Classes of Rural Roads

Rural roads are placed in three classes, which are distinguished by use level and physical condition (Swift and Burns 1999):

• Arterial roads are usually double-lane and paved or have an all-weather gravel surface. This class also includes collector roads, which are single-lane and usually have gravel to provide all-weather access. Arterial and collector roads may be open to traffic year round; they form a connecting transportation network that carries high volumes of traffic.
• Local roads generally are single-lane gravel or dirt roads that usually carry little traffic and may dead-end. They may be open to traffic but impassable in wet weather. Many are rough-surfaced and suitable only for high-clearance or all-wheel-drive vehicles. Local roads are often developed for access to timber sales.
• Orphan roads are abandoned or not maintained by any landowner, government entity, or group of users. They may be passable for off-road vehicles, if at all. They may receive only the minimum maintenance required for passage provided by infrequent users. Because of this lack of attention, sections of orphan roads commonly cause substantial adverse impacts to adjacent water resources.