Straßennetzkategorie

A Straßennetzkategorie, or road network category, is a classification system used to define the function and importance of roads within a country's transportation infrastructure. These categories help in planning, financing, and managing road networks by grouping roads with similar characteristics and traffic demands. The specific categories and their definitions vary by country, but common distinctions exist.

Generally, the highest category includes motorways or highways, designed for high-speed, high-volume traffic with controlled access. These are crucial for long-distance travel and freight transport. Below this are main roads or arterial roads, which connect major towns and cities and handle significant traffic volumes, though they may have more access points than motorways.

Further down the hierarchy are collector roads, which gather traffic from local roads and feed it into the arterial network, and local roads, which provide access to properties and serve low-volume, short-distance trips. Some systems may also include specialized categories like rural roads or urban streets with specific design and usage requirements. This tiered approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively based on the role each road plays in the overall connectivity and economic activity of a region.