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Some of the costs associated with a traffic monitoring program remain relatively constant for any implemented plan including the costs associated with data analysis, summarization, storage, and retention. However, some traffic monitoring costs that can vary greatly include the cost of the automatic counter type in combination with the detector type, and need to be chosen to best meet the needs of an agency. Automatic traffic counter models differ in costs depending on the sophistication of the equipment. Some general cost estimates that can be expected for automatic traffic counters per unit as of 2004 include:
A good quality traffic monitoring program will incorporate strategies that utilize a mix of data collection techniques that best meet the needs of the agency. Automated traffic recording devices and corresponding detector types can be selected for various situations that will enable an agency on a limited budget to obtain the needed traffic information. For example, a portable accumulative count recorder (ACR) and pneumatic road tube sensors are an inexpensive yet extremely easy and useful set of traffic data collection tools. This combination of traffic monitoring equipment can be placed, retrieved, and moved to obtain short-duration traffic related information at numerous locations.
Another strategy to explore is the use of simple manual traffic counts that may be collected on a monthly basis, for instance visitation counts to a park or recreational area. This data can be manually collected easily in the form of a user-defined vehicle classification count and/or vehicle occupancy count. This type of data collection effort can provide a range of information to be used by an agency, for instance, in determining peak hour vehicle trends or the total number of persons at a particular location at any given time. Additionally, monthly variation can be derived if the visitation information is collected on a consistent basis. From this information, monthly adjustment factors can be acquired that could be applied to other short-duration counts within the area.
As stated previously in this document, another strategy to reduce costs of a traffic monitoring program is to coordinate with external agencies to acquire useful information, such as data from nearby traffic count locations managed by State department of transportation agencies. Such coordination will help reduce the effort and limit possible redundant collection of travel information. This data can be a good source for establishing adjustment factors which could be used to adjust traffic data from short-duration daily counts to annual count estimates.
| Detector Type Example Products | Detection Accuracy | ||
| COUNT | WEIGHT | CLASSIFICATION | |
| Inductive Loop Detectors (ILDs) | EXCELLENT | NA | FAIR |
| Not affected by weather performs well under high and low volume traffic | |||
| Video Image Detectors (VIDS) | FAIR | NA | POOR |
| Peek Video Track 900 Autoscope 2004 Eliop Trafico EVA 2000 | Occlusion and light conditions reduce accuracy weather related problems poor performance in high density locations | ||
| Active Infrared Detectors | EXCELLENT | NA | FAIR |
| Schwartz Autosense I | Weather related problems poor performance in high density locations | ||
| Microwave Detectors | EXCELLENT | NA | NA |
| Remote Traffic Microwave Sensor (RTMS) Peek PODD Whelen TDN-30 | Not affected by weather | ||
| Passive Acoustic Detectors | FAIR | NA | POOR |
| Smartsonic TSS-1 SmarTek SAS-1 | Poor performance in echo-filled environment | ||
| Passive Magnet Detectors | EXCELLENT | NA | FAIR |
| 3M Canoga Vehicle Detection System 702 | Not affected by weather performs well under high and low volume traffic | ||
| Piezoelectric Detectors | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT |
| Accurate date to within 15% GVW | |||
| Bending Plate for WIM | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT | EXCELLENT |
| Accurate date to within 10% GVW | |||
| Pneumatic Detector | FAIR | NA | FAIR |
| Road Tube | Weather related problems poor performance under low speeds performs well under moderate volume traffic | ||
| Manual Data Collection | EXCELLENT | NA | EXCELLENT |
| Personal Labor and Equipment | Not affected by weather performs well under high and low volume traffic for short periods of time | ||
The above table compares various detector types available and their corresponding capabilities, limitations, and estimated costs as of the year 2004.
| Installation | Maintenance Needs | Costs * | ||
| SETUP | CALIBRATION | INSTALLATION | MAINTENANCE | |
| MODERATE | EASY | HIGH | HIGH | MEDIUM |
| Must block traffic for installation high rate of installation errors | Weakens pavement | $1447 per lane to install | ||
| DIFFICULT | MODERATE | MEDIUM | HIGH | MEDIUM |
| Requires a pole for mounting | $1178 per lane to instal | |||
| EASY | MODERATE | LOW | HIGH | HIGH |
| Requires a pole for mounting | $1658 per lane to install | |||
| EASY | MODERATE | MEDIUM | MEDIUM | LOW |
| Requires a pole for mounting can be mounted overhead or on side of road (sidefire) | $1086 per lane to install | |||
| EASY | EASY | LOW | MEDIUM | LOW |
| Requires a pole for mounting can be mounted overhead or on side of road (sidefire) | $913 per lane to install | |||
| EASY | EASY | LOW | LOW | LOW |
| Can be installed under pavement by horizontal drilling or installed under overpass | $755 per lane to install | |||
| DIFFICULT | DIFFICULT | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH |
| Must block traffic for installation stringent site requirements | $ 1894 (AVC) per lane to install $3360 (WIM) per lane to install | |||
| DIFFICULT | DIFFICULT | HIGH | HIGH | HIGH |
| Must block traffic for installation stringent site requirements | Frequent recalibration | $3360 (WIM) per lane to install | ||
| EASY | EASY | MEDIUM | LOW | LOW |
| Cannot be used in rutted pavement locations | Road tubing replacement | up to $100 per locations to setup and retrieve | ||
| NA | NA | NA | MEDIUM | LOW |
| Varies due to cost of personnel and type of count performed | ||||
Notes: NA - Not Applicable
*cost estimates for comparison purposes only and include sensor and installation costs (labor, travel, and misc. parts). Estimate does not include cost of traffic control or power and communications installation as dependant upon location.
Bill Grants Federal Requirements Seminar 
An introductory webinar to assist local and tribal agencies with applying for transportation funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).
