IMPROVEMENT OF VENGALLOOR JUNCTION
BY DESIGNING SIGNALS, ROAD SIGNS AND
MARKINGS
Aiswarya Nair1 ashnair1964@gmail.com,
Ajitha D1, Aparna U Pillai1, Athira Soman1
1
Author B Tech Final year students
Sree Buddha College of Engineering
Elavumthitta, Pathanamthitta
Abstract— At intersections, where there are large numbers of
crossings and right turn traffic, there is possibility of several
accidents as there cannot be orderly movements. Road safety
improvement is carried out at these intersections where number
of accidents involving personal injury is higher than expected.
The knowledge of traffic volume is an important basic input
required for planning, analysis and operation of roadway
systems. This project mainly aims to improve the existing
conditions of the Vengalloor junction of Pala-Thodupuzha Road
by implementing traffic control devices and to propose remedial
measures for future development. The various aids and devices
used to control, regulate and guide traffic are traffic control
devices.
Keywords—right turn traffic, traffic volume, traffic control
devices, Vengalloor, Pala-Thodupuzha.
I. INTRODUCTION
The various aids and devices used to control, regulate and
guide traffic may be called traffic control devices. The general
requirements of traffic control devices are: attention, meaning,
time for response and respect of road users. The most common
among these are signals, signs, markings and islands. In
addition, road lights are useful in guiding traffic during night.
At intersections, where there are large numbers of
crossing and right-turn traffic, there is possibility of several
accidents as there cannot be orderly movements. The earlier
practice has been to control the traffic by means of traffic
police by showing stop signs alternatively at the cross roads so
that one of the traffic streams may be allowed to move while
the cross traffic is stopped. Thus, the crossing systems of
traffic flow are separated by time, segregation. Traffic signals
are control devices which could alternatively direct the traffic
to stop and proceed at intersections using red and green traffic
light signals automatically. The main requirements of traffic
signals are to draw attention, provide meaning and time to
respond and to have minimum waste of time.
Gouri Antherjanam2 gantherjanam@gmail.com
Author2 ,HoD, Professor, Dept of Civil Engineering
Sree Buddha College of Engineering, Elavumthitta,
Pathanamthitta
A traffic sign is defined as a device mounted on a fixed or
portable support whereby a specific message is conveyed by
means of words or symbols. The sign is placed or erected for
the purpose of regulating, warning or guiding vehicular,
pedestrian or bicycle traffic. The purpose of road signs is to
promote road safety and efficiency by providing for the
orderly movement of all road users on all roads in both urban
and non-urban areas. Road signs notify road users of
regulations and provide warning and guidance needed for safe,
uniform and efficient operation.
Traffic markings are all lines, patterns, symbols,
words, colors, or other devices, except signs and power-
operated traffic control devices, set into the surface of, applied
upon, or attached to the pavement or curbing and placed for
the purpose of regulating, warning, or guiding traffic.
Markings may supplement other traffic control devices or they
may be used alone to convey information that would be
difficult to convey using other devices.
Traffic Signs Manual 2003 is intended to advice the two traffic
authorities and their agents on the correct use of signs and
road markings.
Sandip Patil in his paper discussed the different issues of
transportation from various methods and focused on the
efficiency of the overall transportation.
The objective of this project is to identify reasons for traffic
congestion and to suggest remedial measures for alleviating
the same and to improve road safety and to provide suitable
pedestrian crossing and signals.
Scope of this project is to improve mobility and reduce
congestion and travel time, to maintain an uninterrupted and
consistent facility between economic and community centres
and to reduce potential traffic conflicts.
 II. LOCATION AND SITE MAP
The Vengalloor junction on the Pala – Thodupuzha road was
decided for project work. Figure below shows the Google Map
of Vengalloor junction (Latitude: 9.9°N, Longitude: 76.69°E)
whose signals, road signs and road markings has to be
designed.

Figure 1 Vengalloor Junction

Figure 2 Traffic Flow Map
III. METHODOLOGY

B. PCU Calculation
DATA COLLECTION
Although many methods exist to calculate PCU values, the
IRC method was utilized for its simplicity and easy
PCU CALCULATION application.

SURVEYING

PROBLEM ANALYSIS

REMEDIAL MEASURES

NEW PROPOSALS

A. Data Collection
The number and type of vehicle flowing to each direction is
estimated by manual counting. The traffic volume to each
direction is calculated and drawn.
Table 2 PCU/hr for Different Routes
C. Surveying
The land survey is done by total station to determine the
alignment of the land for placing the signal, sign and
markings. Total Station used was Leica TC 407 and the
surveyed points were generated by LISCAD Software. The
junction was converted and modified in AutoCADD Software.

Figure 3 LISCAD Drawing of Vengalloor Junction

Table 1 Number of Vehicles During Peak Time (4pm-7pm)

Figure 4 Vengalloor Junction Generated from LISCAD in AutoCADD
D. Problem Analysis
With the junction survey, the traffic congestion problems are
analyzed and suitable measures are taken.
E. Remedial Measures
Traffic control devices were provided to eliminate traffic
congestion and for smooth traffic flow.
Traffic Signal was designed by combined IRC and Webster’s
method and the phase diagram was plotted (Phase 1: Pala,
Phase 2 : Muvattupuzha, Phase 3 : Adimali, Phase 4 :
Thodupuzha).
Figure 5 Phase Diagram
Signs suggested were Stop Signs, Pedestrian Crossings,
Compulsory Keep Left, Object Markings Sign, Speed Limit,
Traffic Signal, Light Refreshment Sign, Destination and
Reassurance Sign.
The Markings suggested were Centre lines, Lane lines, Stop
markings, Pedestrian markings, Object markings, Kerb
Markings and Turn Markings.
F. New Proposals
New proposals like footpaths and relocation of bus bays and
auto stands were considered for further improvement of
junction.
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Traffic Signal of 95 seconds cycle duration was designed by
combined IRC and Webster’s method.
Stop sign was placed at a distance 1.5m from the double line
stop marking. Pedestrian signal was placed at a distance of
45m from the pedestrian marking. Compulsory Keep Left was
placed at the beginning of median towards an intersection.
Object Markings Sign was placed at the start of median at an
intersection. Speed limit, Traffic signal, Light Refreshment
signs were also provided. Destination sign was placed at a
distance of 80m from the intersection. Reassurance sign was
placed at a distance of 80m beyond the intersection.
The Markings suggested were Centre lines, Lane lines, Stop
markings, Pedestrian markings, Object markings, Kerb
Markings and Turn Markings. The centre line consists of
white broken lines of width 0.15m, length of segment 3.0m
and length of gaps 4.5m to be reduced to 3.0m at curves and
approaches to intersections. Lane lines were used to designate
lanes and are of 0.10m width. Double line stop markings of
width 0.15m width are provided on the lane just before the
pedestrian crossing. The width of the pedestrian crossing is
kept 4m. Object Markings were drawn along the traffic islands
and the sign and signal posts and a width of 0.15m is
provided. Alternate white and black lines of width 0.15m are
provided along the kerbs. Turn markings were provided near
intersections.
Figure 6 Final Junction Drawing
V. CONCLUSION
Design of Signals, Road Signs and Markings of the
Vengalloor Junction is completed. A four phase signal with
cycle length 95 seconds was provided. Proper road signs and
markings were also provided. It may be concluded that:
Conflict points are reduced.
Shifting of Bus bay to new positions away from
junction reduces the traffic congestion.
 Safe movement of pedestrians across and along the
road is ensured.
With the completion of this project, we were able to study
about and perform designing of traffic control devices. We also
gained knowledge about the Total Station Surveying
Equipment and the latest LISCAD software.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors thanks Dr Gouri Antherjanam, Head of the
Civil Engineering department for the help provided during
preparation of the paper.
REFERENCES
[1] Dr. L.R. Kadiyali, Traffic Engineering and Transportation Planning.
[2] S.K. Khanna & C.E.G. Justo, Highway Engineering.
[3] Dr. Tom V. Mathew, Traffic Systems Engineering.
[4] William R. McShane, Traffic Engineering.
[5] R.J. Salter, Highway Traffic Analysis and Design, McGraw Hill, 1990.
[6] Kannellaiddis G., Aspects of Road Safety Audit, Journal of
Transportation Engineering, ASCE, Nov/Dec 1999, 481-485.
[7] Spring Gary S., Road Safety : Discussion of State of Practice, Journal of
Transportation Engineering, ASCE, May 2005, 329-332.
[8] Codes for Signs (IRC 67-2012) and Markings (IRC 35-2015).
[9] www.wikipedia.com
[10] www.nptel.ac.