Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology

ISSN No:-2456-2165

Review of Road Network Design:

A Case Study of Kiri Kasama LGA – Jigawa State
1 2
Pwaviron Kennedy Gambiye Aliyu Yazid
School of Engineering Department of Civil Engineering Department of Civil Engineering Modibbo Adama
Adamawa State Polytechnic University Adamawa State.
3
Emmanuel Nicholas Jesman
Department of Physical Planning and Development University of Abuja

Abstract:- This paper presents a comprehensive review The process of road network design involves various
of road network design, focusing on Kiri Kasama Local considerations, including traffic flow, safety, environmental
Government Area in Jigawa State as the case study. The impact, land use, and future growth projections. It requires a
study highlights the importance of a well-planned road multidisciplinary approach, involving urban planners, civil
network in enhancing economic growth, social engineers, transportation experts, and other stakeholders, to
connectivity, and overall quality of life. It discusses the create a comprehensive and integrated system that meets the
multidisciplinary approach involved in road network diverse needs of a community.
design and emphasizes the integration of sustainable and
environmentally friendly practices. Additionally, the An effective road network design incorporates
paper explores the impact of technology and emerging elements such as road layout, intersection design, lane
trends on road network design, emphasizing the need for configurations, signage, and traffic control devices. It aims
efficient, sustainable, and adaptable transportation to optimize the flow of traffic, reduce congestion, minimize
systems. The research methodology involves the use of travel times, and enhance safety for all road users, including
Quantum GIS (QGIS) for designing the road network in pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists. The functions of a road
Kiri Kasama. The results and discussion section present network extend beyond just transportation, encompassing
the step-by-step process of the design method, social and economic aspects as well (Wanda et al., 2020).
highlighting the key considerations and decisions made.
The conclusion emphasizes the importance of Additionally, the design of a road network must
account for sustainable and environmentally friendly
establishing connecting links between wards for future
development in the area. practices. This includes considering factors like reducing
carbon emissions, promoting public transportation,
The design of a road network is crucial for the encouraging active modes of transportation, and integrating
development and sustainability of modern cities and green infrastructure, such as bike lanes, pedestrian-friendly
transportation systems. This section highlights the sidewalks, and tree-lined streets.
significance of a well-planned road network in
facilitating the efficient movement of people and goods, Furthermore, the rapid advancement of technology and
contributing to economic growth, social connectivity, the rise of smart cities have introduced new opportunities
and overall quality of life. It emphasizes the and challenges in road network design. Intelligent
multidisciplinary approach and the integration of transportation systems, data analytics, and real-time
sustainable practices in road network design. monitoring tools enable better management of traffic flows,
Furthermore, it discusses the impact of technology and improved safety measures, and enhanced decision-making
emerging trends on shaping the future of road network for urban planners.
design. In this era of urbanization and growing population,
Keywords:- Road network design, sustainable road network design plays a pivotal role in shaping the future
transportation, multidisciplinary approach, technology, of our cities. By focusing on efficiency, sustainability,
Quantum GIS. safety, and adaptability, we can create road networks that not
only meet the present needs but also serve as a foundation
I. INTRODUCTION for the evolving transportation demands of tomorrow.

The design of a road network is a crucial component in The following sections will explore the various aspects
the development and sustainability of modern cities and of road network design, including its influence on urban
transportation systems. A well-planned road network not development, topological characteristics, classification of
only facilitates the efficient movement of people and goods transport networks, and the importance of accessibility and
but also contributes to economic growth, social connectivity, mobility in land use integration.
and overall quality of life. The poor state of roads in Nigeria
hasn't seen much change or improvement, if any, over the
past few decades despite government efforts and promises,
highlighting the urgent need for attention to the
transportation network in the country. (Wanda et al., 2020)

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
A. Road Network and its Characteristics  Economic: Road networks connect geographic locations
A Road by itself is simply a line connecting two points. and facilitate the transport and movement of people,
If an area is crossed by many roads, they form a road goods, and services, thereby enhancing the welfare of
network. Road networks are an integral part of any human individuals and promoting economic growth (Slack,
settlement, facilitating the movement of people, goods, and 2013).
information. The structural arrangement of a road network  Mobility: The function of a road network is to facilitate
can have a profound impact on its performance, mobility, movement from one area to another, determining the
and access to critical infrastructure (Gift Dumedah et al., accessibility of an urban area. It plays a crucial role in
2021). urban environments to facilitate mobility and is closely
tied to public transport options (Slack, 2013).
Transport networks can be classified into specific
categories depending on a set of topological attributes that D. Road Network Design and its Impact
describe them. This allows for the establishment of a basic Transportation plays a vital role in economic
topology of transport networks that relates to their development, improving the standard of living, and
geographical setting, as well as their modal and structural enhancing productivity. Well-planned transportation
characteristics (Daful et al., 2016). systems contribute to the efficiency of movement and the
availability of a good transport network. Integrating land use
Networks, such as road networks, can possess different with various transport networks is essential for ensuring
structural properties, displaying both topological and accessibility and connecting people with opportunities
geometric variations. The arrangement and connectivity of (Daful et al., 2016). Furthermore, transportation directly
nodes and links of a network are referred to as its topology. influences urban development and the spatial distribution of
Geometric attributes such as spacing, shape, orientation, opportunities. Integrated transport planning strategies,
density, and geometric patterns may also be introduced at a considering accessibility, are crucial for shaping the
higher level of complexity (Feng Xie et al., 2007). development and spatial distribution of opportunities in new
areas (Enisan & Agbaje, 2022).
B. Types of Road Networks
There are different types of networks, such as: However, designing a road network comes with
 Road Network – a series of interconnected roads. They challenges such as adverse weather conditions, human
cover an area and connect a number of destinations. errors, technological breakdowns, and environmental issues.
 3-dimensional network – a road network in which the These disruptions impact traffic flow, emergency
individual links have been defined (and perhaps management, and overall economic and social well-being.
constructed) in terms of a hierarchy of functions (see also Despite these challenges, road network design also provides
“road hierarchy”). Also known as a function-based opportunities for innovation and improvement in traffic
network. management, safety measures, and decision-making
 2-dimensional or “flat” network – a road network in processes (Gauthier et al., 2018; Shi et al., 2019).
which the individual links have not been defined in terms
of any hierarchy of functions. Not unusual for cycle or Road network operations encompass a strategic
pedestrian networks methodology aimed at optimizing efficiency on both current
 Broken Network – a network in which the links are not and future road infrastructure. At a tactical level, this
all contiguous; a network to which not all destinations approach involves enhancing operational practices to
have a connection. achieve objectives such as minimizing traffic delays and
 Vehicle-based network – a network specific to a operating in a consistently efficient manner on a daily basis.
particular type of “vehicle”, for example pedestrians or Consequently, the research aims to develop an optimal road
cyclists, or handicapped users. network design that spans the entirety of the Kiri Kasama
 Purpose-Based network – a network specific to a Local Government Area, which will aid in proactively
particular type of purpose, such as scenic networks, farm- planning and managing traffic flows in real-time, as well as
to-market networks, emergency service networks etc. provide timely and consistent information to road users
 Scalar Network – a road network which is contiguous regarding the current traffic conditions.
regardless of the scale of magnification under which it is
The lack of essential infrastructure, particularly
being observed.
accessible roads, presents a significant challenge for rural
C. Functions of Road Networks farmers and communities in Nigeria. This absence of
The road network serves multiple functions that motorable roads hampers the ability of farmers in these areas
contribute to social, economic, and mobility aspects: to access markets and sell their produce. Despite their
 Social: The road network facilitates the movement of diligent efforts to make a living through farming, this
people for social interaction and connectivity of isolated infrastructure deficit poses a major obstacle. Additionally,
local communities with public transport. It connects the inaccessibility of roads for rural communities not only
remote communities with areas where employment hinders the provision of essential services such as education
options are more concentrated and services and facilities and information but also undermines the sustainability and
are readily available (Slack, 2013). growth of local enterprises. Consequently, there is a pressing
need for the establishment of a well-designed road network

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
to address these challenges and facilitate overall III. KIRI KASAMA LOCAL GOVERNMENT
development in these areas. AREA

Furthermore, the absence of a road network in rural Kiri kasama is a local government area of Jigawa State,
areas creates a significant barrier to socio-economic its headquarter is a town of Kirikasama, it lies on latitude
development and contributes to poverty. The lack of 1241’33”N and longitude 1015’16”E and has an area of
infrastructure deprives community members of access to 797 kilometre square of the population of 191,523 at the
basic goods and services, further exacerbating their 2006 population census.
disadvantaged situation. Consequently, the establishment of
a road network is crucial in alleviating these challenges, This section provides an overview of the study area,
enabling improved socio-economic conditions, and Jigawa State, and focuses on Kiri Kasama Local
providing opportunities for growth and prosperity within Government Area. It highlights the geographical location,
rural communities. size, and population of the area, emphasizing the need for a
well-designed road network to address the challenges faced
II. STUDY AREA by rural communities in terms of accessibility to markets,
essential services, and socio-economic development.
The study area is Kiri Kasama Local Government Area
in Jigawa State. Jigawa State was created on 27th August
1991 from Kano State by the reign of General Ibrahim
Babangida, its capital is Dutse, Jigawa is situated in Central
Northern Nigeria. Jigawa State covers 23,154 square
kilometers and lies between latitude 11.000N to 13.000N
and longitude 8.000E to 10.150E. Jigawa State shares a
common border with Kano and Katsina States to the West
and to the South East, Yobe and Republic of Niger to the
North.

Fig. 1: Map of Jigawa State

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig. 2: Map of Kiri Kasama L.G.A Jigawa State

IV. RESEARCH METHOD the Scale level under consideration), first and second level
nodes are selected and indicated on the map.
Designing Kiri Kasama Road network using QGIS
(Quantum GIS) involves several steps, including data  Step 3: Design Desired Connections
preparation, network analysis, and visualization. Here’s a The desired connections (heart-to-heart) are drawn on
general outline of the process: the map, according to the following rules:
 First connect first-level nodes.
A. The Design Method Step by Step  And connections to second-level nodes.
 Applying the design method results in designs for the
collective and individual distinguished networks for each  Step 4: Design the Ideal Network
scale level and the interchange points where the networks This is the most difficult and intuitive stage in the design
are connected. method. The existing situation was ignored. The desired
 Every network at every scale level is designed connections translated into an efficient network with the
independently, thereby ensuring that each network is right density. The access points put in the right place.
optimally geared towards its function. Possibly, in a later
state of the design process, some of the connections from  Step 5: Assess Current Network
different scale levels will be combined on one route, or The ideal network differs from the existing network in
even on one road or railway line. several aspects:
 However, it is a conscious choice, a trade-off between the  The connections that have been included
advantages and disadvantages of combining functions on  The major traffic flows (which have implications for the
that particular connection. Because the situation of the layout of the interchanges of roads)
access points for the collective systems is much more  Step 5 has been included to assess how much of the
important than for the individual systems, the collective existing network meets the requirements set by the
network for a scale level is always designed before the method.
individual network.  This was done by looking at the existing connections
that would most likely serve as a connection in the ideal
 Step 1: Distinguish Urbanization Levels (Urban/Rural) network.
The edges of urban areas provide good locations for  The information gathered can be used in a later stage,
intermodal transfer points, so the border between urban and when deciding which part of the ideal network is given
rural area must be indicated on the map for later use. up in order to create a feasible network or to establish
which parts of the network should be adapted first.
 Step 2: Define the Hierarchy of Cities and Towns
In this step, the rule of thumb for the number and size This section outlines the research methodology
of the nodes (cities and towns) the network meant to connect employed in designing the road network for Kiri Kasama
was used to define which towns should be accessible via the using Quantum GIS (QGIS). It presents a step-by-step
network, and in what order of importance. In doing so (for process, including data preparation, network analysis, and

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165
visualization. The design method is explained, emphasizing V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
the distinction between urban and rural areas, the hierarchy
of cities and towns, and the desired connections. It discusses This section presents the results of the road network
the assessment of the existing network and the importance design for Kiri Kasama using the QGIS methodology. It
of adapting the ideal network to create a feasible and realistic discusses the key decisions made at each step of the design
road network design. process, including the distinction between urban and rural
areas, the hierarchy of cities and towns, and the desired
connections. The existing network is compared to the ideal
network, highlighting the areas that require adaptation and
improvement. The discussion emphasizes the need for
connecting links between wards to facilitate future
development in the area.

Fig. 3: Map showing various ward as nodes and their level of concentration

Fig. 4: Map showing level of concentration and ideal road network design in progress

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig. 5: Map showing level of concentration and ideal road network design in progress

Fig. 6: Map showing existing road network of Kiri Kasama LGA Jigawa State

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

Fig.7.0: Map showing final design of realistic I2 network Kiri Kasama LGA Jigawa State

Fig. 7: Map showing final design of realistic I2 network Kiri Kasama LGA Jigawa State

Fig. 8: Map showing final design of ideal road network Kiri Kasama LGA Jigawa State

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Volume 8, Issue 7, July 2023 International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology
ISSN No:-2456-2165

VI. CONCLUSION

From observation there is no existing connecting link

between some wards therefore some extension route
networks should be provided for future development of Kiri
Kasama Local Government Area, Jigawa State as shown in
the final design of realistic network map.

The conclusion summarizes the findings of the study

and emphasizes the importance of a well-designed road
network for the future development of Kiri Kasama LGA,
Jigawa State. It highlights the need for establishing
connecting links between wards to address the challenges
faced by rural communities and promote socio-economic
growth. The conclusion also emphasizes the significance of
efficient, sustainable, and adaptable road networks in shaping
the future of transportation systems.

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