Land Use Change and Traffic Impact Study of Al-Shaab Residential Complex as a Case Study

Asmael, Noor Moutaz; Al-Taweel, Hayder Mohammed; Abd, Yasmin Hamed; Waheed, Mohanned Qhatan · 2026 · Crossref

DOI: 10.3311/pptr.40055

archive: archived pipeline: cataloged verified

Get this paper ↗ (DOI — opens at the source; we link to it, we don't host it)

Summary

This study investigates the traffic impact of land use changes caused by the construction of the Al-Shaab Residential Complex in Baghdad, Iraq. Rapid urbanization and unplanned development have increased traffic demand and congestion, yet Traffic Impact Assessments (TIA) are rarely integrated into urban planning in Iraq. The research aims to quantify the additional traffic generated by this new development, evaluate its effect on the surrounding road network, and determine effective management strategies. The study focuses on a major arterial road at the north entrance of Baghdad, a critical access point that serves as a primary entry to the city. The methodology involved collecting traffic volume data for three days before the complex opened and continuing observations for four years post-opening. Data collection utilized cameras installed on nearby buildings to record vehicle counts, speeds, and composition during peak morning hours (8–9 a.m.). The study area included a T-shaped intersection adjacent to the complex, which connects roads from the north, east, and south. The researchers used PTV Vissim microscopic traffic simulation software to model the intersection under two scenarios: the initial state with no signal control (priority rules) and a later state with signal control implemented four years after the complex opened. The simulation parameters included queue length, delay, travel time, and fuel consumption. The results indicated that the new development significantly increased traffic volume, particularly trucks, which contributed to severe congestion due to lower speeds and longer queue times. In the unsignalized scenario, the Level of Service (LOS) for the intersection deteriorated to LOS F, characterized by high delays and long queues, especially for left-turning vehicles. After implementing signal control, the LOS improved to LOS D, and average delays decreased from 62.9 to 56.2 seconds. However, the study found that while signal optimization improved immediate traffic conditions, it did not resolve the underlying congestion issues caused by the increased traffic load. The presence of trucks and lack of designated turning lanes continued to impede smooth flow. The study concludes that while traffic signals can manage short-term congestion, they are insufficient for long-term planning. The authors recommend a comprehensive traffic management plan that includes relocating the complex’s entrances to reduce pressure on the main arterial road, improving road capacity, and promoting public transport. The findings highlight the necessity of conducting rigorous TIAs before approving large-scale developments in congested urban areas to mitigate negative environmental and operational impacts.

Provenance

The full processing record for this entry. Every stage of this paper's journey through the pipeline is logged — what ran, with which tool and model, how many attempts it took, and when it last completed.

Summary generated by qwen3.6-27b-prismaquant on 2026-06-26; verification: verified.

Topics

Ranked by relevance to this paper. Hover a topic for its definition.

• traffic density