WAKE FOREST COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORTATION PLAN
Road Hierarchy Road networks are organized for safe and efficient collection and distribution of traffic. This organization is often referred to as “functional classification.” These classifications are describe below. Local Roads Local roads serve to provide direct access to property and connections to higher classified roadways. Local roads are typically characterized by low speeds and no more than two travel lanes. Collectors Collectors serve to connect traffic from local roads to thoroughfares by providing both direct access to property and traffic circulation. Collectors are characterized by medium speeds, and limited driveway access. Collectors can serve both residential and commercial areas. Minor Thoroughfares Minor thoroughfares have lower travel speeds and traffic volumes than major thoroughfares. Minor thoroughfares often have limited property access and feed into major thoroughfares. These roadways are often characterized by three to four travel lanes. Major Thoroughfares Major thoroughfares have higher speeds and traffic volumes than minor thoroughfares. The roadways are often characterized by three to four travel lanes with a planted median. Property access is limited, and the roadways accommodate through traffic.
Boulevard Boulevards serve high traffic volumes and handle higher speeds. Direct access is heavily limited and often full movements are prevented with a planted median. These roadways accommodate traffic moving through the Town. Freeways Freeways serve high volumes of traffic at high speeds, though access to the surrounding road network can be provided through either interchanges or signalized intersections. Interstate Interstates serve high volumes of traffic at high speeds and are only connected to the surrounding road network through interchanges. Interstate often serve long-distance trips, though in urban areas interstates also tend to serve trips of low to moderate length. Freeways are similar to interstates by serving high volumes of traffic at high speeds, though access to the surrounding road network can be provided through either interchanges or signalized intersections.
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