Improving Traffic Flow in Emerging Cities: A SIDRA Intersection Based Traffic Signal Design

Abstract

Intersections in urban centers, especially those without any form of signalization, are accident hotspots. This, therefore, calls for effective and efficient traffic management at the intersections for improved safety and efficient traffic flow. This study aimed to improve traffic flow at the Gaa-Akanbi intersection in Ilorin, Nigeria, using a traffic signal scheme. A traffic volume study and geometric features survey was carried out at the intersection. The traffic volume study was performed to determine the number, movement, and classification of vehicles at this intersection using the manual method of traffic count, while the geometric survey of the intersection was done using tape and Total Station. A 3-phase traffic signal was proposed. The optimum cycle length and signal setting were determined using SIDRA Intersection software by adopting the maximum average passenger car unit on the intersection and targeted level of service (LOS) "D". A traffic signal plan with a cycle length of 150 seconds was designed for the intersection. The amber time was considered to be 2 seconds for all phases, and green time of 48, 46 and 38 seconds was gotten for phases 1, 2 and 3, respectively; this timing ensures that minimum delay occurs at the intersection. The proposed traffic signal should be adopted at the intersection by the metropolitan traffic management agency to improve traffic management.