Which study is used to predict traffic at different service-life stages and assess the need for a new bridge?

• A. Feasibility study
• B. Structural analysis
• C. Economic assessment
• D. Traffic survey

Answer: (D)

A traffic study is used to predict how traffic will behave at different service-life stages and to assess whether a new bridge is needed. This type of study collects current traffic data, including volumes, time-of-day patterns, vehicle types, and turning movements, and then applies forecasting methods to project future demand for various years. By examining these projections, engineers can determine when the existing bridge will become overloaded or no longer meet performance expectations, and whether replacement or new construction is warranted as demand grows over the bridge’s life cycle.

Feasibility studies look at overall project viability, structural analysis focuses on how a structure behaves under loads, and economic assessments evaluate costs and benefits. None of these center on forecasting future traffic demand and capacity needs in the way a traffic study does.