Comparative analysis of traffic flow parameters at urban unsignalized intersections and junctions

The relevance of this study is due to the need for quantitative determination of traffic flow parameters in urban road networks. Field measurements were carried out at unsignalized intersections and junctions in a medium-sized city (using Vladikavkaz as an example). The critical gap in the main traffic stream, which drivers from the minor direction use to perform maneuvers, was selected as the key parameter of the traffic flow. Various analytical approaches were applied to identify the critical gap. The obtained values were compared with the results of Russian and foreign studies. Conclusions are drawn regarding the applicability of the obtained data for calculating the capacity of unsignalized intersections and junctions, as well as for assessing the level of comfort of movement on road network elements. Problem statement. Sustainable development of cities and territories requires consideration of population mobility and an integrated approach to the movement characteristics of all categories of road users. Urban mobility and sustainable development are primarily associated with comfort and road safety. Currently, improving the quality and convenience of movement is a national priority. Regular studies of traffic flow parameters are necessary for the sound design of road network elements. Objective of the study is to analyze traffic flow parameters using a medium-sized city as an example and compare the results with foreign data and movement parameters in a large metropolis. Tasks of the study are to determine critical gaps when performing maneuvers at unsignalized intersections and junctions in a medium-sized city, as well as to compare the observation results with global data. Results. Field observations were conducted at unsignalized intersections and junctions in a medium-sized city. The critical gap in the main stream, which drivers from the minor direction accept for a maneuver, was adopted as the studied parameter. Various methods for comparing accepted and rejected gaps were considered to determine the critical gap. Observations were made for different movement directions: going straight through the intersection from the minor road, turning right from the minor road, and turning left from the main road. The obtained values were compared with data from Russian and foreign authors. Conclusions. Provisions are formulated on the need to consider mobility and multimodality for sustainable urban development, on the importance of regular traffic flow studies, and on the feasibility of using the obtained results to determine the capacity of unsignalized intersections and junctions and to assess the level of comfort of movement

Population · Road traffic · Traffic and Road Safety · Traffic control and management · Transportation Systems and Logistics