Evaluation of Acceleration Noise Parameter as a Traffic Flow Performance Indicator for Multi-Lane Urban Highways

This study was conducted to use acceleration noise as an alternative measure to the level of service on multi-lane urban highways located within Kirkuk City. The study provides a simplified and easy way to evaluate the level of service (LOS) instead of the extended methodology proposed by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM-2010). Ten (10) multi-lane urban segments were chosen within the study area for collecting the required field data. Moving Vehicle Method (MVM) with a digital camera equipped with a built-in GPS receiver were utilized to collect field data. Acceleration noise takes the form of an exponential function (y = ex) when associated with traffic flow variables (traffic volume, density, and speed). Final results have revealed that acceleration noise could be used as a surrogate measuring the level of service for multi-lane urban highways within the ranges of the level of service LOS A-LOS C.