Area-Specific Traffic Peak Hour Timing Using Traffic Signal Detectors: A Case Study of Qatar

Abstract

This case study addresses peak hour traffic timing in Qatar after COVID-19 as traffic conditions returned to normal. Traffic data were provided for multiple areas, mainly around Doha City. Flow data were obtained from traffic signal detectors for 318 intersections. The peak periods in morning, mid-day, and evening were 06:30 am–08:30 am, 12:30 pm–2:30 pm, and 5:15 pm–7:15 pm, respectively. These findings align with the Ministry of Transport’s state-wide study (Transportation Masterplan for Qatar, 2018). We found traffic in Qatar to differ on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday versus the rest of the week due to the weekend effect. Results offer useful insights for policymakers to reduce congestion and provide complex traffic solutions (e.g., understanding land use–specific peak hour timing, imposing zone-specific working hours). In addition, this case study highlights the potential to use existing infrastructure to expand traffic studies in Qatar at minimum cost.