Traffic Management and Control along Owerri-Port Harcourt Road, Imo State, Nigeria: An Evaluation of Challenges and Strategic Interventions

Abstract

Urban traffic congestion remains one of the most persistent transport challenges confronting
developing cities. The Owerri–Port Harcourt Road corridor, one of southeastern Nigeria’s busiest
urban arterials, experiences chronic congestion and safety concerns. This study investigates the
causes, effects, and management strategies of traffic congestion along this corridor, with a view to
recommending sustainable traffic control measures. Primary data were collected through
structured questionnaires administered to road users, commercial drivers, and traffic officers,
supplemented by field observations. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were applied to
evaluate the relationships between traffic volume, road infrastructure, and management efficiency.
The findings revealed that inadequate road design, weak enforcement of traffic regulations,
roadside trading, and poor drainage systems contribute significantly to traffic delays and accidents.
The study recommends a comprehensive traffic management system incorporating intelligent
transport technologies (ITS), improved road infrastructure, and coordinated institutional
frameworks for sustainable urban mobility in Owerri.