Modeling Traffic Volume Reduction as a Function of Winter Weather Factors for a Cold Region Highway

Abstract

This research aims to quantify the impact of winter weather conditions (cold temperatures and snowfall) on traffic volume. Traffic data and winter weather data (temperature and snowfall intensities from November to March) were collected for 5 years from a cold region highway in Alberta, Canada. The study results suggest that, overall, traffic volume substantially reduces under extremely cold temperatures and heavy snowfall conditions. Yet, truck traffic was estimated to increase in the combined presence of some weather conditions, which could be due to more trucks being used and/or trucks potentially being rerouted from other routes. Highway agencies may use the proposed methodology to determine (1) the optimal snowplowing schedules, and (2) when to close (or reopen) highways in winter.