Type of Protective Zoning: Traffic Studies and Analysis

Fracking development is often accompanied by a significant increase in truck traffic.  One of the only ways to limit traffic patterns and traffic flow is by having local rules require analysis of traffic patterns and applications that base their traffic plans on such analysis.

Traffic Impact Study

One type of study that can be required by ordinance is a traffic impact study. It is helpful because if the gas company completes the study, the municipality can determine the safest and least congested routes for truck traffic to take, without bearing the cost of the traffic study or bearing the cost of the ultimate congestion.  

The municipality can require that predetermined truck routes are used, or they can require certain truck traffic schedules so that industry vehicles have the least impact on the municipality’s road infrastructure and traffic patterns. This helps to ensure safety of pedestrians and drivers.

Example of a traffic impact study

Peter’s Township’s Mineral Extraction ordinance states:

The proposed hauling routes must be designed to minimize the impact on Township roads. The Township reserves the right to designate reasonable required truck hauling routes consistent with the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Code and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation throughout the Township.

Places with that type of language

*Although this version of the Penn Township Injection Well Ordinances indicates it is a “draft” it is actually the finalized language

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