Survey Group collects traffic data statewide to analyze and support planning, design, construction, maintenance, operation and research activities required to manage North Carolina's transportation system.

    In compliance with standards outlined in the Federal Highway Administration Traffic Monitoring Guide, annual average daily traffic volume maps and reports are published annually, once NCDOT has collected data for the entire state and analyzed and processed the entire set.

  • NCDOT 2025 Traffic Monitoring Publication

    ​The North Carolina Department of Transportation​ (NCDOT) Traffic Survey Group (TSG) has officially published its current dataset for the 2025 Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), Traffic Segmentation, and 2025 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Report.  Generated in compliance with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Traffic Monitoring Guide (TMG) standards, this comprehensive data set provides critical data for traffic safety analyses, urban planning, civil engineering design, and commercial infrastructure forecasting, and many other uses across North Carolina.

    Data Finalization Note: Due to the mandatory rigor of statewide collection and analysis processes, the goal for AADT official publication to our website is by August 31st. For example, the 2025 AADT data will be officially published by August 31, 2026.  The 2026 data will be published by August 31, 2027.

    Publication Note: Offical traffic monitoring data provided August 2026.​

  • Official Traffic Monitoring Data Access Channels

    To accommodate the varying technical requirements of public and private sector stakeholders, NCDOT delivers our traffic monitoring dataset through four primary digital visualization and access platforms: 1) Interactive Traffic Volume Map; 2) Traffic Survey GIS Data Products; 3) Traffic Count Database System (TCDS); and 4) Traffic Viewer (TV).

    Interactive Traffic Volume Map

    Official traffic monitoring data publication to our website occurs by August 31 for the previous year's collected data.

    This browser-based mapping application is a popular resource for our customers. This application displays current and historical Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) points extending back to year 2022 across most state-maintained routes. This resource also displays traffic segments that provide an indication of the route length for which the AADT value is associated with.

    Please be aware that some adjustments have been made to our traffic segmentation generation process from previous years. The traffic segment beginning and ending locations have shifted to align with the NCDOT LRS system. Adjustments to future traffic segment publications will be provided as we improve our processes. With the 2025 traffic segmentations, customers may observe multiple AADT station points associated with a single segment.

    A traffic segment provides an estimated average of AADT value for the length of the segment. Traffic segments are utilized for AADT because a single average cannot accurately represent an entire highway network.

    Traffic Survey GIS Data Products

    For the 2025 official publication, this is the first time the AADT and Traffic Segment products are provided as a downloadable ESRI ArcGIS Geodatabase.

    Archived GIS products are downloadable ESRI Shapefiles. The current official and historical AADT product is provided as a station point layer, whereas the 2025 Traffic Segment provides segmentation based on NCDOT Linear Referencing System (LRS) 2025 Quarter 4 release.

    For additional details concerning NCDOT GIS LRS Data Layers, please visit GIS Data Layers .

    The AADT geodatabase is a station point layer of Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) estimates. This AADT data was submitted to FHWA for Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) AADT data reporting for the year.

    NCDOT Traffic Survey Group reports AADT on all highways functionally classified (FC) above Local. Full coverage is provided for these routes where AADT segmentation is based on network configuration, travel patterns, and land use.

    An AADT is an Annual Average Daily Traffic volume for all lanes in both directions passing a point on the highway system. It represents the average of all days during the year.

    An AADT estimate is generated using procedures that comply with the standards specified in the Traffic Monitoring Guide published by the Federal Highway Administration.

    The points in this file were digitized referencing the NCDOT Linear Referencing System (LRS). They are based on GPS data collected from the side of the road when counters are installed but are digitized on the GIS route inventory direction.

    The station locations are based on referencing the Quarter 4 final end-of-year publication of the NCDOT LRS. Some differences will be found when using different quarterly publications with this data set.

    The data provided is seasonally factored to an estimate of an annual average of daily traffic. AADT values are either derived from a count base collection or a grown estimation for those stations that could not be collected during the collection cycle.

    LocationID: Traffic Survey's 10-character unique station identifier. Digits 1-3 are the county code beginning with 001 and ending with 100. Digits 4-6 are placeholders. Digits 7-10 are the station number for the indicated county.

    Example: 0010000023 indicates that the station is in county 001 (Alamance County), with the assigned station number 0023.

    Category: Identifies the collection type. Volume is the standard short-term volume collection type not collected on Interstate Mainline.

    Ramp: Standard category for short-term volume collection associated with ramp-type roadway characteristics.

    Freeway: Category for stations on Interstate/Freeway full-control-access routes that are collected through a non-intrusive device and/or calculated through a volume balancing process in conjunction with ramp collections.

    Categories FRWY VIRTUAL and RAMP VIRTUAL provide an opportunity to simulate volume counts at points along a corridor that are not currently monitored by a station device.

    Direction: Identifies if the direction is 1-Way, 2-Way, or Ramp.

    RouteID: The 11-digit route number is a route naming convention used by NCDOT. It can be used to reference milepost locations along a route.

    The last three digits are the SAP county code. The county code starts at 001 for Alamance County and ends with 100 for Yancey County. View the Guide to the NCDOT Eleven-Digit Route Number .

    Located On/Approach/Crossroad: Provides an approximate location description of where the AADT was collected.

    Latitude/Longitude: Coordinates provided to the approximate traffic data collection location.

    FUNC_CLS: Provides the designated route Functional Classification (FC) numerical value. Functional Class is a classification system of roads based on the traffic service they are intended to provide. View Functional Classification designations .

    FUNC_CLS_TX: Provides the text description for the numerical FUNC_CLS value.

    County: County name.

    RTE_CLS_TX: Provides the text description for the numerical RTE_CLS value.

    AADT_2022-20YY: The AADT provided is based on actual or estimated collections.

    Note: A value of <Null> in the AADT field prior to 2024 indicates that an estimated value was not published for that year in the official AADT publication.

    From the 2024-year publication and beyond, NCDOT Traffic Survey Group has included AADT estimates for traffic monitoring stations that are active in the collection inventory and were unable to be collected during the collection cycle as part of the AADT data set.

    The traffic segment layer contains Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) and Vehicle Class (VC) estimates. This data resource includes what was submitted to FHWA for Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) AADT and VC data reporting.

    AADT is reported on all highways functionally classified above Local. Full coverage is provided where AADT segmentation is based on network configuration, travel patterns, and land use.

    Where divided highways occur, the AADT total for both directions is referenced on the inventory direction. Data is also provided for ramps.

    Some maintained traffic segments require multiple records due to RouteID changes at the county boundary in the Linear Referencing System (LRS).

    Supplemental AADT is provided on routes that are Local FC. The extent of highway this AADT represents has not been determined. The user must exercise judgment in determining the extent of highway for an AADT in this case.

    VC data is provided for those segments where vehicle classification data was collected. Truck volume data is collected at stations and the volumes are annualized.

    Annualized truck percentages for Single Unit (SU) and Multi Unit (MU) trucks are generated from this data and applied to AADT estimates to generate yearly truck volume estimates.

    The VC coverage includes the National Highway System (NHS) and the NC Truck Network.

    RouteID: NCDOT's 11-digit route naming convention used by NCDOT. It can be used to reference milepost locations along a route. Each digit has a different meaning. The last three digits of the route number are the SAP county code. The county code starts at 001 for Alamance County and ends with 100 for Yancey County. Click here to view a Guide to the NCDOT Eleven-Digit Route Number.

    BeginMp: Route milepost at the beginning of the reference segment.

    EndMp: Route milepost at the end of the reference segment.

    AADT: Value based on actual or estimated collections for the published year.

    SU_AADT: Estimated annual average daily Single Unit trucks.

    MU_AADT: Estimated annual average daily Multi Unit trucks.

    K_FACTOR: Design hour volume as a percentage of AADT.

    D_FACTOR: Percent of design hour volume flowing in the higher-volume direction.

    DESIGN_HOUR_SINGLE_TRUCKS_PCT: Percent of AADT that are Single Unit trucks (FHWA Class 4–7).

    DESIGN_HOUR_COMBO_TRUCKS_PCT: Percent of AADT that are Multi Unit trucks (FHWA Class 8–13).

    AADT_Year: Year of the published traffic statistics estimates.

    AADTT: Estimated annual average daily total trucks for the published year.

    VolStaID: Also known as LocationID in the station point shapefile.

    Additional Information

    If additional information is needed, or an issue with the data is identified, please use the NCDOT Traffic Survey Contact Us form.

    Traffic Count Database System (TCDS)

    The Traffic Monitoring System (TMS) application, powered by MS2, is an advanced platform that offers customers enhanced traffic data tools compared to the traditional interactive traffic volume map.

    Core Capabilities of the TCDS Module in the TMS Application

    • Customers can run customized query reports or use pre-built, off-the-shelf reports.
    • Customers can view integrated station locations mapping alongside clear, time-series charts.
    • Customers have historical data access and can export historical traffic count datasets.
    • Additional functional details can be explored through the TCDS overview.

    Critical Timeline & Factoring Status

    • Current year AADT values are strictly preliminary until after official publication on the website by August 31.

    AASHTO Data Rounding Principles

    • AADT values are generated estimates. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials sets the national standard for rounding raw AADT calculations.
    • Because AADT values are statistical estimates derived from a sample of days and adjusted via seasonal factors, presenting final values as exact, single-digit units implies an unearned level of statistical precision.

    NCDOT Traffic Survey Group applies these standard mathematical rounding thresholds before publishing the final numbers to the public:

    Raw Calculated AADT RangeNearest Rounding IncrementExample Raw ValuePublished Rounded Value
    0 – 99Nearest 183.4 83
    100 – 999Nearest 10467 470
    1,000 – 9,999Nearest 1004,329 4,300
    10,000 – 99,999Nearest 50052,680 52,500
    100,000 and aboveNearest 1,000164,410 164,000

    Traffic Viewer

    Traffic Viewer (TV) is a streamlined web-based interface version for the public Traffic Count Database System (TCDS). TV delivers a simple, easy-to-use view of traffic volumes and AADTs.

    It is optimized for mobile devices, so a shortcut can be saved on your phone for quick access. TV can also be accessed on your desktop computer. Click here for Traffic Viewer overview.

    This data product is for customers who would rather access a Microsoft Excel table of historical AADT values.

    The table provides a list of the current active stations for the official AADT publication and their historical AADT values from year 2002 through the current publication year.

    Query filters may be used to select the locations of interest.

    NCDOT Histori​cal AADT.xlsx​

    Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) measures the total amount of travel by personal vehicles and commercial trucks on our roadways. It is calculated by multiplying the number of vehicles on a given road by the total distance of that road.

    Tracking VMT helps transportation planners and policymakers monitor traffic patterns, assess infrastructure needs, and measure progress toward environmental goals. By analyzing VMT trends, we can better design a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation network for our community.

    The first year of an official VMT report was established for the NCDOT 2024 Publication – VMT Report. The NCDOT 2025 Publication VMT Report provides additional data sets and established a standard for future annual year reporting.

    The report is accompanied by a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet so customers working with the data can download the data tables used to generate the report.

    NCDOT 2025 Publication Vehicle Miles (VMT) Report (Excel)​
    NCDOT 2025 Publication Vehicle Miles (VMT) Report (PDF)
    NCDOT 2024 Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Report and Data (PDF)

    Traffic monitoring seasonal factor groups are categories of roadway segments with similar yearly traffic variation patterns.

    NCDOT Traffic Survey uses continuous count stations to calculate monthly adjustment numbers. Multiplying these numbers by short-term counts removes bias and estimates accurate Annual Average Daily Traffic.

    The Traffic Survey Group operates Continuous Count Stations (CCS) at a sampling of locations across North Carolina. These monitoring stations are located on all types of highway facilities in all regions of the State, providing vehicle volume monitoring data.

    The data collected in this system are used to generate Seasonal Factors (SF) to factor from typical traffic conditions experienced on a particular day to an estimate of Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT).

    Stations are grouped based on similar seasonal patterns to provide a basis for generalized application of the factors at short-term count locations and to eliminate the impact of unusual conditions at an individual continuous monitoring station. Factors should be applied to short-term counts based on the day of week and month the count was collected. All raw counts should be converted to volumes prior to applying the seasonal factor.

    Separate seasonal factor groupings have been developed for Interstate Routes and Non-Interstate Routes. All interstate counts should be factored using the interstate set of factors and all non-interstate counts should be factored with the non-interstate set.

    Descriptions of the characteristics of the stations that comprise a group are provided in the excel worksheet. A group is selected by comparing the short-term count location to the group descriptions. The group that most closely matches the location should be used. The factors for these groups are provided.

    This workbook table also provides historical seasonal factor values since 2019.

    NCDOT Traffic Monitoring Seasonal Factors Publication​

  • NCDOT Traffic Monitoring Supporting Information

    Below provides additional information about the NCDOT Traffic Monitoring Program.

    Traffic monitoring programs collect data on vehicle volume, speed, and classification. Agencies use short-term counts, continuous monitoring, and special projects to plan, fund, and maintain safe roadways.

    Short-Term Monitoring (Coverage) Programs

    • Purpose: Collect data at specific sites for brief periods, usually 48 hours or up to 7 days.
    • Methods: Portable equipment such as pneumatic road tubes or radar counters.
    • Coverage: Samples many locations across a road network on a rotating multi-year cycle.
    • Use: Helps estimate annual average daily traffic through seasonal adjustment factors.

    Continuous Monitoring Programs

    • Purpose: Collect 24/7/365 data to track long-term trends and patterns.
    • Methods: Permanent automatic traffic recorders or non-intrusive devices.
    • Coverage: Key reference locations on major highways and urban corridors.
    • Use: Measures yearly growth, hourly variations, and holiday impacts.

    Special Projects

    • Purpose: Target specific data needs for unique events, studies, or construction zones.
    • Methods: Combines available traffic collection equipment and methods.
    • Coverage: Focused on specific road projects provided through NCDOT Business Unit partners.
    • Use: Supports planning and engineering studies.

    The Traffic Survey Group monitors vehicle data across North Carolina using over 48,000 portable stations and permanent automated recorders. Data is collected using a structured, multi-tier cycle.

    Highway & Secondary Road Schedule

    • Primary Routes: Interstate, U.S., and N.C. highways are monitored every year.
    • Secondary Roads: State-maintained secondary roads are monitored on a two-year cycle, with half the network monitored each year.

    Urbanized Municipal Regions

    North Carolina's 19 major urbanized areas are split evenly into a two-year alternating rotation:

    ScheduleUrban Area Collections
    Even Years Asheville, Charlotte, Concord-Kannapolis, Fayetteville, Gastonia, Goldsboro, Greenville, Jacksonville, New Bern
    Odd Years Burlington, Chapel Hill, Durham, Greensboro, Hickory, High Point, Raleigh, Rocky Mount, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

    If you are looking for Annual Average Daily Traffic Data (AADT), we encourage customers to use one of the above listed Traffic Monitoring Data Access Channels.

    If you require further assistance with our data access channels or have any other questions or requests concerning traffic monitoring data, please use the NCDOT Traffic Survey Contact Us form .

    Please provide the requested information on the form and include the following information about your requested location in the comment section:

    • County (e.g., Wake)
    • City or town, if applicable (e.g., Raleigh)
    • Location of the count request (e.g., I-440)
    • Nearest intersecting road (e.g., SR 1005 – Six Forks Road)



​Report to Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) Report and Data​


Interactive Traffic Volume Map​​
Interactive mapping tool presenting historical annual average daily traffic volume since 2002​​​​​​​​

Traffic Count Database System (TCDS)
View collected and processed traffic data values with reporting options​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Traffic ​Viewer (TV)
A mobile interface of TCDS to view historical Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT)​

Traffic Survey GIS Data Products & Documents
Downloadable GIS data layers​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Urban-Area Traffic Volume Maps​​
Annual average daily traffic volume maps for North Carolina's 18 major urbanized areas​​​​​​​​​​​​​

County-Area Traffic Volume Maps (By Year)​​
Annual average daily traffic volume maps for North Carolina's 100 counties​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Traffic Monitoring Reports, Statistics & Resources​​
Traffic Monitoring Reports, Statistics & Resources​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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