18/03/2021
Presentation of Findings on the Feasibility Study for the Installation of Traffic lights, Construction of Pedestrian Bridges and Installation of Street Lights in Freetown.
Background
Recognizing the compelling need to address the chronic traffic congestion and severe transportation safety situation in Freetown, the Ministry of Finance provided the necessary funding to undertake a feasibility study for the installation of traffic lights, construction of pedestrian bridges, and the installation of streetlights. This funding was based on a proposal submitted by the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiative (OPII) to the Ministry. The study is the first attempt of a coordinated and holistic approach to understand and appreciate the transport mobility and safety challenges in the city of Freetown. Therefore, in June and July of 2020, the OPII carried-out a seven-day vehicular classification and pedestrian volume counts at 35 critical intersections (Junctions) in Freetown. These intersections spanned from Jui junction in the Far East End up to No 2 River in the far Western area rural district.
Presentation of Findings and Recommendations
The Chairman of the Office of Presidential Infrastructure Initiative (OPII), Ing Dr John Tambi on Thursday 11th March 2021 presented the report on the Feasibility study for the installation of traffic lights, construction of pedestrian bridges, and the installation of streetlights in Freetown, to the President H.E. Rtd. Dr. Julius Maada Bio. The Chairman presented some of the key findings of the feasibility study.
The overarching objective of this project is to provide the necessary tools to develop traffic and transportation and safety improvement policies that will effectively address the chronic transportation mobility challenges in Freetown. In addition, the findings of this study will also support the SLRSA, SLRA, the Ministry of Transport & Aviation, the Sierra Leone Police traffic division, and other agencies in mitigating traffic congestion and ensuring pedestrian safety in the municipality of Freetown. The Report is in three volumes, Volume I is the Executive Summary, Vol II is the Report and Vol III presents the annexes including the data and analyses.
Findings
Listed below are some of the major findings:
Traffic Signalization
• The average peak hour is between 17:00 and 18:00.
• The combined hourly average volume of Okadas (bikes) and Kekehs (tricycles) in the Central Business District (CBD) is 56% of all the volume for vehicular traffic (cars, taxis, buses, poda-podas, trucks, etc.)
• The top 5 intersections with the highest hourly average pedestrian volumes are: East End Police intersection, Mountain cut and Kissy Junction, Lumley and Regent Road Junction, Lumley and Beach Road Roundabout, PZ Junction and Ferry Junction.
• It is financially and technically feasible to install traffic signals at all the critical intersections.
• Installation of traffic signals/lights at the critical intersections would mitigate traffic congestion and increase the level of service at the intersections. (Reduce traffic delay)
• The removal of some of the existing roundabouts and replacing them with traffic signals would decrease the average queue length, and subsequently reduce average delay incurred by drivers.
• It was also determined that 55% of pedestrians (people who walk on the street) cross at the intersections, while 45% Jaywalk (do not use the designated crosswalk/Zebra Crossing but cross at mid-stream or anywhere on the road).
Pedestrian Bridges
The feasibility study for the construction of pedestrian bridges included the two pedestrian bridge concepts, including modelling, analysis and design details.
• Concept 1 - is designed of steel and reinforced concrete elements. The superstructure is designed as an arch-shaped steel structure with a composite deck of concrete thickness 150mm supported by I-beams both longitudinally and transversely. All the elements of the substructure are reinforced concrete. Ramps are provided for the disabled on either side.
• Concept 2 - comprises all elements (except for the deck) which is of composite nature similar to that of concept 1), the entire structure is designed of steel. No provision is made for the disabled in this design concept. However, four stairways are provided for normal pedestrian users.
Street Lighting
The findings on the feasibility study for the installation of streetlights are as follows:
• The running cost throughout the service life for solar powered streetlights is lower and more economical than a street lights connected to the national electricity grid.
• Solar streetlights are great alternatives to the standard grid electric lighting.
• They are efficient and highly effective light sources.
• The energy-efficient luminaire along with the utilization of solar power make solar lights a highly economical and environment-friendly option.
Recommendations:
It is recommended that the following measures be implemented and that the Government should give serious consideration and support:
• Installation of coordinated pre-timed traffic signals at critical intersections within the CBD of Freetown.
• Installation of coordinated pre-timed traffic signals at Aberdeen Road Junction and Murray Town Junction as part of a pilot study.
• Installation of actuated signals at intersections that are isolated and cannot be coordinated.
Conclusion:
In his closing statement, the chairman of OPII reiterated that this traffic data will provide the necessary tool to develop transport policies that will improve road safety and consequently address the existing traffic challenges. He thanked the Government of Sierra Leone for providing the funding for conducting this feasibility study and asked for the Government`s continued support in bringing the project to completion. The President, H.E. Rtd. Dr. Brid Maada Bio commended the OPII team for their support, dedication and service to Sierra Leone. He encouraged the team to continue giving their best in all projects. According to the President, “the reward for good work is more work”.
Next Step:
The next phase of the study involves procurement and installation of traffic lights at two critical intersections as a pilot study on the efficacy of traffic signalization in traffic congestion mitigation.
The objectives of the pilot study are as follows:
• To carryout preliminary designs of traffic signal timings and phasing plans.
• To install and operate traffic signals at two critical intersections to assess their effectives in traffic congestion mitigation
• To evaluate the performance of the two traffic signals to determine their effectiveness.
• To identify alternatives to improve traffic operations and safety at the two intersections. Improvement areas will focus on: Maximizing traffic flow, and subsequently reducing delays.
