Modelling traffic noise level on roadside traders at Wurukum market area in Makurdi town, Benue state – Nigeria

Noise level prediction model was built for road side traders at an open market area of Wurukum market in Makurdi town. One week survey was carried out to measure noise level, traffic volume, vehicles speeds and distances from the edge of road shoulder. The study revealed that roadside traders expose themselves to average noise levels of 82.33dB (A), 77.48dB (A) and 74.38dB (A) at distances of 0m, 5m and 10m respectively from the edge of roadway. At 0m, the noise level was slightly below World Health Organization ( WHO ) specification of 85dB (A), beyond which noise pollution is hazardous. At 10m, the noise level was ab ove minimum safe level of 55dB (A). The model indicates high level of ambient noise which was attributed to intensive market activities from the background. The model was checked using Chi square test at 5% level of significance and coefficient of determin ation (R 2 =0.7216) which gave satisfactory results. A strategy of relocation and splitting the market was proposed for local government council’s consideration. Key words: Wurukum Market, Ambient noise, Traffic noise, safe noise threshold, roadside traders

Prediction of Bus Travel Time on Urban Routes without Designated Bus Stops in Makurdi Town, Benue State, Nigeria

The lack of information on bus travel time in Makurdi town to enable trip makers plan for journeys is seen as a challenge in recent times. This study developed a multiple linear regression model for predicting bus travel time along bus routes in Makurdi town. Specifically, the study assessed bus travel time on routes without designated bus stops, examined geometric features of bus routes, assessed bus dwell time and travel speeds in a heterogeneous traffic stream on routes in Makurdi town. It developed and validated a model for the bus travel time. Field survey focused on the major bus routes in Makurdi town which included; High Level roundabout to School of Remedial Studies junction (HL-SRS), High Level roundabout to Federal Medical Centre junction (HL–FMC), Wurukum roundabout to Coca Cola Complex (W-CCC) and Wurukum roundabout to Welfare Quarters junction (W–WQ). Independent parameters examined on the sites for model development included; bus route length, bus travel speed, average dwell time at random stops for pick-up and alighting of passengers, bus headway, the total number of cross and Tee intersections along the bus route, volume of motorcycles, private cars and trucks in the traffic stream, while the dependent variable was bus travel time. Based on the built model, 15 minutes approximately was established as the average bus travel time for all bus routes in Makurdi town assuming all other variables have zero magnitude. Goodness of fit test of the model yielded significant value for coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.952) and the use of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method for validating the model also confirmed it accuracy at 93% approximately. It was therefore concluded that, bus travel time on major routes in Makurdi town could be accurately estimated using the built multiple linear regression model provided all essential input parameters of the model are used. The establishment of designated bus stops along bus routes within Makurdi town to minimise bus dwell frequency and for accurate estimation of bus travel time, as well as erection of travel information bill boards along bus routes stating average bus travel time to inform commuters that have high value of travel time were recommended

Evaluation of the Accessibility of Public Transport Facilities by Physically Challenged Commuters in Ilorin Town, Nigeria

Following the persistent outcry of disabled persons over non accessibility to public transport facilities in Ilorin town, Nigeria, this study examined the plight of physically challenged commuters in accessing public transport facilities in the town. Questionnaires were administered to 201 disabled commuters who use public transport facilities in the study area. Facility condition inspection was also used to evaluate accessibility and user satisfaction. Results of the study revealed that; male disabled persons travelled at relatively high rate of 76.10% compared to the female folks at 23.90%. The common disability among disabled persons was physical disability at the rate of 77.10%, while visual disability was 22.90%. Travel demand among disabled persons showed that teenagers and adults travelled at relatively higher rate of 10.00% and 84.00% respectively compared to the aged at 6.00%. Begging and work trip purposes had relatively high rate of 29.35% and 21.38% respectively compared to other trip purposes. The commonest nature of disability among commuters included; wheelchair user, sight impairment and hearing difficulty at 25.40%, 22.90% and 18.90% respectively. Uneducated and disabled persons with primary education rated high in the sampled population at 36.80% and 29.90% respectively. Accessibility rating and physical inspection revealed the poor state of public transport facilities in Ilorin town leading to human right infringement, social exclusion and inequality among city dwellers. Therefore, right to travel and access to basic facilities as stipulated in the Nigerians Disability Decree of 1993 to enhance livability and ensure equality among city dwellers were ignored. The construction of public transport facilities to bear sidewalks, ramps, traffic control devices, bus stop shelter and good drainage systems to conform to international best practices in Ilorin town was recommended

Capacity and Performance Assessment of Wurukum Roundabout in Makurdi Metropolis: A Comparative Study using ARCADY and SIDRA INTERSECTION Software

Following the recent public outcry over delays and long queues at the Wurukum Roundabout Makurdi due to increase in travel demand at the road intersection, it is not certain if the performance of the roundabout is satisfactory based on engineering specifications and judgment. Therefore, simulation of the 5-arm at-grade intersection was carried out using Assessment of Roundabout Capacity and Delay (ARCADY) and the Signalised (and unsignalised) Intersection Design and Research Aid (SIDRA INTERSECTION) Software. The geometric dimensions of the roundabout were measured and manual traffic counts were used to obtain average travel demand matric from the morning (8:30 – 9:30 am) and evening (4:30 – 5:30 pm) peak periods, and heavy vehicle proportion of Origin-Destination (O-D) flows on the roundabout. Simulation models of the Wurukum roundabout were built using ARCADY and SIDRA INTERSECTION software to measure its capacity and performance based on key parameters such as Level of Service (LOS), average geometric delay and queue length among others. Though significant variations were observed among estimated performance indices, results obtained from the simulated models and statistical analysis (test of hypothesis using Chi-square test) indicated that the roundabout operates at failed state classified as LOS F at its present condition. Recommended strategies to improve the capacity and performance of the roundabout included any of the following; construction of a fly-over bridge connecting the Northern and Southern approaches as permitted by site physical features, signalisation of the roundabout with traffic signs, proper pavement markings and adjustment of its geometric features, or redesign and construction of road network within Makurdi metropolis to divert and reduce traffic demand on the roundabout.   &nbsp