A number of different road classification systems are used in WA, each with a different purpose. The Administrative Classification system determines whether a public road is the responsibility of Main Roads or Local Government. 

• Road Responsibility Policy - Outlines the principles and current arrangements for road responsibility in WA
• Road Administrative Classification Assessment Guidelines - Provides guidance on assessing roads as either State or Local Government roads
• Condition of Roads Transfer Guidelines (Draft) - Outlines acceptable conditions for the transfer of roads between jurisdictions
• Initiating a road classification review – Outlines the first steps to be taken in the road classification review process
• Future Roads Project – Metropolitan - Provides background and next steps in the recent review of all Metropolitan roads

Road Classification assessment templates and score sheets

Perth and Peel Region

• Administrative Classification Assessment – Template – for roads within the Perth and Peel Region
• Administrative Criteria - Scoresheet - for roads within the Perth and Peel Region

Outside the Perth and Peel Region

• Administrative Classification Assessment – Built Up and Non-Built Up areas - Template – for all roads outside the Perth and Peel Region
• Administrative Criteria – Rural BUA – Scoresheet - for all roads in Built Up areas outside the Perth and Peel Region
• Administrative Criteria – Rural non-BUA – Scoresheet - for all roads in non-Built Up areas outside the Perth and Peel Region

Roads currently the responsibility of Main Roads (State Roads) 

• Metro region (excluding Peel)
• All regions (whole State) 

State Routes Western Australia

The State Routes within Western Australia assist drivers navigating roads in urban and rural areas of the State. Each route has a unique number allocated by Main Roads W.A. Routes are denoted on directional signs and roadside poles to assist the road user in identifying the routes.
These are designated by a white number on a blue shield. 

Single-digit numbers were originally along major arterial routes within the Metropolitan. However, with extensions over time, Tonkin Highway SR4 now extends out of the Metropolitan Area to Muchea, and Mitchell/Kwinana Freeways SR2 now includes Forrest Highway to Bunbury.

Two-digit numbers ending in zero are the major routes out of Perth (except for Route 10, which starts from Bunbury) following rural highway connections to major regions within in the Southern portion of the State.

Other routes numbered with two digits connect the urban centres within the metropolitan area roughly being the lowest located South-West of Perth going counter-clockwise to the Highest North-West of Perth.

Three-digit numbers connecting regional and remote areas within the state, generally going from the lowest in the South of the State to the highest in the North of the State.

These are shown in the PDF document State Routes Western Australia Maps.

Note – These have only recently been reviewed and shield numbering will be corrected (if needed) on signs over time.

Some roads in the State Road Network have statutory declared Control of Access, which revokes the general right of adjoining land to have direct vehicle and pedestrian access to these roads.

Additions and modifications to the State Road Network and Control of Access occur from time to time. The following changes are currently under consideration:

• Extension of Tonkin Highway from Kellet Drive to Thomas Road as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• Extension of Kwinana Freeway from Safety Bay Road as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• Extension of Mitchell Freeway from Hodges Drive to Romeo Road as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• Forrest Highway as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• West Coast Highway from Curtin Avenue to Oceanic Drive as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• Muirs Highway - Mt Barker Bypass as a "Main Road with Control of Access";
• Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor as a "Highway with Control of Access";
• John Willcock Link as a "Highway with Control of Access"; and
• Indian Ocean Drive as a "Main Road with Control of Access".

For further information regarding Control of Access, please contact the Land Graphics Coordinator on 138 138.

A Road Hierarchy is a listing of roads that perform designated roles required of the road network. It also provides criteria to describe each road type.

The type designated to each road should represent the role that the road is intended to perform. It may not necessarily reflect the current conditions on the road.

More information on the Road Hierarchy is provided through the following links:

• About the Western Australian Road Hierarchy
• Roads Hierarchy - Data Update Procedure
• Road Hierarchy Criteria