Performance analysis, evaluation, and improvement of selected unsignalized intersection using SIDRA software – Case study

Abstract

Significant social, economic, and environmental costs are associated with traffic congestion. The effectiveness of intersections makes a substantial contribution to the effectiveness of entire road networks. The three-leg at-grade Al-Husainea intersection, located 20 km from the center of holy Karbala city in Iraq, is subjected to serious congestion, resulting in an increase in delay time, reduction in capacity, and bad level of service (LOS). Therefore, it is essential to use advanced software tools to ensure that the current intersection can be controlled, evaluated, and improved. So, the major goal of this study is to use SIDRA, an acronym for signalized and unsignalized intersection design and research aid, software to evaluate the LOS of the Al-Husainea intersection, in which the traffic is assessed using the current LOS. LOS, delay time, and degree of saturation were the criteria utilized to evaluate the traffic flow performance. SIDRA is also used to assess benefits as a result of suggested changes in the design of particular junctions. The first stage is to gather field data regarding traffic volumes utilizing a method of traffic volume gathering. From 7 am to 6 pm, the SIDRA program gathered data for a full 7 days. The results showed that the LOS for the Al-Husainea intersection in the Al-Husainea arm is F, with an average delay of 52 s per vehicle and a saturation level of 0.86 v/c. Finally, it was determined that the Al-Husainea intersection needs additional improvements based on the study and findings from the SIDRA program, and some remedies are suggested in this study to improve the intersection traffic flow.