University of sulaymani
College of engineering
Civil engineering department
Traffic engineering project
Traffic Congestion Solution Report for Dawa
Restaurant Roundabout, Sulaimani, Iraq
Prepared by
Hlnd Yaqub Sima Ehsan
Sozyar Ibrahim Marlin Hawbir
2024-2025
Introduction
The Dawa Restaurant roundabout in Sulaimani, Iraq, experiences high
traffic volumes, causing frequent congestion and delays. The
roundabout's location near a bustling commercial area and its
connectivity to major roads make it a critical point in the city's traffic
network. This report identifies the causes of traffic congestion and
proposes effective solutions to alleviate the issue, supported by
detailed designs and actionable recommendations.
Objective
The objective of this report is to provide innovative, practical, and cost-
effective solutions to alleviate traffic congestion and improve overall
safety at the Dawa Restaurant roundabout in Sulaimani, Iraq.
The Current Issues
1. High Traffic Volume
The area serves as a convergence point for vehicles traveling to and
from various parts of the city, such as (qularaysi road, qilyasan road,
serchinar road) leading to a significant volume of traffic during peak
hours. This traffic load often exceeds the roundabout's capacity,
causing delays.
2. Inefficient Roundabout Design
The current roundabout design, with a diameter of 60 meters, does not
effectively channel traffic flow, leading to frequent bottlenecks. Lack of
dedicated lanes for entering and exiting vehicles further complicates
the situation.
3. Pedestrian Activity
The proximity of commercial establishments, including the Dawa
Restaurant and baxan hall and city cinema, generates heavy pedestrian
traffic. The lack of dedicated pedestrian pathways or crossings creates
conflicts between vehicles and pedestrians.
4. Insufficient Traffic Management
The absence of modern traffic management systems, such as signals,
lane markings, and proper signage, leaves drivers uncertain and
contributes to chaotic traffic conditions.
5. Limited Alternative Routes
The lack of bypass roads or alternative routes compels all traffic to pass
through the roundabout, increasing congestion.
Proposed Solutions
Separating the proposed solutions into short-term and long-term
categories can improve clarity and highlight which actions can be
implemented immediately versus those requiring more planning and
resources.
Short-Term Solutions
1. Implementing Traffic Signal Systems
o Install smart traffic signals at all entry and exit points of the
roundabout to dynamically manage traffic volume.
o Utilize traffic density sensors to optimize signal timings.
2. Enhancing Pedestrian Infrastructure
o Construct pedestrian overpasses above all connecting roads
to separate pedestrian traffic from vehicular flow.
o Install barriers and directional signs to ensure pedestrians
use designated crossings.
3. Parking Management
o Designate organized parking spaces near commercial areas
to eliminate roadside parking.
o Enforce strict no-parking zones around the roundabout to
maintain smooth traffic flow.
Long-Term Solutions
1. Redesigning the Roundabout
o Expand the roundabout to optimize the design, including
dedicated entry and exit lanes.
o Introduce traffic islands to guide vehicles smoothly through
the roundabout.
o Incorporate a horizontal speedway (left-to-right or vice
versa) to allow through traffic to bypass the roundabout
entirely.
2. Developing Alternative Routes
o Create bypass roads around the area to divert non-local
traffic.
o Upgrade nearby roads to distribute traffic more evenly.
3. Underpass and over pass
o Overpasses: Allow high-volume, through traffic to bypass
the roundabout, reducing congestion and delays.
o Underpasses: Enable specific traffic flows or pedestrians to
pass beneath the roundabout, improving safety and
reducing bottlenecks.
Here is sketches of the ideas:
Consideration of Ineffective or Impractical Ideas
While many proposed solutions offer clear benefits, certain ideas may
prove inefficient or challenging to implement due to economic or
logistical constraints. These include:
1. Complete Replacement of the Roundabout with a Signalized
Intersection
o Economic Impact: This would require significant financial
investment, including demolition and reconstruction,
potentially straining the city's budget.
o Traffic Disruption: The process would cause prolonged
traffic disruption, further inconveniencing residents and
businesses in the area.
2. Construction of an Extensive Underground Road Network
(tunnel)
o High Costs: Underground infrastructure is exceptionally
costly and may not provide a sufficient return on investment
for a single roundabout.
o Geological Challenges: Excavation in the area may face
technical difficulties, especially if the soil conditions are not
favorable.
3. Expanding the Roundabout Beyond 60 Meters
o Space Constraints: The surrounding urban environment
limits the availability of additional space for expansion.
o Economic and Social Impact: Acquiring adjacent properties
for expansion could lead to displacement and high
compensation costs.
4. Implementing Elevated Roads for All Connecting Routes
o Visual and Environmental Impact: Elevated roads may
disrupt the aesthetic and urban landscape of the area.
o Financial and Technical Challenges: The construction and
maintenance of elevated structures would require
substantial resources and technical expertise.
By avoiding these impractical solutions, efforts can be focused on
strategies that offer tangible, cost-effective, and sustainable
improvements.
Expected Benefits
Implementing the proposed solutions is expected to yield the following
benefits:
1. Improved Traffic Flow: Enhanced road layout and signal systems
will reduce congestion and minimize delays, especially during
peak hours.
2. Increased Safety: Dedicated pedestrian pathways and overpasses
will significantly reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, improving
safety for all road users.
3. Economic Gains: Smoother traffic flow will lower fuel
consumption and commute times, boosting local business
accessibility and overall economic activity.
4. Reduced Environmental Impact: Decreased traffic congestion will
lead to lower vehicle emissions, contributing to better air quality
in the area.
5. Enhanced Urban Appeal: A modernized traffic system and
improved infrastructure will elevate the area's functionality and
visual appeal, fostering community satisfaction.
Design Recommendation
Redesign the roundabout's current dimensions while modifying the
connected roads to accommodate four road connections, each with
two lanes of 3.5 meters width. Additionally, incorporate pedestrian
pathways and underpasses to enhance safety and accessibility,
ensuring efficient traffic flow without altering the roundabout's size.
Directional and Warning Signs Recommendation
1. Roundabout Ahead Sign – placed 50-100 meters before the
roundabout to alert drivers.
2. Lane Direction Signs – to indicate lane assignments, such as
"Straight Only" or "Left Turn Only."
3. Yield Sign – at each entry point of the roundabout to prioritize
vehicles already in the roundabout.
4. Speed Limit Signs – to specify speed limits (e.g., 40 km/h or 50
km/h) for safe navigation.
5. Pedestrian Crossing Signs – placed near underpass access points
or crossings to alert drivers.
6. No U-Turn Sign – near roundabout exits to prevent illegal turns.
Regulatory Signs
1. Stop Sign – if specific intersections or pedestrian crossings require
it.
2. Do Not Enter Sign – to restrict access to one-way sections or
incorrect lanes.
3. Keep Left or Keep Right Signs – at splitter islands or roundabout
entry points.
Informational Signs
1. Direction Signs – indicating destinations, road names, or
landmarks.
2. Exit Signs – specifying the direction and distance to nearby
locations.
Markings and Signals
1. Arrow Road Markings – on lanes to guide traffic directions (e.g.,
"Turn Left" or "Go straight").
2. Traffic Signals – at each entry and exit point for vehicle and
pedestrian management.
Recommended scetch design:
Conclusion
To address the traffic congestion near the Dawa Restaurant
roundabout, a combination of immediate and long-term solutions is
essential. Redesigning the roundabout, implementing smart traffic
systems, and enhancing pedestrian infrastructure will provide
immediate relief. In parallel, developing alternative routes and
improving parking management will ensure sustainable traffic flow in
the area.
Collaboration with local authorities, urban planners, and traffic
management experts is critical to successfully implementing these
solutions.
References
1. Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE). (2023). Traffic Engineering
Handbook. 7th Edition.
2. World Bank Group. (2020). Improving Urban Mobility: A Case Study
Approach.
3. Iraq Ministry of Construction and Housing. (2022). Guidelines for Urban
Road Design.
4. American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
(AASHTO). (2021). A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.
5. Local Traffic Studies from Sulaimani Municipality (2024).
