Santa _Marta _intersections_data

Description

The dataset includes: (1) vehicle counts by type (taxis, cars, intermediate buses, minibuses, C-2P, C-2G, C-3-4 trucks and motorcycles), classified into legal and illegal maneuvers with respect to the traffic light phase; (2) geometric measurements of cross section (lane width, central dividers, number of lanes per approach); (3) records of traffic light times per phase and per approach; and (4) quantification of conflict points (divergence, convergence and crossings) according to the standard methodology for four-branch intersections.

Steps to reproduce

This quantitative field-observation study evaluated traffic operations and safety at six key signalized intersections in Santa Marta, Colombia. The scope comprised five standard 4-leg intersections and one complex 6-leg intersection (Av. Ferrocarril – Av. Libertador), which required customized protocol adaptations.2. Sampling & Data Collection ProtocolFieldwork was conducted in May 2025 using a stratified sampling approach across three peak windows (AM, Midday, and PM). The 2-hour window yielding the highest traffic volume at each location was selected for definitive analysis. Field personnel executed three concurrent tasks:Traffic Volume & Behavioral Counts: Manual tallies categorized by eight vehicle types (taxis, automobiles, intermunicipal buses, midsize buses, C-2P, C-2G, C-3-4 trucks, and motorcycles). Movements were recorded by direction (thru, right, left, U-turn, illegal variants) and compliance (legal green-phase vs. illegal red-phase entries). Right turns on red were noted as legal unless explicitly prohibited by signage (per Art. 118, Law 769/2002).Signal Timing Inventory: Manual stop-watch recording of green and red phase durations per approach.Geometric Mapping: Field measurements of road/median widths, lane configurations, bus stops, parking zones, and visual estimations of longitudinal slopes.3. Traffic Conflict Analysis & Data ProcessingField data was digitized in MS Excel and cross-referenced with July 2025 Google Street View imagery for spatial verification. Theoretical conflict points for an $N$-leg intersection were calculated using standard traffic engineering formulas:$$\text{Divergences} = N(N-2)$$$$\text{Convergences} = N(N-2)$$$$\text{Crossings} = \frac{N}{2} \cdot \frac{(N-1)(N-2)}{6}$$For standard 4-leg nodes ($N=4$), this yields 32 theoretical conflict points (8 divergences, 8 convergences, and 16 crossings).To isolate high-risk behavior and prioritize safety interventions, conflict diagrams were compiled into four distinct versions per intersection:All Vehicles – Legal ManeuversAll Vehicles – Illegal ManeuversMotorcycles Only – Legal ManeuversMotorcycles Only – Illegal Maneuvers4. Quality Control & Methodological LimitationsOperational Safety: Data collectors wore reflective vests, occupied non-disruptive roadside vantage points, and completed a pilot testing session to calibrate timing and classification criteria.Study Limitations: The protocol excluded structural pavement evaluations, climate controls, and deep historical crash data. Slope percentages were visually estimated rather than instrumentally measured. Crucially, the 6-leg intersection required non-standard adaptations of the base 4-leg conflict analysis framework.

Institutions

• Universidad Cooperativa de Colombia

  Bogota D.C., Bogotá

Categories

Licence