The Role Of Addis Ababa Meskel Square Underground Parking On Traffic Flow

Abstract

The use of underground spaces for parking purposes was the most effective method of improving traffic flow and street congestion in the city. These days, lack of parking spaces is a major challenge in different sub-cities of Addis Ababa affecting traffic flow and causing serious traffic congestion. Therefore, the main objective of this research was to evaluate the role of the newly constructed Meskel Square underground parking facility on traffic flow. The research used both primary and secondary data sources to get both qualitative and quantitative data depending on the objectives selected. To evaluate the role of MSUP facility on traffic flow questionnaires were distributed to sample drivers and interview were conducted to all facility managers/workers. The respondents were asked to evaluate traffic flow conditions and availability of adequate parking lot before and after the construction of the facility and also they evaluated the adequacy and efficiency of the facility. In addition, all facility managers/workers were also interviewed to evaluate traffic flow conditions and availability of parking before and after the construction of the facility, and also evaluated the adequacy and efficiency of the facility. The result of data from the questionnaire was processed using percentages, tables, and figures and described and interpreted in descriptive text, table, and report forms. Analyses of the data from the questionnaire and interview clearlyshowed that there were no adequate parking lot and traffic flow was slow and congested in the area before the construction of the facility and traffic flow has improved after the construction of the facility. In addition, analyses of the data from the drivers and facility managers /workers clearly showed that the facility is providing adequate and efficient parking service to its customers. Therefore, lack of parking lot was one of the main causes of traffic flow and congestion problem in the Meskel Square area. Thus, traffic flow improvement in the area after the construction of the MSUP facility clearly showed that the facility has improved traffic flow and has played its role to improve traffic flow in the area. Furthermore, the research recommended that future utilization of underground parking lots and other urban underground infrastructures improves traffic flow, traffic congestion, frees up above ground spaces for other purposes and reduces overcrowdings and pollution in a city.