Course Modules

Module 1: Fundamentals of Urban Road Network Planning

• Components and functions of an urban road network

• Road hierarchy: arterials, collectors, and local roads

• Connectivity, accessibility, and mobility metrics

• Planning principles and stakeholder roles

• Exercise: Classify roads in a sample urban area

Module 2: Land Use and Transportation Integration

• Relationship between land use and transportation demand

• Urban growth patterns and network requirements

• Zoning, mixed-use development, and accessibility

• Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles

• Case Study: Land use and road demand analysis

Module 3: Data Collection and Traffic Analysis Techniques

• Traffic volume counts and origin-destination surveys

• Use of GPS, mobile data, and cameras in traffic monitoring

• Speed-flow relationships and capacity analysis

• Travel demand forecasting techniques

• Activity: Analyze and visualize urban traffic flow using collected data

Module 4: Network Design Principles and Geometric Standards

• Road alignment, cross-section, and right-of-way design

• Junction design (intersections, roundabouts, interchanges)

• Non-motorized transport (NMT) considerations

• Design manuals and local/national standards

• Simulation: Designing a corridor layout for an urban road

Module 5: Multimodal and Inclusive Mobility Planning

• Accommodating public transport, cycling, and walking

• First- and last-mile connectivity

• Gender-responsive and inclusive road design

• Integration of BRT, light rail, and shared mobility

• Group Task: Design a multimodal network for a city subzone

Module 6: GIS and Spatial Planning Tools for Road Networks

• Use of GIS in urban network analysis and planning

• Layers: land use, traffic, population, and accessibility

• Network modeling and connectivity analysis

• Creating thematic maps for decision-making

• Hands-on Exercise: Build and analyze a road network using GIS

Module 7: Urban Road Safety and Environmental Considerations

• Common urban road hazards and safety assessment tools

• Safe system approach and Vision Zero principles

• Environmental impact of road networks

• Stormwater management, greening, and climate resilience

• Case Study: Urban road redesign for safety and sustainability

Module 8: Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) and Smart Roads

• Urban traffic control systems and sensors

• Traffic signal coordination and adaptive control

• Smart parking and real-time traffic management

• ITS in congestion management and enforcement

• Simulation: Deploy a simple ITS concept for a congested area

Module 9: Legal, Policy, and Institutional Frameworks

• Urban transport policies and regulatory environment

• Institutional roles in planning, funding, and implementation

• Public engagement and participatory planning

• PPP models and municipal planning approvals

• Exercise: Draft a policy recommendation for integrated road planning

Module 10: Case Studies and Final Project Presentation

• Global best practices in urban road network planning

• Challenges in African and emerging city contexts

• Urban transformation through infrastructure investments

• Final Group Project: Present a comprehensive urban road network plan for a selected city zone