Examining Traffic Congestion Problem: Case Study of Lunga Lunga

Abstract

Effective transport is required since it’s one of the driver of the economy and growth. However this is limited to certain factors that impede on effective performance. Traffic congestion is one of them that inhibit its effective performance. Many cities in the world experience this problem. Lunga Lunga Road in Industrial area of Nairobi experiences this problem of traffic congestion. The problem mostly occurs at the junctions where it starts to build up during the peak hours. This occurs in the morning from 6.30 am- 9.00 am and in the evening from 3.30 pm- 5.30 p.m. this is due to the large traffic being generated from Donholm and adjoining residential areas. Also there is traffic that originates in the study area. The study was guided by three objectives which were to determine the traffic conditions of Lunga Lunga Road, to access the causes of traffic conditions along Lunga Lunga Road and to make a proposal to address the existing situation. The study findings aimed to address these three objectives. Some of the causes of traffic congestion were: narrow road, poor configuration of junctions, pedestrians walking on the carriageway, malfunctioning railway line. The effects of the jam manifested itself in the form of delays, fuel consumption and pollution Recommendations given were to revitalize the railway line, pave sidewalks, expand the road, install traffic light at the junctions so as to control traffic. This measures aim at curbing the problem of traffic congestion along this road.