Influence of Road Design Features on Commercial Property Values: Evidence from Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

This study examined how road design influences the market value of commercial properties along Peter Odili Road, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Peter Odili Road is a major commercial corridor in Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and provides a useful context for examining how road design influences commercial property values.  A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to a census of business owners and tenants drawn from 70 corridor-facing buildings (N = 140), while qualitative insight was obtained through semi-structured interviews with estate surveyors/valuers (N = 5) and residents (N = 5). Descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages, and mean scores) were used for survey analysis, and thematic analysis was applied to interview data; findings were integrated through triangulation to enhance credibility. Results show that road design is widely perceived as a meaningful determinant of commercial property value, with all assessed features rated positively (mean range = 3.50–3.97). Accessibility to key areas was rated most influential, followed by traffic flow efficiency and the presence of service roads, while signage and safety features recorded the lowest—though still positive. Most respondents rated the influence of Peter Odili Road’s design on property values as moderate to very strong and reported slight to significant increases in market value following road improvements, with no significant decreases recorded. Interview findings reinforced these patterns, linking value gains to improved connectivity, reduced congestion, and better circulation for customers and deliveries. The study concludes that commercial property value gains are most likely when road projects prioritize accessibility and mobility performance and are supported by access management, drainage, routine maintenance, and coordinated land-use controls, consistent with urban land and hedonic valuation perspectives. These findings provide practical guidance for integrating transportation upgrades with urban development and real estate investment decisions in rapidly growing cities.