Impact of access roads on town planning in bauchi metropolis: An urban development perspective
Abstract
Transportation infrastructure plays a significant role in urban growth and sustainable city evelopment, particularly through the provision of access roads that enhance mobility, accessibility, and socio-economic activities. This study examined the impact of access roads on town planning in Bauchi Metropolis, focusing on urban expansion, transportation efficiency, land use planning, environmental management, and infrastructural development. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, involving fifty (50) respondents drawn from the Bauchi State Physical Planning Development and Control Board (BSPPDCB) under the Ministry of Lands, Bauchi state: and the Ministry of Works in Bauchi State. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies and percentages, as well as regression analysis. The findings revealed that access roads significantly contribute to urban development by improving connectivity, increasing property values, promoting commercial activities, and enhancing accessibility within the metropolis. The study also established a strong relationship between road infrastructure and effective land use planning, as good road networks encourage organized urban expansion and infrastructural growth. Despite these benefits, several challenges affecting sustainable urban planning were identified, including poor road maintenance, traffic congestion, inadequate drainage systems, rapid urbanization, and weak enforcement of planning regulations. These issues continue to hinder effective transportation management and environmental sustainability in Bauchi Metropolis. The study concluded that efficient access road infrastructure is fundamental to sustainable town planning and urban development. It therefore recommended increased government investment in road construction and maintenance, integrated transportation and land use planning, improved drainage systems, and stricter enforcement of urban planning regulations to ensure orderly and sustainable development within the metropolis.