Classification of Urban Roads

1. Expressways2. Arterial Streets3. Sub-Arterial Streets4. Collector’s Streets5. Local Streets

Expressways

• For Speedy and heavy traffic• Pedestrians not allowed• Connect main markets, important places• Complete separation of opposite moving traffic by a

divider or median• Level crossings, sharp curves, steep gradients

avoided• Telephone facility, Highway Police, Servicing Stations,

Refreshment Facility available at regular intervals

Arterial Streets

• For the heavy/important traffic inside the city• Usually along the expressways serving as

principal network of traffic flow• Join central business district with outside

residential areas• Parking, loading, unloading prohibited• Pedestrians are allowed to cross only at

intersections

Sub-Arterial Streets

• Less traffic than arterial streets• Pedestrians are allowed to cross only at

intersections• Spacing varies from 0.5 km in central business

areas to 3 to 5 km in residential area.• Parking, loading, unloading usually restricted

and controlled

Collector’s Streets

• Meant for collecting the traffic from local streets to arterial streets

• Full access allowed from properties alongside• Situated in residential, commercial, industrial

areas• Few parking restrictions except for peak hours

Local Streets

• Open access from residents, business or other properties

• Does not carry large volume of traffic• Unrestricted parking and pedestrians allowed

Urban Road Patterns

Rectangular/Block Pattern

Radial (Star) and Block Pattern

Radial (Star) and Circular Pattern

Radial (Star) and Grid Pattern

Hexagonal Pattern

Minimum Travel Pattern

Sr. No. Point of Comparison Roadways Railways

1 Type of traffic Cars, bikes, trucks, lorries, buses, etc. Goods & passenger trains

2 Width of right of way More Less

3 Tractive resistance More Less

4 Special operational devices Not required Required

5 Rate of accidents More Less

6 Cost of Construction & maintenance Low High

7 Suitability to hilly areas Suitable Not suitable

8 Load carrying capacity Low High

9 Distance of travel Short Long

10 Gradients & curves Steep gradients & sharp curves can be provided

Only smooth gradients or curves should be provided

11 Requirement of skilled labour for construction & maintenance Not required Required

Comparison between Roadways & Railways:

Roads becoming Popular…

• 1951- Rail: Road Passenger Transport Proportion was 62:38

• 1981- Rail: Road Passenger Transport Proportion became 20:80

• At a time, Railway needs 2000 tonnes for economical transport

• At a time, Road transport can be a truck or group of many. One truck carries just 10 tonnes.

• Timings in case of Railways are fixed where they are flexible in case of road transport

• The monopoly of Government is not present in Road transport

• Suitable for personal travel• Cost of Construction- Roadways- Rs. 15-25

Lakhs/km, Railways- Rs. 30-60 Lakhs/km• Cost of Maintenance- Roadways- Rs. 10,000 to

15,000 /km, Railways- Rs. 1-2 Lakhs/km.

Roads becoming Popular…