Principle (mechanism) of traffic congestion

Principle (mechanism) of traffic congestion

Making Sayama City a comfortable city for everyone

Let's take a look at the causes of traffic jams!

Traffic jams occur every day in Sayama City. Do you know the mechanism behind traffic jams? However, there are countless causes of traffic congestion. Here we will introduce some of the areas that we have investigated. You all get irritated by traffic jams, right? Let's study the mechanism together!

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Congestion on downhill/uphill

When going downhill, you may unconsciously speed up if you are not conscious of it. Then, when the hill ends, the speeding up car slows down (returns to its original speed) and the car gets stuck. This creates traffic jams downhill.

The cause of traffic jams on uphill slopes and in sag areas isthe driver's unconscious slowing down . In order to maintain the same speed even when going uphill, you have to press the accelerator to accelerate the car, but there are surprisingly many drivers who don't realize that they are going uphill, and before they know it, they slow down. I'll put it away. Therefore, it is more likely to occur on slight slopes or in places where the slope is difficult to understand, such as tunnels.

Brake (signal interval)

The main cause of traffic jams is the braking between cars. The overall speed of vehicles traveling on the same road slows down because it takes longer for cars to stop and start, and because the distance between cars becomes shorter due to braking. Also, on long roads when there is heavy traffic, a chain of brakes (waves) may occur, causing traffic jams. We believe that traffic congestion can be alleviated on some roads by improving traffic lights and improving road conditions.

Congestion due to lane reduction

Congestion is also caused by a reduction in the number of travel lanes. In addition, traffic jams can occur due to the braking of cars due to forced lane changes.

It is important for drivers to maintain an appropriate distance between vehicles and change lanes with plenty of time to spare. In addition, changing lanes as soon as it is known that lanes are decreasing will reduce forced lane changes and alleviate traffic congestion. 　
　
　For more information, please refer to the Metropolitan Police Department website →『MPD HP』 　
　Click here for traffic congestion mitigation measures →『Congestion mitigation measures』 　

Traffic jam spots in Sayama City!

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Irumagawa Bridge

The Iruma River runs through Sayama City. Therefore, there are many Iruma River and related waterways within the city. There are many bridges to cross these rivers within the city. Due to the limited number of bridges, traffic congestion occurs on the roads around the bridges (concentration of traffic) One of them is Irumagawa Ohashi Bridge.

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Near IC

Sayama City has the Sayama Hidaka IC (interchange). There are several large distribution centers located within the city. Additionally, since there are several large factories, there are many large trucks, and traffic jams occur at the exit of the IC every weekday. This is because the expressway exit merges with a local road, it is easy to get stuck in traffic.

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Route 16

You all know National Route 16, right? ?
National Route 16 connects Yokohama City, Machida City and Hachioji City in Tokyo, Kawagoe City and Sayama City in Saitama Prefecture, Kashiwa City and Chiba City in Chiba Prefecture, and other "bedroom towns" in the Tokyo metropolitan area, so traffic jams are likely to occur everywhere.

Characteristics of Sayama City

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Irumagawa

A first-class river in the Arakawa River system that flows through Saitama Prefecture

Iruma River is a very large river that symbolizes the nature of Sayama City. There are large parks (squares) such as Nico Nico Terrace around the Irumagawa River. There are bridges that cross this river, such as the Irumagawa Ohashi Bridge, and as there are only a limited number of bridges, traffic jams tend to occur.

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Large distribution center

One of the largest distribution centers in Saitama Prefecture

Due to its convenient access and geographical location, Sayama City is home to one of the city's largest distribution centers, creating employment. On the other hand, because the transportation business, such as trucks, is thriving, it is susceptible to losses due to congestion and other factors. We believe that if congestion is alleviated, economic efficiency will increase.

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National Route 16

A general national highway that starts and ends in Yokohama and connects the metropolitan area in a circular manner.

As you all know, National Route 16 is a major road connecting so-called ``commuter towns'' in the Kanto region. It is a busy road where many trucks and cars pass by, making it prone to traffic jams.

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We devised measures to alleviate traffic congestion!

Traffic congestion relief
measures we devise！

Let's take a look at ways to ease and eliminate traffic congestion！

A city where everyone can live comfortably

Melody Road installation

Effects of maintaining speed by taking advantage of its properties

Do you know Melody Road? Melody Road is a type of road where the sounds of cars play music when you drive at a certain speed. This reduces unintentional deceleration on saga sections (uphill and downhill) and eliminates traffic jams. If all goes well, I think it will become a specialty of Sayama City. In fact, there is a place famous for Melody Road.

　
Melody Road details →『Melody Road (Wikipedia)』

Melody Road installation

　　Melody Road is a paved road designed to play a melody with the sound of tires as cars drive on it. As a measure to reduce morning traffic congestion at Irumagawa Ohashi Bridge, we are planning to 　　install Melody Road on Sayama Ohashi Bridge, which is open to the public free of charge, to disperse traffic congestion at Irumagawa Ohashi Bridge . 　　In addition, by taking advantage of the fact that the sound of the car plays music when driving at a certain speed on Melody Road, it reduces unconscious deceleration during uphill and downhill 　　sections and eliminates traffic jams. We also believe that Melody Road can become Sayama's specialty.
　 　
　Strict speed limits are stipulated in the Road Traffic Act, and it is natural to adhere to them. Excessive speed can lead to serious accidents. It also causes noise problems and an increase in exhaust gas. We believe that the installation of Melody Road will have benefits for the economy, such as improved safety for citizens, environmental issues, and alleviation of traffic congestion .

Brake (signal interval)

Improve traffic efficiency by improving signals at major intersections

Congestion also occurs due to the chain of brakes between cars. We believe that by changing the number of seconds (cycles) that the installed traffic lights switch, we can adjust the number of times cars brake. Therefore, we believe that adjusting the signal times will help alleviate traffic congestion. Absorption vehicles are effective on straight roads such as expressways.
高速道路など直線の道では、吸収車が有効的です。

↓Click about absorption vehicles that help ease traffic congestion
クリック(YOUTUBE)

Brake (signal interval)

One of the causes of traffic jams is that the signal displays on traffic lights do not match the actual traffic conditions . If green times and traffic lights are not changed appropriately, the number of vehicles that can be handled at one time will change, causing cars to accumulate at intersections and create traffic jams. In addition, if there are many vehicles turning right, this can be improved by installing dedicated right turn arrow signals and road maintenance. Congestion can also be alleviated by improving the interlocking of nearby traffic lights. However, hese changes require careful consideration based on traffic volume surveys and surrounding road conditions by date and time.
For more information, please refer to the Metropolitan Police Department website →『MPD HP』

Evidence of the effect of congestion relief (data)

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism reference
Economic loss due to traffic jams(national annual total)

Approximately 12 trillion yen

Approximately 3.81 billion person hours

The annual traffic jam loss nationwide is approximately 3.81 billion person-hours, or approximately 12 trillion yen in monetary terms, causing not only a decline in environmental efficiency but also environmental problems. Therefore, it is effective to take countermeasures against traffic congestion at major locations where congestion is likely to occur, and it will bring benefits to the local economy and environment.
Accident rate
As this data shows, the number of accidents that occur on roundabouts on major roads (arterial roads) is approximately five times greater than on major roads. If many people use loopholes to avoid traffic congestion, the living environment of local residents will deteriorate. If traffic congestion is alleviated, it is believed that safety for local residents will improve.
Exhaust gas amount by driving speed
As mentioned earlier, when traffic speeds drop due to traffic jams, this data shows that vehicle exhaust emissions are much higher than normal speeds. By implementing measures to alleviate traffic congestion, such as installing Melody Road, it is expected that this will lead to the creation of an environment-friendly city where speed limits are strictly observed .

Roadmap to problem solving

1

Information gathering

Information on traffic congestion is collected in the following two ways.
・Collect information on traffic congestion mechanisms, etc. on the Internet.
・During fieldwork, we conducted interviews at police stations and city halls to learn about the characteristics and countermeasures for traffic congestion that occurs in Sayama City.
We have summarized the collected information in an easy-to-understand manner.

2

Devise solutions based on information

From the information collected, we found that in Sayama City, congestion is likely to occur on major roads (National Route 16), bridges across rivers, and roads near interchanges .Based on this information, we devised a solution based on congestion mitigation measures implemented in other prefectures.

3

Analysis of traffic jam locations/questionnaire regarding traffic jams

The survey is currently in progress! Please wait for a while for the survey results and analysis. We use these analyzes to evaluate the effectiveness of the solutions we come up with. When analyzing areas where congestion occurs, we investigate things such as signal switching intervals and traffic volume.

4

Compile a report and request improvements from city hall and police stations

Compile a report and request improvements from city hall and police stations We believe that it would be difficult for individuals or small groups to alleviate traffic congestion, so we would like to submit the report (opinion) we created to Sayama City Hall and Police Station for improvement and consideration . I would also like to make presentations as needed.

summary!

Cause of traffic jam
  • The main causes of traffic congestion are as follows.
  • 　
  • ・The signal cycle of traffic lights does not match the actual traffic situation.
  • ・Overspeeding by the driver
  • ・Unreasonable lane change
  • ・Brake chaining such as sudden braking
  • ・Unconscious speed reduction when going uphill or downhill
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Traffic jam problem
  • The negative effects of traffic congestion are as follows.
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  • ・Logistics will be delayed and the 2024 problem will become more serious.
  • ・Causes large losses to the economy.
  • ・The safety of local residents decreases.
  • ・Leads to exhaust gas and noise, leading to environmental problems.
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Measures for ideas
  • The measures we have devised to alleviate traffic congestion are as follows.
  • 　
  • 1. Installation of Melody Road.
  • 2. Investigate the spacing between traffic signals based on traffic volume and submit a written opinion to the government to determine the appropriate spacing.
  • 3. Through public relations activities on this site, we will help alleviate traffic congestion by making drivers aware of the principles and countermeasures for traffic congestion.
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effect
  • The effects of the congestion mitigation measures we devised are as follows.
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  • 1. By installing Melody Road, it is expected that strict speed limits will be enforced, traffic will be dispersed, and it will become a new tourist attraction in Sayama City.
  • 2. By investigating the intervals between traffic lights based on traffic volume and making appropriate improvements, we can expect to alleviate congestion and improve logistics efficiency.
  • 3. Through public relations activities on this site, we hope that by making drivers aware of the principles and countermeasures for traffic jams, they will be able to improve their daily driving.
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plan
Report a traffic jam