A Guide to Driving in America
Road Classification Definitions
Road Classification Definitions
Interstate Highways If travelling from Europe you will notice that Interstate Highways are the same by definition and in practise as the motorways in the UK, autobahns in Germany, and autoroutes in France. Interstate highways are generally divided (similar to dual carriageways), with access through ramps (the same as slip roads) with usually two lanes and both sides of the road containing a hard shoulder.
All of the major interstate highways that run from the south to the north are allocated an odd number and the ones from east to west are given an even number, and are categorized with the letter I being used, for example I-8 or I-47 and so forth.
US Highways US Highways are regarded as important national trunk routes. US Highways can vary in standard from divided highways with access roads with four lanes of traffic, to dual carriageway style roads without access roads, and two lane roads. Most of the US Highways have hard shoulders. US Highways are usually defined as US30, US180, etc, with compass directions ifdefined as such,for example US32 West or US32 East.
State Highways State Highways can range in standard from trunk roads of importance to less busy back roads. A small proportion of State Highways are quite like divided highways and access roads, and an example of this are the freeways in LA. It is common to see some State Highways divided into four lanes but not having controlled access like dual carriageways. Most State Highways are traditional two lane highways. They are also known as State Roads or State Routes and have the abbreviation SR with the letters relating the name.
County Roads County Roads by definition are roads of lesser importance. In most states of the USA they are called county or secondary roads. In states like Texas, these roads are known as ranch and farm roads. The states of Arizona and South Dakota call their County Roads "Indian Roads"! County roads are not generally listed on state highway maps, and the system of numbering these roads is different in many states. Some roads in States are marked by just numbers, some use letters and numbers.
Divided Highways Divided Highways are the same as dual carriageways by definition roads where traffic in both directions is physically separated. In the USA the part dividing the roads is called the median, and in Ireland and the UK this is known as the central reservation. Divided Highways generally have two lanes at least in each direction, and a hard shoulder. They also have slip roads (on and off ramps as described in the US).
Expressways An Expressway by definition is similar to a motorway, in that is a divided highway with access that is controlled. An Expressway could be an Interstate, US or State Highway.
Freeways Generally a Freeway is a toll free divided highway with access-controlled access. This term tends to be used only in the west of the country and in urban areas only.
Limited Access Highways Limited access highways are categorised as having on and off ramps (slip roads). There are no intersecting roads except by means of the slip roads, and in the main you can only enter and exit these roads from the right.
Parkways By definition, the term Parkway defines two types of road a toll road that is of good motorway standard, and the other type being a scenic drive road.
Turnpikes Turnpikes are normally toll roads of good standard, like motorways. Yet there are roads that have no toll charge and are still called turnpikes so be prepared for a bit of confusion! Toll roads are usually defined by the colour green on a road map.
Frontage Roads Created specifically for local traffic, frontage roads are minor roads that run beside main highways, and are two-way roads. Frontage roads provide access to land for farmers in country areas, and in urban areas they give access to motels, gas stations, and eateries.
Business Routes A business route is a diversion off a major road, which goes through to a business area of a town. Road shield signs which have a similar shape as Interstate Highways but with a light green colour indicate a business route.
Road and Lane Marking in America The lines on the roads in the USA that separate lanes of traffic that are going in the same direction are always white. The lines on the road that show the separate two way traffic lanes are always yellow. On a divided highway and on one way road networks you will see a solid yellow line on the left hand side.
A Guide to Driving in America
By: Aidan Fitzgerald
The Many Different Types Of Conservatory Roof What Robbers Look For When Breaking Into Your Home A Black Duvet Cover Can Go Well In Almost Any Bedroom Getting The Right Nursing Uniforms And Nursing Scrubs A Glass of Water Can Help You Lower Your Fuel Costs The Importance of Alpaca breeding Probate Forms And The Issues Goals Are For The Ones Desiring To Achieve Are You The One? Trabaja Los Glúteos Para Verte Mejor Este Verano Property finding made easy What To Look For When Thinking Of Finding A Spanish Property Rental The History Of The Chautauqua Industrial Art Desk Las 10 Cosas Que Las Mujeres Encontramos Irresistibles En Un Hombre