HIGHWAY

Traffic flow analysis is a key aspect of transportation and highway engineering that focuses on understanding the interaction between road users (pedestrians, cyclist, and drivers) and infrastructure, with the goal of achieving efficient traffic movement and minimizing congestion. This study was conducted along Airport Road in Benin City, Edo State, Using the moving observer method developed by Wardrop and Charlesworth (1954). This method is a cost-effective approach for analyzing traffic characteristics such as speed, density, space headway, and time headway.The methodology involved on observer traveling along a selected highway section at a suitable speed while recording important parameters. These included the number of vehicles overtaking the observer, the number of vehicles overtaken by the observer, travel time in the direction of the traffic, and travel time against traffic. Data collection was lane-specific, covering both the speed lane and the service lane, and also accounted for vehicle composition. To capture variations in traffic conditions, data was collected under two scenarios: during a period when schools were in session and when they were not.The collected data was analyzed using the Greenshield model, which assumes a linear relationship between speed and density. Results indicated that traffic flow on Airport Road falls under medium traffic volume range. The average time headway ranged from 3.07 to 3.89 seconds, while the average space headway varied between 0.035km and 0.042km. Maximum traffic capacity was found to range between 1064 veh/hr and 1505 veh/hr, with free-flow speeds between 53.01km/hr and 119.27km/hr. Jam density values from 43veh/hr to 102 veh/km. The coefficient of determination (𝑅2) values ranged from 0.365 to 0.844, confirming a strong positive linear relationship between speed and density, consistent with Greenshields model. This study also highlighted the significant impact of vehicular heterogeneity on traffic flow, particularly in the service lane where speeds were lower and density higher. In conclusion, the finding emphasizes that variations in vehicle types and driver’s behaviour significantly influence traffic flow characteristics and highway capacity. A proper understanding of these parameters is essential for effective traffic management, and informed policy-making to enhance mobility and safety on multi-lane highways in Benin City and similar urban environments.