A Comprehensive Study on Traffic Accidents and Road Safety at Navale Bridge, Pune

Abstract

Navale Bridge is a vital urban transportation corridor in Pune that experiences high traffic density, recurrent congestion, and a significant number of road traffic accidents. The present study aims to conduct a comprehensive accident assessment of the bridge through systematic analysis of traffic characteristics, geometric design parameters, roadway safety features, and structural components. The research methodology includes primary data collection through site inspections, traffic volume surveys, accident data analysis, and geometric evaluation. Secondary data from relevant authorities and published reports have also been incorporated. Key parameters such as structural configuration, pavement condition, gradient profile, sight distance, shoulder width, and drainage system are examined to evaluate their influence on accident occurrence. The observed parameters are critically compared with standard provisions of the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) and relevant Indian Standards (IS) codes to identify deviations from recommended guidelines. The study further investigates factors such as traffic load intensity, overspeeding on descending gradients, inadequate signage, and roadway geometry contributing to accident frequency. Based on analytical findings, suitable engineering and traffic management measures are proposed to enhance safety performance, improve operational efficiency, and ensure sustainable traffic movement across the bridge.