After Improving Intersection Signal System... Speed Up 16%·Delay Time Down 24%

On-site inspection at the intersection. / Provided by the Road Traffic Authority

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] It has been found that vehicle travel speeds have increased through traffic environment improvement projects such as signal system improvements at major intersections in residential areas.

The Korea Road Traffic Authority announced on the 5th the results of improvements made last year to signal systems and traffic safety facilities at 80 intersections nationwide where congestion is severe or traffic accidents frequently occur.

As a result, the average vehicle travel speed around intersections improved by 16.3%, from 27.1 km/h to 31.5 km/h, and the average delay time decreased by 23.8%, from 85.1 seconds per kilometer to 64.8 seconds.

In particular, analysis of the areas around intersections using the "Traffic Accident Prediction Program (SSAM)" predicted a 23.6% reduction in traffic accidents. SSAM is a model developed by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) that measures traffic safety on roads in conjunction with traffic simulation.

Furthermore, based on the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's "Traffic Facility Investment Evaluation Guidelines," when the improvement effects are converted into monetary value, the cost savings in vehicle operation are estimated at 40.7 billion KRW annually, and including savings in travel time costs and environmental costs, the Korea Road Traffic Authority expects an economic benefit of approximately 212.4 billion KRW per year.

The Authority plans to continuously improve signal systems at intersections where signal cycles and coordination systems are operated irrationally through signal operation system analysis using traffic analysis programs, and to carry out comprehensive improvement projects such as road alignment and geometric structure changes.

An official from the Authority emphasized, "This year as well, we will establish highly effective improvement measures for major intersections and strive to reduce and prevent traffic accidents."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.