Traffic flow characteristics at diverging sections of roads are different from those at mid-block sections on account of the merging and diverging manoeuvres of vehicles. A study was conducted to assess traffic characteristics at diverging sections of four-lane divided urban roads. The objective of the study was to analyse the variations in speed, flow, and headways of vehicles at the diverging sections. A four-lane divided urban road in Kozhikode district, Kerala, India was chosen for the study. Data was collected using video recording and TIRTL at the diverging and mid-block sections for observation stretch of 100 m. Speeds, headways, and traffic volume data were extracted and analysed. During peak and off-peak periods, vehicle speeds reduced by 20–30% and 15–25% respectively. Probability distributions showed that vehicle speeds follow a normal distribution, while headways follow log-normal and GEV distributions. The study site was also modelled using VISSIM, with inputs such as geometric details, speeds, traffic volume, and composition. Various scenarios were analysed to identify the changes in vehicle speeds and headways at the diverging section.