DETERMINANTS CONTRIBUTE TO TRAFFIC CONGESTION AND SOLUTIONS: THE CASE OF TUARAN BYPASS AND SULAMAN KKIP ROAD NETWORKS IN KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

Abstract

In Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, traffic congestion is a major issue, particularly on the Tuaran Bypass and Sulaman KKIP road networks. The purpose of this study was to identify the causes of traffic congestion and propose solutions to the problem. A survey distributed online to commuters between January 10, 2023 and February 8, 2023 collected the data. SPSS 28 was used to analyse a total of 1,136 complete responses. Poor road conditions, inadequate lanes, and ineffective traffic management were determined to be the primary contributors, with mean scores of 4.81, 4.67, and 4.51, respectively. Other significant factors include bottlenecks/poor geometry (4.56 mean value), a poor signalling system (4.18 mean value), new development projects (4.20 mean value), and inclement weather (4.20 mean value) (mean value of 4.07). The study also identified potential solutions, with road widening being the most popular (mean value of 4.70 and 81.6% of respondents strongly agreeing). Significant support was also provided for nighttime road improvements and construction (mean value 4.45), improved road safety (mean value 4.43), and public transit quality (4.29). Carpooling, on the other hand, received less support, with a mean score of 3.47, indicating the need to investigate additional alternatives. Overall, the study indicates that physical infrastructure solutions, construction practise improvements, safety enhancements, and public transportation can effectively reduce traffic congestion.