The role of axial weighing stations in solving urban transport problems in Najaf Najaf-Karbala Road Case Study

Abstract

This study examined the significant deterioration of the road network system in Najaf Governorate, particularly following the influx of a large number of vehicles, especially heavy-load cargo trucks, driven by the increasing demand for raw construction materials, economic activities, and trade exchanges. This situation has led to severe damage and destruction of the road network, necessitating constant periodic maintenance across all road categories. Therefore, preserving the network requires adopting effective measures to mitigate the damage caused by overloaded vehicles, which exert excessive axial loads on road infrastructure. This infrastructure demands substantial capital investment for design, construction, and maintenance, rendering the network inefficient, with low performance and limited capacity, in addition to its environmental impacts and increased traffic accidents. Accordingly, this study aims to address this issue, present findings and solutions to relevant authorities, and encourage their adoption to improve the transportation network, ensuring well-paved, smooth, and damage-free roads. This is especially crucial if modern smart technologies and intelligent systems are integrated to mitigate these problems.