37 Street Types According To Their Design and Location

It can be difficult for you to travel if there is heavy traffic, safety issues and crowded zones. That’s why many types of streets are made according to specific requirements. Today, you will explore several street types and their designs. We will also tell you how to identify a street and drive safely.

Types of Street

A street is a path in a city or town where you can drive, walk and ride. It links different places such as homes, schools & shops. There are many types of streets around you. Following are major categories of streets and each has its own purpose.

Commercial Street

A location where you find shops, restaurants and offices is called commercial street. You will always find these types of streets busy, because many people are present to buy things or for their jobs.

You will also find bright lights and big boards, which are placed to attract customers. Further, you will see traffic signs, sidewalks and different crossings to maintain your safety.

Residential Street

These streets are built to provide a safe zone for pedestrians and slow moving vehicles. Many people also live in this area. That’s why you spot houses, trees and small parks around you in residential streets.

Due to less traffic, these paths always stay calm and quiet. You mostly see small cars and service trucks such as garbage or delivery trucks. There are also sidewalks and street lights on these streets, which you can use when you are walking at night.

Industrial Street

This is the area where you will find lots of factories, warehouses and workshops. You can move your goods and heavy machinery with the use of industrial streets. Because these streets are designed to carry heavy loads safely.

So, you can see big trucks, delivery vans and workers loading/unloading materials. You will not see sidewalks or places to walk. However, some new designs now add small areas where workers can sit.

Local Street

Local street is a small route that you can use to reach different places in the area. With the help of these streets, you can move to bigger or main roads. Moreover, you can walk or ride your bikes slowly due to the low volume of vehicles. 

They only carry local traffic. Some examples of local streets are: small housing lanes, service roads and roads which are located next to highways.

Street Categories (Based on Location)

You will find several types of street in different areas. The design and size of a street is usually based on how many people use it. Below, we mention two major kinds of street on the basis of their region.

Urban Streets

Urban streets are built in cities and large towns. These streets are wide and busy. You will see many people, cars and buses use them every day. You will also spot shops, offices and tall buildings around these routes. 

There are also installed traffic lights, crossings and sidewalks to keep you safe. Because cities are crowded, people drive and ride on them from morning till night. You can travel to different parts of the city with the help of urban roads.

Rural Streets

You will find rural streets in villages and countryside zones. These streets are narrow, quiet and less crowded. Therefore, you may see a few people, bicycles or tractors on these routes. Generally, rural roads are not paved. Hence, they become muddy during rain.

The purpose of these streets is to link villages with towns and markets. So, you can walk or ride easily without much traffic. You may see footpaths, but no clear road lines. Hence, cyclists share the road with cars and other vehicles.

Street Types and Abbreviations

In many places, short forms or abbreviations are used for streets. Each type of street has its own name and meaning, which tell you what kind of route it is.

Important List of Street Names

• Street Canyon

A street canyon (skyscraper canyon) is a narrow street with tall buildings on both sides. Mostly. You will see these streets in big cities where buildings are close together. Because the buildings are high, less sunlight and fresh air can reach the street. 

You also spot street canyons in business areas with offices and apartments. Tall buildings make it look good, but these streets are always full with people’s noise.

• Public Square Street

It is an open area path in a city. In this zone, many roads are linked together. You can walk, sit and relax on this street. Many people gather in such places for shopping or social activities.

You will also find benches, fountains and small shops around the square. They also connect different nearby roads, so you can travel easily. It is usually made of strong materials such as concrete, asphalt or stone tiles. There are also direction signs placed to guide you.

• Avenue Street

An avenue street is a wide road and designed with trees on both sides. You will see it in cities and big towns. It looks clean and green, which makes it comfortable for you to travel.

You can use this street for driving, walking as well as cycling. Its surface is made of concrete or asphalt. Avenues connect important places such as parks and business areas.

• Boulevard road

The boulevard street is wide and designed with trees or green space in the middle. These roads are located in big cities. You can use it for driving but also for walking on the side paths. You will find clear signs and markings on the boulevard. You may also see shops, cafes or offices near these streets.

• Esplanade

The long, open street/walkway near the sea, lake or river is called esplanade. You can walk, jog or sit there to enjoy the view. These streets are wide and clean. You will see many trees, benches and lights in this zone. Its surface is smooth and safe for walking. The purpose of the esplanade is to give you a peaceful place to enjoy nature.

• Promenade Street

A promenade street can also be near water, but it’s not always. This path is mainly made for walking, relaxing plus social activities. That’s why you will find it in parks, city centers or beaches. Unlike the esplanade, it focuses more on relaxing and activities than just the view.

• Dead-End Street

A dead-end street is a short path. It has only one entry and no exit. You can drive in, but you must turn back your car to leave. These streets are generally quiet and safe because you will find less traffic. You also notice houses or small buildings on both sides. This street gives you a peaceful place to live with fewer cars and noise.

• Close Street

Well, it also has one entry and no exit, but usually ends with a turning circle. This is also known as a cul-de-sac. It lets you turn your vehicle easily. You will find close streets in residential areas and they are usually quieter.

• Mews

A mews is a small and quiet street which is made in cities. You see short rows of houses and apartments built close together. In the past, people were used to mews streets for stables and carriage houses. Today, they are turned into modern homes or small offices. In this way, mews gives you a calm and private place to live in a busy city.

• Parade street

A parade street is a wide and open road. It is used for public events and marches. You generally see flags, decorations and crowds during parades or celebrations. When these streets are not in use for events, you can drive or walk there like on any other street.

• Track

It is a narrow path which is used for walking, cycling or driving in rural areas. You will also find it on farms, forests and hills. Instead of concrete, it may be made of dirt, gravel material or grass. They are helpful for you to reach places where normal roads cannot go.

• Drive Street

The drive street is a long and curved road. It passes through natural or residential areas. You can drive smoothly because it is wide and well-paved. You will notice trees and open spaces lined on both sides of the streets.

• Crescent Street

Well, crescent street is also a curved road which looks like a half-moon shape. You can enter your car from one side and have to exit from the other. Further, these streets are common in housing areas and are mostly quiet.

• Ladder Street

This is a steep street and made mostly of steps instead of a flat road. You can walk up or down, but you can’t drive vehicles on it. These streets are common in hilly cities or old towns. The steps are designed with stone or concrete. This ladder street allows you to move safely on steep ground.

• Linear Park

A linear park is a long and narrow park which is built beside a road, river or railway. You can use this street for walking, running, and also for riding a bicycle in a safe way.

• Glade

The glade is an open and grassy area. It is surrounded by trees. You will find it in forests or large parks. You can walk, sit or rest in this street. Additionally, glades are quiet and full of natural beauty.

• Arcade Street

An arcade street is a covered walkway and has shops on both sides. Its roof will protect you from sun and rain. Hence, you can walk on it safely in any weather. Plus, its floor is smooth and lights make this place bright.

• Parkway

A parkway is a wide and green road. Engineers built it for smooth and safe driving. You also see trees, grass and flowers along both sides. It connects many cities, parks and other important areas.

• Cove Street

The cove street is a small road which ends in a rounded/curved shape. You can enter it from one side and turn around easily at the end. These streets are mostly present in housing areas and have less traffic.

• Pedestrian Street

It is made only for people to walk, not for vehicles. You can use it to shop, eat or relax safely without traffic. These streets are wide and clean. Commonly, you will find it in city centers.

• Living Street

This is a shared space for people, cyclists and slow traffic. You can enter your car on this street but you must drive with less speed. Sometimes, a living street is part of a city plan to reduce traffic.

• Play Street

On a play street, children can play safely while cars stay out or move very slowly. You also see families spend their time together on this street.

• Terrace Street

This route is lined with houses built in a row and joined together. You will see these streets in cities or old towns. Also, you can walk easily because traffic is light and slow.

• Walkway

The walkway is a path which is made for people to walk safely. You will find it in parks, gardens and along roads.

• Alley

An alley is a narrow path or road between buildings. You can use this street to walk or reach the back of homes and shops. It is often quiet, so you can also use it for short and quick routes.

Types according to street designs

• Multi Lane: Multi-lane street has two or more lanes for traffic which move in each direction. These streets are made to reduce traffic jams.

• Single Lane: It has only one lane for vehicles to travel. To move forward on these paths, you must slow down and sometimes wait for others to pass.

• Two Way Street: Two-way street allows vehicles to travel in both directions. You can drive your car in either way, but you must stay in your lane.

• One-Way Street: This street lets traffic flow in only one direction. It’s helpful to reduce traffic jams and make your driving experience safer in busy zones.

• Paved Street: It is covered with materials such as asphalt, concrete or bricks. As a result, you can drive or walk smoothly on it without dust or mud.

• Unpaved Street: Well, these streets have no hard surface. It is made of dirt, gravel or sand.

Final Words

Well-planned streets make your cities organized, reduce risks and provide comfortable spaces for you to perform different activities. Urban planners designed all street types carefully to meet the needs of people and vehicles.

If you have any question about street design or street safety products, contact us now.

FAQs

How Are streets named in US?

In America, streets are named by city planners or local governments. They may use names of people, places or landmarks. Sometimes, the name shows you direction or order, like “North Street”.

What is the Difference Between Street and Road?

The road connects one place to another and is mainly for vehicles. But, streets are built inside towns or cities plus made for both people and vehicles.

What Role Does Australia Post Have in Street Types?

Australia Post actually sets and manages official street names and types for postal addresses. It makes sure each street name is clear and not repeated.

How Do Planners Decide Which Street Type To Build in an Area?

Firstly, they assess how many people and vehicles will use the area. They also study the land, nearby buildings and safety requirements. Based on this, road planners choose the best street type for smooth traffic.

What are complete streets?

Complete streets are roads designed for everyone. For example: walkers, cyclists, drivers and public transport users can access them.

Why Do Some Streets Have Medians or Dividers?

You will notice the median on some streets because they carry a lot of traffic or vehicles move at high speed. Streets in quiet areas & small towns usually don’t need road dividers because traffic is light & slow.