Assessment of Traffic Characteristic at Major Urban Road Intersection of Kathmandu Valley: A Case Study of Khanivivag, Kesarmahal, and Narayanhiti Intersections

Abstract

This study addresses the prevalent issue of traffic congestion at critical intersections in urban areas, leading to slowed traffic and increased queue lengths. The centralization of the Kathmandu Valley has contributed to a gradual rise in population thus impacting the efficiency of the traffic management system. This study focuses on three of the busiest intersections of the valley i.e. Kesharmahal, Narayanhiti, and Khanibhivag intersections and aims to provide insights into current traffic conditions and propose measures for enhancing traffic flow. Data collected is analyzed to determine current traffic flow, saturation flow, existing capacity, Level of Service (LOS), and intersection delay using the HCM Manual. The analysis involves assessing present conditions and making comparisons with standardized data. Three days of traffic volume data during peak hours and geometric features of the intersection were gathered. Results indicate that the intersections are experiencing over-saturation, exceeding their capacity based on existing geometry and signalization. Additionally, the vehicle replacement strategy showed limited effectiveness in reducing saturation flow, with the flow persisting at an over-saturated level. These findings highlight the need for targeted measures to address the challenges posed by congestion and enhance the efficiency of traffic management at these intersections for smooth traffic flow.