Traffic counts are a critical indicator of site viability for retail, quick-service restaurants (QSR), and service-based uses, especially at key intersections. High average daily traffic (ADT) volumes signal strong visibility, accessibility, and customer exposure, which directly influence tenant demand, rent potential, and overall project performance. The ideal traffic count varies by use type, market size, and location dynamics.
1. Baseline Traffic Volumes by Use Type
- QSR and drive-thru locations typically seek 25,000 to 50,000+ vehicles per day (VPD) on adjacent roads.
- General retail and convenience stores often perform well at 15,000 to 30,000 VPD, depending on tenancy and center size.
- Service-based tenants (salons, medical, fitness) are less traffic-dependent but still benefit from 10,000 to 20,000 VPD for visibility and foot traffic.
- Locations near signalized intersections, high-turnover corridors, or school zones can attract more volume even with slightly lower counts.
- Heavier traffic supports national tenant leases and higher valuations.
2. Directional Flow and Corner Influence
- High counts in both directions (north-south and east-west) increase intersection draw for multi-tenant sites.
- Corner parcels at four-way intersections with strong traffic from multiple approaches have greater QSR and convenience appeal.
- Visibility from both main and secondary roads enhances tenant mix flexibility.
- Left-turn access and stacking lanes are critical for QSR site planning and customer circulation.
3. Peak Hour and Daypart Performance
- Retailers and QSRs examine AM and PM peak traffic, especially during commuter and lunch hours.
- Drive-thru chains track morning drive patterns and queuing potential, often needing 2,000+ vehicles/hour during peak windows.
- Evening and weekend traffic supports dine-in restaurants, fitness, and entertainment tenants.
- Count quality matters as much as quantity—consistency, not just volume, supports tenant performance.
4. Adjacent Trip Generators and Anchor Uses
- Traffic counts tied to proximity to schools, hospitals, office parks, or major retail centers carry more value.
- Co-location near national grocery, pharmacy, or fuel stations improves intersection performance.
- New housing or employment growth upstream of the intersection increases future traffic projections.
- Retail developers often request traffic impact studies or trip generation reports from engineering consultants.
5. Local Market Benchmarks and Tenant Criteria
- National retailers have site selection models that benchmark minimum traffic thresholds by region or urbanization tier.
- In urban cores, high pedestrian traffic can offset lower VPD numbers.
- In suburban markets, 35,000+ VPD is often considered prime for national QSR brands.
- State DOTs, city planning departments, and private traffic data platforms (like Kalibrate, Placer.ai, or StreetLight) provide intersection-specific data.
