Assessing Survey Data to Study Traffic Flow Characteristics: An in-depth analysis of King Fahad Road, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Traffic volume studies are crucial for understanding vehicle quantity, movements, and classifications at specific sites. This study aims to establish a correlation between flow rate and density, providing in-sights into traffic flow characteristics such as density, velocity, and flow, essential for effective road design. The proposed method combines automated (mobile phones and cars) and manual counts on separate sheets, offering a compelling alternative to traditional traffic study methods. The collected da-ta can be utilized for various purposes including estimating fuel consumption, road pricing, road user cost, and planning road network improvements. Acquiring precise traffic data using cost-effective, low-tech solutions is vital for comprehending urban traffic dynamics. Evaluating collected data, which encompasses traffic parameters like flow, density, and speed, is crucial for informing urban road de-sign and planning. For instance, traffic flow indicates throughput, density reflects traffic conditions, and speed is essential for calculating travel times. This investigation focused on King Fahad Road in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia, chosen among three alternative urban roads based on varying traffic condi-tions. Smartphones and cars were used to collect traffic data during weekday evening peak hours, ana-lyzing the interrelation between traffic flow, density, and vehicle speed. Manual traffic counts were conducted to determine measured density and speed, which were then used to estimate calculated den-sity. Additionally, a statistical t-test was performed to validate measured density against calculated den-sity at a 5% significance level. The data collection systems utilized in this research provide a cost-effective solution, considering capital, operational, and maintenance expenses, while remaining por-table and non-intrusive to road users during surveys. These characteristics make the system a practical choice for implementation in developing nations where resources are constrained, rendering costlier al-ternatives economically unfeasible.