The Star Rating of an Urban Arterial Road using IRAP methodology

Abstract

The study provides the iRAP methodology that has recently been developed to assess road attributes in Pakistan to enhance safety levels and address safety issues. This methodology is being used to reduce the number of fatal traffic accidents and improve traffic safety through a five-star rating system. The iRAP methodology uses a road protection score (RPS) for all road users, reflecting the safety-affecting road attributes, to develop a safer road investment plan. Road users encompass vehicle occupants, bicycles, and pedestrians. A comprehensive field survey and ViDA Software's star rating Excel sheets were used to evaluate road attributes on a 30-km road section from Faisal Mover’s terminal, Islamabad, to Roomi Park, Islamabad. The majority of the sections of the road have been found to have one or two-star ratings, indicating a deficiency in road safety. The study revealed a notable risk across all road sections due to poorly planned intersections and inadequate sight distance, which are indicators of implementing safer road investment plans to enhance safety precautions and improve the star rating of roadways.