The classification of roads in the ACT is based on a formal road hierarchy. The classification fundamentally relates to the predominant function of a road and to the extent it serves the two basic purposes of the road network, i.e. the movement of traffic and access to property. A road’s physical characteristics and traffic volume will reflect its function and role in the network.

The road classifications used are:

• Arterial roads;
• Major collector roads;
• Minor collector roads; and
• Access streets.

Arterial Roads

Arterial roads predominantly serve longer distance travel within a district and through traffic from one district to another, and form the principal avenues of communication for metropolitan scale traffic movements. They include limited access roads and parkways (or freeways) having full access control and grade separated inter-sections. A small number have higher levels of property access for urban design reasons, for example Northbourne Avenue, or reflect the planning and design parameters of the time of their construction, for example, Limestone Avenue. Traffic capacity is a function of the design of the road rather than being constrained by environmental objectives.

Major Collector Roads

Major collector roads collect and distribute traffic within residential, industrial and commercial areas. They form the link between the primary network and the roads within local areas and should carry only traffic originating or terminating in the area. The volume of traffic carried is constrained by environmental objectives - safety and traffic noise - rather than road geometry and reflects the limited area that they serve. Direct property access is still permissable but the level of traffic may dictate that access and egress arrangements should be such that vehicles can exit properties in a forward direction.

Minor Collector Roads

Minor collector roads collect and distribute traffic from access streets, linking to the major collector roads within the neighbourhood. They can also provide secondary connections direct to the external arterial road network. Traffic volumes are compatible with direct property access.

Access Streets

Access streets are generally streets where the residential environment is dominant. Traffic volumes and speed environment are low. They would generally connect only to a collector road.

Typically the speed limit on access streets and minor collector roads is 50 km/h, major collector roads is 60 km/h and arterial roads is 60 km/h or above.