DUE CONSIDERATION SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE EXISTING TRAFFIC VOLUME, AND PROBABLE GROWTH OF TRAFFIC IN ROAD NET WORK , AS REQUIRED FOR THE POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE CLASSIFICATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ROAD NET WORK.

Examination of data for traffic based on the captioned subject of purpose of design &scope, required for the test results of observation pavement deflection measurements the traffic is considered in units of heavy vehicles (Vehicles with a laden weight of 3 tonnes or more) per day, in both the directions in the case of two lane roads and in the direction of heavier traffic in the case of multi lane divided highways. Based on the present traffic volume, the design traffic, i e. the traffic expected at the end of the design year should be estimated. In preparing these estimates due consideration should be given to the existing traffic, possible changes in the road network and land use of the area served, and probable growth of traffic during the period of projection under consideration. It is considered appropriate that major through routes should be designed for at least ten years of life. Less important roads may, however be designed for a somewhat lower period based on growth prospects and the judgement. The traffic count figure used in the formula should normally be seven days average of commercial vehicles derived from 24 hour counts. However in exceptional cases where this information is not available, an average of three day count could also be used for the required analysis for the traffic projection on the main through routes.