Influence of Roadside Friction on the Traffic Flow in Core North Western States

Abstract

A well-functioning transportation system is critical to the nation’s economic development. The global urban transportation system is the driving force behind economic activity. In many developing countries, arterial roads have deteriorating capacity and performance. Various studies on this issue have been conducted in some developing countries, and it has been discovered that, as a result of urbanization, there is often a significant quantity of activity on and alongside these roadways, affecting how they operate. “Side friction” refers to the disruption of the smooth flow of traffic. The speed of vehicles on the road, the width of the road, the structure of the road, road construction work (e.g. work for Metro Rail construction), various land uses that attract motorized / pedestrian traffic bound to hospitals, institutional, commercial areas, shoulder and roadway width, access points, terrain, and other factors all influence urban roadway capacity. However, side frictions such as bus stops, encroachments, on-street parking, pedestrian crossings, and entry and exits from major roadways have a considerable impact on urban roads. The purpose of this article is to investigate the impact of side friction generated by market activities on chosen roads in the main north western states of Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara. In this study, the reconnaissance survey, observation, and interview were used. The majority of the traffic congestion was discovered to be caused by commercial activity along the roadside. I believe that a market should be erected along trunk road B to reduce traffic congestion.