Estimating Traffic Volume to Identify the Level of Service at Bijoy Sarani Intersection

Abstract

The increment of vehicles due to the proportional increment of populations and a rapid development of modern society is a major concern in Metropolitan cities in developing countries like Bangladesh. So, it is imperative to monitor traffic volume as well as the quality of transport supply termed as the Level of Service (LOS). The present study is an investigation of the behavior of mixed traffic flow in Dhaka city of Bangladesh. Field Traffic volume survey was carried out to determine the level of service at a signalized Bijoy Sarani intersection in Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC). Level of service (LOS) was determined by peak hour factor (PHF) method. Nature of traffic flow in Dhaka city is heterogeneous. So, this heterogeneous or mixed traffic are simplified by Passenger car unit (PCU). Then estimated PCU was used to determine LOS. LOS was calculated for both directions of roads. Personal car, Motor bike, CNG and buses are the dominant vehicles in this intersection. According to PHF method, LOS of this intersection is very unstable and worst. Considering and evaluating all the findings it can be recommended that increasing and improving public transport facilities, demotivating private transport should be applied and road width need to be increased to make the traffic flow suitable. Also, incorporation of an effective intelligent traffic signal, implementing traffic rules and regulation should be applied and maintained properly in the worst condition intersection to accelerate the traffic flow in this area. Keywords: Passenger Car Unit; Level of service; Traffic Volume; peak hour factor; Intersection; Dhaka