Abstract:
Urbanization, population growth and excessive use of private transport leads to the traffic
congestion and its accompanying social and environmental consequences. Major cities
of Pakistan like Rawalpindi are facing such congestion problem because of ancient pre-
timed traffic signals, non-existence of grade separated infrastructure like underpass or
flyover. People have to wait at the intersections which cost them in terms of wastage of
time, extra fuel consumption and health issues. Similar situation is being faced at Mall
Road especially at PC intersection (near Pearl Continental Hotel) due to existence of
commercial hub (Saddar), non-existence of city bypass and presence of key installation
on its outskirts i.e., GHQ, Military Hospital, PC Hotel and various schools and colleges.
To overcome such traffic congestion problems, this project was commenced to carry out
a detail analysis of selected intersection to propose a permanent viable solution.
Necessary traffic data was obtained with the help of on-site video recording. PTV VISSIM
Software was used to simulate the existing level of service which finally helped in
identification of key issues as well as finding viable solutions to make the selected
intersection congestion free, which included signalized optimization and infrastructure
intervention (Underpass/Roundabout). Moreover, the structural design of underpass
(BOX CULVERT) according to AASHTO Highway Design Manual is included in this study.
The structural design of proposed underpass (BOX CULVERT) was accomplished using
MIDAS CIVIL software. Area of steel required was determined by MIDAS CIVIL software
against maximum moments. After that the 3D modeling of proposed model and
reinforcement detailing of underpass was done by using REVIT software. By
Implementation of this project will not only help in minimizing congestion and improving
travel time but will also create an overall positive environmental impact on surroundings.
