On main roads, avoid straight alignments unless there is a straight element to respond to, such a distinct boundary or change in land use. Straight lines are unnatural in a landscape. Construction of curves can be more forgiving of minor inconsequential imperfections.
Benefits
- Allows a road to respond to its context more successfully
- Provides a more enjoyable travel experience
Considerations
- Geometric design constraints may limit the ability to match alignment exactly in exceedingly steep or variable topography, however a 'best fit' still should be strived for
Reference
TfNSW Guide
TS 01592 Beyond the Pavement, Principle four
Further information
On dual carriageways, independently grading the carriageways will further allow the alignment to match adjacent topography, such as can be seen on the Great Western Highway near Wentworth Falls.
Examples
The curvilinear alignment of the Princes Highway upgrade at Victoria Creek is set into the topography, following the surrounding contours rather than imposing itself on the landscape. As people traverse this section of the road they are directed to elements within the landscape such as the locally prominent Gulaga Mountain, increasing their engagement with the journey and helping with orientation.
Location:
Princes Highway, Victoria Creek between Brushgrove Lane and Victoria Creek Road
Agency responsible:
TfNSW
The Princes Highway, north of Bodalla, doesn’t respond to underlying topography and instead is the dominant feature. This results in a less distinctive route and lack of connection with the corridor's context.
Location:
Princes Highway, Bodalla near Western Boundary Road
Agency responsible:
TfNSW
Application
| Local streets | Main streets | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential lane |  | Destination high street | |
| Residential way | | Transit street | |
| Yield street | | Connector avenue | |
| Neighbourhood street | | Arterial high street |  |
| Connector street | | Transit arterial | |
| Urban centre street | | ||
| Enterprise street | | ||
| Main roads | Civic spaces | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Transit only corridor |  | Civic high street | |
| Rural link |  | Transit mall | |
| Rural highway | | Civic lane | |
| Secondary arterial | | Service lane | |
| Principal arterial | | ||
| Motorway | | ||
Legend
| Appropriate treatment |
| Use with caution |
| Inappropriate treatment |
| Not applicable |