An Assessment of Vehicular Traffic Congestion along Abuja-Nasarawa Road with Emphasis on Karu bridge to A.Y.A. Interchange

Abstract

Transportation is integral to societal connectivity and economic growth, with road transportation being a predominant mode globally. Traffic congestion poses a substantial challenge to efficient road transportation, impacting travel times, fuel consumption, and overall productivity. The Abuja-Nasarawa Road, a critical transportation corridor in the Federal Capital Territory, faces persistent congestion issues attributed to factors such as increased vehicle numbers, inadequate infrastructure, and poor traffic management. The escalating traffic congestion along Abuja-Nasarawa Road adversely affects the region's productivity and economic development. This study aims to analyze the traffic congestion along the Abuja Nasarawa Road to improve decision-making regarding road use and transportation system planning. The research design combines qualitative and quantitative methods, utilizing a questionnaire and traffic data collection. The study focused on the A.Y.A Interchange – Karu bridge section of the road, a critical stretch facing congestion issues. The methodology involved traffic data collection, including vehicle counts, traffic volumes, and average speeds. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Results indicate varying traffic flow rates during morning and evening peak hours. Karu bridge experienced the highest traffic congestion, with a flow rate of 5433 vehicles per hour in the morning. The qualitative analysis revealed the distribution of road users. The findings also revealed a prevalence of traffic congestion attributed to the concentration of economic activities in the Federal Capital City (FCC), leading to increased commuter influx. This study provides a valuable resource for future urban planning initiatives and highlights the need for comprehensive solutions to solve the region’s complex traffic congestion problems and recommends measures such as maintaining and expanding the road network, introducing alternative transportation like a railway service, and completing alternative routes such as the Apo-Karshi Road.