Use of AHP method in the traffic planning - Example of selecting an optimal intersection type

Abstract

Reconstruction of the intersection on the traffic network is necessary to maintain the required level of traffic safety for all road users, intersection capacity, and the functioning of the intersection in the changed conditions which occur due to, for example, increasing or redistributing traffic or connecting new roads on the network. Before reconstruction, it is necessary to analyze the existing situation, identify deficiencies or potential problems and propose several alternative solutions. Different alternative solutions are usually compared by using predefined criteria and sub-criteria. In some cases, due to a greater number of criteria and sub-criteria, the process of selecting the optimal solution (alternative) can be very complex. In the selection process of the optimal alternative, the application of the multi-criteria analysis method has a significant role. This paper presents the application of AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process) method in the case of reconstruction of sub-urban intersection, the connection to the motorway. The AHP method is one of the most commonly used multi-criteria method in choosing solutions in the planning, design, maintenance and reconstruction of transport infrastructure. The AHP method, in this case, was used as a tool for selecting the optimal between 3 alternative solutions based on 5 criteria and 12 sub-criteria. In addition, to choosing the optimal solution, the AHP method plays a significant role in sensitivity analysis which shows how the change in criteria importance affects the outcome, that is, the ranking of individual alternative.