Análisis de los niveles de servicio (LOS) en la Troncal de la sierra ruta E35 autopista Cuenca – Azogues

Abstract

This paper analyzes the Level of Service (LOS) of a section of the Troncal de la Sierra Route E35, located between the IESS roundabout and the Guangarcucho interchange, in Cuenca, Ecuador. To do so, the methods established in the Highway Capacity Manual 2010 (HCM 2010) will be applied in order to evaluate the current performance and project the behavior of the road in the future. Data were collected through automatic and manual gauging, obtaining information such as Annual Daily Average Traffic (ADAT), free flow speed, vehicle density, peak hourly volume and the Peak Hour Factor (PHF). The data were adjusted considering daily, weekly and monthly temporal factors to ensure their accuracy. The results of the analysis reveal the current operational status of the segment and allow the impact of vehicle growth to be projected over the next 20 years. Possible deteriorations in the level of service due to the increase in vehicular demand are identified, which could cause the collapse of certain sections of the road if preventive measures are not taken. Finally, the study proposes various strategies to improve road infrastructure and traffic management. These recommendations are aimed at maintaining acceptable service levels in the medium and long term, ensuring the sustainability of the road in the face of increased vehicular traffic.