ASSESSMENT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND PROPOSED FLYOVER SOLUTION AT WAZOBIA PARK–KUJE ROAD CORRIDOR, FCT ABUJA

This project investigates traffic congestion, safety challenges, and infrastructure performance at the Wazobia Park–Kuje Road junction along the Federal Gwagwalada Highway in Gwagwalada, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria, with the aim of evaluating the feasibility of a proposed grade-separated flyover. The study integrates traffic engineering surveys, geometric road assessment, accident analysis, traffic forecasting, and economic feasibility evaluation to provide a comprehensive assessment of existing traffic conditions and the long-term benefits of the proposed infrastructure intervention. Traffic volume counts, travel time and delay studies, and intersection operational analyses were conducted during peak periods (6:00–10:00 am and 5:30–9:30 pm) between 15th and 30th December, capturing seasonal traffic surges associated with festive travel. The observed average daily traffic (ADT) was 22,351 vehicles, indicating significant traffic demand and congestion potential. Operational performance was evaluated using Highway Capacity Manual (HCM) methodologies, including Level of Service (LOS) assessment and intersection capacity analysis. Accident data were analysed to identify dominant crash patterns, contributing factors, and safety deficiencies at the junction. Traffic growth projections were developed using annual growth rate models to estimate future demand over a 100-year project life, consistent with modern bridge and flyover design standards. An economic appraisal was carried out using Net Present Value (NPV), Benefit–Cost Ratio (BCR), and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) to assess the long-term socio-economic viability of the proposed flyover. The results demonstrate that grade separation is technically justified and economically viable, with significant benefits in travel time savings, reduced vehicle operating costs, improved safety, and enhanced regional mobility. The findings contribute to limited empirical literature on urban traffic infrastructure in Nigerian satellite towns and provide a data-driven framework for transport planning, policy formulation, and sustainable urban development in rapidly growing urban corridors.