HIGHWAY DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING

Highway and Railroad system indeed play a key role in the nation's development and sustainability throughout the world. It greatly influences the economic, social, and political fabric of nations as it has provided access for the acquisition of natural resources, industrial production, retail marketing, and population mobility. With that, it is widely recognized that highway networks can positively influence economic development. Such improvements can increase accessibility and attract new industries and spur local economies.

Importance of transportation in modern society

Work and Commerce - Many businesses need efficient and fast transport to deliver raw materials, products, and services in order to generate revenue.
Connections and Convenience - As individuals look for jobs and have to run some errands in their company, one of the factors that they usually consider is to commute. Thus, it provides means for people to go to their desired places conveniently.
Developing Economies - Transport is a vital sector and the amount of expenditure and investment in various operations has far reaching effects on the economy.
Streamlining the Tourism Sector - Transport serves as a gateway for tourism and travel by making it possible for people to go to the places they want to visit. In order to reach their destinations, tourists need an array of transport options that are best suitable for their budget, convenience and efficiency of their travel.
Moving Businesses to the next level - Transport is necessary for every stage of production process regardless of business types and market, from designing concepts and manufacturing to delivery and consumption.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ROAD TRANSPORT

Roads are used by various types of vehicles.
Road transport requires a relatively small investment.
Road transport completely offer a freedom to road users to transfer the vehicles from one lane or road to another based on their need and convenience.
Road transport saves time.
Speed is related with severity of accidents.
It is the only means of transport that is accessible to the whole community.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HIGHWAY AND TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

HIGHWAY ENGINEERING

-Highway engineering mainly entails road construction and design in order to achieve high quality roads subjected to repititive load stresses. It is commonly referred as the science and technology dealing with roads

Phases of Highway Engineering:

Development planning and location
Highway design, geometrics and structures
Traffic performance and its control
Materials, constructions and its maintenance
Economics, finance and administrations

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

Traffic engineering deals with traffic planning, control and standards attributed to the following factors - speed, safety, comfort, convenience, economy and environmental compatibility. It also deals with the traffic performance on road network through traffic studies, scientific analysis, and engineering applications

Phases of Traffic Engineering

Traffic Characteristics
Traffic Studies and Analysis
Planning Area Analysis
Geometric Design
Traffic Operation, Regulation, and Control
Road Safety Aspects
Administration Management

IMPORTANCE OF ROADS

Highway planning and development are crucial in maintaining urban sustainability. Modern economy is predicated on highways' ability to provide reliable service for transportation of goods and services. Here are the importance of road transport and how it became the most convenient mode of transportation in comparison with other transportation systems:

It provides mobility for the transportation of goods and passengers in short and medium distances.
Road construction and maintenance are relatively easy and cheap
It provides accessibility and contact between farms, fields, factories, and markets.
It can surmount sharp turns and high gradients.
It is more flexible than railway transport.
Perishable commodities are being transported in the most efficient manner through the use of roads and highways.

TYPES OF ROADS BASED ON LOCATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

National Highways

State Highways

District Roads (Major/Minor)

Rural or Village Roads

TYPES OF ROADS BASED ON ROAD PATTERN

LIGHT TRAFFIC ROADS

Average number of vehicles daily:

400 vehicles

MEDIUM TRAFFIC ROADS

Average number of vehicles daily:

400-1000 vehicles

HIGH TRAFFIC ROADS

Average number of vehicles daily:

More than 1000 vehicles

ROAD PATTERNS

RECTANGULAR OR BLOCK PATTERN

In this pattern, the whole area is divided into rectangular blocks, where streets or branch roads intersect each other at the right angle. The main roads should always pass through the center and must be wide enough. Thus, the main roads should have a direct approach to outside the city.

RADIAL OR STAR AND BLOCK PATTERN

It is a combination of star and block pattern, wherein the entire area is divided into a radial network of roads radiating from the centre outwardly with block pattern network of roads in between the radial main streets.

RADIAL OR STAR AND CIRCULAR PATTERN

In this pattern the main roads (radial roads) radiates from the central point and are connected with concentric roads that outwardly radiates. Thus, the built-up area is planned with a curved block system

RADIAL OR STAR AND GRID PATTERN

It is the combination of Star and Grid Pattern, where a radial network of roads radiate from the center outwardly. The main radial streets are interconnected using a grid pattern

HEXAGONAL PATTERN

In this pattern ,the area is divided into hexagonal patterns. Three roads meet the built-up area boundary by sides of the hexagon at every corner of the hexagon.

MINIMUM TRAVEL PATTERN

In this pattern, the city center is connected with suburban centers and neighbor centers with the shortest road. Road alignment is made straight to make road short.

PHASES OF PLANNING SURVEYS

Assessment of road length required for a district, state or country

Before assessing for the road length, field studies relative to road use, engineering, financial, and economics must be carried out firt.

Preparation of master plan that includes phasing of plan in annual/ five years plans.

HIGHWAY ALIGNMENT AND SURVEYS

Highway alignment - Highway alignment refers to the position of the center line on the highway in the ground. Choosing the right highway alignment is the most essential piece in road construction. Thus, it is vitally important so that the overall construction of highway will be at minimum cost.

Here are the two types of highway alignment

HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT

It covers the horizontal way of the road either it's straight or curved or both. Top perspective on road alignment gives horizontal alignment of the road

VERTICAL ALIGNMENT

It entails the arrangement with inclinations, slopes and leveling on the ground. Thus it covers the vertical curves and gradient on the ground

REQUIREMENTS OF HIGHWAY ALIGNMENT

Safe
Easy
Short
Economical
Comfort

FACTORS CONTROLLING HIGHWAY ALIGNMENT

Government Alignment (Clear requirement)
Obligatory Points (Positive/ Negative Obligatory Points)
Traffic (Traffic Amount & Flow Pattern)
Geological Condition (Geological stability)
Geometric Design (Curve Radius, Sight Distance, & Gradient)
Availability of Construction Materials and Labor
Economy (Construction, Operation, and Maintenance)

PHASES OF SURVEYS

1. MAP SURVEY

2.RECONNAISSANCE SURVEY

3.PRELIMINARY SURVEY

4.FINAL LOCATION AND DETAILED SURVEY

ASSESSMENT TASKS IN clo 1

Essay about the differences in Highway and Traffic Engineering

CamScanner 02-12-2021 16.31_1.pdf

2. Activity 1-Roadway Signs

ACTIVITY 1_CENG113.pdf

REFLECTION/S

Highway and Traffic Engineering involve a complex interaction of economic, social, political, and environmental factors. The construction of high-quality roads directly affects economic output by reducing travel costs. Since highway planning is a continuous process, Civil Engineers should undertake comprehensive studies on highway and transportation analysis in order to address the transport needs of the locale. Activity on roadway signs and an essay on the differences between highway and traffic engineering has allowed us to grasp knowledge on what do those road and traffic symbols signify. Before taking this course, I admit I was illiterate on road signs that we commonly see on highways and major roads. But studying the symbols served as a precursor for us to be knowledgeable on where would we exactly position these roadway signs, especially when we decide to take transportation engineering as specialized course. Thus, as highway users, it is a must for us to understand the importance of roadway signs to prevent traffic accidents.

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