The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is in the process of rolling out traffic count devices across the state. These gadgets will be popping up on various local roads in a number of parishes including Caddo, Sabine, St. John, St. Martin, and Red River. If you spot one, it's all in the name of collecting data on traffic patterns, vehicle types, and how those roads are really getting used, as reported by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development.
According to an announcement from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development, this traffic monitoring isn't new; they've been conducting it for decades. However, some places hadn't been checked out in over 20 years, so it's about time to entirely reassess those streets and highways. This is expected to help shape transportation planning decisions and future infrastructural moves.
The devices themselves are pretty low-key and non-intrusive—think small electronic units chilling next to street signs or nestled in the right-of-way. The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has made a point to stress that these devices are harmless to both the public and their vehicles. But the department is also asking folks to give the devices some respect—don't tamper with them, don't take them. They need untouched, accurate data to make those big traffic decisions.
This initiative is part of the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development's yearly traffic monitoring program. It feeds directly into the Federal Highway Administration's Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS). The data is going to be crucial to calculate vehicle miles traveled, to accurately determine highway classifications, and to lay out project design standards. It also helps to evaluate how the roads are doing in terms of service for everyone traveling around Louisiana.
Meanwhile, the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development is giving a hat tip to the people of Louisiana for their cooperation. With the public's help, they're looking to seriously enhance the safety, efficiency, and general reliability of the state's transportation system. So next time you're cruising down the road and notice a little box near a stop sign, just know it's there to make your journey smoother down the line.
