Development of Software Application for Nigerian Traffic Flow Monitoring and Prediction of High-Way Infrastructural Facilities

Abstract

Aims: This study was carried out with the aim of developing a software that can predict high-way infrastructural facilities and also monitors the traffic flow of vehicles at a particular junction of a specified location in Nigeria. Study Design: A T- Junction was identified as the study area. Relevant data on the junction was collected. The T-Junction was modelled and data collected was transferred to data base and subsequently analyzed in order to develop the required software which is capable of monitoring traffic flow as well as predicting the needed road infrastructural facilities. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, between June 2013 and February 2015. Methodology: The aim of this work was achieved by modelling one of the T– junctions in Akure City, Ondo State, Nigeria where one of the major road in the city forms an intersection with the express road. Primary data was collected through observations and oral interview with some road officers as well as road users. Secondary data such as traffic flow at the study area and vehicle registration in the town was gotten from Federal Road Safety Commission and Ondo State board of internal revenue respectively all in Nigeria. The data collected was processed, analyzed and modelled. Computer software was developed to validate the model. Results: The results from the software show that for the year 2015, the possible number of vehicles in the city was forecast to be 7,894. The total no of vehicles at the junction waiting in lane 1 would be about 38, 30 for lane 2 and 45 for lane 3 respectively. Conclusion: The software is a veritable tool that can be used to predict flow of traffic and infrastructure needed in urban environment especially at any T-junction, provided it is built on a properly designed database, which must also be amenable to constant updating.