Improvement Of Road Infrastructure Research Articles

Enhancing Road Infrastructure Financing in Malawi: A Comprehensive Analysis & Recommendations

Purpose: This research study aims to critically analyze the effectiveness of Malawi’s road funding model, identify its strengths and weaknesses, and propose sustainable and innovative road funding model for improving road infrastructure financing in the country. Background: The inadequate state of road infrastructure in Malawi has hindered economic growth, connectivity, and social well-being. The existing road funding model faces challenges in generating sufficient funds for infrastructure development, maintenance, and rehabilitation. This study seeks to address these challenges and provide insights for a more effective and sustainable road financing approach. Methodology: A comprehensive mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques. Stakeholder perceptions were collected through surveys and interviews to assess the current road conditions and funding model’s performance. Budgetary evaluations and expert interviews were utilized to analyze the financial dynamics and governance aspects of road infrastructure financing in Malawi. Results: The evaluation of the road funding model highlighted a significant perception gap between desired and actual infrastructure quality, with stakeholders rating road conditions as poor. The research projected a substantial funding shortfall of US$3.5 Billion by 2037, equivalent to 28% of Malawi’s GDP, due to growing demand and inadequate financing. Despite efficient revenue collection mechanisms, the model struggled to meet infrastructure development needs. Given the critical findings of this study, the study recommends the integration of Public – Private Partnership (PPPs) to leverage private investment thereby reducing the fiscal burden on the government. Additionally, introducing a dedicated road fund sourced from multiple revenue streams such as fuel taxes, road tolls, and international donor funds could diversify and stabilize funding sources. A governance oversight committee comprising financial experts, policymakers, and community representatives should be instituted to ensure transparency and effectiveness in fund allocation and utilization

Improvement of road infrastructure on the example of the Center-South transport corridor of the Akchatau-Akzhal section

The study investigates the enhancement of road infrastructure in the Center-South transport corridor of the Akchatau-Akzhal section, addressing the challenges posed by rapid road pavement deterioration due to increased traffic flow. By analyzing the natural and climatic conditions of the area, optimal concentrations of additives were determined to improve the properties of bitumen and asphalt concrete, with a focus on increasing strength and durability. Specifically, the addition of monoethanolamine to bitumen at a concentration of 0.08% led to notable improvements in key properties. The needle penetration depth at 25°C decreased from 80 to 71, indicating enhanced consistency. Moreover, the ring and ball softening point increased from 52 to 56, demonstrating increased resistance to temperature variations. Stretchability at 40 improved from 65 to 70, highlighting enhanced flexibility and durability. The study emphasizes the critical importance of quality construction and regular maintenance to ensure the durability and resilience of road networks to various factors. By utilizing innovative technologies and materials, such as modified binders with additives, the study showcases the potential to significantly enhance the performance, safety, and efficiency of road networks while reducing costs and environmental impact. The findings underscore the need for continued research and implementation of optimized solutions to improve road infrastructure sustainability and longevity.

ANALISIS PERBANDINGAN NILAI DERAJAT KEJENUHAN MENGGUNAKAN MODEL GREENSHIELD, GREENBERG DAN UNDERWOOD TERHADAP MKJI 1997 PADA JALAN PERKOTAAN TIPE 2/2 UD (STUDI KASUS RUAS JALAN SALEH SUNGKAR AMPENAN KOTA MATARAM)

If the population increases and the total traffic flow also increases without being matched by an adequate increase and improvement of road infrastructure, it will result in an increase in the degree of saturation which is a parameter in determining the performance of a road section. One of the roads affected by the population growth is the Saleh Sungkar road which is an urban road type 2/2 UD. The Greenshield, Greenberg and Underwood models are the 3 models used to determine the relationship between volume (flow), speed (speed) and density (density). The relationship between flow, speed and density is used to determine or determine the mathematical value of the capacity of a road section and the degree of saturation. This study aims to determine the comparison of the degree of saturation of Jalan Saleh Sungkar which is an urban road using the Greenshield, Greenberg and Underwood models against MKJI 1997. From the results of the analysis, it was obtained that the degree of saturation using the Indonesian Road Capacity Manual (MKJI 1997) was 0.53, so Jalan Saleh Sungkar was at the level of sevice "C" (stable flow, but the speed and motion of the vehicle were controlled, the driver was limited in choosing the speed). Meanwhile, the degree of saturation based on the Greenshield model is 0.55, the Greenberg model is 0.72 and the Underwoods model is 0.60. Both MKJI 1997 and the three models are still at level of service "C".

Incentives to Encourage the Adoption of Connected and Automated Vehicles: Lessons Learned from Hybrid-Electric Vehicle Incentive Programs

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) offer the potential to improve roadway capacity and safety. Thus, improving road infrastructure condition could be prioritized to eliminate further degradation of the transportation infrastructure. In order to foster the adoption of CAVs, incentives can be used; but there is a need to identify what type of incentive would be most effective. To identify effective incentive types, this study uses electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles as a surrogate to CAVs because of the similarities in obstacles faced for wider adoption. This study then provides some recommendations by examining incentives offered in 15 different countries and by reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of incentive types.

What influences gig economy delivery rider behaviour and safety? a systems analysis

The safety of gig economy delivery riders is a growing area of concern. As a relatively new form of work, little research has examined delivery rider crash causation or the influences on delivery rider behaviour. This study involved the development of an ActorMap and AcciMap showing key stakeholders and factors that influence gig economy delivery rider behaviour and safety in Victoria, Australia, based on a literature review and workshops involving delivery riders and gig economy, road safety, and workplace safety stakeholders. A participatory design process was then undertaken to create PreventiMaps of potential interventions designed to respond to key issues with a view to enhancing delivery rider safety. The findings identify multiple factors influencing delivery rider behaviour spanning eight gig economy system areas: 1. the delivery task, 2. the workforce, 3. apps, algorithms and data, 4. infrastructure, 5. cultural and social influences, 6. clients, customers and other road users, 7. delivery platform processes, and 8. laws and regulations. Example proposed interventions include improvements to rider onboarding processes, training, and education programs, enforcement, enhanced data collection and analysis systems, modifications to delivery apps, improvements in cycling and road infrastructure, changes to payment and superannuation, and the development of regulatory mechanisms specifically for the gig economy delivery rider context. The implications for gig economy delivery rider safety, research, and practice are discussed and a systems thinking approach is advocated.

Metropolitan area heterogeneity and the impact of road infrastructure improvements on VMT

Past studies have found that the average elasticity of vehicle miles traveled (VMT) to the stock of highways is close to one. This result is often interpreted to mean that an increase in the stock of highway miles is likely to be accompanied by a commensurate increase in VMT, leaving congestion unaffected. In this study, we explore the heterogeneity in this elasticity due to both observed and unobserved city characteristics. We begin by using a simple model to demonstrate how cities with different initial congestion levels may respond differently to added road capacity. These differences give rise to heterogeneity in the elasticity of VMT to highway capacity. We then conduct an empirical analysis using the instrumental variable quantile regression (IVQR) model to incorporate variation in the elasticity due to the presence of unobserved differences across metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs). The IVQR results imply that expanding road capacities has a greater impact on MSAs with low levels of VMT than on MSAs with high VMT. Estimates of the elasticity using generalized quantile regression (GQR) mirror the IVQR estimates. We further simulate the mechanisms using a spatial equilibrium model with an extensive road network calibrated to the Greater Los Angeles region by treating commuting and shopping trips, mode, and route choices. We find that the elasticity of VMT to capacity—which decreases with initial VMT—in LA is 0.32. One important policy implication is that, when building more roads, the mean or median congestion level across cities remains unchanged, although it can reduce the number of cities experiencing high congestion levels.

From farm to table: exploring food handling and hygiene practices of meat and milk value chain actors in Ethiopia

Livestock value chains constitute a source of livelihood for meat and milk value chain actors in Ethiopia, from dairy farmers to other associated value chain actors such as milk traders, abattoir workers, public health officials, veterinarians, butcheries selling meats, milk cooperatives, artisanal milk processors, and transporters. The development of these livestock value chains, however, is constrained by poor food safety and quality, while consumers are also exposed to public health risks due to milk and meat value chain actors’ food handling and hygiene practices.This study used Photovoice and participant observation to explore meat and milk value chain actors’ food handling and hygiene practices in suburban areas of Addis Ababa and neighbouring Oromia in Ethiopia. The results of this study reveal that milk and meat value chain actors’ food handling practices are not aligned with the recommended Ethiopian food safety and quality standards. Low compliance with food safety and quality standards reflected a combination of factors such as lack of incentives, poor road infrastructure and low enforcement of food safety standards.Participatory and visual research methods enable a researcher to collect context-aware data that can lead to the development of policies and intervention strategies that reflect local needs and priorities. The results of this study affirm the need to identify socially acceptable and economically viable policies and intervention strategies that are acceptable to all chain actors; and suggest there is an imperative to train milk and meat value chain actors on good hygiene handling practices, improve road infrastructure, and facilitate access equipment such as fridges and freezers that can contribute to maintaining food safety and quality.

An Assessment of the Safety of Transport Modes Used By Pupils to and from School in Selected Schools of Western, North Western and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia

Assessment of the safety of transport modes used by pupils to and from school is an important issue for ensuring the well-being and academic success of pupils. This research aimed at assessing the safety of transportation modes used by pupils in selected schools of Western, North Western, and Copperbelt Provinces of Zambia. The study used a qualitative approach involving 4 schools conveniently sampled from each of the three (3) provinces. A total of eight pupils were further conveniently selected from each of the schools. More so, 8 pupils were sampled conveniently from each of the schools, making total of 96 pupils altogether. This means 32 pupils from each province participated in this study. The selection criteria included schools with a diverse range of pupil populations and varying levels of experience. Data was collected using in-depth interviews and Focus Group Discussion (FGD). The data collected was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify patterns and themes in the data. The results showed that different transportation modes, such as vehicles, bicycles, and walking, had different levels of safety risks and challenges. Common safety concerns included speeding, reckless driving, inadequate vehicle maintenance, and lack of appropriate safety gear. The study identified several recommendations to mitigate these risks, such as improving road infrastructure, enforcing speed limits, providing safety education for pupils, and ensuring adequate vehicle maintenance. Additionally, the study highlighted the importance of parental involvement in ensuring the safety of their children during school transportation. The findings of this research can inform policies and interventions aimed at improving the safety of school transportation modes and promoting the well-being and academic success of pupils in Zambia.

Sustainable Rural Infrastructure Development in Tosari District, Pasuruan Regency, Indonesia

Tosari District is one of the tourist villages in Pasuruan Regency that has potential ecotourism because it is the gateway to Mount Bromo National Park. There are protected areas with the socio-cultural values of the Tenggerese Tribe. Ecotourism is an appropriate concept because it prioritizes sustainability, environmental conservation, and the uniqueness of tourist attraction objects. Developing sustainable rural infrastructure is the key to inclusive development to improve the concept of Ecotourism, thereby increasing economic resilience and engaging community productivity. This study aims to analyze the development of rural infrastructure that can improve ecotourism management. This study uses a qualitative approach to identify problems that are closely related to the provision of the physical infrastructure to reduce disaster levels, infrastructure that can boost agricultural productivity, and social infrastructure that needs to be established for ecotourism purposes. The need for infrastructure development is translated into the provision of waste management, disaster protection infrastructure, and improvement of road and communication infrastructure. The concept of a cultural approach requires carrying out tourism operations and preserving the culture of the Tengger tribe.

Insight on Vision Zero Strategy and Road Accidents in India

Abstract: Vision Zero is a road safety strategy that aspires to eliminate all traffic deaths and serious injuries while also promoting safe, healthy, and egalitarian transportation for all. It focuses on improving road infrastructure, lowering vehicle speeds, and encouraging everyone on the road to be safe. Vision Zero strategy has been implemented by India so that road deaths are minimized. The paper examines the attributes and reasons of road accidents in India. It further provides recommendations for minimizing the road accidents. The paper concludes with understanding the importance and need of vision zero strategies in India. Vision Zero proposes that all road accidents can be prevented and offers a basis for learning from accidents and improving processes should they occur.

Road traffic injuries: psychological and social aspects

Introduction. Despite the positive trend in recent years, the incidence of road traffic injuries and deaths from it remains high, significantly higher than in developed countries. The economic significance of the problem is determined by the high level of disability among the victims, and by the fact that a significant part of them are people of working age. The following factors contribute to the occurrence and certain outcomes of road accidents: people (behavior, health, psychological state of road users); vehicle condition; environment (road infrastructure); the state of organization of medical care for victims (including the possibility and readiness of participants and witnesses of road accidents to provide first aid). The objective was to analyze the level of driving culture and the readiness of drivers to provide first aid based on the results of self-assessment. Methods and materials. The main research method was a sociological survey, which was conducted on the basis of the Google Forms survey administration program. The survey was conducted among the population of St. Petersburg and the Leningrad region. The questionnaire developed for the study included 29 questions. All questionnaires were encrypted and processed using the Excel and Statistica 10 statistical applications. Results. Assessing their level of knowledge of the rules of the road, most of the respondents considered it as average (45.3 %) and above average (34.0 %). Only 7.5 % considered it as high. Every third (34.2 %) respondent was a participant in an road accident (including 4.9 % – road accidents with victims). 45.3 % of respondents assessed the level of driving culture as average; 39.6 % – rather low; and only 5.7 % – as rather high. The majority (83.0 %) of drivers always used seat belts. Among drivers with children, 11.8 % did not have special child restraints. 10.4 % of respondents did not have a first aid kit in their car. The readiness of drivers to provide first aid was low. Only 26.9 % of the respondents confidently answered that they could provide first aid for the victims. Conclusions. The problem of preventing road accidents and reducing mortality from them can only be solved using a systematic approach, including optimization of traffic organization, improvement of road infrastructure, condition of vehicles, improvement of the organization of medical care for victims, etc. However, the central place should be given to cultivating the culture of all road users, psychological readiness to comply with traffic rules, providing first aid.

Exploring the heterogeneous impact of road infrastructure on rural residents’ income: Evidence from nationwide panel data in China

Countries have invested in transport infrastructure and public service in recent years to reduce rural poverty and income inequality. However, the effects of transport infrastructure on the residents with economic and educational disadvantages in rural areas are still under debate. In this paper, we investigate the impact of road infrastructure on the income of rural residents at the municipal level using data from the China Family Panel Survey (CFPS) from 2010 to 2018. By using the instrumental variable regression model, we found that rural residents' household incomes benefit from road infrastructure. Within income components, road infrastructure plays a role in improving rural residents’ wage and business income. Further comparing different rural resident groups, we found that rural residents with lower initial farming and business income benefit more from improved road infrastructure in terms of their farming and business income from 2010 to 2018. In addition, in poverty-stricken areas, rural residents with lower initial farming and business income benefit more from road infrastructure in improving their farming and business income. However, the household incomes of rural residents with low formal education improve less as a result of road infrastructure. Policymakers should thus consider combining transport infrastructure provision with other policy packages, such as education program or skill training, to target different groups of rural residents in China.

Re-appraising ‘in-process’ benefits of strategic infrastructure improvements: Capturing the unexpected socio-economic impacts for lagging regions

The paper explores the scope of transportation infrastructure appraisal approaches for capturing in-process (during design/development and construction) socio-economic impacts. In-process socio-economic impacts are explored through the case of a major road infrastructure improvement programme in South Wales, United Kingdom. The study posits that monitoring in-process benefits can provide a more holistic understanding of impacts to better inform appraisal approaches, addressing concerns over existing appraisal transparency and accountability. Advancing monitoring and appraisal in this way means that more unexpected socio-economic outcomes for regional economies can be understood. These impacts are illustrated through the labour market, skills and wider supply side legacy benefits resulting from direct project activity. The paper reveals the potential outcomes of capturing these in-process socio-economic benefits when supporting local economies in lagging regions.

Barriers to access prehospital care in Jimma City, Oromiya Region of Ethiopia

Background: African nations experience a significant proportion of the global burden of death and disability. The provision of prehospital emergency care has been shown to partially reduce excess morbidity and mortality. However, access to prehospital care in Africa is still limited. This study sought to identify barriers to access prehospital care in the city of Jimma, Ethiopia.
 Methods: This is phenomenological qualitative study conducted in February 2018, among key stakeholders for prehospital care in Jimma. A purposive sample of individuals from the community and local ambulance organizations were selected for interviews. Interviews were conducted in local languages, translated into English, and then coded for consistent themes. 
 Results: All respondents felt that prehospital care was difficult to access and therefore infrequently utilized. This was due to a combination of a fragmented and under-resourced system, including lack of single dial number and limited number of ambulances; providers availability and practice; poor road infrastructure; and poor public awareness, misconception and mistrust of the existing service. Respondents suggested that establishment of a formalized system of prehospital care operating on a single dial toll-free number, improved resource allocation, awareness raising and capacity building in the community, improving road infrastructure, and improved emergency medical training would improve access. 
 Conclusion: Multiple barriers to accessing prehospital care were identified in Jimma. Establishing a formalized and well-resourced prehospital system in parallel with improving community capacity and knowledge building were suggested solutions to improve access. Hence, interventions to improve prehospital emergency care delivery should ideally target these identified barriers and proposed solutions. 

Urban Traffic Noise Analysis Using UAV-Based Array of Microphones.

(1) Background: Transition to smart cities involves many actions in different fields of activity, such as economy, environment, energy, government, education, living and health, safety and security, and mobility. Environment and mobility are very important in terms of ensuring a good living in urban areas. Considering such arguments, this paper proposes monitoring and mapping of a 3D traffic-generated urban noise emissions using a simple, UAV-based, and low-cost solution. (2) Methods: The collection of relevant sound recordings is performed via a UAV-borne set of microphones, designed in a specific array configuration. Post-measurement data processing is performed to filter unwanted sound and vibrations produced by the UAV rotors. Collected noise information is location- and altitude-labeled to ensure a relevant 3D profile of data. (3) Results: Field measurements of sound levels in different directions and altitudes are presented in the paperwork. (4) Conclusions: The solution of employing UAV for environmental noise mapping results in being minimally invasive, low-cost, and effective in terms of rapidly producing environmental noise pollution maps for reports and future improvements in road infrastructure.

Determinants of logistics effectiveness on port operational performance: Empirical evidence from Indonesia

This research aimed to know the influence of accessibility and cargo transport regulations on the operational performance mediated by logistics effectiveness in the Class II Port of Jayapura, Papua Province. Several main problems in the object of this research were the existence of operational hour limitation regulation which made cargo delivery not maximally run, limited road network and roads in the port area, as well as the occurrence of congestion if cargo ships and passenger ships arrived at the port at the same time. This research used Structural Equation Modelling with Smart3PLS-SEM. The sampling technique used probability sampling and was conducted in the Port of Jayapura. The respondents were as many as 250 people consisting of shipping business players, transportation service providers, Harbormaster’s office, and the Port Authority. The result of the analysis and discussion indicated that logistics effectiveness was a reinforcing factor in the achievement of port operational performance. The existing obstacles could be overcome through road infrastructure improvement, traffic engineering, continuous policy improvement, and port facility and infrastructure improvement. The key finding was the necessity of an information technology system used for the ship's loading and unloading activities digitally to be utilized by the stakeholders, shipping companies, stevedoring companies, expedition companies, and cargo owners.

Razblaživači u uzorcima psihoaktivnih kontrolisanih supstanci na teritoriji Republike Srbije

Smuggling and abuse of psychoactive substances has experienced an expansion with accelerated technological development over the past 20 years. The growing tendencies to use the means of passenger and air traffic, as well as the improvement of road and air-travel infrastructure and the connection of parts of the world unimaginable in the past, inspired traffickers of these substances to find new routes for transportation and smuggling in order to achieve the greatest possible profits, and at the same time avoid being answerable before the law. The tendencies of smugglers to make a profit are closely related to the financing of terrorist organizations that represent the global threat to humanity. This paper processed data on the number and composition of samples with pure psychoactive substances and samples of these substances with diluents, present for the course of 2021 and the first part of 2022, which resulted in the conclusion that in the current year there was an increase in the number of cases and samples, but also the number of diluents compared to 2021. The aim of this analysis is to determine the presence of diluents, their variety, based on the content of samples of controlled psychoactive substances such as amphetamine, heroin, cocaine and MDMA delivered to one of the organizational units of the National Center for Criminal Forensics in the observed period, and to potentially draw conclusions about trends in the smuggling of controlled psychoactive substances.

Influence of Road Safety Barriers on the Severity of Motorcyclist Injuries in Horizontal Curves

Motorcyclist safety remains a significant problem, and the overall safety of motorcyclists has been improved at a much slower rate in the last decade compared to passenger and commercial vehicles. Because motorcyclists are not protected by the vehicle frame, fatalities or severe injuries are often related to hitting a roadside object or safety barrier. The main objective of this study is to investigate relations between the presence and type of road safety barriers and the consequences of motorcycle crashes on rural roads. For this purpose, we analysed Croatian rural road-crash data from 2015–2019, tested several factors as single predictors, and combined them using binary logistic regression. The results show that run-off-road crashes and nighttime driving are significant risk factors. There was no significant positive impact of the presence of safety barriers on the crash consequences due to the unsuitability of the barriers for motorcyclists, which proves the fact that the functionality of existing safety barriers should be upgraded. The results of this study could be further used by researchers, road designers, and experts to improve road infrastructure safety on rural roads.

Village Road Quality and Accessibility on Transforming Rural Development

Rural road infrastructure in Indonesia has increased significantly, especially during the last decade. This study presents an overview of how rural road quality and accessibility affected village economic transformation. It is the first empirical study in Indonesia addressing rural transformation. Village-level microdata, referring to the smallest administrative official, were utilized. Using a Random-Effects Panel Logit model, this study discovered that improving the type of road surface and accessibility for four-wheeled vehicles significantly increased the probability of village economic transformation. Different types of road infrastructure improvement affected the rural economic transformation both within and outside Java-Bali. Paved or concrete roads in Java-Bali had a higher marginal effect than on other islands, thereby increasing the likelihood of rural economic transformation. However, the road accessibility for four-wheeled vehicles in Java-Bali did not significantly affect the probability of rural economic transformation. Nevertheless, for villages on other islands, it did. Furthermore, the transformation significantly influenced other infrastructures, such as electricity coverage, market presence, information and communication technology (ICT), and flatland topography. Moreover, the road access to villages and the availability of water or irrigation significantly affected the probability of surviving in the agricultural sector. Following these findings, policymakers should prioritize villages’ infrastructure by considering different types of infrastructure provision across villages, referring to different infrastructure needs for Java-Bali and other islands.

Roads and Jobs in Ethiopia

Abstract Does improving roads affect jobs and structural transformation? A novel geocoded data set covering the universe of Ethiopian roads matched with individual data allows the relationship between improvements in road infrastructure and labor-market outcomes over the 1994–2013 period to be identified. At the district level, greater market access due to better roads correlates with the process of structural transformation in Ethiopia. Improvements in market access are related to reductions in the share of agricultural workers and increases in that of workers in the services sector, but not in manufacturing. Heterogeneity in this relationship exists across industries, gender, education level, and age cohorts. Patterns of internal migration and changes in economic opportunities can help rationalize these findings.