Transportation Planning FAQ

1. When does a proposed development require a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA)?

Every site has different characteristics that prevent an easy answer so please refer to our TIA Guidelines Manual. The Institute for Transportation Engineers Trip Generation (8th Edition) equations for the land use(s) are used to determine if a proposed development will generate over 500 new trips in a 24 hour period or 100 new trips in the AM or PM Peak Hour. Town staff works with NCDOT to create a scope for each traffic impact analysis.

2. How can we get a traffic signal installed at an intersection?

A majority of the major thoroughfares within the Mooresville Town Limits are maintained by NCDOT. NCDOT requires that a traffic signal warrant be conducted per the standards set forth by the Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. The proposed signal cannot be located within a specified distance of an existing traffic signal based on speed limit and functional classification of the roadway segment. The Town of Mooresville follows similar protocol in evaluating new traffic signals at intersections of streets within the Town’s jurisdictions.

3. Who has the authority to modify the signal timing at an intersection?

The majority of traffic signals within the Town Limits are owned and operated by NCDOT – Division 12 office in Shelby. The town has frequent contact with NCDOT employees regarding changes to existing signals. The signals that are operated by the town are monitored by the engineering and public works departments.

4. What role does the Town have in widening/improving roads and intersections?

The Town’s Planning Department contracts with engineering consulting firms that conduct alignment studies to evaluate potential roadway connections and improvements to existing alignments. A Traffic Task Force is a consortium of town employees with experience in transportation who are given an annual budget to implement traffic mitigation improvements, primarily at intersections. The Town has actively pursued and been awarded grant money for transportation improvements through the Federal Highway Administration. NCDOT is involved in an advisory role in all of the above-listed initiatives.