An Analysis of Signalized Intersections: Case of Traffic Light Failure

Traffic congestion due to failure of traffic lights is one of the problems in Colombo. To study traffic congestions due to failure of traffic lights, the traffic characteristics at intersections should be investigated. Capacity of the intersection is the main factor influenced for congestions. Data were collected at three intersections Malabe, Battaramulla and Rajagiriya and capacity of each identified. The capacity of each intersection was studied according to the Peak Hour Malabe and Rajagiriya had PHF of 0.95 and Battaratnulla had the value of 0.91. Accordingly, the effective simple suggestions to manage these intersections may be introduction of telephone booth and police cabin to use the case of emergency.