Improving Traffic Progression at 12th Avenue Islamabad Using VISSIM Simulations

Abstract

The urban roads/ highwaysof today’s large metropolitan cities are operating close to capacity. Spatiallimitationsand projected future demandimply introducing measures and interventions for theoptimal use of the existing space thatprovide the best level of service for urbantravelers.Islamabad being the capital and center of economic activities attracts traffic from all over the country. Over the years, Rawalpindi and Islamabad have expanded and practically merged as twin-cities causing urban traffic congestions. Volume of traffic commuting between Rawalpindi andIslamabad is tremendous and is increasing at a rapid pace, and is expected to cause traffic jams, interruptions, traffic safety hazards and more fuel consumption. To counter sucheffects,major and minor interventionsi.e.signal timing optimizations, coordinated signal controllers, adding more lanes to existing roads, introducing grade-separated facilities(flyover or an underpass) has been the traditional responseand consideredimportant strategiesfor alleviating congestionand managing the increasein traffic demand. In this project, traffic analysis study was carried out at 12thavenue Intersection Islamabad to evaluate its existing and future scenario conditions. Traffic survey included the traffic volume count, signal cycle length and intersection inventory/ geometricsstudy. The current intersection layout was modelled inurban traffic simulation software VISSIM and the peak hour volumes exhibited12thavenue asa crowded intersection performing at poorlevel of service. Two different grade-separated intersection alternatives were modelled and presented using VISSIM software for improving the current traffic progression at this intersection. Considering the traffic growth and projected demands in future scenarios, the proposed designminimizes the delays, queue length, environmental hazards andare considered economically feasible exhibiting acceptable level of service for urban travelers.The purpose of this projectwasto evaluate and improve the existing traffic situation at the selected intersection and provide efficient, safe and fast traffic operations for the future. 3