roadways

Roadways are engineered networks that enable the movement of people, goods, and services by motorized and non-motorized traffic. They include highways, arterial streets, rural roads, and other transport corridors. The term roadway commonly refers to the portion of a street or road intended for travel, typically the paved surface between curbs or shoulders, together with adjacent elements such as lanes, medians, and traffic control devices.

Roadways consist of a carriageway built on a prepared subgrade, with drainage and supporting layers. The pavement materials most commonly used are asphalt concrete and Portland cement concrete, chosen based on traffic loads, climate, maintenance requirements, and life-cycle costs. Designs also integrate auxiliary facilities such as sidewalks, bike lanes, bus bays, and parking, as well as signage and lighting for visibility and safety.

Planning, funding, and maintenance of road networks are typically the responsibility of government agencies at national, regional, and local levels. Standards govern geometry, sight distances, pavement thickness, and the placement of signs and signals. Traffic management features include roundabouts, grade-separated interchanges, traffic signals, road markings, speed limits, and enforcement measures to reduce crashes and improve mobility.

Historically, roadways have evolved from dirt paths to organized networks. Early paving and the emergence of road transport in the 19th and 20th centuries led to modern highway systems. Roadways shape land use and economic activity while presenting environmental and social challenges such as emissions, noise, land disturbance, and equity in access. Maintenance and rehabilitation aim to extend service life and ensure safe operation.