CLASSIFICATION OF ROADS
The classification of the road network is essential requirement to improve the road and have suitable maintenance. At present the road network in Sri Lanka has been classified into five classes, according to their sizes, usefulness, traffic capacity and the condition of the road. These major categories are A, B, C, D and E.
A-CLASS ROAD
These are main arteries or long distance routes for moving traffic between different parts of the country, normally the major cities and towns. These are called trunk roads. Trunk Roads connect provincial cities and major parts of the country.
B-CLASS ROADS
These roads from the next level of the hierarchy and distribute traffic between residential areas, industrial areas, town centers and feed the A-class roads. Also these roads connect the administrative districts to the provincial cities.
C-CLASS ROADS
These are main collectors and distributors within any zone of area that feed the above A-class and B-class Roads. Also roads except A and B class roads that carry heavy traffic volume fall under this class.
D-CLASS AND E-CLASS ROADS
These types of roads are known as minor roads. These are local roads that provide access to settlements and villages. Provincial councils, pradesheeya sabhas, local government
organization, estates and other organization own these roads. On the other hand there are some roads, which are not owned any one.