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40 <br /> US 70 Multimodal Corridor Study <br /> 4.3.3 Historic Traffic Volumes <br /> NCDOT's count program provides a consistent source of data for assessing traffic volume trends over time. <br /> There are multiple count stations on US 70 within the study limits. This study uses data from NCDOT's Traffic <br /> Count Database System for the years 2011-2022. AADT estimates derived from Streetlight Insight and traffic <br /> counts collected for this study in 2022 were also considered. <br /> AADTs on US 70 are highest on the eastern portion of corridor in Hillsborough (14,400 vpd) and by the 1-85 <br /> interchange near Durham (17,000 vpd). Volumes are steady through Mebane, then decrease towards the <br /> middle of the study corridor, reaching a low of 3,800 vpd in Efland, before increasing through Hillsborough. <br /> Due to the effects of COVID-19, however, traffic volumes dropped substantially in 2020, before beginning to <br /> recover in 2021, and continuing through 2022 (although complete NCDOT data for 2022 AADTs are not yet <br /> available). Overall, available 2022 traffic levels appear similar to those in 2019. <br /> However: <br /> • Trucks make up a larger share of traffic now than in 2019. This is due in part to increased online <br /> shopping and home delivery, and in part because truck traffic was less impacted by COVID than travel <br /> by personal automobile. <br /> • Traffic volumes recovered somewhat faster in the western portion of the corridor than the eastern. <br /> This may be due to the more industrial/commercial nature of employment in the west, resulting in <br /> more work-from-home opportunities (thus less travel) to the east. <br /> Although traffic growth for the study corridor overall averaged about 2.3% annually between 2011 and 2019, <br /> rates varied considerably year-to-year and by. <br /> Further analysis of NCDOT count data reveals no substantial, sustained traffic growth trends for US 70 <br /> immediately beyond the study limits; in fact, some minor decreases were observed.Traffic volumes for <br /> significant roads intersecting US 70 within the study corridor were also assessed. NCDOT AADT records were <br /> reviewed, along with other counts and Streetlight estimates, and in general, traffic trends at these locations <br /> are consistent with US 70 observations. Figure 9 shows the average historic NCDOT AADT for each segment in <br /> the study area from 2011-2022. <br /> 31 Existing Conditions and Critical Issues <br />