Glossary of Technical Terms
Terminology
The following glossary is an alphabetical list of some of the terms commonly used in road design and construction by Main Roads Western Australia. This glossary is provided to assist understanding of the guidance provided in the Standards website. Generally it only lists terms that are not covered by the Australian Standard (AS1348-2002), or those terms where the interpretation or common use practice of Main Roads Western Australia may differ from that of the Australian Standards. If the reader requires more precise information, refer to the Road Traffic Code 2000 or AS1348.
Terms shown in Bold Type are the preferred Main Roads WA Terminology.
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TERM |
DEFINITION |
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Bicycle Path (Cycleway) (Bikeway) |
A path devoted to the exclusive use of pedal cycles. |
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Carriageway |
That portion of a road or bridge devoted to the use of vehicles, inclusive of shoulders and auxiliary lanes. |
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Clear Zone |
The horizontal width of space available for the safe use of an errant vehicle, which consists of the verge area and is measured from the nearside edge of the traffic lane. In the case of a divided road, it is also measured from the off-side edge of the traffic lane to the edge of the pavement for opposing traffic. NOTE: This area may consist of a shoulder, a recoverable slope, a non-recoverable slope and a run out area, but all parts can be traversed. The desirable width is dependent on traffic volumes, speeds and the geometry of the road.(Definition taken from AS/NZS 3845-1999 Footnote:
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Control of Access |
In relation to any road means that a section or part of that road is intended for use by prescribed traffic without avoidable hindrance, whether from traffic from an intersecting road or otherwise, and that such section or part of the road has been declared by proclamation to be subject to control of access and may be entered or departed from at specified places only. |
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Controlled Access Highway |
Refer to definition of "Controlled Access Road" in AS 1348-2002. |
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Declared Road |
Means a road declared to be a highway, main road or secondary road under the Main Roads Act 1930, and includes parts of any such road. |
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Dual Use Path |
Refer to definition of "Shared Path" in AS 1348-2002. |
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Existing Surface Level |
The ground surface that exists prior to any work being carried out. |
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Formation |
[NOT USED] Refer to "Carriageway". |
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Highway |
Means a road declared by proclamation to be a highway for the purposes of the Main Roads Act 1930, and includes any part thereof. |
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Kerb Backfill |
Compacted fill placed behind the kerb. |
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Local Government Authority |
A local government established under the Local Government Act 1995. |
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Local Road |
A road that is a managed asset of a Local Government Authority and primarily used for access to abutting properties. |
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Main Road |
A road declared under the Main Roads Act 1930 to be a main road.
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Median |
A strip of road, not normally intended for use by traffic, which separates carriageways for traffic travelling in opposite directions. Median Shoulders are NOT considered part of the Median. |
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Median Island |
A raised island on the centre line of the side road (minor road) approaching an intersection. |
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Pavement Batter |
The batter adjacent to the Carriageway over which the pavement tapers from full depth to zero depth. |
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Principal Shared Path |
Is a high standard Shared Path primarily provided for regional commuter bicycle trips, though it serves many local destinations along the way. It offers a high level of safety due to its high standards and separation from motor traffic. |
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Sealed Shoulder |
The sealed portion of a shoulder. |
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Secondary Road |
A road declared under the Main Roads Act 1930 to be a secondary road. |
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Shared Path (Shared Use Path) (Shared Footway) |
A pathway that is primarily used by both pedestrians and riders of bicycles.
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Splitter Island |
A raised island on the centre line of the main carriageway (major road). |
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State Road |
A road declared under the Main Roads Act 1930 to be a highway or a main road. |
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Temporary Alignments |
A section of carriageway constructed in a location to enable the future construction of infrastructure in its permanent location. |
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Unsealed Shoulder |
The unsealed portion of a shoulder. |
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Verge |
That area between the reserve boundary and the nearest road shoulder, kerb or edge of carriageway. |