Urban Elevated Highways in Residential Districts: New Developed Elevated Highways from Residents’ Perspectives

Abstract

The fast growth of megacities population has resulted in severe traffic issues. Developing highway networks is considered as one of the major strategies in Iran’s capital city. However, health, environmental, and social consequences have been observed due to increased motorization and megaconstructions. This study aims to explain how residents perceive the effects of urban elevated highways (UEH) on their quality of life. Therefore, the effects of Sadr highway before and after the double-deck construction are examined via pre- and post-phase assessments. Most studies have focused on the experts’ opinions to investigate the effects of UEHs on the quality of life and place, while more attention is required to residents’ experience and their perception. The methodology includes two steps: (1) identifying the influential factors of qualities of life and place in the context of UEH impacts based on focus group discussions (FGDs), designing a questionnaire as an assessment tool; and (2) surveying to assess the residents’ perceptions regarding the impact of Sadr UEH on their quality of life and place. Results showed that low volume of residents reported life improvements over the development of the UEH, and two criteria of liveability and environmental qualities have been significantly reduced. However, some factors such as branding and private investments have not been reported to be as significant as other qualities. Also, results indicated that two indicators of comfort and place identity are the most influential factors on residents’ perceptions. This research highlights the significance of residents’ opinions and preferences for developing transportation policies.