Académique Documents
Professionnel Documents
Culture Documents
Executive summary...............................................................................................................................................iv
Acknowledgement.................................................................................................................................................vi
1. INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Background.........................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Identification of Black-spot..................................................................................................................1
1.3 Objectives of RSI................................................................................................................................3
1.4 Steps of RSI procedures.....................................................................................................................3
1.5 Scope of the work...............................................................................................................................3
2. METHODOLOGY..........................................................................................................................................5
1.6 Preparatory work at office...................................................................................................................5
1.7 On-site field visit.................................................................................................................................5
1.8 Report preparation..............................................................................................................................5
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
9. REFERENCES............................................................................................................................................30
APPENDICES........................................................................................................................................................31
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
List of Figures
Figure 1 various stages of road safety actions.........................................................................................................2
Figure 2RSA Procedures (RSA Manual DoR)..........................................................................................................8
Figure 3: Damaged Crash barrier (CH 49+000).....................................................................................................13
Figure 4 Gnesh Khola (2+980)...............................................................................................................................14
Figure 5 Khahare Khola (12+200)..........................................................................................................................14
Figure 6 Malekhu Khola Bridge..............................................................................................................................15
Figure 7 Chiraudi Khola Bridge..............................................................................................................................15
Figure 14 Typical safety at bridge site....................................................................................................................17
Figure 15 Typical safety at settlement....................................................................................................................19
Figure 16Typical Cross-section of highway /settlement.........................................................................................19
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Executive summary
Road Safety and Traffic Unit under the Department of Roads (DoR) has instigated to conduct the study for the
identification of black-spot along Prithivi Highway (Naubise Munglin) for the assessment of road safety
scenario and to identify the adequate road safety measures along this highway. The consultants team conducted
the study by the in-depth field observation as well as consultation with the relevant agencies.
The study or field observations were carried out on January 2017. However, the site was observed by the team
members several times. During the field observation, the team identified field specific road or traffic safety
concerns and documented them into a comprehensive database consisting of road Chainage and safety issues.
The study was carried out as per the standard methodology and procedures developed during the project
inception phase. The audit was carried out in two stages. In the beginning, the study team focused on desk-
study. Then, a field examination of the highway section was carried out and the corresponding safety deficiencies
with appropriate remedial action items were documented.
Based on the study outcome and the previous data (accident) consultant developed team has developed several
typical safety design templates based on the road design and alignment condition. Each typical template is then
configured using a combination of traffic barriers, traffic signage, delineator and pavement width at the curves.
During the study, the team documented some road construction and maintenance practices that deemed highly
deterrent to overall road safety and must need to be the part of regular safety improvement program. Some of
these notable items are (i) road surface maintenance practices (ii) Bridge maintenance including railing
maintenance (iii) Maintenance of shoulders (iv) Maintenance of Gabion barriers (v) Maintenance of stone
masonry parapet blocks.
The study team prepared a priority list of safety items with three implementation time-line and grouped them in
following categories.
Short-term (starting immediately): are those typical outputs and recommendations that are expected to
bring immediate results to improve the overall road user safety and reduction in accident. For Example,
signage, road marking, etc.
Mid-term (starting within 1 year): are those physical interventions that are expected to improve the
system-wide road user safety, for example guard rails, gabions and widening pavement at sharp-curves
with visibility problem.
Long-term results (starting within 3 years): are those outputs that are expected to develop the road
safety awareness to provider (the agencies), drivers, emergency response personnel, traffic police, as
well as all road users. For example, education, enforcement, safety campaign, etc.
The study team also developed a list of comprehensive road safety measures identifying the relative location by
road Chainage for all proposed road safety items that need to be implemented.
The final report also offers some recommendations to improve the overall road safety.
The key recommendations are:
Immediate maintenance of road safety measures (Crash barriers) shall be carried out,
These type of study shall be carried out on the regular interval to address road safety related issues;
There should be provision of pedestrian crossing in the major market area of Highway;
Separation of traffic and pedestrian at the settlement must be part of the road design and development
program;
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At the location of sharp-curves where proper sight-distance/visibility cannot be achieved due to hard-
rocks or other terrain constraints, the pavement should be widen at least 1.5 m at the curve to minimize
heads-on collision. In addition, reflective tape/painting should be introduced at this location to improve
the night-time visibility.
Most of the traffic signs installed along the highway have been damaged and some of them are not
properly located therefore, the installation of road safety measures should be carried out under the
close super vision of traffic expert or engineer.
In addition to physical remedial actions to road safety, traffic law enforcement also need to be the
integral part of long-term intervention to road safety
.
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Acknowledgement
This Report is prepared after the completion of study on the identification of black-spot along Naubise Munglin
section of Prithwi Highway. Road Safety and Traffic Unit, Department of Roads entrusted the consulting service
to RAPID Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd. This report contains the field information on all aspects of Road
Safety for the corrective measures along the study section.
RAPID Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd, the Consultant would like to extend its gratitude to Road Safety and
Traffic Unit, Department of Roads for entrusting the assignment. The consultants' team would like to thanks to
Unit Chief Er. Deep Barahi, for his support during project period. Similarly, we would like to appreciate Engineer
Bibek Pandey for his technical support at the office as well in the field study.
The Consultant would like to extend the gratitude to the Chief of the Planning Division DDG Mr. Dayakant Jha for
his supporting guidance before the field mobilization.
Similarly, team would like to appreciate all the offices of Traffic Police and road users along the project road for
their assistance on identifying specific issues on road safety.
The last but not least, team would like to be glad for the technical and supporting staff of RAPID Engineering
Services Pvt. Ltd. who have done remarkable assistance to complete the assignment.
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background
Main objective of the road transport system is to provide fast, economic and safe transport services. Road
transport is one of the major sectors of national economy. Road transport is considered as the fundamental
platform for the development of other sectors of economy. Road crash or accidents are related to the road traffic
injuries which have been taken as the serious problem everywhere in the world. The road accidents caused by
road traffic injuries are the eighth leading cause of death globally, and the leading cause of death for young
people aged 1529. More than a million people die each year on the worlds roads, and the cost of dealing with
the consequences of these road traffic crashes runs to billions of dollar considered as the social and economic
loss. Current trends suggest that by 2030 road traffic deaths will become the fifth leading cause of death unless
urgent action is taken (Global Status on Road Safety, 2012; WHO).
In this context, World Health Organization (WHO) has taken to carry out the global initiation for road safety as:
Decade of Action for Road Safety: 2011 2020. Within this frame work, road authorities are responsible to
reduce road accidents in each country. In these circumstances, Nepal has formulated Road Safety Action Plan
(2013 -2020).
In Nepal around 2000 people lose their life in road traffic accidents in Nepal every year. The annual fatality rate is
quite high even by developing country standards. Road conditions, drivers' behaviour, and Vehicle characteristic
are main contributing elements for road accidents. Similarly, road safety awareness and enforcement of traffic
regulations play vital role for improvement of road safety. Critical road geometry due to the hilly terrain and
meandering river valleys, we are facing serious fatalities after road accidents. The usual way to minimize the
number of casualties and the severity is to install proper road safety furniture such as crash barriers, marking and
sign.
Department of Roads as the responsible agency for the design, construction and operation of strategic road
network has undertaken the challenges on this very urgent issue of the decade in Nepal. Road Safety and Traffic
Unit (RSTU) within the DoR has been striving to apply efforts on Road Safety since 1994. This specialized unit is
responsible for traffic engineering and road safety activities. The unit has been investigating accidents and
devising engineering counter measures. In this regard, the Unit has published a number of Road Safety
literatures relevant to the national context. Similarly, it has conducted Road Safety Audit of some links of
Strategic Road Network.
Naubise Munglin section of Prithivi Highway is busiest road in terms of traffic flow. It has greater impact on
national economy by providing the transport service including significant portion of international trade. The
Highway alignment, which follows the bank of Trishuli River is very critical in terms of road safety. Each year
severe accidents occur along this section of highway. Narrow road width, sharp curves and frequent river
crossing are critical features of this section of the highway. Considering, these reality RSTU has formulated the
project to conduct Road Safety Inspection along this section of Prithivi Highway.
RAPID Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd has been trusted to perform the Road Safety Inspection of Naubise
Munglin section of the Highway. Consultant has taken this responsibility to complete it within the stipulated time
schedule and with quality assurance.
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The quality of traffic signs, with respect to their need and to whether they are correctly placed or legible
in the dark.
The quality of road markings, in particular whether they are visible or are consistent with traffic signs.
The quality of the road surface characteristics, in particular with respect to friction (macro and micro-
texture) and evenness.
The adequacy of sight distances and the absence of permanent or temporary obstacles that prevent
timely observation of the road or other road users.
The presence of roadside traffic hazards, near the carriageway, such as trees, exposed rocks, drainage
pipes and culverts, steep high embankment slopes, etc.
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Aspects of traffic operation, in particular if drivers speeds are adequate to local conditions and to the
function of the road. This also includes items such as the suitability of the road to its function and the
adequacy of space for current traffic and separation between motorized and vulnerable road users.
For each element included in an inspection, a standardized assessment should be made by applying the
following categories:
The item represents a traffic hazard that should be treated immediately. A specific treatment should then
be proposed.
The item is not in a perfectly good condition or deviates slightly from current standards, but no short
term action is needed to correct it. Further observations are recommended.
The item is in good condition and in accordance with current standards.
The detail of the field check list is provided in the annex of the report.
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2. METHODOLOGY
Identification of black-spot along Naubise Munglin Section of Prithivi Highway was conducted as per the
existing practices and procedure. Major steps for these activity consultant followed the methodology are as
below:
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
The RSI report at the final stage of the project will consist of four main parts and appendices with maps, pictures
and illustrations as necessary.
Part 1 includes details of the road or section/element of road being inspected as well as the composition of the
inspection team, date, times and conditions at the time of the inspection.
Part 2 includes the outline and the background data obtained during the preparatory work in the office and a
description of the activities undertaken.
Part 3 describes the shortcomings or deficiencies which were found and an assessment of these deficiencies. It
should contain the completed investigation form and the documentation with pictures. It is recommended to
include these deficiencies and shortcomings into table form.
Part 4 contains the recommendations for countermeasures, from short to long term. The safety effects of the
measures should be taken into consideration.
Appendices - include illustrations, maps, tables and data from other sources and kinds (in order to clarify the
results, different kinds of illustrations including photos and sketches of countermeasures). This section also
includes the cost estimation based on the local unit rates for the proposed safety measures.
Also, the efforts in respect of the time needed to realize the measures should be taken into consideration to
prepare challenging but realistic proposals. The team used the expert experience and knowledge about the best
practice and the local circumstances. The possible outcome of the road safety inspection procedures is also
dependent on the terms of RSI.
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FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines, US Department of Transport, Federal Highway Administartion,
2006
Road Safety Audit Procedures for Projects, Guidelines, Transfund New Zealand, November 2004
ADB. Road Safety Audit for Road Projects: an Operational Tool Kit, June, 2003.
ADB Road Safety Guidelines for Asian & Pacific Region: Guidelines for decision maker on Road Safety
Policy
DoR Road Safety Notes 2: Design of Safe Side Drains: November 1996
DoR Road Safety Notes 4: Road Safety Audit Manual, April, 1997
DoR Road Safety Notes 5: Delineation measures, March, 1997
DoR Road Safety Notes 6: Safety Barriers, July 1997
DoR Road Safety Notes 7: Safety at Bridges, July 1997
DoR Traffic Sign Manual, August 1997
TRL Over Seas Road Note 17, Road Safety Education in Developing Countries, Guidelines for Good
Practice in Primary Schools, 1997
RSI along the project road should be conducted as per the best practices implemented in other countries.
However, the following safety documents are use full to review for the RSI of the existing road projects.
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The major part of the RSA methodology the principles of safety audit are described as below:
Discharge calculation
Safety aspect
Maintenance aspect
The safety aspect of the side drain has been highlighted in the document are as:
the design of drains should be such that any vehicle which falls into them should remain upright
it should be as little damage as possible
be capable of being easily recovered
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Function
Is the road responding to its function in the network (does it have mixed functions, are speeds limits appropriate,
are there any impacts from land use development, problems with accesses roadside facilities and properties)?
Cross section
Is the road cross section width and separation appropriate (is the number of lanes sufficient for the traffic using it
including cycling and walking if available?), is the marking sufficient, what are the surface conditions, are the
shoulders adequate, is drainage from the road adequate, and is the pavement in a suitable condition, what is the
solution for separation of vulnerable road users and is it adequate to the terms?
Alignment
Is the alignment consistency regarding the curve design, are sight distances adequate? Is the existing speed limit
adequate for the horizontal and vertical elements of the alignment? Are there sufficient overtaking possibilities? Is
the alignment consistent and easily recognized by the road users? Or full of surprises for the drivers?
Special attentions need to be drawn to terrain character transition sections on the roads (flat to hilly)
Intersections
Are intersections appropriate for the traffic volumes, level and form of traffic engineering (for example
intersection type - is there traffic signals and are they sufficient?). Can pedestrians safely cross the road? Are
there local accesses to private properties and railway crossings? Are there sufficient space and
acceleration/deceleration lanes?
This complex of questions includes the safety related question about engineering structures, like obstacle along
the road, bridges and other features and about the passive safety installations? Are there any features within the
safety zone? Are passive safety installations set up at the required locations? Have masts, abutments,
supporting walls, bridge railings etc. been safeguarded? Are there at bridges sufficient passive safety
installations, are there properly connected with the guardrails along the road?
Public and private services, service and rest areas, public transport
How an access is performed to services such as schools, hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants etc. RSI should
also look at parking and loading facilities as well as public transport facilities e.g. bus stops. Is there sufficient
and safe space and access for passengers?
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Naubise to Galchhi:
Galchhi to Munglin:
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Khahare Khola: The bridge site is located along the very sharp bend of the alignment. Further the visibility also
very poor from both sides of the approaches. The improvement of this site is to contraction Speed reduction
measures and crash barriers. Most effective measures for the speed reduction may be the installation of traffic
sign along with the construction of rumble strips.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Malekhu Khola Bridge: The highway alignment has slightly greater than the average gradient after the passing
of the bridge. The bridge approaches are not protected. The speed reduction measures and crash barriers have
been recommended for this bridge site.
Chiraudi Khola Bridge: The bridge alignment is also critical from the road safety aspect. The combination of
sharp reverse curves and the changing in the gradient may create the severe hazards for high speed vehicles.
Furthermore, the bridge approaches are not protected. Therefore, consultant recommneded speed reduction
measures, construction of crash barriers and other delineation measures at this site.
Urban settlements and Intersections: generally, Highway alignment passes along the river valley. However,
there are very frequent settlements which are very potential sites for road accident. These settlements are facing
gradual problems of road accidents. Pedestrian-vehicle conflicts and incidences are very frequent along the
highway corridor. Furthermore, highway along these settlements does not have the provision of separate
footpath, Vehicle stopping and parking bays, defined bus stops, and properly maintained signage and markings.
These are the major issues of road safety along these areas. Urbanized areas such as Dharke, Mahadevbeshi,
Galchi, Baireni, Benighat, Malekhu, Munglin are gradually facing the road safety hazards related to the
pedestrian safety, passenger loading and unloading, overtaking, bus stops and others.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
5.5 Prioritized and accident locations along the Naibise Munglin Road
Consultants team after the field observation decided the very urgent locations to be improved for road safety
these locations and typical safety measures have been mentioned in the next sub-chapter. These locations are
as:
Road safety issues related to the Bridge sites are taken into the first priority to be improved along the
study section of highway. The details of the typical road safety measures at bridge sites are given in the
Annex
Delineation measures: the study road section has several sections to be improved for the proper
delineation for night as well as day time driving. The details are shown in the Annex
Sharp curves to be improved for visibility: These locations along the study highway are relatively lower
in number. These sections are shown in the Annex of the report.
Urban Settlements: road safety issues along the urban areas will be treated on the phase-wise basis for
long term planning.
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Approach protection of bridge using crash barriers (gabion or steel beam barriers):
Most of the bridges along the Highway section have been protected with the construction of gabion barriers.
However, most of them have been damaged and are needed to be repaired. Similarly, in some places the layout
is not proper for these barriers. Therefore, the Road Safety Audit team suggested to repair, reconstruct of these
barriers. The typical layout of the bridge site safety is given in the figure below.
.
Bridge/culvert railing:
Well maintained railing of bridge/culvert is valid prerequisite for road safety. Bridge Railings along the
Highway alignment from Naubise to Munglin have been found damaged in many places. Many bridges and
culverts along the road section have poorly maintained railing. Most of them have been broken after the
vehicle hit. Furthermore, these railings are maintained properly.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Pavement marking may guide the drivers along the bridge axis. The barrier line along the bridge and is
extension beyond the bridge length would be helpful for channelizing the traffic flow and it would avert
collision. Delineator Post with reflector unit would guide the drivers during night driving.
Painting/marking of Kerb:
The kerb provides the barrier to the pedestrian walkway on the bridges. However, it may create hazard to
the vehicle if it is not visible from the safe distance. Therefore, all kerbs should be painted with the Black and
white inclined strips for the whole length. Especially the end sections of the kerb should be clearly visible
from the safe distance.
Bridge name plate: it is informative sign for the driver with the span length it provides the name of the
river or bridge.
Narrow bridge sign: if the roadway is relatively narrower than usual width, the sign of narrow bridge is
installed before the bridge approach.
Bridge nameplate: All bridges should have the name of the stream and the span length.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Construction of footpath:
It is the most effective way of protecting the pedestrian moving parallel to the highway alignment. The
sharing of carriageway between pedestrian and vehicular traffic is alarming regarding traffic safety.
Therefore, depending upon the traffic flow and pedestrian concentration separate footpath should be
recommended in this study. The footpath should have raised level separated by the kerb stone.
Rumble strips:
Construction of rumble strip is aimed at the reducing the speed by alerting the driving approaching to the
settlement area. Furthermore, it would warn the drivers for careful driving.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Gabion barrier:
Gabion barriers are very effective and at the same time are economic, easy to construct and maintain. However
they do not look neat and modem like other types. Gabion safety barriers are useful against all roadway run-off
type accidents. These barriers have been tested and proved to be effective in stopping large vehicles, including
loaded trucks. However as they only 'give' on impact but do not redirect the impacting vehicle, there can be a lot
of damage to the vehicle and occupants if it is travelling very fast. At the sharp curved section of the road, gabion
barrier is recommended for safety. However, the space for the placement of gabion section should have sufficient
and it should have good anchorage with the ground.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
Checking and correction of existing location and orientation of all road signs.
Repair/maintenance of existing parapet blocks on the curved section of the road.
Confirm the night visibility by the installation of cat's eye or reflector marking.
The places where the past accidents were occurred should be treated by the installation of crash
barriers.
Potential critical locations (sharp curves, culverts without barriers/railings) should be treated by the
construction of gabion barrier or steel beam crash barrier.
Safety at bridges should be done as per the typical design mentioned above.
Replacement of old parapet blocks on the top of retaining walls by steel beam crash barrier.
There are many narrow culverts without railing should be treated by installation of railings or barriers.
Widening the paved surface along the settlement areas for parking and passing vehicles: construction
of bus bay; construction of footpath and cover the drainage etc.
The road alignment at critical locations such as should be improved in the long term plan. These works
are aimed at the alignment correction by nose cut at the curved section.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway Inception Report
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
8.1 Conclusions
The study has concluded with the recommendation of road safety measures at the locations of previous road
accident and potential risk sections. These type of activities shall be carried out on the regular interval for the
road sections. Moreover, the study unveils the safety deficiencies along with the consideration of all road users.
This study at the stage of final reporting has come to the following conclusions:
The existing traffic safety measures and performance:
The conditions of road signage installed have not been properly maintained. Effective sign such as
Chevron Sign shall be posted at the sharp curves. The inaccurately installed traffic sign convey the
wrong information to the driver creating the traffic hazards. Location and orientation of all the signs
should be checked and corrected as per the Traffic Sign Manual.
Most of the accident sites (roadway run-off types) can be seen by breaking the stone masonry parapet
blocks. Therefore, these parapet blocks should ultimately be replaced by steel crash barriers or gabion
barriers as per the site conditions.
Safety at settlements could be improved by the construction of additional roadway lane for parking lane
or bus bay with the proper signage and pavement marking. Rumble strips may help drivers to select the
proper speed and be alert along the settlement area.
Safety at bridges could be improved by repairing or placing the crash barriers at the bridge approaches.
Additional safety recommendations as mentioned in the study can be implemented on priority and
available resources based.
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
9. REFERENCES
1. Methodological guide: Road Safety Guide; France, 2009
2. Road Safety Inspection Guidelines and Checklists; Baltik Sea Region, 2012
3. Checklists for interurban Highways: Annex to Road Safety Inspection Guidelines; 2009 England
4. Road Safety Inspection Scheme Review for European Countries; 2011
5. Road Safety Inspection Guidelines; National Road Authority; Irland, 2012
6. Road Safety Inspection Manual; Aberdeen City Council, UK, 2012
7. FHWA Road Safety Audit Guidelines, US Department of Transport, Federal Highway Administartion,
2006
8. Road Safety Audit Procedures for Projects, Guidelines, Transfund New Zealand, November 2004
9. ADB. Road Safety Audit for Road Projects: an Operational Tool Kit, June, 2003.
10. ADB Road Safety Guidelines for Asian & Pacific Region: Guidelines for decision maker on Road Safety
Policy
11. DoR Road Safety Notes 2: Design of Safe Side Drains: November 1996
12. DoR Road Safety Notes 4: Road Safety Audit Manual, April, 1997
13. DoR Road Safety Notes 5: Delineation measures, MArch, 1997
14. DoR Road Safety Notes 6: Safety Barriers, July 1997
15. DoR Road Safety Notes 7: Safety at Bridges, July 1997
16. DoR Traffic Sign Manual, August 1997
17. TRL Over Seas Road Note 17, Road Safety Education in Developing Countries, Guidelines for Good
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Black spot identification / Naubise Munglin Section of Prithwi Highway
APPENDICES
31