Variability Analysis of Isolated Intersections Through Case Study

TL;DR

This study analyzes traffic patterns at intersections in Tumakuru, India, revealing congestion risks, green time wastage, and suggesting improvements for sustainable urban traffic management.

Contribution

It provides a detailed case study of traffic variability, congestion indicators, and treatment suggestions for improving intersection performance in a growing city.

Findings

40% green time wastage at one intersection

Volume-to-capacity ratio exceeds 0.73 indicating future congestion

Overall service level is class C based on delays

Abstract

Population and economic growth of urban areas have led to intensive use of private vehicles, thereby increasing traffic volume and congestion on roads. The traffic management in the city is a challenge for concerned authorities, and the signalized intersections are the primary interest of traffic management. Interpreting traffic patterns and current traffic signal operations can provide thorough insights to take appropriate actions. In this view, a comprehensive study is conducted at selected intersections from Tumakuru (tier-2 city), Karnataka, India. Data estimates traffic parameters such as saturation flow, composition, volume, and volume-to-capacity ratio. The statistical results currently confirm the stable traffic condition but do not ensure sustainability. The volume-to-capacity ratio is greater than 0.73 along three major arterial roads of study intersections, indicating congestion in the future as the traffic volume is increasing gradually, as per the Directorate of Urban Land Use and Transportation, Government of Karnataka. The statistical results obtained through the current study uphold the report. The empirical results showed 40% of green time wastage at one of the study intersections, which results in additional waiting delays, thereby increasing fuel consumption and emissions. The overall service level of the study intersections is of class C based on computed delay and volume-to-capacity ratio. The study suggests possible treatments for improving the service level at the intersection operations and sustaining the city's stable traffic condition. The study supports city traffic management authorities in identifying suitable treatment and implementing accordingly.