Highways identified as local roads...?

[Mistersir]

A significant part of my commute is on a 4 lane highway with speed limits of 55 and 60mph in different parts.
Its two lanes in each direction with a double yellow in the middle.
Unfortunately for me, this road is treated as a 'local road' and not a Freeway/Highway. Technically its a Highway...
Does anyone have any facts or opinions on why that is and when we might expect that to change?

 

[vandacca]

I've often heard about AP being for Divided Highways, which to me means some kind of physical divider (guard rail, median, curb, wall, etc.) between each direction. I suspect that your double-line highway doesn't cut it for full function AP.

 

[Mistersir]

I've often heard about AP being for Divided Highways, which to me means some kind of physical divider (guard rail, median, curb, wall, etc.) between each direction. I suspect that your double-line highway doesn't cut it for full function AP.

That's too bad. I really hope they up the speed for 'local roads' then....I wonder what the max for that will eventually be?

 

[cpa]

I don't know about Oregon--or Maine--not sure in which state you reside. But in California the Streets and Highways Code

Codes: Codes Tree - Streets and Highways Code - SHC

defines this sort of distinction. Perhaps your state does too. In California just because a road has a numbered shield does not necessarily mean that it is a "highway."

The American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials is another place to look for information:

http://www.transportation.org/

Many of the requirements for the fifty states are mandated by this organization.

 

[vandacca]

That's too bad. I really hope they up the speed for 'local roads' then....I wonder what the max for that will eventually be?

I think on local roads it should end up being something between 5-15 miles above posted speed limit.

 

[Mistersir]

I think on local roads it should end up being something between 5-15 miles above posted speed limit.

I agree with this...sounds pretty good and isn't AP1 +5mph?

 

[FarmerDave]

I agree with this...sounds pretty good and isn't AP1 +5mph?

Yes , that's correct.
For a while it wasn't +5, but after an outcry the +5 offset capability was restored.

 

[oktane]

Same problem. Annoying, would be nice to know what "metric" is being used to decide what constitutes a freeway. For me, if traffic is divided by a physical barrier, moves at 80+ MPH, and there are no stop lights or signs, that should qualify as a freeway.

 

[Mistersir]

Same problem. Annoying, would be nice to know what "metric" is being used to decide what constitutes a freeway. For me, if traffic is divided by a physical barrier, moves at 80+ MPH, and there are no stop lights or signs, that should qualify as a freeway.

I agree with that. The road I am referring to has no divider unfortunately....