Saturation Flow Rate Measurement on a Four Arm Signalized Intersection of Ahmedabad City

Abstract

Intersection is the most crucial element of road network as it affects the performance and productivity of the whole network significantly. The intersection performance is usually measured via delay and saturation flow rate particularly on signalized intersections. This research work determines the maximum departure flow rate and saturation flow rate in the context of non-lane based heterogeneous traffic condition existing on Vijay Crossroad of Ahmedabad city. The analysis is based on video graphic data collected during peak hours at the selected intersection. Volume conversion is carried out by adopting Justo and Tuladhar (1984) and IRC (1994) recommended PCU values. It has been observed that maximum departure flow rate calculated for 3 second interval is higher than 6 second interval. The analysis shows that maximum saturation flow rate (SFR) observed using IRC suggested PCU values varies between 933W to 1283W, whereas for the Justo and Tuladhar suggested PCU values the maximum saturation flow rate varies between 636W and 821W, where W is width of approach in meter.