Research Paper

Assessment of the Level of Urban Traffic Congestion for Improved Mobility: Case Study of Selected Intersections in Ibadan, Nigeria

Oladipo MA, and Owolabi AO.

J. Civil Eng. Urban., 15(3): 112-129, 2025; pii:S225204302500007-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.54203/jceu.2025.7

Abstract
The traffic problems in Ibadan can be primarily attributed to inadequate road infrastructure and a shortage of traffic control personnel. The objective of this study is to assess and analyze the current level of urban traffic congestion at specific intersections in Ibadan. A comprehensive traffic survey was conducted using a manual methodology for counting traffic volume. The volume to capacity ratio was employed to assess the levels of service at the Sango –Polytechnic Ibadan Road intersection, while the Kimber empirical regression technique was utilized to evaluate the capacity of the Iwo Road Intersection. The results indicated that the volume to capacity ratio at the Sango-Polytechnic Road Intersection ranges from 0.71, 0.72 and 0.74, resulting in consistent Levels of service classified as C. In contrast, the volume to capacity ratio at the Iwo Road Intersection ranges from 0.73, 0.77, 0.76, 0.90 and 0.96, corresponding to Levels of service classified as C, D and E. A questionnaire survey data was analyzed utilizing the Relative Important Index (RII) to ascertain the ranking of factors that contribute to and influence congestion at the selected intersections. The main factors contributing to congestion identified by the respondents are presence of a roadside market with RII of 0.888, lack of parking facilities resulting to on street parking with RII of 0.878, increased population with RII of 0.820, peak hour congestion with RII of 0.810 and poor driving behaviors with RII of 0.807. Binary logistic regression analysis shows that factors with RII ≥ 0.80 have high rating and R-square Nagelkerke of the model shows 95% of the variance in explanatory variables indicating that the overall model fit is good. The analysis demonstrated that well-designed and accessible pedestrian walkways can significantly reduce congestion caused by the factors, thereby fostering a more vibrant urban environment.
Keywords: Traffic congestion, Intersection, Level of service

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Research Paper

Seismotectonics and Earthquake Hazards of the Coastal Aegean Region: A Regional Assessment

Yıldırım K.

J. Civil Eng. Urban., 15(3): 130-140, 2025; pii:S225204302500008-15

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.54203/jceu.2025.8 

Abstract
This study comprehensively examines the seismotectonic characteristics of the Coastal Aegean Region and evaluates earthquake hazard probabilities based on historical, structural, and geodynamic data. Western Anatolia and the Coastal Aegean Region represent high-seismic-risk zones characterized by a complex deformation regime, where both normal and strike-slip faults are actively influential. The research investigates local fault systems in various segments, including İzmir, Balıkesir, Aydın, Muğla, Gökova, Skyros, and Sığacık. GPS measurements, microseismic records, tomographic analyses, and field observations were integrated to perform seismic hazard assessments. The vulnerability of traditional structures and the influence of local soil conditions on structural performance were also evaluated, supported by empirical and seismic hazard analysis results. Findings indicate that the seismic hazard in the region is associated not only with major faults but also with micro-scale stress accumulation and structural weaknesses. The magnitudes, locations, and characteristics of historical earthquakes were found to be consistent with the results of seismic hazard analyses. In this context, measures such as microseismicity monitoring, tsunami and earthquake early warning systems, and the reinforcement of building stock are projected to play a significant role in reducing disaster risk.
Keywords: Seismotectonics, Earthquake hazard assessment, Coastal Aegean Region, Fault systems, Structural vulnerability

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