Author: Vishv Dineshbhai Patel
Patel, Vishv Dineshbhai, 2024 Evaluating Innovated Intersection Treatments and Quantifying their Benefits Over the Conventional Intersection Designs , Flinders University, College of Science and Engineering
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This thesis investigates the critical issues of road safety and traffic congestion at signalized intersections in Adelaide, with a focus on the Greenhill Rd-Goodwood Rd intersection, one of the city's busiest intersections. The study explores the potential benefits of Partial Continuous
Flow Intersections (CFI) to mitigate these problems, aiming to reduce average delays, improve the level of service (LOS), lower emissions, and decrease fuel consumption and vehicle cost.
Chapter 1 introduces the problem, highlighting the significance of intersection congestion in urban traffic delays and accidents. It explains the need for innovative solutions in metropolitan areas like Adelaide, where right-turn accidents at signalized intersections are
prevalent.
Chapter 2 reviews the literature on intersection designs and traffic management systems, particularly the Sydney Coordinated Adaptive Traffic System (SCATS). This chapter establishes the foundation for understanding the current traffic challenges and the potential
benefits of implementing CFIs.
Chapter 3 outlines the methodology, detailing the use of SIDRA and AIMSUN software for simulating and evaluating the CFI design. The chapter describes the data collection process, including the analysis of SCATS vehicle count data and on-site surveys during peak traffic
hours.
Chapter 4 presents the results and discussion, demonstrating significant reductions in average delays with the CFI design. For instance, PM peak delays on Goodwood Rd North were reduced from 273.2 seconds to 29.5 seconds. The chapter also shows improvements in
LOS, reductions in fuel consumption, and lower CO2 emissions. Emphasizing the positive impact of CFIs on traffic flow and safety. It acknowledges limitations such as the reliance on simulation data and suggests areas for future research.
Chapter 5 conclusion, summarizing the main findings and their implications for urban traffic management. The study confirms that CFIs can effectively enhance intersection efficiency and safety, offering valuable insights for transportation engineering and urban planning.
Overall, this thesis contributes to the field by providing evidence on the benefits of innovative
intersection designs, supporting their application to improve urban mobility and reduce traffic related issues.
Keywords: Continuous flow intersection, SIDRA, AIMSUN, alternative intersection design, CFI, intersection
Subject: Engineering thesis
Thesis type: Masters
Completed: 2024
School: College of Science and Engineering
Supervisor: Dr. Nicholas Holyoak