ANASSESSMENT ON ROUNDABOUT TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN BOLE SUB-CITY, ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

<em>The study was designed to assess roundabout traffic congestion in the sub-city of Bole, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A descriptive research design and mixed research approach were used to attain the intended purpose of the study. For the study accomplishment,</em> <em>384 individuals were selected as sampled using a simple random sampling procedure; 336 of those completed and submitted the questionnaire. For the study, primary data were collected from the sampled respondents by questionnaires and interviews. Further, secondary data were compiled from various relevant literatures and secondary data sources. The survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics (frequency distribution, mean, and standard deviation) as well as inferential statistics (correlation). As it is indicated in the findings part under correlation analysis, heavy vehicle existing under the roundabout was the most substantial element that has a significant statistical contribution to roundabout traffic congestion in Bole sub-city, with a p-value equal to</em> <em>0.001. Roundabouts are intended to improve traffic flow and reduce delays when compared to typical signalized intersections; their effectiveness can be considerably influenced by a variety of factors such as traffic volume, vehicle types, road characteristics, driver behavior, and roundabout design. The findings indicated that heavy vehicles have exacerbated traffic congestion at roundabouts by reducing capacity, disrupting flow, and increasing safety risks. Effective roundabout design particular lane width, entry angle and management strategies are essential to mitigate these effects and ensure smooth operation during peak traffic periods and hours. Further, the informants confirmed that derivers behavioral and decision making process were influential factors for traffic congestion and traffic flow. Yet, traffic congestion has still occurred, especially during peak hours or in the presence of more heavy vehicles. This study highlighted the need to consider vehicle diversity when building and operating roundabouts at the sub-city level. The researcher recommended that the awareness creation should be delivered to the drivers to have smooth traffic flow and movement at the roundabout and closer to it.</em> <em>Keywords: Roundabout, Traffic flow, Traffic Congestion, Ethiopia.</em>