This appendix is a series of maps showing the hierarchy of roads in terms of strategic importance and traffic volumes.
The roads within the District are classifies according to a hierarchical system, based on the function of each road, and the need for that road's capacities and capabilities to efficiently fulfil that function. The classification of roads determines their management in regard to land use and subdivision. The 'higher' the classification, the greater the management emphasis is placed on enhancing the movement of through traffic; the 'lower' the classification, the greater the emphasis on access, and on pedestrian, parking and servicing needs.
The roading classification system applied to roads within the District is as follows:
State Highways
These routes form part of the network of nationally or regionally important arterial roads managed by Transit New Zealand. These routes predominantly carry through-traffic, and carry the major traffic movements in and out of the District, usually requiring a road reserve width of 20 m.
District Arterials
These roads cater for traffic movement between the major areas of the District. Again, traffic management of these roads seeks to facilitate traffic movement, and usually requires a road reserve width of 20 m.
Collector Roads
These roads collect and distribute traffic to and from the arterial road network, and often act as links between two arterials. These roads also act as local main roads supplementing the district arterials. Through-traffic generally makes up a high proportion of the traffic flow. Road reserve widths are normally between17 m and 20 m.
Local Roads
These roads provide direct access to adjoining properties. Many local roads, except cul-de-sacs, also collect and distribute traffic to and from other local roads within the District. Traffic flows are usually low, and it is desirable to minimise through or extraneous traffic because of the effects on the adjoining environment and amenities, and the limited physical capabilities of such roads. Road reserve widths range from 12 m for short cul-de-sacs, to 20 m for other local roads.
There may be other types of roads that do not come within the overall hierarchy. These may include services lanes, which provide safe or rear access to any site from roads in business areas, to minor no-exit access routes in rural areas. In addition, there are a relatively large number of unformed roads throughout the District (known as 'paper roads') which have no active role in the roading network.
The Roading Hierarchy Maps shows the hierarchy for roading within the District.
