Development of an Intelligent Traffic Management System to Address Visibility Obstruction at Urban Intersections: A Case Study of Ibadan Metropolis

Abstract

Visibility obstructions at urban intersections due to larger vehicles and adverse weather conditions pose significant safety risks and exacerbate traffic congestion. Urban traffic intersections in Nigerian cities like Ibadan often experience visibility obstructions caused by large vehicles, poor road geometry, and adverse weather conditions—factors that impair driver response, increase waiting time, and contribute to congestion. This research proposes an Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) using IoT and GPS technology to enhance visibility and reduce congestion at intersections, specifically in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study focuses on the Agodi Gate corridor, a critical urban intersection, where real-world observational surveys revealed frequent signal occlusions due to vehicle height disparities and limited headway. Through field data collection, VISSIM-based simulation, and mathematical modeling, the study analyzes key parameters such as headway distance, angle of view, vehicle dimensions, and driver response delay. The proposed ITMS prototype provides real-time signal status through dashboard interfaces or mobile applications and dynamically adjusts signal timing based on detected visibility conditions. Results show that visibility-related obstructions significantly impact intersection efficiency and safety. By addressing these challenges, the system enhances driver situational awareness, reduces traffic delays, and improves overall intersection performance. The developed ITMS framework is scalable and offers practical solutions for similar urban environments experiencing visibility-induced traffic challenges.