Transport Infrastructure Investment and Urban Spatial Development Patterns in Kano Metropolitan Area

Transport infrastructure investment fundamentally shapes urban spatial structure by altering accessibility differentials and stimulating development along improved corridors. This study empirically analyses the relationship between transport infrastructure investments and urban spatial development patterns in Kano Metropolitan Area from 2015 to 2024. A longitudinal research design combines satellite imagery-based land use change analysis with a quasi-experimental estimation of development intensity responses to completed road upgrade projects. GIS-based accessibility change calculations quantify shifts in relative location advantage before and after major transport investments. Spatial econometric regression models examine whether transport accessibility improvements predict new building activity, controlling for existing density, planning designation, and socioeconomic gradients. Data sources include NBS construction activity statistics, Kano State transport ministry project records, and WorldPop population distribution data. Findings are expected to document corridor-following development responses to major road upgrades, with particular intensity at intermediate nodes where improved roads intersect with existing commercial strips. The study identifies cases where transport investment in poorly serviced peripheral areas has stimulated unplanned informal development rather than planned formal growth. Recommendations address integration of land use planning and transport investment programming in Kano, development corridor zoning frameworks that proactively manage development triggered by transport improvements, and transport impact assessments as prerequisites for all major urban road investments. Keywords: Transport infrastructure, Urban spatial development, Kano, Corridor development, Spatial econometrics.