The roads are classified based on the following basis:

• Materials
• Location & function
• Traffic volume
• Economy
• Traffic type
• Rigidity
• Topography

Flow chart of its classification:

Types of Roads Based on Materials

• Earthen roads
• Gravel roads
• Murrum roads
• Kankar roads
• WBM roads
• Bituminous roads
• Concrete roads

Earthen Roads

Earthen roads are lay with soil. But, They are cheaper of all types of roads. Generally, This type of road is provided for less traffic areas and or for countryside areas. Good drainage system should be require which reflects good performance for longer period.

Gravel Roads

Gravel roads are also low quality roads but they are good when compare to earthen roads. Compacted mixture of gravel and earth is use as pavement material in this case.

Murrum Roads

Murrum is a matter obtain from the disintegration of igneous rocks by weathering agencies. In conclusion this is use to make roads called as murrum roads.

Kankar Roads

Kankar is nothing but impure form of lime stone. These roads are provided where lime is available in good quantity. These are also low quality and performance wise they are similar to gravel and murrum roads.

WBM Roads

Water Bound Macadam (WBM) roads contain crushed stone aggregate in its base course. Also the aggregates are spread on the surface and therefore these are rolled after sprinkling water.

WBM roads provides better performance compared to earthen, gravel, murrum and kankar roads.

WBM roads are lay as layers about 10cm thickness of each layer. However, they are very rough and may disintegrate immediately under traffic.

Bituminous Roads

Bituminous roads are very popular roads around the world. Therefore, they are most used roads in the world. However, these roads are low in cost and good for driving conditions. They are flexible and thickness of bituminous roads depends upon the subgrade soil conditions.

Concrete Roads

Cement concrete is use to construct the pavements in case of concrete roads. These are very popular and costlier than all other types of roads. They are not flexible so, they require less maintenance.

Concrete roads are suitable for high traffic areas. Concrete roads are laid with joints and time of construction is more.

Types of Roads Based on Location and Function

• National highways
• State highways
• District roads
• Rural roads or village roads

National Highways

National highways are main roads of a particular country. They connects all major cities to the capital of the country. They run throughout the length and breadth of the country. Therefore, minimum two lane road is provided for national highways.

State Highways

State highways are second main roads which connect major parts of the state with in it. This highway ultimately connects to the national highways.

District Roads

District roads are provide with in the cities and connects markets and production places to state and national highways. Two types of district roads are there namely,

• Major district roads
• Minor district roads

Major district roads connect headquarters of neighboring district with main parts of district while minor district roads are lay with in the district.

Rural Roads or Village Roads

Village roads connects the nearby villages with each other. They lead to nearby town or district roads. Usually low quality roads are provide as village roads because of low traffic.

Types of Roads Based on Traffic Volume

• Light traffic roads
• Medium traffic roads
• High traffic roads

Light Traffic Roads

The roads which are carrying 400 vehicles daily on an average is called light traffic roads.

Medium Traffic Roads

If a road carrying 400 to 1000 vehicles per day then it is medium traffic road.

High Traffic Roads

If a road is carrying is more than 1000 vehicles per day then it is consider as high traffic road.

Types of Roads Based on Economy

• Low cost roads
• Medium cost roads
• High cost roads

The economy depend upon the location and function of roads and also on the traffic analysis.

Types of Roads Based on Traffic Type

• Pedestrian ways
• Cycle tracks
• Motorways

Pedestrian Ways

Pedestrian ways are exclusively built for pedestrians. In other words, no vehicles are permit in this way.

Cycle Tracks

Cycle tracks or bicycle tracks are provided on both sides of pavement for cyclists hence they can travel safely.

Motorways

Motorways are also known as expressways. Only few vehicles are accessible to use this type of roads. The vehicles which can move with high speed acceleration are permit into this way. Motorways makes travel quick and provides comfort for high speed vehicles.

Types of Roads Based on Rigidity

• Flexible roads
• Rigid roads

Flexible Roads

Flexible roads consists flexible layer as pavement surface which require good maintenance, however it can be disintegrated easily with heavy traffic. All types of roads except concrete roads are come under this category.

Rigid Roads

Rigid pavements are non-flexible and cement concrete roads are come under this category.

Types of Roads Based on Topography

• Plain area road
• Hilly area roads

Plain Area Road

The roads construct on level surface.

Hilly Area Roads

Roads construct in hilly regions as hill area roads or ghat roads. Generally, These are provided around the hill in spiral shape.