Optimizing the Traffic Progression through Infrastructure Intervention at Mall Road Rawalpindi

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.