Analysis of Traffic Congestion on Lagos/Abeokuta Expressway-Agege Motorway in Lagos Metropolis

Abstract

Traffic congestion is one of the most persistent problems facing road users and urban planners, across the world and Lagos is not an exception. This study analysed traffic congestion along the Lagos/Abeokuta expressway-Agege motorway in Lagos metropolis. It explored the volume of vehicular traffic (VVT) along the road corridor, conducted a road network analysis, and investigated the causative factors of traffic congestion on the road corridor. Traffic count data of vehicles plying the road between 7 a.m.-8 p.m. was obtained from Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) to aid the assessment of VVT. Graph theory-based network index was used in determining road connectivity level, and a cross sectional survey of 384 commuters was conducted to obtain information on traffic congestion along the road corridor. Results of the analysis indicated that the VVT is higher at Ikeja (27.4%) than other locations such as (Alimosho 21.5%, Oshodi 16.2%, etc.). Road network analysis showed high connectivity of Lagos/Abeokuta expressway-Agege motorway with gamma, alpha, and beta indexes (0.8, 0.83 & 2.67) respectively, indicating that road connectivity is not a cause of congestion on the corridor. However, the causative factors of traffic congestion include; overdependence on road, shortage of traffic light, insufficient number of traffic warden, and disobeying of traffic laws (p < 0.05). In conclusion, overdependence on road is the major cause of congestion in the metropolis. Thus, there is an urgent need to improve alternative transport modes in the Lagos metropolis.

Keywords: traffic congestion, road network analysis, overdependence on road