Discipline: Technology and Engineering
Subcategory: Civil/Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering
Sierra Dennis - Howard University
For pedestrians to safely access and navigate roadways and crossings, traffic controls and design measures must be implemented. In Tanzania, walking is the general mode of transport; the Ubungo intersection is one of the busiest junctions in the country. The goal of this research is to increase national and local capacity to implement pedestrian safety measures in these urban settings. Methods of investigation included, observing the current pedestrian facilities and conditions, comparing to Washington, DC pedestrian safety standards, and proposing ways to improve pedestrian safety at an unsignalized intersection. Initial site observations were conducted, in addition to a pedestrian volume study. After assessing the Ubungo intersection activity and conditions, several suggestions can be made for improving pedestrian safety. Study results showed that during construction, there should be ramps and construction markers. Also, ramps should be constructed for persons with disabilities, the ditches near the intersection should be filled to prevent pedestrian accidents, and traffic signals should be reinstated upon the end of construction. Further research would be an analysis of the pedestrian bridge to determine the efficiency in maintaining pedestrian traffic flow at this intersection.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. HRD-1238466. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
Faculty Advisor: Tiffany Lathan,