VEHICULAR CONGESTION, ANALYSIS AND SOLUTION PROPOSAL: TRAFFIC LIGHTED INTERSECTION BETWEEN AMERICA AND REALES TAMARINDOS AVENUES, PORTOVIEJO, ECUADOR

Abstract

Traffic problems are constantly growing in many cities around the world, especially in Latin America. The objective of this research was to analyze the traffic congestion produced at the signalized intersection of the avenues America and Reales Tamarindos in the city of Portoviejo, Manabí-Ecuador, by determining its level of service to identify the degree of comfort produced by its users. The methodological process consisted of counting the different means of mobilization in 15 minutes intervals and collecting geometric data of the roads that make up the intersection, to later determine the saturation flow and delays per lane represented in sec/veh and classify it according to the level of service obtained, applying the procedure proposed by HCM. By analyzing the results, specific measures were generated to improve the current situation of the studied area. The results indicated a general delay of 23.97 sec/veh, which was categorized with a C service level, locating the main problems in the "right" lanes because of the permitted parking spaces.