Improvement of Traffic Progression at Ammar Chowk Rawalpindi Using VISSIM Simulations

Abstract

Population growth, urbanization and increased demand of various modes of transportation for commuters, passengers, freight and services lead to the traffic congestion and its associated social and environmental consequences. Rawalpindi has developed and sprawled considerably over the last few decades. The haphazard and unplanned expansion of the city has negatively affected the traffic flow/ progression on major arterials such as Airport Road. Ammar chowk is located at the intersection of Airport Road whichis a major arterial that connects Airport, Islamabad, Kacheri, Chaklala Garrison, General Headquarters, and PAF Base Nurkhan near the entrance of Chaklala Garrison. The high volume of traffic comprising of Airport and Kacheri bound cars and heavy traffic is interrupted and causing congestion/ delays at Ammar Chowk intersection.To mitigate the stated traffic congestion, this study is aimed to suggest traffic improvement plan for Rawalpindi city using real-time traffic data simulations, traffic management and geometric design improvement measures. The traffic data was collected by using Tele counts and manual/on-site observations which was then analyzed using PTV VISSIM 9 software yielding a level of service “F” at all approaches of the intersection except Chaklala Garrison Approach. An appraisal of traffic conditions is suggested undertaking certain short-and long-term infrastructure intervention measures for improvements in traffic conditions. Short-term measures include traffic management and capacity enhancement i.e. channelizing or increasing the number of lanes to maximize traffic progression through the intersection whereas the long-term measure includes the construction of grade-separated facility i.e. multi-grade interchange at Ammar Chowk intersection. The geometric design of proposed major intervention was accomplished using AutoCAD®Civil 3D software. The study also presents the dynamic traffic low models for before-and after-intervention traffic conditions using PTV VISSIM. The suggested traffic improvement plan/ infrastructure intervention is envisioned to improve the overall traffic conditions and transforming the existing facility into a congestion-free and uninterrupted traffic flow with acceptable level of service.