2025, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

Traffic congestion is one of the major urban problems affecting the quality of life, mobility, and economic productivity in cities. Kufa, a historic and rapidly growing city in Iraq, has witnessed increasing levels of traffic congestion due to population growth, urban expansion, and limited infrastructure capacity. This study aims to analyze the spatial and temporal patterns of traffic congestion in Kufa through a geographical approach. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spatial analysis, and field surveys were employed to identify congestion hotspots, assess the role of infrastructure, and examine socio-economic factors influencing mobility. The results revealed significant congestion zones at Imam Ali Bridge, the entrance of Maysan neighborhood, near Al-Sahla Mosque, Al-Najaf–Kufa road from Ibn Bilal Hospital to the University of Kufa, near Kufa Mosque, Al-Jisr Street, Al-Sikka Street, and the beginning of Al-Matar Street. Congestion was strongly associated with population density, institutional concentration, and commercial activity. The study concludes with practical recommendations to improve traffic management, including enhancing public transportation, optimizing road networks, and integrating sustainable mobility strategies.