Road Hierarchy
1. Introduction
Local Governments have responsibilities for funding, planning, constructing, operating, and maintaining the road network in their local areas. The local road network is critical for getting people and products door to door. Most journeys start and end on a local road.
With over 820km of roads, including 500km of unsealed roads, the Shire of York has a challenge to maintain the road network. Aging infrastructure, increased traffic volumes and loads and competing priorities requires a strategic approach to ensure that limited funding can be put to use where it provides the safest, more efficient and sustainable approach to roads management.
2. Action
To develop a strategic approach to road management, the Shire of York has developed a Road Hierarchy Framework.
The Road Hierarchy will help to classify roads according to their form and function and the connectivity they provide within the network.
The Framework will be used as a basis for planning, operating and maintaining the road network in a consistent and transparent manner.
The Road Hierarchy applies to all Local Government managed roads within the Shire of York.
3. Classification
A key part of the Road Hierarchy has been the development of a Classification system for all roads within the Shire.
This is essentially a guideline that sorts roads into different categories. The purpose of organising roads in this way is to establish minimum standards for both construction and maintenance.
The Classifications in the Road Hierarchy Framework are based on formation, intended use, capacity and overall significance within the network.
4. Levels of Service
The next stage in the Road Hierarchy is to develop the Levels of Service (LOS).
Level of Service (LOS) addresses the quality and condition of a built road, as well as the frequency of maintenance required to sustain its performance. Level of service (LOS) sets a minimum requirement on how often maintenance should happen on a specified category of road.
5. Outcome
The road classification and the associated level of service will be used as a guideline for prioritising resources for road maintenance and construction.
Budget constraints means it is not achievable to address all maintenance activities on every road. The annual works program is developed that is based on the Road Hierarchy.
This strategic approach to prioritisation means that decisions are made based on providing the best outcome for the entire community rather than any one individual.
6. Evaluation
The Road Hierarchy is an agile strategy and ongoing evaluation will identify where adjustments may need to be made.
School bus routes will always have higher levels of service despite often being in a lower road category.
External funding, weather events and regular road condition assessments will be taken into account when considering the roads program.
It should be noted, the levels of service are the Minimum Standards that the Shire will strive for.
By creating annual workplans that are informed by the Road Hierarchy, the Shire will aim to achieve safety and efficiency improvements and a sustainable road network.
More detail can be found in the Road Hierarchy Framework document below
7. Document list
Road Hierarchy Framework for the Shire of York (May 2024) (PDF)
Road Classification Table (PDF)
Road Hierarchy Policy (PDF)
Council Report – Ordinary Council Meeting 28 May 2024 (PDF)
FAQs (PDF)