Definition
An arterial highway is a major transportation route typically located within an urban area. Its primary purpose is to facilitate efficient movement of high volumes of traffic between different sections of a metropolitan area, including suburbs and commercial districts. Arterial highways often serve as critical connectors between residential neighborhoods and central business districts, industrial areas, and other major activity centers.
Examples
- The Interstate 405 (I-405) in Los Angeles, known as the San Diego Freeway, is a significant arterial highway connecting various residential, commercial, and industrial zones across the city and neighboring areas.
- Lombard Street in Portland, Oregon, functions as an arterial road, providing critical east-west connectivity and supporting significant commercial activity along its route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do arterial highways differ from other types of roadways?
A: Arterial highways are designed to handle higher traffic volumes and higher speeds compared to local or residential streets. They often have multiple lanes, fewer interruptions from traffic signals, and prioritize through traffic over local access.
Q: What are common features of arterial highways?
A: Common features include multiple lanes, higher speed limits, limited access points, traffic signal prioritization, and sometimes the presence of bicycle and pedestrian facilities to enhance multi-modal connectivity.
Q: Why are arterial highways important for urban development?
A: They play a crucial role in the efficient movement of people and goods, reducing congestion, enhancing accessibility to different parts of the city, and stimulating economic activity along their routes.
Q: Can arterial highways impact real estate values?
A: Yes, proximity to an arterial highway can increase property values due to improved accessibility and convenience. However, excessive noise and pollution can negatively impact real estate values in some cases.
Q: How do city planners determine the need for an arterial highway?
A: City planners typically analyze traffic patterns, population growth projections, and economic activity to determine the need for and design of an arterial highway.
- Collector Streets: These streets gather traffic from local roads and funnel it to arterial highways.
- Expressways: High-speed roads that may have restricted access, designed to move traffic quickly across metropolitan areas or regions.
- Traffic Flow: The movement of vehicles along a roadway network, an essential consideration in the design and management of arterial highways.
- Urban Planning: The process by which city planners design the physical, economic, and social framework of a community, involving the strategic placement of arterial highways.
Online Resources
- Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE)
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)
- Urban Transportation Monitor
- National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC)
References
- Federal Highway Administration. “Highway Functional Classification: Concepts, Criteria, and Procedures.” Washington, D.C.: FHWA, 2013.
- American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO). “A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.” 7th Edition.
- Institute of Transportation Engineers. “Traffic Engineering Handbook.” 7th Edition.
Suggested Books for Further Study
- Street Design: The Secret to Great Cities and Towns by Victor Dover and John Massengale
- The High-Speed Network Design Handbook by Brian Finlayson
- Transportation Engineering and Planning by C.S. Papacostas and P.D. Prevedouros
- The Geography of Urban Transportation by Genevieve Giuliano and Susan Hanson
Real Estate Basics: Arterial Highway Fundamentals Quiz
### What distinguishes an arterial highway from other types of roadways?
- [ ] It has the fewest access points.
- [x] It handles higher traffic volumes and speeds.
- [ ] It is designed exclusively for commercial vehicles.
- [ ] It is primarily located in rural areas.
> **Explanation:** An arterial highway handles higher traffic volumes and speeds compared to local or residential streets. It prioritizes the efficient movement of traffic over local access.
### What is a key feature of an arterial highway?
- [ ] No lanes for bicycles
- [ ] Low speed limits
- [x] Multiple lanes
- [ ] Frequent pedestrian crossings
> **Explanation:** An arterial highway commonly features multiple lanes to manage the considerable volume of traffic efficiently.
### What role do collector streets play in relation to arterial highways?
- [x] They gather traffic from local roads and funnel it to arterial highways.
- [ ] They serve as a direct alternative to arterial highways.
- [ ] They restrict access to residential areas.
- [ ] None of the above
> **Explanation:** Collector streets gather traffic from local roads and channel it to arterial highways, facilitating traffic flow and connectivity.
### Why are arterial highways crucial for urban development?
- [x] They enhance accessibility and stimulate economic activity.
- [ ] They reduce the need for public transit.
- [ ] They only serve residential travel.
- [ ] They're primarily recreational pathways.
> **Explanation:** Arterial highways are essential for urban development as they provide efficient accessibility and stimulate economic activities along their routes.
### Which factor is a common negative impact of arterial highways on nearby real estate?
- [x] Noise pollution
- [ ] Improved property aesthetics
- [ ] Enhanced privacy
- [ ] All of the above
> **Explanation:** Noise pollution is a common negative impact, although arterial highways can also boost accessibility and economic opportunities.
### What do city planners analyze to determine the need for an arterial highway?
- [ ] Average property prices
- [ ] Local retail activity
- [ ] Weather patterns
- [x] Traffic patterns and population growth projections
> **Explanation:** City planners typically analyze traffic patterns, population growth projections, and economic activity to assess the need for an arterial highway.
### How do arterial highways impact traffic flow within cities?
- [ ] They increase congestion
- [x] They improve traffic flow
- [ ] They have no effect on traffic flow
- [ ] They restrict vehicle types
> **Explanation:** Arterial highways improve traffic flow by efficiently managing higher volumes of traffic across different city areas.
### Which organization often provides guidelines for the design and management of arterial highways in the U.S.?
- [x] Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- [ ] Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- [ ] National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
- [ ] Department of Education
> **Explanation:** The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) provides guidelines concerning the design and management of arterial highways in the U.S.
### What potential benefit can businesses expect by locating near an arterial highway?
- [x] Increased customer accessibility
- [ ] Lower operating costs
- [ ] Enhanced offline marketing options
- [ ] Tax incentives
> **Explanation:** Increased customer accessibility is a key potential benefit for businesses situated near an arterial highway, owing to the high volume of passing traffic.
### What aspect of an urban area does an arterial highway primarily integrate?
- [x] Different sections of the metropolitan area, including suburbs and central districts
- [ ] Only industrial zones
- [ ] Remote rural communities
- [ ] Exclusive gated communities
> **Explanation:** An arterial highway integrates different sections of a metropolitan area, including suburbs and central business districts, enhancing overall urban connectivity.
