Turning Movement Count vs. Midblock Count: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to traffic data collection, two of the most common and crucial studies are Turning Movement Counts (TMC) and Midblock Counts. While both provide vital information for traffic engineering and planning, they serve different purposes and are conducted at different locations. Understanding the difference between the two can help stakeholders make better decisions in urban mobility, road safety, and infrastructure planning.
What Are Turning Movement Counts?
Turning Movement Counts record the number of vehicles turning left, right, or continuing straight through an intersection. These counts are usually collected during peak traffic hours (AM, PM, and Midday) and are crucial for:
Traffic Signal Timing Adjustments
Intersection Design Improvements
Traffic Impact Studies
Road Safety Audits
TMCs are typically conducted at intersections and help identify movement patterns that could indicate congestion, potential conflict zones, or the need for design upgrades.
What Are Midblock Counts?
Midblock Counts, on the other hand, are conducted between intersections (the “midblock” section of a road). These studies measure:
The total volume of vehicles traveling in each direction
Vehicle classifications (cars, trucks, buses, two-wheelers, etc.)
Sometimes, vehicle speeds and gaps between vehicles
Midblock data is critical for:
Road Widening Projects
Evaluating Road Capacity
Designing Pedestrian Crossings
Implementing Road Diets or Speed Calming Measures
Key Differences at a Glance
Aspect | Turning Movement Counts (TMC) | Midblock Counts |
Location | At intersections | Between intersections |
Purpose | Understand turning patterns and signal timing | Measure directional traffic flow |
Focus | Vehicle maneuvers (left, right, through) | Total volume and classification |
Application | Intersection design, TIA, traffic signal upgrades | Capacity analysis, safety, urban planning |
Vehicle Classification | Optional, but often done | Often includes detailed classification |
Why It Matters
Both types of counts feed into traffic modeling software and decision-making processes. But choosing the wrong study can lead to misleading conclusions.
If you want to optimize an intersection, you need a Turning Movement Count.
If your focus is on improving road segments, lane widths, or pedestrian safety away from intersections, you need a Midblock Count.
Together, they offer a full picture of how traffic behaves throughout a corridor.
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a new development, upgrading infrastructure, or analyzing current traffic patterns, choosing the right type of count is critical.
At Traffic Data Count, we specialize in both TMCs and Midblock Counts using manual methods, video analytics, and advanced software tools. Our reports are comprehensive, accurate, and tailored to the project goals of engineers, planners, and consultants.
📞 Ready to collect accurate traffic data? Contact us today or explore more on trafficdatacount.com.
