Road Transport Infrastructure and Traffic Density in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

A major Nigerian urban centre, Kano Metropolis, deals with serious road traffic problems that lead to frequent congestion and delays. Although most research focusses on traffic flow and volume problems, it rarely addresses the role that vehicle noncontact conflicts play in traffic flow, given the type of infrastructure. The purpose of this study was to find whether road infrastructure affected vehicular traffic conflicts in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. To meet its objectives, the study used statistical modelling. This research assessed how different ancillary road infrastructures affected travel time and traffic patterns using linear regression models. Primary sources provided data; these included traffic counts, road network maps, and field observations on sixteen main highways. The average travel time on roads served as the dependent variable, and evaluated traffic node clustering using node distribution and traffic volume analysis. The results of the study showed that Kano Metropolis’s Road network connection was usually inadequate, with notable gaps between main routes. The model only explained 23.5% of the variance in average travel time on the Kano metropolitan road network, according to the regression study. It also indicated the existence of bus stops statistically influencing average travel time and pedestrian bridges (p = 0.037). Other factors, such as traffic lights (p = 0.208), overhead bridges (p = 0.656), laybys (p = 0.087), and speed bumps (p = 0.296), did not significantly influence travel time on the main Kano highways. In essence, the study showed that improving road infrastructure especially in terms of connection and the strategic placement of ancillary buildings, can greatly reduce traffic conflicts and enhance traffic flow in Kano Metropolis. Future urban design projects should prioritise building traffic lights at important intersections for the development of pedestrian bridges and overhead bridges, thereby enhancing connectivity. Keywords: Infrastructure, Road network connectivity, Traffic conflict, Traffic congestion, Travel time