Case Report
Assessment and Geometric Design of the Highway Route from Gidami to Begi Using Eagle Point Software
Dubiwak Nemera*
,
Bulcha Assefa
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
39-51
Received:
22 June 2026
Accepted:
20 July 2026
Published:
10 August 2026
Abstract: Road transport remains one of the most economical, accessible, and widely used modes of transportation, requiring relatively low investment while significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of urban and rural areas. A well-designed road network is fundamental to the efficient movement of people, goods, and industrial products, thereby serving as a critical catalyst for socio-economic development. The foundational step in achieving high-quality road infrastructure is the selection of an optimal route, followed by meticulous geometric design—the process of arranging the road layout to satisfy user requirements, safety standards, and operational efficiency. Key design controls include topography, traffic volume, design speed, roadway capacity, design vehicle characteristics, and access management. The Ethiopian Road Authority (ERA) provides ten geometric design standards; based on the Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT), ground slope, and road classification, Design Class 5 (DC5) was selected for this project. The critical problem addressed in this study is the complete absence of a properly designed road connecting Gidami to Begi, which severely restricts access to education, healthcare, markets, and other essential services for the local community. This research utilized Eagle Point software to process total station survey data and produce comprehensive design outputs, including plans, profiles, curve data, coordinate tables, elevation models, contour maps, and mass haul diagrams. The project encompasses a total length of 52 kilometers from Gidami to Begi. Earthwork calculations revealed a total fill volume of 9,374.948 m3, a cut volume of 515.769 m3, a cut area of 2,675.811 m2, and a fill area of 45,145.11 m2. The complete geometric design includes horizontal and vertical alignments, cross-section elements, superelevation details, and sight distance analyses, all developed in strict accordance with the ERA Geometric Design Manual (2013).
Abstract: Road transport remains one of the most economical, accessible, and widely used modes of transportation, requiring relatively low investment while significantly enhancing the aesthetic appeal and functionality of urban and rural areas. A well-designed road network is fundamental to the efficient movement of people, goods, and industrial products, th...
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Research Article
Assessment of Operational Performance and Level of Service of Umuaku–Isuochi Road, Abia State, Nigeria
Ibrahim Abdulrazaq Olayinka*,
Ijemen Angela Omon,
Obebe Monisola Dorcas,
Giwa Momodu Jabir,
John Wasiu
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 3, June 2026
Pages:
52-60
Received:
8 June 2026
Accepted:
7 July 2026
Published:
22 August 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajtte.20261103.12
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Abstract: This study assesses the operational performance and determines the Level of Service (LOS) of the Umuaku–Isuochi road in Abia State, Nigeria, a critical rural transport corridor supporting socio-economic activities. A comprehensive methodology integrating traffic flow analysis, pavement condition evaluation, and user perception surveys was adopted. Primary data were collected over a seven-day period through manual traffic counts, the moving observer method, visual pavement inspection using the Pavement Condition Index (PCI), and structured questionnaires administered to road users. Results indicate an Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of approximately 4,211 vehicles/day, with motorcycles (40.3%) and tricycles (17.7%) dominating the traffic composition. The computed Volume-to-Capacity (V/C) ratio of 0.31 suggests a theoretical LOS B, indicating relatively stable flow conditions. However, the pavement condition assessment yielded a PCI value of 15, classifying the road as “failed.” User perception further corroborates these findings, highlighting poor ride quality, safety concerns, increased travel time variability, and elevated vehicle operating costs. The study reveals a significant disparity between traffic-based performance indicators and actual service conditions due to severe pavement deterioration and inadequate drainage systems. It concludes that despite moderate traffic demand, the road performs poorly in delivering efficient and safe transportation services. The study recommends immediate full-scale rehabilitation, improved drainage infrastructure, and the implementation of routine maintenance strategies to restore functionality and enhance overall road performance.
Abstract: This study assesses the operational performance and determines the Level of Service (LOS) of the Umuaku–Isuochi road in Abia State, Nigeria, a critical rural transport corridor supporting socio-economic activities. A comprehensive methodology integrating traffic flow analysis, pavement condition evaluation, and user perception surveys was adopted. ...
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