Application of AHP and TOPSIS Methods in Selecting a New Road Alignment : A Case Study of Road Line K2 in the Saraburi Comprehensive City Plan

Abstract

This research article aims to select the most suitable route for Road K2 according to the Saraburi Comprehensive City Plan of 2019 by utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) in combination with the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The key factors considered in the study are divided into three main factors: 1.Engineering and Traffic Factors – This factor consists of three sub-factors 2.Investment Factors – This factor includes two sub-factors 3. Environmental and Community Impact Factors – This factor consists of four sub-factors. All factors are assigned weightings using the AHP method, followed by an analysis using the TOPSIS method to rank the suitability of different route alternatives for Road K2. This study has identified three alternative route options:

Alternative Route 1 – The route follows the comprehensive city plan of Saraburi. Alternative Route 2 – The route connects Road Line K2 (Section 1) with Road Line Ng3 near Road Line Ng2, as outlined in the comprehensive city plan of Saraburi. Alternative Route 3 – The route connects Road Line K2 (Section 1) with Road Line Ng3 near Road Line K4, as outlined in the comprehensive city plan of Saraburi. The study results indicate that Alternative Route 2 received the highest score, followed by Alternative Route 3, with Alternative Route 1 ranking the lowest. The results of this study will contribute to the urban development plan of Saraburi, specifically in addressing the issue of missing links in the road network. By evaluating all relevant factors, the proposed route selection will be optimized for efficiency and suitability. However, this study serves as a preliminary assessment and does not yet include in-depth investigations such as evaluating the number of trees requiring compensation, gathering public opinions from affected communities, analyzing the elevation variations of different route options, or assessing future right-of-way expansions. These factors are expected to have some influence on the final study outcomes.