Road network analysis of connectivity and accessibility indices in Blantyre, Malawi

Abstract

Road network analysis is critical in the development of urban areas as road networks play a significant role in urban economy. This therefore necessitates the need to analyse road networks and their performance to ensure sustainability in the road infrastructure and development at large. In this paper connectivity and accessibility indices were measured within the study area over the past 25 years. Connectivity indices indicated significant changes with the gamma index changing from 43.7% in 1998 to 47.6% in 2023. The beta index increased from 1.26 to 1.36 in the 25-year period. The alpha index made a significant increase from 14.6% in 1998 to 20.5% in 2023. The accessibility indices also made some significant changes with the Shimbel index moving from 95 in 1998 to 85 for the most accessible location. The study offers significant insights into the evolution of Blantyre's urban infrastructure, providing foundation for future planning and development.