Estimation and Development of Saturation Flow Model for Heterogeneous Traffic Condition at Urban Intersection

Intersections are one of the most critical elements that affect the performance of urban road network. For safe and efficient movement of large volumes of traffic on city road network, majority of the intersection are usually signalized. Saturation flows, lost times and Passenger Car Units (PCU) are the significant parameters in the planning, design and control of signalized intersection. Several factors which are significant influence on saturation flow such as roadway parameters, traffic condition, operating parameters. This thesis discusses a saturation flow study conducted in various intersections of Rajkot city. The Saturation flow rate is calculated based on the observed green time. This thesis presents the results of the study on analysis of saturation flow rate conducted at intersection with heterogeneous traffic condition in Rajkot, and developed model for the saturation flow considering width of approach, traffic compositions, right turn movement and approach speed criteria. A formula was recommended for use in estimating an appropriate saturation flow value for a specific lane on an approach to an intersection. Many researchers have developed models for saturation flow. The developed Models of saturation flow give the correct value of saturation flow. These developed models are calibrated & validated with field observed data.