Strategic Utilization of Microsimulation for Sustainable Traffic Analysis and Intersection Improvement

1. INTRODUCTION

Road traffic is like a pandemic, and it has been increasing rapidly with time, and road networks to cater to such a huge amount of traffic are not enough [1]. So, an optimal and efficient solution is needed so that with a few modifications in the current network of roads, we can manage the traffic to make them move uninterrupted. Traffic congestion can also cause many road traffic injuries and fatalities which are a cause of concern in the world [2].

Congestion can significantly increase travel time, leading to inconvenience for drivers, passengers, and public transportation users [3]. When vehicles are stuck in traffic, they consume more fuel and emit more pollutants, which are both expensive and harmful to the environment. Sitting in traffic for long periods can be frustrating and stressful, which can negatively impact mental health and well-being. It also leads to delayed arrivals and missed appointments, which can reduce productivity and cause inconvenience. Congestion increases the risk of accidents as drivers may become more aggressive or make risky maneuvers to get out of traffic, especially for vulnerable road users [4]. Congestion can slow down emergency services, such as ambulances and fire trucks, which can have serious consequences for public safety. Traffic congestion can also result in increased noise pollution, which can be a nuisance for nearby residents and negatively impact health.

Pedestrian safety remains a significant challenge in countries such as Pakistan, where adherence to traffic regulations is often lax. Within our selected area, the presence of multiple pedestrian bridges is intended to facilitate safe pedestrian crossings. However, a noteworthy observation is that a substantial portion of pedestrians opt to traverse the road amidst moving traffic, thereby impeding the flow of vehicles. This behaviour is primarily attributed to the congestion of traffic, rendering conventional pedestrian crossings less appealing due to the sluggish pace of vehicles. Consequently, pedestrians often perceive such crossings as less time-efficient and, in turn, feel less apprehensive about resorting to road-level crossings.In conclusion, it can be inferred that factors contributing to an elevated risk of pedestrian fatalities in accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles encompass elements such as instances of impaired driving due to violation of traffic laws and the pedestrian’s violation of road ethics and rules [5].

Pakistan, as a developing country, also faces these issues, especially in its major metropolitan cities [6]. The road network present is not efficient in dealing with ever-increasing traffic demand [7]. The lack of public transportation options in many cities also leads to an increase in private vehicles on the road, exacerbating traffic issues [8]. Another aspect is the lack of serviceability of pedestrian bridges or underpasses, which results in a high number of injuries related to road traffic [9]. Because cities are growing quickly, more and more people are leaving the suburbs and moving to the cities for jobs, a better way of life, and improved services. This has led to a big increase in traffic since these newcomers use cars to get around, causing more congestion on the roads. To address this issue, various studies explore ways to make traffic better and examine the environmental and financial benefits using microsimulations in different scenarios [10].

Traffic congestion can cause a range of issues related to inconvenience and safety, which highlights the need for effective transportation planning and management to mitigate these problems.

Traffic congestion can have a significant impact on fuel consumption. When vehicles are stuck in traffic, they tend to idle and consume more fuel, which leads to increased emissions and a higher carbon footprint [11]. The occurrence of stop-and-go patterns, particularly in multilane, leads to the substantial emission of harmful gases and notably elevated fuel consumption, far surpassing what would be expected under conditions of steady traffic flow [12]. Furthermore, slow-moving or stopped vehicles use more fuel to get back up to speed compared to vehicles that can maintain a steady pace. The frequent starts and stops also put additional strain on the engine and lead to reduced fuel efficiency [13]. In addition, traffic congestion can increase travel time, leading to longer trips and more fuel consumption. This is especially true for commercial vehicles such as trucks, which are often on the road for longer periods and consume more fuel [14].

Overall, traffic congestion leads to increased fuel consumption and emissions, which can have negative impacts on the environment and contribute to climate change [15]. Addressing these traffic issues through measures such as improving the road infrastructure, reducing vehicle idling, and promoting public transportation can help reduce fuel consumption and lower emissions [16].

Traffic congestion can also increase the risk of accidents on the roads [17]. This is because drivers may become frustrated, impatient, and aggressive, which can lead to risky driving behavior such as speeding, overtaking in unsafe areas, and ignoring traffic signals [18]. In the case of an emergency, such as a car accident or medical emergency, traffic congestion can make it difficult for emergency services to respond quickly. Ambulances, fire trucks, and police cars may struggle to get to the scene of an accident promptly, which can result in serious injuries or fatalities [19]. Traffic congestion can also lead to poor air quality in Pakistan, which can have significant health impacts [20]. Breathing in polluted air can increase the risk of respiratory problems, heart disease, and other health issues [21]. Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to the risks of traffic congestion [22]. In many cases, they may be forced to walk in the middle of the road or cross busy streets, which can increase the risk of accidents. Traffic congestion puts a strain on the infrastructure of Pakistan, including the roads and bridges [23]. This can lead to the deterioration ion of the road surface, making it more difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles, increasing the likelihood of accidents [24].

This research will help to evaluate and elevate future designs and road networks for better and efficient traffic flow for safety, efficiency, and smooth traffic flow. To address these issues, the government has implemented measures such as improving the road infrastructure, increasing the enforcement of traffic laws, and promoting public transportation. However, progress has been slow and much more needs to be done to address the ongoing traffic problems in the country [25]. Here as Engineers, our role needs to be played so that we can design and suggest a solution for the safe, rapid, and efficient traffic flow.

PTV VISSIM is a computer simulation software that provides traffic planners and engineers with a virtual environment to study and analyze traffic conditions [26]. The software creates a 3D representation of roads and intersections, allowing users to evaluate different traffic scenarios and predict their effects on traffic flow and congestion [22]. It is equipped with advanced features for modeling and simulating a wide range of transportation systems, including private vehicles, public transportation, and pedestrian and bicycle traffic [27].

With PTV VISSIM, transportation professionals can analyze different variables such as traffic signal timings, road design, and vehicle behavior to optimize traffic flow and minimize congestion. The results of these simulations can provide valuable insights into the best practices for traffic management and support informed decision-making [28]. PTV VISSIM is widely used in cities and regions across the world to improve transportation efficiency and reduce negative impacts on the environment, such as air pollution and fuel consumption.

After gathering traffic data during peak hours, we utilized the VISSIM software to simulate the conditions and evaluate the results. Based on our findings, we designed and proposed solutions for the identified issues.

2. METHODOLOGY

This section presents the adopted methodology of the current study. It presents the characteristics of the site under study. The data collection parameters and data collection strategy.

2.3. Data Collection Strategy

There are several methods for traffic counting like counting through a logbook, Jamar Counter, or counting through a recorded video. The method of counting through a recorded video was selected for our research where a camera was set up at an angle that all the vehicles entering and leaving at this intersection would be visible. The data was collected from the video using a logbook.

Two independent observers extracted the data from each video to ensure the validity of the dataset. Details of the maximum number of counted vehicles in each direction of the Intersection are shown in Fig. (2): In each direction three way traffic is moving, one is continuing in the direction of the road, one towards left and one towards right. Data from peak AM hour and Peak PM hour is shown so that it will be easier to design the maximum traffic flow either in AM or PM peak hour time of traffic flow.

2.4. Findings

2.4.1. Creation of Intersection Model

Simulation with current traffic input and parameters is created in microsimulation software, and the results after evaluating the simulation are given in Table 1. The factors that we evaluated in our proposed solution are the Level of Service (LoS) and vehicular delays. Also, the snapshots of the simulation of the current condition are shown in Fig. (3), showing congestion at all major legs of the intersection.

Table 1.

S.No.	The direction of Traffic Flow	Level of Service (LOS)	Vehicular Delays (sec)
1.	Srinagar Highway to Motorway (Towards North)	F	128.28
2.	Motorway to Srinagar Highway (Towards the South)	F	182.64
3.	Srinagar Highway to Sector G/11 (Towards North-East)	D	100.83
4.	Sector G/11 to Srinagar Highway (Towards South-East)	D	3.93
5.	Srinagar Highway to NUST (Towards the West)	C	2.64
6.	NUST to Srinagar Highway (Towards North-West)	C	4.97
7.	Sector G/11 to NUST (From East to West)	E	70.91
8.	NUST to Sector G/11 (From West to East)	C	46.28
9.	Sector G/11 to Motorway (Towards East-Northern)	D	73.21
10.	Motorway to NUST (Towards the West)	E	74.16
11.	Srinagar Highway to Sector G/11 (Towards East)	F	121.34
12.	NUST to Srinagar Highway (Towards North)	E	43.55

Note: Microsimulation software analysis results

Here is the Bar graph in Fig. (3), which shows the level of service of all the routes of the traffic flow. The bar graph illustrates a Level of Service scale extending from 1 to 6, where 1 denotes the highest level (Level of Service A), and 6 represents the lowest, signifying Level of Service F.

Fig. (4) provides a comprehensive depiction of the traffic dynamics at the point when the signal transitions to red, resulting in congestion. This, in turn, leads to vehicular delays, increased fuel emissions, and subsequent degradation of the Level of Service.

Fig. (5) shows the snapshot of the data, that is, the node results obtained from the created simulation.

Similarly, results for vehicular delays after evaluating the simulation of the current condition. Below bar graph below for Vehicular delays in each direction is shown in Figs. (6 and 7), which needs to be improved significantly for the traffic flow to improve and to reduce congestion.

3. RESULTS

Numerous countries are actively seeking solutions to enhance traffic safety and capacity within their existing roundabouts, contemplating effective measures to address these challenges [12]. After careful analysis, the issue of traffic congestion at the intersection is resolved by modifying the geometric features, i.e., providing the Clover Leafed Standard Flyover at the intersection (Fig. 8). Cloverleaf flyover employs a grade separation technique to let vehicles from one or more roads pass the intersection without having to cross it or obstruct the other traffic flows physically. Since there is no need to slow down, traffic moves at a brisk pace.

3.1. Design of Proposed Solution

For the design of the standard clover leaf flyover, in each quadrant, there is one loop ramp for traffic going to the right and one outside connector for traffic turning to the left. A 270-degree turn to the left is necessary for vehicles wanting to turn right before they may proceed in the preferred direct case [29].

In our case, a standard clover leaf flyover would bypass the traffic coming from Sector G/11 over the flyover to NUST and vice versa, as shown in Fig. (8). Slip lanes are also provided to merge any traffic onto the highway.

4. DISCUSSION

With the assistance of microsimulation software-based simulations, it becomes possible for us to effectively compare both scenarios of the current condition i.e., signalized intersection, and the proposed solution i.e., standard clover leaf flyover. Our main focus is on the increasing level of service of the intersection which ultimately decreases vehicular delays. By running the actual traffic data of the signalized intersection collected by us in the microsimulation, we get the LoS E (30-45 veh/mile/lane), and on this LoS, the vehicular delay comes out to 72.3 sec. It is to be clear that these delays are the average delays each car is facing in each configuration. Similarly, when we simulated the clover leaf flyover, the results were remarkable. The LoS, which was E, increased to B (6-10 veh/mile/lane), and the delays were reduced to 13.31 sec.

Figs. (9 and 10) shows the comparison of LoS and vehicular delays between the two evaluated conditions i.e., signalized intersection and clover leaf flyover. Moreover, this alone is not solely the advantage of the proposed solution. As fuel consumption is directly related to delays, reduction in delays has had a substantial effect on minimizing fuel waste, operating costs, and exhaust pollutants [29]. Therefore, we can say that after reducing the delays at the intersection we can also save fuel consumption and reduce environmental pollution.

CONCLUSION

Presently, traffic modeling and simulation are frequently used tools in the design of road infrastructure. Considering this, microsimulation software is used to improve the issue of traffic congestion. Microsimulation software is a sophisticated transportation simulation software tool that enables transportation professionals to model and analyze traffic flow, evaluate alternative transportation solutions, and optimize traffic signals and other traffic control devices.

Across many parts of the world, developed or not, traffic congestion has been on the rise, and all signs point to it only becoming worse in the future. This poses an undeniable threat to the quality of urban life and the safety of its citizens. The process manifests as a gradual slowing down of speeds, which results in increasing travel times and an increase in environmental pollutants and fuel consumption as compared to an uninterrupted traffic flow. The extensive usage of vehicles is the major cause of traffic. Particularly in developing nations e.g., Pakistan, private vehicles provide benefits in terms of enabling personal movement as well as conveying feelings of protection and even elevated status. However, they are ineffective for moving people about as compared to public transportation [30]. At the same time, the existing road network has not kept pace with this growth, leading to overcrowded roads and intersections. Outdated road design and a lack of traffic management systems also contribute to traffic congestion in Pakistan.

This paper evaluates the traffic flow at the four-legged intersection (Sector G/11) in Islamabad as a case study and suggests a design that will reduce the intersection's traffic congestion. The selected congested intersection's traffic was initially simulated for the present situation. Then modifying the geometric features of the intersection, a clover leaf flyover is suggested to mitigate the traffic congestion problem. This modification significantly reduces traffic congestion by improving the level of service at the intersection to B (6-10 vehicles/mile/lane). Also, a serious decrease in vehicular delays is observed i.e., from a 72.3-sec delay to a 13.31-sec delay. In this study, only vehicular delays and LOS were considered to reduce traffic congestion and improve the condition of the intersection. Furthermore, to determine the best possible solution, it's crucial to evaluate multiple aspects like cost, safety, etc.

Our research encountered certain limitations that merit discussion. Notably, these limitations stem from the divergence between the vehicle types commonly found in countries like Pakistan and their representation within microsimulation software. The software, unfortunately, does not encompass the full spectrum of vehicle models and types that exist in this region. Furthermore, an additional challenge arises from the lack of rigorous vehicular emissions standards enforcement and inspection protocols, contributing to deviations between simulated outcomes and real-world scenarios. Moreover, the wide array of vehicle models in circulation, ranging from older models dating back to the early 90s to contemporary ones, introduces variability that may marginally affect data accuracy.

FUTURE RESEARCH RECOMMENDATIONS

The door is open for a more in-depth study of the intersection incorporating other aspects e.g., fuel consumption, impact on the environment, etc., using microsimulation software for the issue of traffic congestion. Also, this same model can be implemented on various road networks having similar traffic conditions with little modifications.

REFERENCES