Impact of Increased Heavy Vehicle Traffic on Three-Leg Intersections: A Case Study on Traffic Flow and Congestion Analysis

Abstract

The increasing presence of heavy vehicles in urban road networks significantly affects traffic flow, congestion levels, and intersection performance. This study examines the impact of heavy vehicle growth on a 3-leg T-intersection located in Atayurt, Ankara. Traffic data were collected through video observation, and three scenarios were analyzed: the initial case with real-world traffic conditions, a 50% increase in heavy vehicle volume, and a 100% increase. The findings reveal that as heavy vehicle density rises, congestion worsens, particularly in critical sections (C2 and C3), leading to increased delays and reduced speeds. The study also highlights the importance of optimized signal timing and traffic management strategies in mitigating congestion. Recommendations such as dedicated lanes for heavy vehicles, intersection capacity expansion, and dynamic signal adjustments are proposed to enhance intersection efficiency. The insights from this study contribute to a better understanding of traffic dynamics in mixed-vehicle environments and inform urban traffic planning efforts.

Keywords

• Heavy vehicles
• Traffic congestion
• Traffic flow
• Urban mobility
• Queue length.

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