Roadway Functional Classification Project
The Roadway Functional Classification Project updates how Adams County roads are categorized based on their role in moving people and goods, the first comprehensive update in 20 years.
The project reflects recommendations from the 2022 Advancing Adams Transportation Master Plan and considers current growth, travel patterns, safety, multimodal needs, and modern roadway design.
The updated classification system will:
- Improve safety and comfort for all travel modes.
- Reflect current and future growth and transportation needs.
- Align with regional transportation systems and neighboring jurisdictions.
- Support eligibility for federal, state, and regional funding.
- Provide clear guidance and design standards for future roadway improvements.
Functional Classifications
The updated system includes the classifications below, balancing the need for mobility and access:
- Regional Arterial: Major corridors providing regional connections to key activity centers.
- Principal Arterial: Balanced mobility and multimodal safety in urban/suburban areas.
- New Connection – Principal Arterial
- Rural Principal Arterial: Serves longer-distance trips in lower-density rural areas.
- Rural Arterial: Similar to Minor Arterials but tailored for rural contexts (e.g., using drainage ditches instead of curbs).
- New Connection – Rural Arterial
- Minor Arterial: Moderate mobility with greater access to local destinations.
- Collector: Moves traffic from local streets to the arterial network with a focus on safety and multimodal comfort.
- Limited Access Highway: High-speed corridors (like I-25) solely for regional mobility.
