ROAD

ELEMENTS AND
CHANNELS
CROSS-SECTION ELEMENTS
TYPICAL CROSS SECTION FOR RURAL TWO-LANE HIGHWAYS
TYPICAL CROSS SECTION FOR URBAN STREETS
(TWO-LANE WITHOUT PARKING)
TYPICAL CROSS SECTION FOR URBAN STREETS
(TWO-LANE WITH PARKING BOTH SIDES)
CROSS-SECTION ELEMENTS

Width of Travel Lanes

- usually vary from width: 2.7m to 3.6m
- on two-way rural loads: 3m or 3.3m
- in urban areas of low volume and ROW constraint:
2.7m lane width
Shoulders
- the shoulder of a pavement cross section is always
contiguous with the traveled lane so as to provide an
area along the highway for vehicles to stop when
necessary
- used to laterally support the pavement structure
- when a vehicle stops on the shoulder, it is desirable
for it to be at least 0.3m and preferably 0.6m from
the edge of pavement
- when pedestrians and bicyclists are permitted, the
minimum shoulder width should be 1.2m
Medians
- is the section of a divided highway that separates the lanes in
opposing directions

Functions:
1. Providing recovery area for out-of-control vehicles
2. Separating opposing traffic
3. Providing stopping areas during emergencies
4. Providing areas for left-turning and U-turning vehicles
5. Providing refuge for pedestrians
6. Reducing the effect of headlight glare
7. Providing temporary lanes and cross-overs during
maintenance operations
FLUSH MEDIAN
TRAVERSABLE MEDIAN
ROADSIDEAND MEDIAN BARRIERS
-median barrier is a longitudinal system used to
prevent an errant vehicle from crossing the portion of
divided highway separating the traveled ways for
traffic in opposite directions.

- roadside barrier protect vehicles from obstacles or

slopes on the roadside; shields pedestrians and
property from traffic stream
CURBSAND GUTTERS
CURBS
- are used mainly on urban highways to delineate pavement
edges and pedestrian walkways
-used to control drainage, improve aesthetics, and reduce right
of way

GUTTERS or DITCH
- usually located on the pavement side of a curb to provide the
principal drainage facility for the highway
- are sloped to prevent hazard to traffic
GUARD RAILS
- are longitudinal barriers placed on the outside of sharp curves
and at sections with high fills
- prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway

SIDEWALKS
- should be provided when pedestrian traffic is low
- in urban areas, sidewalks should also be provided along both
sides of collector streets that serve as pedestrian access to
schools, parks, shopping centers, and transit stops, and along
collector streets in commercial areas
SIDE SLOPES
-the purpose of side slope is to provide a transition
from the roadway shoulder to the original ground
surface

RIGHT OF WA
Y
- the total land area acquired for the construction of
a highway
CHANNELS