WESTERN MINDANAO STATE UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

ZAMBOANGA CITY

TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN CANELAR INTERSECTION OF ZAMBOANGA CITY PROPER

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement in Engineering Research

Submitted by:

HAMSAIN, MOHAMMAD

LUSPO, LURIEZA

PABAYOS, LAKAMBINI

RADOC, RUBY ANN

TRUMATA, RALPH ALFRED

Students

Submitted to:

ENGR. RAMON VELASCO

Professor
 CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

One of the major problems Zamboanga City Proper is traffic congestion. Traffic
on roads, is define as the movement of vehicles, pedestrians, transportation of goods
for the purpose of trade, and other conveyances in an area, either singly or together,
while using the public way for purposes of travel. Traffic congestion is a condition on
road networks that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower speeds,
longer trip times, and increased number of vehicles.

Traffic congestion can have a number of effects on drivers, the

environment, health and the economy. Pollution, as one of the most harmful effects of
traffic congestion is its impact on the environment. Despite the growing number of
hybrid vehicles on the road, cars stopped in traffic still produce a large volume of
harmful carbon emissions. Besides contributing to global warming, these emissions can
cause more short-term and localized problems, such as smog and increased respiratory
problems in a community due to poor air quality.

Economic Impact, another effect of traffic congestion where drivers who

encounter unexpected traffic may be late for work or other appointments, causing a loss
in productivity for businesses and in the drivers' personal lives. Traffic delays may also
slow down the shipping of cargo if delivery trucks can't remain on schedule due to a
congested route.

Drivers who know that traffic congestion is likely may decide to forgo an activity
altogether, leading to less consumer spending and lower event attendance. In
accordance with the effects of traffic congestion, solutions are being suggested. Road
widening, adequate parking space facilities, reduced on-street parking, and good traffic
signs and markings are proposed solutions to reduce traffic congestion.
Statement of the Problem

The Zamboanga City Proper particularly Canelar intersection is facing a major

problem in traffic congestion. During the peak hour of the day, in between 7am to 9am
and in between 5pm to 7pm, people could hardly meet the day to day activities because
of uneasy flow of transportation.

Objectives of the Study

This proposed study aims:

 To reduce traffic congestion in Canelar intersection.

 To measure traffic saturation within the intersection.

 To determine the causes and effects of traffic congestion in the specified area.

 To find possible solutions to traffic congestion within the vicinity.

Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to the following:

1. Drivers - This will help them provide fast and better earnings on their livelihood.

2. Passengers - This will enable them to have an accessible and safe transportation in
going to their destination.x`
3. Businessmen - This will help them to do their business easily within the area without
worrying the delay on business trips and travels.

4. Land Transportation Office/Traffic Enforcers - This will provide them a solution to

easily enforce their regulations.

5. City Government - This will help them increase the economic growth of the city.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This proposed study delimited to the following:

1. The traffic congestion observed is particularly in the area of Canelar intersection at

Zamboanga City Proper.

2. The data gathered is during the peak hour of the day between seven (7) to nine (9) in
the morning and five(5) to seven(7) in the afternoon.

3. The traffic count conducted is a 2-hour traffic observation with a 15-minute time
interval.

4. The traffic flow parameters concerned are traffic flow rate, traffic concentration and
vehicle speed.

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND RELATED STUDIES

This chapter consists of the review of related literature and related studies
providing concepts and ideas of authorities that will support the proposed study.
RELATED LITERATURE
(Dr Susan Grant-Muller and Mr. James Laird, ITS, University of Leeds) posts
that road congestion is seen as having increasing impacts on travelers, the environment
and economy as a whole, but there is little evidence on what the full costs of congestion
are. This research has involved an international literature review on the costs of road
traffic congestion. Firstly, congestion in Scotland was summarized based upon analysis
of the Scottish Household Survey data. Congestion is widely understood but rarely
defined, so a summary was made of different definitions of congestion and how it has
been measured. The main focus was to report on the different methods used to
measure the costs of congestion.

(Jonathan I. Levy, Jonathan J. Buonocore, & Katherine von Stackelberg,

September, 1965) posts that traffic congestion is a significant issue in virtually every
urban area around the world. Anyone who spends any time commuting knows that the
time and fuel wasted while sitting in traffic can not only be annoying, but can lead to real
economic costs. An examination of the peer-reviewed literature shows that there are
many previous analyses that estimate the economic costs of congestion based on fuel
and time wasted, but that these studies don’t include the costs of the potential public
health impacts. Sitting in traffic leads to higher tailpipe emissions which everyone is
exposed to, and the economic costs of those exposures have not been explored.

RELATED STUDIES

(Shakun D. Mago, University of Richmond,Laura Razzolini, Virginia

Commonwealth University, January, 2010) states that a model of road congestion
considers average cost pricing. Travel cost on the road is increasing in the number of
commuters. We examine how changes to road capacity, number of commuters, and
metro pricing scheme influence the commuters’ route-choice behavior.
 According to the Downs-Thomson paradox, improved road capacity increases
travel times along both routes because it attracts more users to the road. Change in
route design resulting coordination problem is amplified even further when the number
of commuters is large. We find that, similar to other binary choice experiments with
congestion effects, the aggregate traffic flows are close to the equilibrium levels, but
systematic individual differences persist over time.

(Brian D. Taylor, University of California) states that traffic congestion and

cities, it seems, go hand in hand. Everyone complains about being stuck in traffic; but,
like the weather, no one seems to do anything about it. In particular, traffic engineers,
transportation planners, and public officials responsible for metropolitan transportation
systems are frequently criticized for failing to make a dent in congestion.

But is traffic congestion a sign of failure? Long queues at restaurants or theater

box offices are seen as signs of success. Should transportation systems be viewed any
differently? I think we should recognize that traffic congestion is an inevitable by-product
of vibrant, successful cities, and view the “congestion problem” in a different light.
Conventional wisdom holds that traffic congestion exacts a terrible social and economic
toll on society; expanding transportation capacity only makes things worse; and
redesigning cities and expanding alternative transportation modes offer the best long-
term means for reducing traffic congestion. I want to offer ten propositions that
challenge these ideas and suggest how we might begin to think differently about traffic
congestion.

CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter consists of methods, parameters and procedures which help

conduct observation to the proposed study.
Traffic Flow Parameters
The following are traffic flow parameters used to gather data:

Flow Rate (q)

Flow rate is the number of vehicles counted divided by the elapsed time.

q = N/T

where q is the value of flow rate in vehicle per hour or vehicle per minute; N is the
number of vehicles and T is the elapsed time.

Based on the data gathered, the maximum number of vehicles during a 15-
minute interval is 473 vehicles. The maximum flow rate is 31.53 vehicles per minute.
The total number of vehicles within a 2-hour interval is 8380. The maximum flow rate in
vehicles per hour is 4190.

Traffic Concentration

Traffic concentration or traffic density is the flow rate along a distance or over
time. The first is a measure of concentration over space and the second is a measure of
concentration over time.

k = q/u

where k is the traffic concentration, q is the flow rate and u is the length of
concentration.

On the actual data, the length of concentration is 40 meters. The time of

concentration of one vehicle over a 40-meter span is 6 minutes. The maximum flow rate
in vehicles per hour is 4190. As calculated, the measure of concentration per length is
104.75 vehicles per meter per hour and the measure of concentration per time of
concentration is 11.64 vehicles per hour.

Vehicle Speed

The vehicle speed is the measure of the length of concentration over time.
s = d/T
where s is the amount of vehicle’s speed in meter per hour, d is the length of
concentration and T is the elapsed time within a particular length.
On the actual data, the length of concentration is 40 meters and the elapsed time
is 6 minutes. As computed, the vehicle’s speed is 6.67 meter per minute or 0.11 meter
per second.

Traffic Control

Traffic Control, procedures, devices, and communication systems that help

vehicles to safely share the same roads. Traffic control establishes a set of rules and
instructions that drivers, rely on to avoid collisions. Safe travel for pedestrians is an
additional goal in highway traffic control. Traffic control systems include signs, lights and
other devices that communicate specific directions, warnings, or requirements. Traffic
control on the highways is an important aspect of daily life.

Traffic control systems include laws and procedures, electronic and physical
devices such as markers, signs and signals, and people such as vehicle operators and
traffic controllers. The system varies depending on its location and the type of
transportation it controls. For example, cities have complex traffic control systems
compared to small towns.

Highway Traffic Control

 Motorists depend on traffic control devices to avoid collisions and travel safely to
their destinations. Traffic control devices for highway travel include signs, signal lights,
pavement markings, and a variety of devices placed on, over, near, or even under, the
roadway.

1. Traffic Signs

Traffic signs are the most extensively used form of traffic control. They provide
information about speed limits and road conditions. They direct traffic along certain
routes and to specific destinations. By using signs, traffic control planners tell drivers
what to do, what to watch for, and where to drive.

2. Pavement Markings

Pavement markings separate opposing streams of traffic and direct vehicles into
proper positions on the roadway. For example, pavement markings delineate turn lanes
at intersections and establish no-passing zones. White and yellow paint is customarily
used for pavement markings. Reflective devices are more visible at night and are used
in some locations to mark lanes and other significant places on the road.

3. Traffic Signals

The signal light is probably the most easily recognized traffic control device. At a
busy intersection in a large city, a traffic signal may control the movements of more than
100,000 vehicles per day. More than 60 percent of all miles driven each year are on
roadways controlled by traffic signals.

4. Priority Control
 In one of the oldest methods of traffic control, one form of transportation is given
priority by restricting or banning other forms of transportation. Bus lanes and high-
occupancy vehicle lanes exist in many urban areas. Only specified types of vehicles
primarily those carrying several occupants can use these lanes. By giving priority to
high-occupancy vehicles, transportation planners encourage carpooling and reduce
congestion.

5. Restraints

As an alternative to banning traffic, traffic control planners use devices to

discourage heavy use of a route. Islands built in the centers of intersections force
drivers to proceed slowly. Speed bumps discourage high-speed commuting through
residential neighborhoods. Concrete median strips prevent vehicles from making turns
except at intersections.

Actual Data on Traffic Count:

MAYOR JALDON AVENUE

 TRIAL 1

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

62
71
 51
61 405 vehicles
63
72
25
Max: 72 vehicles

 TRIAL 2

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

68
43
59
82 473 vehicles
64
100
57
Max: 100 vehicles

 TRIAL 3

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

55
24
68
51 304 vehicles
38
56
12
Max: 68 vehicles

 TRIAL 4

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

56
61
47
54 337 vehicles
56
25
 38
Max: 61 vehicles

 TRIAL 5

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

54
62
44
53 353 Vehicles
55
63
22
Max: 63 vehicles

 TRIAL 6

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

59
37
51
71 413 vehicles
56
87
52
Max: 87 vehicles

 TRIAL 7

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

48
21
59
44 263 vehicles
33
49
9
Max: 59 vehicles
 TRIAL 8

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

49
53
41
47 297 vehicles
52
22
33
Max: 53 vehicles

MAYOR JALDON STREET

 TRIAL 1
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

72
85
101
30 439 vehicles
36
54
61
Max: 101 vehicles
 TRIAL 2
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

36
20
19
13 153 vehicles
26
18
21
Max: 36 vehicles

 TRIAL 3
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

52
38
15
18 186 vehicles
13
31
19
Max: 52 vehicles
 TRIAL 4

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

17
14
16
19 121 vehicles
22
15
18
Max: 22 vehicles
 TRIAL 5
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

63
74
88
26 385 Vehicles
34
47
53
Max: 88 vehicles

 TRIAL 6
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

31
17
15
11 131 vehicles
23
18
16
Max: 31 vehicles

 TRIAL 7

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

45
33
11
15 159 vehicles
12
27
16
Max: 45 vehicles
 TRIAL 8
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

15
14
12
17 106 vehicles
19
13
16
Max: 19 vehicles

GOV. ALVAREZ STREET

 TRIAL 1
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

31
35
15
28 197 vehicles
21
30
37
Max: 37 vehicles
 TRIAL 2
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

16
39
31
23 192 vehicles
28
22
33
Max: 39 vehicles

 TRIAL 3
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

17
36
18
15 136 vehicles
13
21
16
Max: 36 vehicles
 TRIAL 4

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

37
32
28
179 vehicles
30
17
21
14
Max: 32 vehicles
 TRIAL 5
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

27
30
13
24 170 Vehicles
18
26
32
Max: 32 vehicles

 TRIAL 6
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

14
34
27
20 167 vehicles
24
19
29
Max: 34 vehicles

 TRIAL 7

3-minute interval 15-minute interval

15
31
16
13 128 vehicles
11
18
24
Max: 31 vehicles
 TRIAL 8
3-minute interval 15-minute interval

32
28
24
26 155 vehicles
15
18
12
Max: 32 vehicles

BUENAVISTA STREET
 TRIAL 1
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
75
81
61
53 453 vehicles
68
55
60
Max: 81 vehicles
 TRIAL 2
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
52
51
36
25 267 vehicles
41
48
44
Max: 52 vehicles

 TRIAL 3
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
61
40
43
38 312 vehicles
45
33
52
Max: 61 vehicles

 TRIAL 4
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
43
49
40
50 315 vehicles
45
42
46
Max: 50 vehicles
 TRIAL 5
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
65
72
53
46 389 vehicles
59
42
52
Max: 72 vehicles

 TRIAL 6
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
45
44
31
21 255 vehicles
35
41
38
Max: 45 vehicles

 TRIAL 7
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
53
34
37
33 269 vehicles
39
28
45
Max: 53 vehicles
 TRIAL 8
3-minute interval 15-minute interval
37
42
34
43 271 vehicles
39
36
40
Max: 43 vehicles

APPENDIX A

The Public Health Costs of Traffic Congestion

Motor vehicle emissions contain pollutants that contribute to outdoor air pollution.
One in particular, fine particulate matter (referred to as PM2.5) is strongly influenced by
motor vehicle emissions. Studies that evaluate the sources of PM2.5 in our environment
find that vehicles contribute up to one-third of observed PM2.5 in urban areas. PM2.5
has been associated with premature deaths in many studies, and health impact
assessments have shown PM2.5-related damages on the order of hundreds of billions
of dollars per year. Recently, an expert committee convened by the Health Effects
Institute in Boston, Massachusetts, summarized the available evidence on exposure to
traffic-generated air pollution and negative health effects. They find strong evidence for
a causative role for traffic related air pollution and premature death, particularly from
heart attacks and strokes.

Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)

Is a advanced electronics, communications, and computer systems that increase

the efficiency and safety of highway transportation. Originally known as Intelligent
Vehicle/Highway Systems (IVHS), these technologies can provide real-time information
exchange between drivers and the roads, giving rise to the terms smart cars and smart
highways. As the technologies have expanded to include public transportation and
commercial vehicles, this range of technologies has become known as the Intelligent
Transportation System. Increasingly, drivers will have access to up-to-the-minute
information on traffic conditions, alternate routes, and directions to unfamiliar
destinations. Ultimately, vehicle control may be automated.

APPENDIX B

Automobiles

Self-propelled vehicle used primarily on public roads but adaptable to other

surfaces. Automobiles changed the world during the 20th century, particularly in the
United States and other industrialized nations. From the growth of suburbs to the
development of elaborate road and highway systems, the so-called horseless carriage
has forever altered the modern landscape. The manufacture, sale, and servicing of
automobiles have become key elements of industrial economies. But along with greater
mobility and job creation, the automobile has brought noise and air pollution, and
automobile accidents rank among the leading causes of death and injury throughout the
world. But for better or worse, the 1900s can be called the Age of the Automobile and
cars will no doubt continue to shape our culture and economy well into the 21st century.

Keeping Your Car Going

Your car or truck is likely to be the second biggest item in your budget, after your
home. You probably need it to drive to work or even to do your work. If it's not running,
you have a real problem. A car or truck today may contain 10,000 mechanical parts and
40 on-board computers, all vulnerable to dirt, grease, salt, rust, corrosion, friction, and
shock. The good news is You can make your car run reliably and last for years and
years without spending a lot of money. Good sense and forethought can save you
money.

APPENDIX C

Survey Tool:

Dear Respondents:

We are Civil Engineering students of Western Mindanao State University,

Zamboanga City undertaking a research study entitled "traffic Congestion in Canelar
Intersection, Zamboanga City".
 In this connection we would like to solicit your cooperation to be one of the
respondents in the above mentioned research study. Respondents will exclusively be
utilized for academic purpose only.

Your utmost support and cooperation will make this research possible therefore
will be highly appreciated.

Thank you so much and God Bless.

Sincerely,

The Researchers

Instructions: please check the space corresponding to the number of your choice:

Code:

1 - Heavy 2 - Moderately heavy 3 - So Heavy 4 - Yes 5 - No

A. The Condition of Traffic in Canelar Intersection 1 2 3 4 5

1. What level of traffic do you think you're experiencing during

peak hours?

2. Do the traffic enforcer assigned there help alleviate the traffic

condition in the said area?

3. Do you have trouble picking up passengers due to the traffic

congestion happening almost every day?

4. Is traffic affecting the income of PUJ drivers?

IV. Schedule of Activities

Table 1
 October November December January February March

Data Gathering

A. Traffic Count

B. Interviews and
Questionnaires
C. Books and Internet
Search

Table 2

October November December January February March

A. Presentation
Of Proposal

B. Presentation
Of Results

C. Submission of
Proposal

V. Reference

Bounocore J, Levy J, Stackelberg K,(1965), Public health Risk Assessment

Jackson M, (1998),Car Smarts, How to keep your car going

Laird J, Muller S, ITS, University of Leeds

Mago S, Razzolini L, (2010), University of Richmond and University of Virginia

Commonwealth

Microsoft Student Premium Encarta, Traffic Control, Retrieved March 2013

Taylor Brian, Traffic Congestion going hand in hand, University of California

www.google.com, TCC Harvard Traffic Congestion, Retrieved February 2013

www.google.com, Traffic Updates and Reports, Retrieved March 2013