Road hierarchy

A road hierarchy is a system for categorizing <a href="/facts/Road/3aadH4s3">roads</a>. Road networks worldwide are typically organized according to one or more schemes:

<ul><li>Functional classification reflects a road’s intended role, balancing mobility (efficient through movement) and access (reaching properties) by defining a clear hierarchy from <a href="/facts/Arterial_road/4a9AfQ7p">arterials</a> (including <a href="/facts/Limited-access_road/4GMP4AB6">limited-access roads</a> and <a href="/facts/Controlled-access_highway/gaKATAGS">controlled-access highways</a>) to <a href="/facts/Collector_road/6PsYh4FU">collectors</a> and local roads.</li>
<li>Administrative classification mirrors government tiers responsible for funding and maintenance, creating a hierarchy from national to local roads.</li>
<li>Design type classification groups roads by <a href="/facts/Geometric_design_of_roads/4Hn3bmQq">geometric</a> and operational characteristics, such as lane configuration and access control, and does not always form a strict hierarchy.</li></ul>
While conceptually distinct, these classification systems often overlap in practice. Roads of higher administrative status typically serve higher functional roles and follow higher design standards, though exceptions are common. Most countries emphasize either functional or administrative classification for legal and planning purposes, while design standards are applied during implementation.
The related concept of <a href="/facts/Access_management/mPvrJuKT">access management</a> aims to provide access to <a href="/facts/Real_estate/fngFAqrR">land development</a> while ensuring traffic flows freely and safely on surrounding roads.

Road hierarchy open-in-new

Road hierarchy