Why Interchanges Don't Solve the Traffic Problem
Translated from Russian with the help of AI. Original: Russian version
Building large interchanges does not cure urban congestion, because extra capacity in one place simply moves traffic to the next bottleneck. The author argues that cities need a comprehensive approach built on public transport, polycentric development and smart traffic management.
Many people believe that building large interchanges solves the problem of urban congestion. This is a misconception. The bottleneck effect shows that increasing capacity on one stretch of road only brings traffic to the next narrow point faster, creating even worse jams.
In European cities, where massive interchanges are absent, congestion is tackled differently:
- Developing public transport: Investment in comfortable, efficient modes of transport reduces the number of private cars on the roads.
- Polycentric development: Creating several centers of attraction within a city eases the load on the main arteries.
- Smart traffic management: Using modern technology to regulate traffic flows.
Traffic congestion requires a comprehensive approach, not simply more road infrastructure. Understanding this is the first step toward a truly comfortable and mobile city.