INDICES OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON MAJOR ROADS IN AKURE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Indices of traffic congestion on major roads in Akure, Nigeria were determined. The routes considered were Oyemekun-Oba Adesida, Arakale and Ondo roads based on the fact that they were major routes critical to movement of persons and goods. Data on traffic volume on the roads were collected during the morning, afternoon and evening peak periods while data on headway, spot speed, density and delay at intersections were collected with the aid of Cine camera. The data were analysed with Microsoft Excel and Traffic Analysis Spread sheet. Values of Volume-Capacity ratios (V/C), Minimum allowable speed (P15), Jam density (kj) and Critical delay (dcrit) were determined as indices of traffic congestion. The results showed that FUTA junction to Ilesha garage segment with V/C of 0.74 and 0.73; P15 of 42 km/hr and 50 km/hr; kj of 430 pcu/km and 410 pcu/km and dcrit of 32.1 s/veh and 30.1 s/veh along both directions was moderately congested according to the Federal Highway Association (FHWA) and Pima Association of Governments (PAG) standards. Similarly, the segments connecting Isikan market to NEPA junction and Owena Barracks 1st gate to Isikan market were moderately congested using the same standards. Ilesha garage to Champion junction segment of Oyemekun-Oba Adesida road with V/C of 0.79 and 0.75; P15 of 33 km/hr and 40 km/hr; kj of 575 pcu/km and 460 pcu/km and dcrit of 56.7 s/veh and 46.6 s/veh along both directions was heavily congested. Similarly, the segments connecting Champion junction to Cathedral and Cathedral to Oba Osupa junction were heavily congested. A ten-year projection to 2025 indicated that Isikan market to NEPA junction segment (with V/C of 0.96 and 0.95 along both directions) would be heavily congested while segments connecting FUTA junction to Ilesha garage (with V/C of 1.21 and 1.37 along both directions), Ilesha garage to Champion junction, Champion junction to Cathedral, Cathedral to Oba Osupa junction and Owena Barracks 1st Gate to Isikan market would be severely congested. Provision of adequate parking facilities and lane marking; prohibition of on-street trading and parking; effective traffic management and efficient road maintenance programme should be put in place on the selected road segments to solve the problem of congestion