Simulation of traffic flow in unsignalization intersection using computer software SIDRA in Baghdad city

Mohammed, Ali; Jony, Hassan; Shakir, Alaa; Ambak, Kamarudin Bin · 2018 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/201816201035

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Summary

This study addresses the severe traffic congestion at the Jordan intersection in Baghdad, Iraq, a critical junction connecting major residential and commercial districts. The research aims to quantify traffic performance metrics, including travel time, delay, degree of saturation, and level of service (LOS), to evaluate the intersection's operational efficiency. The motivation stems from the intersection's status as one of the busiest and most congested points in the city, exacerbated by its proximity to governmental facilities and shopping centers. The methodology involved field data collection and computer simulation. Traffic volume data was recorded using a high-capacity video camera installed on a nearby building, capturing vehicle counts from 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM over four days. Data was aggregated into 15-minute and half-hour intervals to determine peak hour volumes and directional flow percentages. The collected data was input into SIDRA Intersection Analysis software, developed by the Australian Road Research Board, to simulate traffic flow and assess performance based on the US Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) standards. The analysis focused on three main approaches: Jordan Road, Yarmouk Road, and Baghdad Tower Road. The results identified the peak hour at 8:00 AM, with a total traffic volume of 4,023 passenger cars per hour. The simulation revealed significant performance disparities among the approaches. The overall Level of Service for the intersection was determined to be D, characterized by an average delay of 35 seconds per vehicle and a high degree of saturation of 0.996 v/c, indicating near-capacity utilization. Specifically, the Baghdad Tower Road approach exhibited the worst performance with an LOS of E and an average delay of 61.6 seconds, while the Yarmouk Road approach maintained an LOS of A with a minimal delay of 4.3 seconds. The average travel speed for the intersection was calculated at 29.3 km/h. The study also noted an inverse correlation between travel speed and follow-up headway, and a direct correlation between degree of saturation and follow-up headway. The significance of this study lies in its detailed diagnostic assessment of a critical urban bottleneck. The findings confirm that the Jordan intersection is operating at unstable flow conditions due to high saturation and delay. The authors conclude that current infrastructure is insufficient to handle the traffic demand. They recommend implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) to regulate traffic signals and utilizing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) to help traffic authorities identify and mitigate jam points, thereby reducing congestion and improving overall traffic efficiency in Baghdad.

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• traffic density