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Examine the aerial photograph accompanying this paper - Leaving Cert Geography - Question i - 2008
Question i
Examine the aerial photograph accompanying this paper. (i) Locate two areas where traffic congestion can create problems using the usual notation (e.g. Right Backgr... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Examine the aerial photograph accompanying this paper - Leaving Cert Geography - Question i - 2008
Step 1
Locate two areas where traffic congestion can create problems using the usual notation (e.g. Right Background etc …..)
Answer
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Area 1: Intersection at Right Background
- This area shows multiple roads converging, often leading to a bottleneck during peak hours, as vehicles from various directions attempt to navigate the same intersection.
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Area 2: Parking Lot Overflow at Left Side
- The overflow of parked vehicles spills onto surrounding roads, causing significant delays and restricting smooth traffic flow.
Step 2
Select one area chosen in part (i) and using evidence from the photograph, explain why traffic congestion might occur at that location.
Answer
Selected Area: Intersection at Right Background
Evidence from the aerial photograph shows vehicles queuing at the traffic signals, indicating that traffic often exceeds the intersection's capacity. The convergence of multiple routes adds to the issue, leading to increased stopping time. Additionally, nearby commercial establishments likely generate high vehicle volumes, contributing to the congestion observed.
Step 3
Examine in detail one possible solution to this traffic congestion.
Answer
One effective solution to mitigate traffic congestion at the intersection involves implementing a roundabout. This design allows for continuous traffic flow, reducing the need for stop-and-go conditions at traffic signals.
Benefits of a Roundabout:
- Improved Flow: Vehicles can navigate the intersection without halting, which enhances overall capacity.
- Safety: Roundabouts reduce the likelihood of high-speed collisions as they encourage lower speeds.
- Decreased Delays: With fewer stops, overall travel time is reduced, alleviating congestion during peak hours.
By replacing the traffic signals with a roundabout, traffic management can be significantly improved, benefiting both local commuters and businesses.