Cost–Benefit Analysis of Unconventional Arterial Intersection Designs: Cairo as a Case Study

Abstract

Due to their innovative treatment, Unconventional Arterial Intersection Designs (UAIDs) have been developed to alleviate congestion at conventional signalized intersections, in an effort towards the sustainable development of crowded capitals. A methodological framework for economic assessment, however, has not been investigated properly for such designs, particularly under mixed traffic environments. This article aims to outline a methodological framework that can be followed for the socio-economic assessment of such designs. A cost–benefit analysis approach was developed to figure out the different determinants of costs and benefits of an overpass interchange (as a widespread treatment) and two selected UAIDs (as alternative measures). The two studied UAID schemes in this article are Continuous Flow Intersection (CFI) and Restricted Crossing U-Turn (RCUT). Seeking credible results, a set of three signalized intersections in downtown Cairo, Egypt was selected as a proof-of-concept for the developed method. PTV-VISSIM, a simulation-based platform, was utilized to estimate the benefits gained by road users. Our research objectives were to identify, evaluate, and compare the economic feasibility of the different alternatives. Compared to the overpass intersection, we found that the CFI and RCUT designs ensure higher economic efficiency, while mitigating congestion at conventional signalized intersections under heterogeneous traffic conditions.

Socio-Economic Indicators and their Impact on Sustainable Economic Development: An In-depth Analysis of Egypt

“…Empirical studies on Egypt, while fewer in number, have contributed to the global dialogue on socio-economic indicators and economic development. Roudi-Fahimi and Moghadam (2003) have explored demographic trends in the country (Roudi-Fahimi and Moghadam, 2003), (Lokshin et al, 2010) and (Shokry et al, 2022), offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities posed by population dynamics. Nevertheless, there remains a notable gap in the literature regarding the specific impact of life expectancy, labor force dynamics, and other socio-economic indicators on Egypt's sustainable economic development.…”