Application Of Intelligent Transportation System In Traffic Congestion Managemnt; A Case Study On Bole Michael Roundabout In Addis Ababa

Abstract

Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) is new for our country and other developing countries. However most developed countries already applied the system into their road network and have gained a significant advantage in reducing traffic related problems including traffic congestion. The application of ITS is vast and this research is mainly concerned on its application in the management of traffic congestion considering a specific intersection. Because of the rapid growth and the corresponding increase of vehicles number, traffic congestion in recent times has become a chronic problem in Addis Ababa. Urban areas are characterized by interrupted flows facility and intersections play a significant role in congestion related analysis. The intersection that was considered for the study was a roundabout at Bole Michael. Like most of the intersections in the city it was affected by congestion. Different analyses are performed to measure the performance of the intersection with the help of Sidra Intersection Software. The data used for the analysis is six hours traffic of which three hours is in the morning and three hours is in the midday. From output of the software the intervals which show congestion are identified. Two methods were checked as ITS methods. These are roundabout metering and the diversion of left turn traffic from minor roads during congestion time. After applying the methods, the performance of the intersection is estimated with the assistance of Sidra Intersection. The result is compared to the performance before the method is applied. The result obtained is from slight to significant increase in the performance of the intersection.