Navigating Urban Gridlock: Traffic Congestion and Sustainable Mobility Solutions in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria

Ogunkan, David Victor; Olaleye, Eyitayo; Akinpelu, Olusegun Peter; Oyeleye, Idowu Oyewale · 2024 · OpenAlex-citations

DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3939032/v1

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Summary

This study investigates the intensity, patterns, and characteristics of traffic congestion in Abeokuta Metropolis, Nigeria, aiming to identify sustainable mobility solutions for its critical road corridors. Motivated by the pervasive nature of urban gridlock in developing nations and the specific lack of recent research on Abeokuta despite its economic significance, the research focuses on four major corridors: Adatan-Car-wash-Asero, Panseke-Adigbe, Kuto-Isabo, and Sapo-Ijaye-Iyana Mortuary. The objective is to quantify traffic volume and composition to recommend measures that alleviate recurrent gridlock and improve urban transportation efficiency. Data were collected through primary sources, including structured observations of road types and land uses, and manual traffic censuses conducted during morning (7 am–10 am) and evening (3 pm–6 pm) peak hours. Counts were performed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays, with daily peak values averaged. The study analyzed traffic volume in vehicles per hour (vph) and Passenger Car Units per hour (PCU/hr), utilizing chi-square tests to compare morning and evening peaks and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to assess compositional differences across corridors. Level of Service (LOS) was determined using Volume/Capacity (V/C) ratios based on IRC 106:1990 standards. The findings reveal that Sapo-Ijaye-Iyana Mortuary recorded the highest daily peak traffic volume at 2315 vph, while Kuto-Isabo followed with 1714 vph. Cars constituted the largest share of traffic composition at 44% (4444 vph), followed by motorcycles at 28.8%. However, buses exerted the greatest impact on traffic load, contributing 4872 PCU/hr. Statistical analysis indicated no significant difference in traffic volume between morning and evening peaks (p = 0.844) or in traffic composition across the surveyed roads (p = 1.000). Critically, all studied corridors operated at Level of Service F (forced flow), with V/C ratios ranging from 1.22 to 1.56. Kuto-Isabo was the most overstretched, operating 56% beyond recommended capacity, followed by Sapo-Ijaye-Iyana Mortuary at 51%. The study concludes that Abeokuta’s road network is severely overextended, leading to forced flow conditions, low speeds, and significant commuter delays. To address these issues, the authors recommend enhancing road capacities to meet current and future demands and implementing alternative routes, such as rail lines, for heavy-duty trucks. Additionally, the paper advocates for demand management strategies, including road pricing during rush hours, flexible working hours, and telecommuting to disperse commuting peaks. It also suggests restricting private vehicle circulation and promoting multimodal travel mixes to reduce reliance on single-occupant cars, thereby fostering a more efficient and sustainable urban transportation system.

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• traffic density