ANALYSIS OF TRAFFIC FLOW, CAPACITY, AND LEVEL OF SERVICE ON THE RING ROAD FORMED BY LUIS ANGEL LEON ROMAN AVENUE, ARIZAGA AVENUE, 25 DE JUNIO AVENUE, AND ALEJANDRO CASTRO BENITES AVENUE

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the capacity and level of service of the ring road in Machala. To achieve this, vehicle traffic counts were conducted at strategic points with high traffic density, with the purpose of collecting accurate data on vehicle volume, classification, and flow variability throughout the day. The methodology used was based on the Manual de Capacidad y Niveles de Servicio para Vías Multicarril (Capacity and Level of Service Manual for Multilane Highways), and the results were validated using calculation tools from the Instituto Nacional de Vías (National Institute of Roads).
The findings reveal that Luis Angel Leon Roman Avenue, 25 de Junio Avenue, and Arizaga Avenue exhibit levels of service A and B, indicating stable flow with minimal disruptions to mobility. In contrast, Alejandro Castro Benites Avenue showed higher levels of congestion, reaching vehicle density values corresponding to levels of service C and B, which implies reduced speeds and limitations in traffic fluidity. In conclusion, the results highlight the need to optimize road infrastructure and traffic management on the Machala ring road. Improvements to intersections and regulation of vehicular flow are recommended as key strategies to achieve more efficient, fluid, and safe mobility in the city.