Transportation (Traffic) Impact Study
A Transportation (Traffic) Impact Study (TIS) is conducted for a specific development proposal. A TIS:
- Estimates traffic volumes that would be generated by a development
- Assesses impact on the transportation system
- Identifies on-site and off-site improvements that are needed as a result of a development
- Typically, the public is not involved in the preparation of a TIS
Corridor Study
A Corridor Study is a planning project that defines the relationships between a roadway and the surrounding land. A corridor study:
- Defines mobility needs for all users
- Determines transportation system needs to support surrounding land uses
- Consolidates and controls access points
- Identifies operational deficiencies and formulates solutions
- Identifies safety improvements
- Normally the public is involved in the corridor study process
Area Wide Study
An Area Wide Study looks at a large, defined area or jurisdiction to develop a plan for transportation needs. An area wide study:
- Plans for the next 15 to 20 years
- Is developed in coordination with a plan for future land use
- Identifies strategic transportation improvements for implementation over the duration of the plan
- The public is asked to be actively involved in the process
Regional Transportation Plan
A Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) is a long-term blueprint for a multi-jurisdictional transportation system. An RTP:
- Is usually conducted every five years and looks 20 to 30 years into the future
- Takes into consideration member jurisdictions’ plans for land use, economic development, and other area needs
- The public is asked to be actively involved in the process
Major Road Plan
The Major Road Plan identifies the functional classification of roadways (e.g., arterial, collector, local). The Major Road Plan:
- Helps coordinate and regulate land use to ensure that as development occurs, roadway facilities continue to be used for their intended purpose
- Assigns right-of-way requirements based on purpose and function of a road, traffic volume, and planned improvements
- Is consistent with the goals and policies contained in adopted Sector Plans, Regional Transportation Plan, Knoxville-Knox County General Plan, and other applicable plans
Transportation Improvement Program
A Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) is a federally required multi-jurisdictional work program. A TIP:
- Is updated every three years and covers a four-year period
- Lists all regionally significant and federally-funded transportation projects and services within the transportation planning area
- Includes capital and non-capital projects
- Accommodates all modes of surface transportation, including highways and streets, public transportation, and walking and bicycling
- The public is involved in the TIP process
