Assessment of Traffic Flow Patterns and its Characteristics at Major Road Intersections in Minna Metropolis, Niger State

Abstract

The urban road network plays a key role in the urban spatial structure. But rapid urban development has led into various increment in travel demand and motorization in urban areas. The current infrastructure has failed to meet-up with increasing demand leading to traffic delay, congestion and accidents. This study assesses the traffic flow patterns and its characteristics at major intersections in Minna Metropolis. A descriptive research survey was adopted in which data were collected through volumetric traffic count at selected traffic intersections from 6:00am to 6:00pm for a period of a week. Data collected were analyzed descriptively and was found that tricycles (42.5%) and cars (31.3%) were the two major traffic composition with total of 24,636. Also, the average traffic flow pattern in Minna occurs between 12:00pm-2:00pm and it takes an S-shape like flow trends. The average traffic volume composition indicates 86.5% of traffic composition were made up of Motorcycle (12.64%), Tricycle (42.55%) and Car (31.31% respectively. While, average traffic flow pattern shows that there is high volume of traffic around 8-10am at Kpakungu roundabout. While, Kpakungu and Mobil roundabout experienced the highest volume of traffic respectively (15,045 and 12, 293). Based on these findings, some recommendations were made, which include; the grade separation of intersections at Kpakungu and Mobil junction by the State Ministry of Works to reduce traffic delays and conflicts. Also, adequate and necessary road complementary facilities such as functional traffic lights, zebra crossing and others should be provided to ensure smooth flow of traffic.