Pattern of Transportation and Its Environmental Impacts in Ekwulobia, South-East, Nigeria

Abstract

The research, development and design of intelligent transportation systems worldwide relies on technologies that are able to enhance security and safety, increase efficiency, reduce congestion and promote environmental sustainability. However, mobility and transportation are the engines to economic growth of a country. Unfortunately, this engine also depicts the signs of the times (i.e. congestion, accessibility and road safety problems). This study investigated the environmental impacts of pattern of transportation in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, Anambra State. In trying to achieve this, the study identified the pattern of transportation and its environmental impacts on the study area, relationships between the impacts and the major cause of traffic congestion and a viable minimization measures in the area. The mixed methods of data collection for the study include; Field observation, Interview, Questionnaire and Survey method. Data generated through these methods were analyzed using chi-square and presented using Tables, Bar charts, and Descriptive analysis. The result of the study showed that the pattern of transportation in Ekwulobia consist of four major road patterns running from Nanka to Oko axis (NN-NE), from Nnewi to Uga axis (NW-NN), from Oko to Uga axis (NE-SE) amongst others. From the result of the traffic count in five days of the week, motorcycle moves at higher volume of 66,881, public bus 37,251, private cars 34,520, tricycle 8,611 and the least is heavy trucks, which moves at the volume of 6,320. Accordingly, the pattern of transportation in Ekwulobia has led to traffic congestion, nucleated structures, noise pollution from car-engines, air pollution from exhausts. Recommendations of the study include: widening of the roads by the Government to reduce traffic congestion, placing of traffic lights to regulate vehicular movement and Urban and Regional planners should help to stop nucleated structures round the Ekwulobia round-about, among others. Keywords: Transportation Systems, Environmental Impacts, Sustainability, Traffic Congestion. DOI: 10.7176/CER/14-6-04 Publication date: October 31 st 2022