Intersection type selection in urban road networks with AHP method

Intersections are critical points within transportation networks where traffic flows from different directions merge, diverge (weave), or cross. Due to the increasing complexity of urban traffic and rising congestion levels, intersection-related problems continue to be a major concern for transportation planners and engineers. The primary objective of intersection design is to enhance both pedestrian and vehicular safety by either eliminating or strategically relocating conflict points within the intersection area. A well-designed intersection should not only minimize traffic delays and improve safety but also optimize traffic capacity and reduce environmental impacts such as fuel consumption and emissions. The selection of an appropriate intersection type is a complex decision-making process involving multiple factors. Traffic delay, safety performance, capacity, construction and operational costs, and environmental impacts must be carefully analyzed. However, when these criteria are evaluated independently, they may yield conflicting results, making it challenging to reach a comprehensive and objective conclusion during the design phase. To address this issue, this study employs multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods to systematically and balancedly evaluate different intersection alternatives. In this context, a case study was conducted for the University Intersection in Denizli, where traffic data were collected and analyzed. Various intersection configurations—including roundabout, signalized roundabout, signalized intersection, stop-controlled intersection, and grade-separated intersection—were modeled using Sidra Intersection software. The data obtained from these models, such as traffic delay, construction cost, fuel consumption, and traffic safety indicators, were systematically evaluated using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The study aims to integrate these quantitative assessments to determine the most suitable intersection type, balancing operational efficiency, safety, and economic feasibility. KEYWORDS: Analytical Hierarchy Process, Intersection, Type selection, Multi-Criteria Evaluation, Decision Support System