TRAFFIC CONGESTION ASSESSMENT OF AKURE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT USING GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM (GIS).

Increased traffic levels have exacerbated traffic congestion in many cities, including Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, due to a range of causes such as inappropriate parking, slow vehicle speeds, and mixed vehicular and pedestrian traffic. The use of technology to alleviate traffic congestion concerns, as well as traffic planning and management using applications such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is gaining traction. As a result, this study used GIS to assess traffic congestion pattern in Akure's central business district. The study methodology involved the use of ArcGIS 10.7 and QGIS 3.18, which were integrated with Google Earth and Maps, as well as a physical survey at the site to generate spatial and non-spatial data for the study. The study's findings demonstrated that, using GIS it is possible to make well-informed decisions when it comes to resolving traffic congestion problems. According to the study, traffic congestion caused delays at the intersection, resulting in a class F level of service. However, with the use of alternative routes established using GIS, motorists' journey times can be greatly decreased as the intersection will be less crowded. According to the study, traffic congestion is caused by a combination of human, physical, and technical factors. In addition to enforcing traffic restrictions, the study recommended good land use practices, road user education, and the use of technology such as traffic control devices and CCTV to monitor and control traffic situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]