Análisis y diseño geométrico a la intersección de la Av. 12 de Abril y Unidad Nacional

Abstract

This study focuses on evaluating the current and proposed performance of the intersection located on 12 de Abril Ave. & Unidad Nacional Ave., in Cuenca Ecuador, since this intersection is not longer able to hold the traffic growth, which leads to a deficit in the level of service. A comprehensive analysis focusing on reducing delays and congestion is proposed. The first part contemplates field data gathering following standardized traffic and pedestrian count methodologies, also topographic surveys and traffic light’s cycles measurements were made. Automatic counts provided by the municipality, and information provided by the “Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos (INEC)” and by the “Agencia de Regulación y Control Hidrocarburífero (ARCH)” were also used. In a second stage, based on the criteria detailed in the specific intersections’ chapter from the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM 2010), the accurate levels of service were calculated, for the current state. Finally, the last part of this study poses two alternative solutions to the mobility problems at this intersection, the final solution includes recommendations and alternative design that presents the best technical and environmental performance for a 20-year design period.