Assessing and Explaining Road Network Performance in Data-scarce Contexts: The Case of the Constantine Metropolis in Eastern Algeria

Abstract Accurately assessing transport network performance in developing countries is a challenging task due to the lack of reliable data. This article proposes an operational approach to evaluate the performance of the road network using an accessibility-based method. It examines both the topological and economic dimensions of the network by applying graph theory and conducting a road traffic survey to assess temporal accessibility. In parallel, the analysis incorporates the urban structure and the spatial positioning of cities to explain variations in accessibility and network performance between off-peak and peak hours. The results reveal that Constantine’s Road network has a radio-concentric structure that requires reconfiguration into a more reticular layout, in line with the increasingly polycentric form of the metropolis. These findings can support more informed urban planning decisions, which are essential for improving the daily transport services for both local and non-local users.