The Guidelines for Policy Development of the Survey, Design, Improvement, and Traffic Problem - Solving on the Highway No.37 Cha-am Bypass (Phetchaburi - Prachuap Khiri Khan)

Abstract

This research aims to 1) study policy formulation and development factors related to the survey, design, improvement, and traffic problem-solving; 2) investigate factors affecting policy development; and 3) propose policy development guidelines for the survey, design, improvement, and traffic problem-solving on highway No. 37. A mixed-method approach was 
employed. Quantitative data were gathered through a questionnaire from 400 highway users and analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. Qualitative data were obtained from 12 key informants, who were stakeholders involved in the policy process of surveying, designing, improving, and solving traffic problems on Highway No. 37. The data were collected through interviews and analyzed using 
content analysis, with the results presented descriptively.
The research results revealed that 1) policy formulation and policy development factors for the survey, design, improvement, and problem solving of traffic were at a high level (𝑥̅=3.88, S.D.=0.84 and 𝑥̅=3.84, S.D.=0.92, respectively), 2) factors influencing policy development for the survey, design, improvement, and problem solving of traffic policy were policy evaluation (X5), policy implementation (X4), and policy approval (X3); yielding a multiple correlation coefficient of 0.875 and a predictive power of 76.60%, resulting in a regression equation Ŷ  = 0.189 + 0.513(X5) + 0.291(X4) + 0.138(X3); and 3) policy development guidelines included: (a) policy 
approval – engaging consulting engineering firms during the traffic survey stage to gather information for planning meetings, policy formulation, and construction design; (b) policy implementation – carrying out the construction of the main elevated roadway and organizing a roundabout traffic system underneath the bridge; and (3) policy evaluation – conducting project inception meetings to assess environmental impacts, electrical systems, and drainage systems.