Abstract
Abstract : Traffic congestion is commonly experienced in urban areas throughout the world and also in Africa. In South Africa, traffic congestion in larger urban areas such as Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, negatively impacts on business hours, increases vehicle operating costs and harms the environment. These factors contribute to unproductive time and can result in loss of earnings for individuals and businesses. This research study evaluates the implementation of the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s planning framework and interrogates whether the implementation of this framework at the road network planning stage can result in management of traffic. Given the aforementioned, the research study includes qualitative and quantitative data- collection methods. The case studies focused on two urban areas, Midrand and Greenstone Hill, with specific focus on each area’s transportation system integration, intelligent transportation systems, urban morphology, and impact on traffic congestion. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected in the form of population, dwelling and household income statistics to determine the rate of growth of these within Midrand and Greenstone Hill. Structured observations of daily traffic at predetermined intersections within Midrand and Greenstone Hill were conducted to determine the traffic patterns within the area, while structured interviews were conducted with a sample of residents within each area to determine past and present traffic congestion within each area. In conclusion the evaluation of key areas of interest in relation to transportation planning within the Johannesburg Roads Agency’s planning framework as evaluated in the objectives has the ability to manage traffic and traffic congestion if implemented before area development. The purpose for this study was to motivate for the use of the Johannesburg Roads Agency planning framework at the planning stage of road networks in urban areas – an exercise that should be enforced by the City of Johannesburg through the Johannesburg Roads Agency.
M.Phil. (Engineering Management)