Implication of street layout and road design elements on traffic congestion and safety in the north-central and south-central wards of Mbale City.

Abstract

The research explores the implication of street layout and road design elements on traffic congestion and safety; Through the background to the research, an over view of the status of traffic congestion, safety, and their associated challenges, In addition to the objectives, questions, significance, and justification of the study are stated, defines the scope and area of study. In which, It further explores the implication of street layout and design elements on traffic congestion and safety in relation to the objective of planning; To enhancing economic development, facilitate the provision of infrastructure, utilities, and services, create order where there is chaos and Creation of beauty, reduce psychological stress and create a conducive environment for all and Conservation and aesthetics. The researched is themed based on the objectives of study put forward as a set piece, questions of investigation aimed at the arriving at various literature to exhaustively exploring the various theories and concept laid down in reference to road design elements and street layout in relation traffic congestion and safety concerns that have risen overtime in Mbale city centre, in reference to write ups as put forward by various source ranging from textbooks, journal articles, reports, Internet, and other sources; The research employs various methods such as; sampling, data collection techniques of mapping, literature review, and physical field surveys that employed methods like photography, questionnaires and interviews, to arrive at research answers, and problems but also looked at the different challenges encountered during the process and strategy for the successful research study. The research was able to establish and highlight the most stand out and identifiable road design elements; link relationship between road design elements beyond the traditional function of aesthetics; to pedestrian safety and proper traffic flow in the urban scape for viable and resilient cities. Rather than being seen as hybrid planning, the research aimed at highlighting the importance, short comings, challenges associated with various road design elements, the gaps and the key player in traffic management and infrastructure. It’s through this research that I identified the limited importance attached to road design element especially in the newly developed roads with in the area of study because the infrastructure is expensive to manage and little research has been forward in respect road layout and design element.