“Study on the performance of road intersection on pedestrian movement in Kigali city” Case study: Nyabugogo intersection

Abstract

Nyabugogo is located in Kigali, the capital city of Rwanda, a developing country with a national road network totalling 44,671 km, of which 1,973 km are paved. Notably, 72% of the paved roads are classified as national roads. Rwanda features various types of intersections, including both grade-separated and at-grade intersections. The most common are at-grade intersections, which come in different forms such as T-junctions (three-leg), four-leg intersections, and roundabouts. These intersections can be either controlled (with traffic signals) or uncontrolled. However, all these infrastructures, pedestrians encounter numerous challenges while crossing intersections, particularly in urban areas with high traffic volumes and limited pedestrian infrastructures. One of the most pressing issues is safety, as pedestrians often face conflicts with turning or fast-moving vehicles, which may not yield the right-of-way. In many cases, intersections lack clearly marked crosswalks or functioning pedestrian signals, making it difficult to determine when it is safe to cross. Additionally, signal timing may be too short to accommodate slower individuals such as the elderly, children, or persons with disabilities. Poor visibility due to inadequate lighting or visual obstructions further increases the risk of accidents. Environmental factors like uneven pavements, flooding, or encroachments on sidewalks can force pedestrians into vehicle lanes, putting them at greater danger. Behavioral issues also play a role, with some drivers ignoring traffic rules and some pedestrians crossing unsafely due to impatience or lack of awareness. Lastly, the absence of law enforcement or penalties for violations allows unsafe practices to persist, making intersections particularly hazardous for vulnerable road users. To address the challenges faced by pedestrians at intersections, the Nyabugogo intersection was selected as the case study. This is a four-leg, signal-controlled, at-grade intersection. The study aims to assess the current infrastructure and design features related to pedestrian accessibility and safety. It includes an analysis of pedestrian flow patterns and the identification of key challenges pedestrians encounter when crossing the intersection. Additionally, the study evaluated the effectiveness of existing traffic control measures in facilitating safe pedestrian movement. As conclusions, the results indicate that the performance of Nyabugogo intersection in terms of pedestrian movement is poor, with a Level of Service (LOS) rated as F. Among the key recommendations, the redesign of the Nyabugogo intersection is suggested to improve its geometric features and enhance overall traffic flow. A primary objective is to vi improve safety and mobility by clearly separating vehicle traffic from pedestrian movement. Additionally, raising awareness among both drivers and pedestrians about proper road usage and ensuring adherence to traffic signals—especially during peak hours—is essential. The deployment of permanent police officers at the intersection is also proposed as a vital measure to facilitate smoother traffic operations and strengthen safety enforcement. Furthermore, to promote responsible road behavior, strict fines should be imposed on drivers and pedestrians who violate pedestrian crossing rules, with their offenses recorded in a safe road user database to ensure greater accountability.