Traffic Survey Services (ATCC)
Classified traffic volume counting and analysis for pavement design
An Automatic Traffic Counter Classifier (ATCC) survey records and classifies every vehicle passing a highway section continuously for 7 days and 24 hours per day. This classified volume data is the primary input for calculating design traffic in million standard axles (MSA) for pavement thickness design.
What Is a Traffic Survey Using ATCC?
Survey Parameters & Output Data
The following parameters are recorded and computed from the ATCC traffic survey. Output format complies with IRC SP 72 and IRC 106 requirements for pavement design traffic estimation.
| Parameter | Value / Range | Unit | Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classified Traffic Volume | Hourly and daily counts by vehicle class | vehicles/day | IRC SP 72 Cl. 3.2 |
| Average Daily Traffic (ADT) | Computed from 7-day continuous count | vehicles/day | IRC SP 72 Cl. 3.3 |
| Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) | ADT x seasonal correction factor | vehicles/day | IRC 106 Cl. 4.2 |
| Traffic Growth Rate | 5-7.5% (typical Indian highways) | % per annum | IRC 37 Cl. 5.2 |
| Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) | 1.5-5.5 (varies by vehicle class) | dimensionless | IRC 37 Table 2 |
| Design Traffic (MSA) | Computed for 10-30 year design life | million standard axles | IRC 37 Cl. 5.3 |
| Directional Distribution Factor | 0.50 (typical) to 0.67 | dimensionless | IRC 37 Cl. 5.1 |
| Lane Distribution Factor | 0.75 (2-lane) / 0.40 (4-lane) | dimensionless | IRC 37 Table 1 |
Applicable Indian Standards
Guidelines for the Design of Flexible Pavements for Low Volume Rural Roads
Guidelines for Capacity of Urban Roads in Plain Areas
Guidelines for the Design of Flexible Pavements
Traffic Census on Non-Urban Roads
Specifications for Road and Bridge Works — Section 900 (Traffic Safety)
Equipment Used
Automatic Traffic Counter Classifier (ATCC)
Pneumatic Tube Type with Multi-Channel Data Logger
Classifies vehicles into 6-12 IRC categories, records speed, direction, and axle count simultaneously
CalibratedPneumatic Road Tubes
Heavy-duty rubber tubes (6 mm OD)
Withstands 10,000+ vehicle passes, operates in temperatures from 5 to 55 degrees C
CalibratedVideo Recording System
HD IP Camera with IR Night Vision
Continuous 7-day recording for manual verification and turning movement count analysis
CalibratedHandheld Tally Counters and Data Sheets
Standard manual counting equipment
Used for manual classified count validation and turning movement surveys at intersections
CalibratedSurvey Process
Site Reconnaissance & Planning
Day 1The survey team visits the project corridor to identify suitable ATCC deployment locations. The station must be on a straight, level section away from intersections, bus stops, or toll plazas that could distort traffic flow. Station coordinates are recorded using GPS, and a deployment plan covering lane configuration, sensor placement, and power supply is prepared.
ATCC Installation & Calibration
Day 2Pneumatic tubes are laid across the carriageway and secured to the pavement surface with adhesive and road nails. The tubes are connected to the data logger housed in a roadside enclosure. The system is calibrated by manually verifying vehicle classifications against visual observation for the first 1-2 hours. Video cameras are mounted for backup recording.
7-Day Continuous Data Collection
Days 2-9The ATCC unit records traffic continuously for 7 days and 24 hours per day, capturing each vehicle's axle count, speed, direction, and timestamp. Data is logged in 15-minute intervals. The field team conducts daily site visits to verify equipment functionality, check tube integrity, replace batteries if needed, and perform manual spot counts for quality validation.
Dismantling & Data Download
Day 9After the 7-day survey period, the ATCC unit and pneumatic tubes are dismantled. Raw data is downloaded from the data logger and backed up. Video footage is archived for turning movement count extraction and manual verification of any anomalous data segments.
Data Validation & Classification
Days 10-11Raw traffic records are screened for errors, duplicates, and sensor malfunctions. Vehicle classifications are validated against video footage for a minimum 10% sample. Hourly traffic volumes are tabulated by direction and vehicle category per IRC classification. Any data gaps due to sensor failure are interpolated using adjacent-hour data and manual count records.
Traffic Analysis & MSA Computation
Days 11-12ADT is calculated from the 7-day totals. AADT is derived by applying seasonal correction factors. Traffic growth rate is established from historical data or IRC 37 default values. Vehicle Damage Factor (VDF) is computed using axle load survey data. Design traffic in MSA is calculated for the specified design period (typically 15-20 years for NH and 10-15 years for SH) using the IRC 37 formula: N = 365 x A x D x F x [(1+r)^n - 1] / r.
Report Preparation & Delivery
Days 12-14The final traffic survey report includes hourly and daily traffic volume tables, vehicle class distribution charts, directional split analysis, peak hour factors, ADT and AADT values, VDF calculations, and design traffic in MSA. Reports are prepared in the format specified by NHAI, IRC SP 72, and the project consultant. Digital and hard copies are delivered to the client.
Where Traffic Surveys Are Used
Detailed Information
NKMPV provides professional traffic survey services for highway, road and infrastructure projects to support pavement design, capacity analysis and transport planning. Our surveys include traffic volume count, classified traffic survey, axle load survey and origin–destination (OD) studies conducted as per IRC and MoRTH guidelines. Accurate traffic data is essential for designing safe, durable and cost-effective road networks.
Our traffic surveys are conducted by trained field personnel and reviewed by qualified engineers to ensure accuracy, consistency, and suitability for use in DPRs, feasibility reports, and pavement design calculations.
What Is a Traffic Survey?
A traffic survey is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of traffic data such as traffic volume, vehicle classification, axle load, speed, and movement patterns. These surveys form the technical basis for pavement design, capacity analysis, road safety planning, and traffic management decisions.
Traffic surveys are required for:
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Highway and expressway projects
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Flexible and rigid pavement design
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Traffic impact assessment
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Road safety and improvement studies
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NHAI, MoRTH, and State PWD works
Types of Traffic Survey Services We Offer
Traffic Volume Count Survey
Traffic volume count surveys measure the number of vehicles passing a selected location over a defined period. Vehicles are classified according to standard categories prescribed by IRC.
This data is used for capacity analysis, lane configuration planning, traffic forecasting, and infrastructure upgrades.
Classified Traffic Survey
Classified traffic surveys record traffic volume by vehicle type such as cars, buses, LCVs, trucks, and multi-axle vehicles. This information is essential for converting traffic into equivalent standard axles for pavement design.
Axle Load Survey
Axle load surveys measure the actual axle loads and gross vehicle weights of commercial vehicles. Accurate axle load data is critical for determining design traffic and pavement thickness.
Origin–Destination (OD) Survey
Origin–Destination surveys identify travel patterns, trip origins, destinations, and route choices of road users. These surveys support traffic diversion analysis, bypass planning, and network optimization.
Speed and Delay Survey
Speed and delay surveys evaluate travel speed, journey time, and congestion levels along a corridor. The results help identify bottlenecks and improve traffic flow and safety.
Turning Movement Count (TMC) Survey
Turning movement count surveys are carried out at intersections to record vehicle movements in different directions. This data is used for junction design, signal planning, and geometric improvements.
Traffic Survey Using Network Survey Vehicle (NSV)
For large highway corridors, traffic data collection can be integrated with automated road condition surveys using a Network Survey Vehicle.
Methodology and Standards Followed
All traffic survey services are carried out in accordance with applicable Indian standards and guidelines, including:
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IRC 108 – Guidelines for Traffic Surveys
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IRC 37 – Guidelines for Flexible Pavement Design
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IRC 58 – Guidelines for Rigid Pavement Design
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MoRTH Specifications
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NHAI requirements
Data collection methods include manual classified counts, video recording with post-processing, automated traffic counters, and axle load measurement systems. Quality checks are performed at each stage to ensure data reliability.
Role of Traffic Surveys in Pavement Design
Traffic survey data is a key input for pavement design as it determines design traffic in terms of cumulative standard axles. Accurate traffic data helps in selecting appropriate pavement thickness and structural composition.
Related services: Incorrect or insufficient traffic data can result in premature pavement failure, increased maintenance costs, and reduced service life.Applications of Traffic Survey Services
Traffic surveys are commonly used for:
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National and state highway projects
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Urban road development
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Industrial and logistics corridors
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Road safety audits
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DPR and feasibility studies
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Traffic management planning
Why Choose NKMPV for Traffic Survey Services?
NKMPV offers traffic survey services supported by experienced field teams, standard methodologies, and engineering review. Our survey reports are structured, transparent, and suitable for submission to consultants, government agencies, and project authorities.
We ensure that traffic data is accurate, relevant, and aligned with project requirements and applicable standards.
Conclusion
Traffic survey services provide the foundation for effective highway planning, pavement design, and traffic management. Accurate traffic data supports informed engineering decisions and helps develop safe, durable, and cost-effective road infrastructure. NKMPV delivers reliable traffic survey solutions that comply with Indian standards and meet the technical needs of highway and infrastructure projects.
Why Choose NKMPV for Traffic Surveys?
NABL Accredited Survey Reports
Our traffic survey reports carry NABL accreditation (ISO/IEC 17025:2017), accepted by NHAI, state PWDs, highway consultants, and arbitration tribunals without additional verification or third-party validation.
7-Day Uninterrupted ATCC Data
We deploy redundant ATCC units with battery backup to ensure zero data loss across the full 7-day survey period. Video backup provides independent verification of classified counts.
Integrated Traffic and Axle Load Surveys
We offer combined traffic volume count and axle load surveys in a single mobilisation, reducing field time and cost while providing all inputs needed for IRC 37 pavement design — ADT, AADT, VDF, and MSA.
Experienced Highway Survey Teams
Our field teams have conducted traffic surveys on over 100 highway project corridors across Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, covering 2-lane, 4-lane, and 6-lane configurations.
IRC-Compliant Reporting
Reports are formatted to meet NHAI DPR requirements and IRC SP 72 guidelines, including hourly distribution charts, vehicle class breakdowns, seasonal correction, growth rate analysis, and design traffic computation.