Estimating Traffic Congestion on Urban Roads: A case study of “Panchvati Intersection”

Abstract

Traffic congestion problem is one of the most emerging component in urban transportation system now a days.
Estimation of traffic congestion is essential to select appropriate mitigation measures. Key elements of urban transportation
systems are Signalized Intersections which carry heavy traffic movements of motorized, non-motorized vehicles and
pedestrians. They generate many conflicts among crossing, turning and merging maneuvers. Because of growth of
population and vehicle ownership, traffic demand increases in peak hours, which causes considerable traffic congestion. The
congestion causes air pollution, noise, consumption of fuel, accidents and delay. Capacity analysis is essential for planning,
designing and operation of urban transportation networks. Capacity analysis of signalized intersection is more important
because such intersections control the ability to accommodate traffic. Level of Service (LOS) is a qualitative measurement of
operation of roads. In Ahmedabad city, most of the signalized intersections are having traffic congestion problem and
operated in LOS E and F. There is a need to define traffic congestion on rational bases to use that to determine Level of
Service of roads. An attempt has been made to quantify traffic congestion on signalized intersection i.e. Panchavati
Intersection of Ahmedabad city with respect to delay and volume to the capacity ratio.