When the municipality asks for a traffic impact study for your project, you usually receive more than one quotation with different prices and durations. The difference between quotations shows not only in price but in the report's content: does it cover everything the guide requires? The Procedural Guide for Traffic Impact Studies sets out a proposed structure for the final report, with the option of adding chapters depending on the project's type and size. Knowing these components helps you judge the quality of any quotation you receive and understand why the study takes time. This guide explains the eight chapters, the appendices, the horizon years, and what determines the preparation time. To find out when a study is required in the first place, read: When do you need a traffic study?.
The Report's Eight Chapters
| Chapter | Content according to the guide |
|---|---|
| One: Introduction | Purpose, project description, study scope and future projects |
| Two: Existing conditions | The road network and its geometric measurements, intersections, existing traffic and current level of service |
| Three: Future conditions with the project | Generated traffic, its distribution, assumptions, level of service over the project period, and the design year |
| Four: Alternatives and solutions | Street, signal and site plan improvements, and level-of-service analysis of the solutions. Read: Traffic simulation |
| Five: Access points and parking | Recommendations for designing entrances and exits. Read: Project access requirements |
| Six: Active transport | Pedestrians, bicycles and e-mobility such as scooters |
| Seven: Road safety | Verifying safety standards for the project's components and the network. Read: Road safety audit |
| Eight: Conclusions and recommendations | A summary of the study and its recommendations |
Required Appendices
- The project drawings used in the study.
- Results of the automatic and manual traffic counts.
- Trip generation calculations.
- Traffic assessment for all analysis scenarios.
Horizon Years by Level
| Level | Minimum study period |
|---|---|
| One | Opening year + 3 years |
| Two | Opening year + 10 years |
| Three | Opening year + 20 years |
For multi-phase projects, the horizon year is counted after the last phase is completed.
What Determines the Preparation Time?
- Methodology approval: the consultant submits the methodology to the municipality first, and the owner is notified in writing of its approval.
- Traffic counts: automatic counts for 7 days × 24 hours, and manual counts for 3 days, at normal times outside holidays, Ramadan and Eid. Read: Traffic count timing.
- Analysis and modelling.
- Draft report and review.
- A results presentation meeting with the relevant authorities.
So the counting season alone can delay the study if it coincides with a school holiday or Ramadan.
How to Evaluate a Traffic Study Quotation
- Does it cover the eight chapters and the appendices?
- Does it include automatic and manual counts for the required durations?
- Does it include an accredited road design engineer to prepare preliminary designs for the improvements?
- Does it set the study level and horizon year?
- Does it include attending the results meeting and responding to comments? Read: Why traffic studies are rejected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the eight chapters mandatory?
The guide sets them as a proposed report structure, and some studies may need additional chapters.
What is active transport?
Pedestrian, bicycle and e-mobility movement, which now has its own chapter in the guide.
How many copies are submitted?
The guide states 4 copies with the drawings and analysis results, plus an electronic copy.
Why does the study level differ between projects?
The level is linked to the project's size and the trips it generates, and it sets the horizon year and scope of analysis.
Can design start before the study?
Yes, but the study may require changes to access points or parking, so early coordination is advisable. Read: Parking requirements by activity.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that prepares traffic impact studies in line with the procedural guide, with all chapters and appendices, schedules traffic counts early to avoid holiday seasons, and follows the study through to approval. See our traffic impact study service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.