International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 05 | May 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
A Traffic Volume Study of an Unsignalized Intersection to Determine Its Level of Service at Bindu Chowk, Kolhapur Sahil Shyamkumar Karale 1, Tanmay Mahesh Patil 2, Daud Alam Aslam Nalband3 , Prof. Mrs. Amruta Bhosale4 Department of Civil Engineering, D.Y.Patil College of Engineering and Technology, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract -Understanding how traffic moves through urban intersections is key to improving road safety and efficiency. This study focuses on Bindu Chowk, a prominent yet unsignalized intersection in Kolhapur, to evaluate its current traffic conditions and determine its Level of Service (LOS). As the city continues to grow, Bindu Chowk experiences increasing traffic pressure, especially during peak hours. Using systematic traffic volume counts during both morning and evening peak periods, we analyzed vehicle flow patterns, composition, and delays. The collected data was then used to assess the intersection’s performance using standard methodologies recommended by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) and Indian Road Congress (IRC). The study reveals how effectively—or inefficiently—the intersection operates and identifies the point at which traffic conditions begin to deteriorate. Based on the LOS evaluation, we provide insights into whether the intersection meets acceptable traffic service standards and suggest practical recommendations to enhance its performance. This research aims to support better traffic management strategies in Kolhapur and contribute to a smoother, safer urban commute. Key Words: Traffic volume, Unsignalized intersection, Level of service, Bindu Chowk, Kolhapur, Traffic engineering
1.INTRODUCTION Urban areas around the world are facing growing traffic congestion, and Indian cities like Kolhapur are no exception. As population and vehicle ownership rise, the existing road infrastructure struggles to keep up, especially during peak hours. The result is frequent delays, higher fuel consumption, and increased stress for commuters. Among the most affected parts of a city’s traffic network are intersections, where multiple traffic streams converge and often create bottlenecks. Unsignalized intersections, in particular, require closer attention. Unlike signalized junctions that regulate vehicle movement through traffic lights, these intersections depend on driver judgment and right-of-way rules. This makes them more vulnerable to congestion, delays, and even accidents—especially during high-volume periods. Despite their common presence in smaller cities, unsignalized intersections are often overlooked in traffic studies. This study focuses on Bindu Chowk in Kolhapur, a major unsignalized intersection that experiences heavy traffic daily. The objectives of this study are to collect and analyze traffic volume data, determine the intersection’s Level of Service (LOS), and identify problem areas that hinder smooth traffic flow. The scope of the study is limited to Bindu Chowk during typical peak hours, using established traffic engineering methods for data collection and analysis. However, its significance extends beyond this single intersection—it offers valuable insights that can inform broader urban traffic planning, helping Kolhapur move toward a more efficient and safer road network. Traffic volume studies are essential for understanding how roads are used and where problems like congestion or safety risks arise. By counting and analyzing vehicles over time, planners can design better traffic signals, improve road layouts, and prepare for future growth. Around the world, cities face serious traffic challenges—drivers in places like New York and London lose nearly 100 hours a year in traffic. In India, the issue is even more pressing, with high accident rates and over 11% of global road deaths. Poor infrastructure and weak enforcement in urban areas make the need for smart traffic planning even more urgent.
2.STUDY AREA DESCRIPTION Bindu Chowk, located in the heart of Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is a key intersection that connects several busy parts of the city. Just 1.27 kilometers from Kolhapur Railway Station and about 700 meters from the famous Mahalaxmi Temple, it plays a central role in the city's traffic network. The junction is a three-legged, unsignalized intersection where major roads like Takala Road converge, carrying a diverse mix of vehicles—two-wheelers, cars, rickshaws, and buses. There is also a government payand-park facility nearby, adding to the activity in the area.
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