DA Form 5153-R: Section Traffic Record (LRA) PDF – DA Form 5153-R, titled Section Traffic Record (LRA), is a U.S. Army form used within the Pavement Maintenance Management System (PAVER). Released in November 1982 by the Department of the Army, it records traffic volume and type data for specific pavement sections on military installations.
This form supports pavement engineers, public works personnel, and facility managers in assessing how traffic loads affect road, street, parking lot, airfield, and other pavement conditions. It is one of several related forms in the PAVER system (including DA Forms 5149-R through 5156-R) used for inventory, inspection, evaluation, and maintenance planning.
Download the official DA Form 5153-R here: https://armypubs.army.mil/pub/eforms/DR_a/pdf/A5153_R.pdf
Purpose of the Section Traffic Record in PAVER
The primary purpose of DA Form 5153-R is to document traffic data that informs long-term pavement performance predictions, maintenance and repair (M&R) priorities, and lifecycle costing.
Traffic volume and composition are critical factors in pavement deterioration. Higher volumes of heavy vehicles accelerate wear. By recording this data, installations can:
- Calculate Pavement Condition Index (PCI) more accurately in context.
- Determine appropriate M&R strategies.
- Prioritize funding for repairs.
- Support economic analysis of maintenance alternatives.
It is referenced in TM 5-623, Pavement Maintenance Management (November 1982), the key technical manual for the PAVER system.
Key Components of DA Form 5153-R
The form captures:
- Installation Name, Branch Name, and Section Number — Identifies the specific pavement area.
- Date of Survey — Records when traffic data was collected.
- Traffic Type and Volume Index — For roads and streets, it uses standardized categories and indices (e.g., passenger cars, buses, trucks by weight class).
- Parking Lots, Airfields, and Other Areas — Allows free-form descriptions of traffic volume and type.
- Description fields — For noting specific observations or additional details.
Data is typically collected through field surveys or traffic counts and updated periodically as traffic patterns change.
How to Fill Out DA Form 5153-R?
- Header Information: Enter the installation, branch (e.g., road name or parking area), and section number.
- Survey Dates: Record each traffic survey date.
- Roads/Streets Section: Use the provided columns (a–f) to log volume indices for different vehicle types per TM 5-623 guidelines.
- Other Areas: Describe traffic for parking lots, airfields, etc., in the designated space.
- Review and File: Ensure accuracy, as this data feeds into broader PAVER evaluations and reports.
Pro Tip: Refer to TM 5-623 (available via official Army channels or WBDG) for detailed instructions, volume index tables, and examples of completed forms.
Always use the latest official version from Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil).
Integration with Other PAVER Forms
DA Form 5153-R works alongside:
- DA Form 5150-R: Section Identification Record.
- DA Form 5151-R: Section Pavement Structure Record.
- DA Form 5152-R: Section Materials Properties Record.
- DA Form 5154-R: Section Condition Record.
Together, these create a comprehensive pavement database for decision-making.
Who Uses DA Form 5153-R?
- US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) personnel.
- Installation public works and engineering staff.
- Pavement maintenance teams.
- Facility managers responsible for roads, parking areas, and airfields on military bases.
It remains relevant for installations using the manual PAVER system or transitioning to computerized versions.
Why Accurate Traffic Records Matter for Army Installations?
Proper use of DA Form 5153-R helps:
- Extend pavement life through timely interventions.
- Optimize budget allocation.
- Ensure safe, operational infrastructure for training and mission support.
- Comply with Army pavement management standards.
In an era of aging infrastructure and resource constraints, data-driven maintenance is essential.
Need the form? Download it directly: DA Form 5153-R PDF.
For full guidance, consult TM 5-623 or contact your installation engineering office. This article is for informational purposes and based on official U.S. Army publications. Always verify with current Army directives.