DEVELOPMENT OF A MODERN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO MITIGATE TRAFFIC CONGESTION ON URBAN ARTERIAL – A CASE STUDY OF MAIN MARGALLA ROAD

Abstract

One of the most recent traffic data published on Islamabad’s Main Margalla Road claimed an Average Annual Daily Traffic (AADT) of more than 60,000 on both the North-Bound, and the South-Bound direction (Sulaiman, 2022). The data, compiled by a private firm, called Zeeruk International, as part of a project by Capital Development Authority (CDA), cited several factors for the growing traffic congestion on major urban arterial. One such urban arterial was Main Margalla Road. This project aims to understand, analyze, and propose a solution to the growing problem of traffic congestion for Islamabad’s Main Margalla Road. The project is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9 and 11. An understanding of the problem is developed by gathering all the relevant information about the Site’s traffic data. Once the data collection process has been completed, the analysis phase involves modelling the current traffic conditions on a multi-modal traffic modelling simulation software PTV VISSIM and deriving traffic parameters such as Delays, Queue Length, Emissions, and Fuel Consumption data. Using the split phase optimization technique for all the seven intersections of the Main Margalla Road, a new traffic model is developed. The resulting parameters are compared to see the possible differences. The findings of this proposal will be presented to the relevant transportation planning authorities in the city, with the aim of developing a more robust traffic management system for the city.