The TPO monitors traffic congestion on over 425 roadway segments (950 directional links). The Roadway Network Database contains current traffic data for all arterial and collector roads – the major roads in Polk County.
The Roadway Network Database includes information on the current traffic volume and level-of-service for these major roads. The report identifies both daily and peak hour traffic volumes. Daily traffic volumes are reported in Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) – the typical traffic volume on a weekday over a 24-hour period. Peak hour traffic represents the highest hourly traffic volume for period between 4 – 7 p.m. It is reported as both a two-way volume and as directional volumes (east and west or north and south).
The peak hour traffic volumes are used to estimate the level-of-service for each roadway, in each direction. Level-of-service refers to the quality of traffic flow. It is the primary measure of traffic congestion. Level-of-service (LOS) is measured on a scale of ‘A’ to ‘F’ with LOS ‘A’ being the best (free-flow traffic) and LOS ‘F’ being the worst (severe traffic congestion – think parking lot).
Download a copy of the 2023 Roadway Network Database.