When there are too many vehicles moving on highways with no proper system, you can get stuck in traffic jams. Then, it will be difficult and stressful for you to travel between small and main routes. That’s why collector roads are built.
As a driver or traffic safety officer, it’s important for you to find out the basics of collector roads and how they work. We will also tell you its types and speed limits, so you can drive safely on collector streets.
What is a Collector Road?
A collector road is a type of street that is built to move traffic from small local streets to bigger main roads. Basically, this road works as a middle road between arterial highway (high speed routes) and local road (low speed paths).
It collects all cars from neighborhoods and takes them to busier roads (motorways). You can use it when you leave your home and want to drive on main streets. You will find these roads not too small and not too busy. They are used to keep traffic smooth with intersections, road signs, traffic circles and roundabouts.
Collector Road Examples
You can see collector roads in many cities & towns. For instance: large collector roads like Route 640 or Ashburn Village Boulevard in Virginia. In smaller cities, you will find streets like Montezuma Avenue in Cortez, CO are collector roads.
Types of Collector Roads
There are mainly two types of collector road which you will see. They are categorized on the basis of their size and capacity to handle traffic.
Major Collector Road
A major collector highway is designed to carry more traffic from minor collector roads or small streets. Without these roads, residential streets can get crowded. You can use this road to join the arterial road. Further, you will find these ways wider, so they can easily manage many cars and large vehicles.
Along major collector roads, you will see traffic signs, multi-lanes, signal lights, as well as sidewalks for pedestrians. They connect important places such as schools, shopping areas, parks and your workplaces.
Minor Collector Road
As compared to major collector roads, these roads are smaller and carry less traffic. That is why you will notice them mostly in residential areas where people live. Hence, you can use it to travel between local routes and the main highways.
But, you have to drive your car at a low speed. On these roads, you may find stop signs, crosswalks and walkways too. They keep your area safe and well connected plus reduce traffic jams.
Collector Lane
The traffic safety lanes of collector road are designed to make the vehicle movement risk free in between major and minor routes. You can also follow these lanes when you want to exit from the main road. It is also an ideal way to control vehicle speed.
Collector-Distributor Lanes
You will spot collector distributor lanes (abbreviated as C-D) alongside the main highway. They give you extra space to slow down or speed up your vehicle without blocking faster cars. These lanes also provide protection from risky overtaking of fast vehicles and minimize chances of dangerous accidents on mainline.
Collector Road Width
The design and dimensional standard of a collector road can be changed place by place. In most areas, you will find 20 meter wide roads, which is around 66 feet. A larger road provides you extra space for bike lanes and walking paths for pedestrian safety.
On the other hand, some smaller collector roads have approximately 5.5 meters width (18 feet) or more. As an urban planner or engineer, you should set the width of collector routes on the basis of road users, safety standards and which features you need for safe travel.
Collector Road Speed Limit
Generally, you have to drive your car at low speed when traveling on collector roads.This speed limit can be slower than highways and higher than local roads. You must follow the max speed limit rules as 20 – 35 mph (30 to 60 km/h). Remember, this limit can be changed according to road location.
For example: you should drive with minimum speed on city roads. But on rural roads, you are allowed to move at a fast speed. Hence, we recommend you to always check speed limit signs placed on collector road to stay safe.
Where Collector Roads Are Made
You will see collector streets in the following areas of your cities.
Residential Areas
In residential places, these roads connect your homes to main streets. You can find many collector roads in such areas. It’s helpful for you to reach schools, parks and shops easily. Usually, they are quiet and safe for your families.
Commercial Zones
Collector roads are made in commercial areas to collect vehicles from smaller roads and take them to market zones. They also connect the main road with parking lots. So, you can go to your offices and business centers in a safe way.
Suburban Developments
Suburban areas just outside cities where many people live and work. Collector roads are built to link these zones roads with the arterial highway and manage traffic flow. In this way, the local citizens can move to other places safely.
Industrial Areas
Collector roads are also made in industrial areas where factories and warehouses are located. You can use these roads to move your goods and access work sites. They are wider and stronger to handle your heavy construction vehicles & trucks. These roads connect industries to main highways, so you can deliver products easily and on time.
Mixed-Use Urban Areas
Collector highways are also built where people live and work in the same areas. These roads handle many types of traffic such as cars, buses & bikes.
Importance of Collector Road
Below are major benefits of collector roads.
- Manage Traffic Flow: Collector roads manage vehicles flow. They guide you in safe directions, reduce traffic jams and keep your city’s route organized.
- Connectivity: With collector highways, you can stay linked to different parts of the city. It saves your time and you can reach the place whenever you want.
- Control Vehicle Capacity: This route system also controls the number of vehicles which can move on road. In addition, it keeps vehicle flow balanced and prevents traffic congestion too.
- Safety Of Road Users: The signs and signals installed on collector roads guide you while you are driving. By controlling traffic speed and direction, they provide you maximum safety from accidents.
- Easy Access: Collector roads design are helpful for cars, buses & emergency vehicles to move without delay.
- Pedestrian & Cycle Paths: There are also safe paths available for you to walk or drive bikes. If you are a walker, you don’t need to go into traffic to move around.
- Public Transport: Collector roads also support public transport such as buses and vans. Moreover, you can use these roads to reach bus stops or stations easily.
Traffic Signs Installed on Collector Roads
On collector roads, you will spot almost all signs which are placed on regular highways. For instance: regulatory signs, warning signs and informational signs. These all signage are placed to guide you for safe driving. You may see the following signs on collector roads.
- Stop Sign
- Yield sign
- Speed limit sign
- Pedestrian Crossing Sign
- Curve warning sign
- Parking or No Parking Signs
- Merge sign
- Turn Ahead Sign
- Dip Sign
- Slippery When Wet Sign
- Traffic Signal Ahead Sign
- Narrow road sign
- No U-Turn Sign
- Dead End Sign
- Lane Ends Sign
What Road Markings Are Used on Collector Roads?
Different types of pavement marking are painted on collector roads to tell drivers where to drive and when to stop. These include hazard markings, transverse lines and longitudinal markings.
In the middle of the road, you will spot yellow traffic markings that are used to separate vehicles moving in opposite directions. Furthermore, you may see words or directional arrows to guide you about the right way to take a turn.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arterial Road? – Is It Different From Collector Road?
An arterial road is a main road which carries a lot of traffic than collector road. You can use it to travel between cities and big parts of a town at high speed. While collector roads allow you to move from local streets to arterial roads. So yes, they are different but work together to keep your traffic movement smooth.
What Type of Vehicles Usually Use Collector Roads?
You will see many types of vehicles on collector roads. For example: cars, buses, bikes & small trucks mostly use them. These roads let both local traffic and automobiles go to main roads. Also, emergency vehicles such as ambulances and fire trucks can use these roads to reach places quickly.
Do Collector Roads Have Parking Areas?
On some collector roads, you will find parking lots. But not all have parking facilities. You may see parking spots on the sides in residential or shopping areas. In busy places, limited parking is available to handle traffic flow. So, you should always look for signs which tell you where you can park safely.
How To Design Drainage of a Collector Road?
For collector roads drainage systems, you can use small drains or side channels to move water off the road. In this way, you can keep your road dry and safe.
To Conclude
So, collector roads solve the issue of easy travel between streets & main routes. They also provide space for walkers, bikes & public transport. Further, you will find collector lanes, which are only reserved for buses in some cities. These lanes allow public transport to move faster during busy times.
If you are looking for traffic or road safety products to install on roads or in workplaces, you can contact us and get a quick quote.
