Below is a description of different road types and related terms.
- Shoulder
The section to the side of a public roadway on which vehicular traffic is generally not permitted. The shoulder may be fully or partially paved or unpaved.
- Roadway
The section of a public road used for vehicular traffic.
- Limited access road
A public roadway that may only be entered or exited at designated locations. For example, highways are limited access roads.
- Public roadway
An area of land or infrastructure (e.g., a bridge or viaduct) containing one or more roads open to vehicular traffic. A public roadway may also include one or more bicycle lanes.
- Shared street
A public roadway on which pedestrian traffic is prioritized. Visit the Shared street webpage to learn more about this type of road.
- Bicycle route
A shared-use road for bicycles and automobiles with priority given to cyclists. Visit the Bicycle route webpage to learn more about this type of road.
- Lane
The section of the road dedicated to traffic and often identified by road markings
. - Bikeway
A lane designed for bicycle traffic. In some cases, other modes of transportation may also be permitted. Visit the Bikeway webpage to learn more about these types of lanes.
Last update: November 15, 2023
