højkapacitetsvej

Højkapacitetsvej is a term used in Danish transport planning to describe roads designed to carry large volumes of traffic with high speeds and high reliability. It is a planning concept rather than a single formal road category, and can apply to several road types depending on the context, including sections of expressways (motortrafikvej) and some motorways (motorvej).

Typical features associated with højkapacitetsveje include a multilane cross-section, limited access with controlled or partially controlled junctions, generous sight lines, and efficient merging and overtaking provisions. The aim is to minimize interruptions to traffic flow and to maintain stable travel times under varying demand, thereby improving capacity, safety, and reliability.

Højkapacitetsvej projects are typically driven by corridor planning to relieve congestion in urban areas or along interurban routes. Upgrades may involve transforming existing arterial roads, constructing bypasses, or building new alignments that provide improved speed and reliability. Planning often seeks to balance higher capacity with considerations of local access, environmental impact, and integration with public transport, cycling, and land-use policies.

In Denmark, the term is used by national and regional authorities, including Vejdirektoratet, to describe planning aims and proposed investments. While not a stand-alone legal category, højkapacitetsvej represents a level of road performance sought within the continuum between local streets, expressways, and motorways. See also motorvej, motortrafikvej, and trafikplanlægning.