Traffic Emissions due to Changes in Road Layout in Developing Township Related to Double Track Rail Project Constructions

Abstract

Traffic emissions in developing townships are less studied compared to major townships and cities. The Electrified Double-Track Project (EDTP) rail line is a linear project traversing from south to north of peninsular Malaysia. Construction of this line has somewhat affected the traffic flow in terms of delay and congestion, affecting traffic-related emissions. A study on the emission fluctuations due to traffic flow changes during the electrified double-track rail line construction was carried out in Parit Buntar, a developing township north of Peninsular Malaysia. Currently, not many primary study reports furnish insights into the effect of the project’s construction phase. Sidra 6.1 were used to estimate the traffic flow delay and level of service (LOS) at signalised intersections from traffic surveys of six intersections. These inputs were also used to estimate the fuel consumption and cost of fuel consumption for all three stages of emission contribution, namely before construction, during construction, and after construction (commissioning phase). The respective fuel consumption (L/hr.) before the construction, during construction, and post-construction were (437, 174, and 198) at J1, (-, 1650, and 264) at J2, (475, 2429, and 2384) at J3, (332, 336, and 261) at J4, and (206, 13996, and 452) at J5. This study found that a proper signal phasing post construction has improved delay time and traffic emission. The findings should be relevant for researchers interested in the emissions within the developing townships, especially in enhancing road layouts for the sustainability of life and well-being in the local and broader contexts.