Functional Classification
Functional classification is the process by which roads, streets, and highways are grouped into classes according to the character of service they provide. Individual roads and streets do not serve travel independently but as part of a network of roads through which the traffic moves. Functional classification defines the nature of this movement by defining the part that any particular road or street should play in serving the flow of trips through a highway network and the type of access it provides to adjacent properties. Functional classification describes the importance of a particular road or network of roads to the overall system and, therefore, is critical in assigning priorities to projects and establishing the appropriate highway design standards to meet the needs of the traffic served. Functional classification is also used to determine which roads are eligible for project funding under the Surface Transportation Program (STP) administered by the Federal Highway Administration.
There are currently seven functional classifications which are further distinguished as urban and rural yielding fourteen distinct designations. All of the classifications are Federal Aid eligible except three: Urban Local, Rural Minor Collector, and Rural Local (codes 19, 08, and 09, respectively). Federal Aid (STP) may also be used for projects on Rural Minor Collectors (08) although they are not typically considered to be part of the Federal Aid eligible system. The respective classes and codes are shown below (the FHWA codes do not contain the urban/rural distinction).
| FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION CODES |
NYS Codes Urban |
NYS Codes Rural |
FHWA Codes |
| Principal Arterial - Interstate |
11 |
01 |
1 |
| Principal Arterial - Other Freeway/Expressway |
12 |
02 |
2 |
| Principal Arterial - Other |
14 |
04 |
3 |
| Minor Arterial |
16 |
06 |
4 |
| Major Collector |
17 |
07 |
5 |
| Minor Collector |
18 |
08 |
6 |
| Local |
19 |
09 |
7 |
The Functional Classification for all roads can be determined using the Roadway Inventory Listings. These listings are separated by county and posted on the Roadway Inventory Listing
webpage.
