UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO

KABACAN, NORTH COTABATO

PRINCIPLES OF TRANSPORTATION ENGINEERING

CE 412a

Alegria, Princess Heart

Alilain, Eirene Ross
Anito, Ylloesa Leigh
Aribon, Roy
Buisan, Norsalam
Guadalquiver, Judiehaert
Kamura, Maha
Lapasaran, Kristine Mae
Mamasabang, Loida
Ondoy, Krystel Jane
Remedios, Daisy Jane
Silva, Christyl Ma
Tabalanza, Mickhyla

4 BSCE – B

NOVEMBER 2023
Introduction
Urbanization has brought with it a slew of issues that have complicated
the daily lives of people living in cities and densely populated regions. One of
the most pressing problems faced by urban areas is the issue of traffic. Cities
and other highly populated rural areas have to deal with a range of traffic
problems such as traffic accidents, congestion, pollution and energy problems
due to the rapid growth of the transportation system in the region. The
Philippines is no exception to this problem, and the country has been grappling
with the issue of traffic management and congestion for decades.
National highways are considered to be the vital access points to
municipalities and cities in the Philippines because they provide the backbone
for the network of arterials, collectors and local streets. These roads help to
connect individuals and businesses to other parts of the country and are thus
crucial to the overall economic growth of the region. However, the continuing
growth of the transportation system has also caused a significant increase in
traffic congestion along various corridors in different parts of the country.
Along these national roads are intersections, and it cannot be denied that
some intersections along the national highways are suffering from congestion
and sometimes safety of drivers and pedestrians cannot be ensured.
Unsignalized intersections are the most common forms of intersection in the
world. In the Philippines, unsignalized intersections controlled by Stop and
Yield signs are the most common types of intersection in rural and urban roads.
Kabacan is a town in North Cotabato, Philippines, which is home to a
variety of thriving businesses and is also one of the most culturally diverse
towns in Region XII. The number of vehicles passing through the road artery in
Kabacan has increased drastically over the years, leading to a rise in traffic
congestion and a safety concern for drivers and pedestrians in the area. The
students of University of Southern Mindanao (USM) undertook a study to
gather database on the traffic volume, pedestrian and accident profile of the
unsignalized intersection along Kabacan Road and the national highway to find
solutions to the congestion problems and ensure safety among commuters in
the region.
Problem
National highways are considered as the crucial access points connecting
municipalities and cities in the Philippines. These highways provide the
framework for the network of arterials, collectors and local streets. Along these
national roads are intersections, where different roads are connected.
Unfortunately, these intersections, especially with smaller roads, can cause
some problems. These intersections become points of conflict for both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic, leading to congestion, delays, accidents,
increased vehicle operating costs, and a reduction in intersection capacity. They
become places where cars and people have trouble moving smoothly, leading to
traffic jams, delays, and sometimes accidents. This not only makes driving
slower but also costs more for vehicle owners due to increased fuel use and
wear on their vehicles. Additionally, these intersections cannot handle as much
traffic as they should, making things even more challenging. It cannot be denied
that certain intersections on national highways are experiencing congestion,
posing challenges in ensuring the safety of both drivers and pedestrians.
Unsignalized intersections and faded road markings, which means there
are no traffic lights and the pavement markings have already faded, are the most
common type of intersections worldwide. In the Philippines, a lot of these
intersections are controlled by Stop and Yield signs instead. These signs are
especially widespread on both urban and rural areas in the Philippines,
including Kabacan. In simple terms, at these intersections, drivers either have
to come to a complete stop or yield the right of way to other vehicles before
proceeding. These intersections may seem simple, but they play a big role in
managing traffic on both quiet country roads and bustling city streets, helping
drivers navigate safely through different paths.
In the specific context of Kabacan, North Cotabato, the challenges
associated with traffic intersections are particularly relevant. Kabacan, being a
municipality, relies heavily on the national highway for connectivity. The
intersections along this highway, especially those with minor roads, contribute
to congestion and safety concerns. Highly populated rural areas in Kabacan are
currently grappling with traffic problems such as traffic accidents, congestion,
pollution and energy problems due to the continuing growth of the
transportation system in the region. In addition, faded road markings are one
of the obstacles on the road for both drivers and pedestrians. This could be due
to how weather impacts roads, traffic, and a lack of road maintenance. Road
markings are vital because they indicate where motorists should stop, yield, or
turn. Drivers may find it difficult to navigate crossroads, exits, and other crucial
locations on the road due to faded road markings. As a result, drivers may miss
turns or do inappropriate maneuvers and pedestrians will not know where to
cross the road.
The consequences of these challenges are not confined to mere
inconveniences; they extend to broader safety concerns, economic impacts, and
a compromised capacity to support the burgeoning transportation needs of a
growing population. Addressing these issues in Kabacan and similar areas
involves a comprehensive approach. This might include implementing traffic
management strategies, such as traffic signals or roundabouts, improving road
infrastructure, and enhancing public awareness of traffic rules. Additionally,
urban planning and development must consider the growing transportation
needs of the region to ensure sustainable and efficient mobility for both
residents and businesses.
Significance
Observing certain issues while examining its behavior is one of the formal
processes of assessing the development of such. Studying the impact of traffic
in Kabacan, North Cotabato is important as it contributes to discussing key
problems resulting in heavy traffic congestion. Visible issues contributing to the
main problems of the traffic includes lack of traffic control, unclear pedestrian
lanes, insufficient road signs, and indisciplinary practices of the drivers. These
common problems risks not only the safety of the people on the road but also
the possibility of the smooth traffic flow. Additionally, illegal parking being
observed anywhere on the national highway, can also be a reason of the overall
movement in the area.
Dealing with these problems is crucial for improving road safety and
traffic systems of Kabacan. A thorough traffic assessment will help establish a
detailed report narrating common challenges, risks, and developmental ways to
improve traffic distribution of the area.
Lists of visible solutions are easy to name, however, the results and formal
solutions can only be concluded when the assessment has been finished. The
activity answers the given statements and problems.
Objectives of the Study
The main objective of this study is to conduct a traffic impact assessment in
Kabacan intersections and pedestrian along the national highway. Specifically,
this aims to:
• To assess the efficiency and functionality of intersections, considering
factors such as signalization, lane design, and turning movements to identify
areas prone to traffic jams or inefficiencies;
• To examine and document the specific issues contributing to heavy traffic
congestion in Kabacan, including the lack of traffic control, unclear pedestrian
lanes, insufficient road signs, and indisciplinary practices of drivers; and
• To evaluate the current traffic patterns at key intersections in Kabacan
along the national highway to understand peak traffic hours, vehicular
densities, and congestion points.