Impact of road accessibility on urban sprawl in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Rapid urbanization is fueling urban sprawl, which is a growing concern in many parts of the world, including Sri Lanka. The impact of road accessibility on urban sprawl is a topic that has received increasing attention in recent years, but the relationship between the two is still unclear. This study investigated the relationship between road accessibility and urban sprawl in ten towns in Sri Lanka, both within and outside of city limits, using remote sensing and GIS methods. The study discovered a positive link between road accessibility and urban sprawl as measured by betweenness and closeness centrality values. The study also discovered that road infrastructure plays an important role in driving urban growth in Sri Lanka and that investment in road infrastructure can have a significant impact on the spatial distribution of urban sprawl. The findings of this study have important implications for policymakers and urban planners working to promote sustainable and balanced urban development in Sri Lanka and other rapidly urbanizing countries.