Roadway Classifications
Different streets serve different transportation functions. Most streets within a city receive a classification based upon the transportation function that they serve. Typically, streets receive one of the following general street classifications:
- Local Street – Provides direct driveway access to adjacent properties within residential neighborhoods. Generally, local streets have low speeds and volumes.
- Minor Collector – Collects and distributes traffic between local streets and major collectors and/or the arterial system. Minor collectors provide more of a land access function than mobility.
- Major Collector – Major collectors emphasize mobility over land access, distributing traffic between major traffic generators or minor collectors and the arterial system.
- Minor Arterial – Minor arterials are designed to emphasize mobility over land access, providing access to principal arterials (highways and freeways). They connect cities with adjacent communities and the highway system.
Different cities may use variations of the terminology and definitions presented here.
Cities must constantly balance neighborhood livability and safety concerns with transportation, transit and emergency service needs. Certain traffic calming techniques, if not implemented properly, can be counterproductive to competing needs, such as emergency services, bus routes or snow plowing. When developing traffic calming approaches, the various functions that a street serves must be taken into consideration.
Some communities will only allow traffic calming on local streets. Other communities may allow only specific techniques to be used on roadways with classifications other than local. Please consult with your City/County Engineer to find out what your community’s policy is on the application of traffic calming to various roadway classifications.