DESIGN CRITERIA FOR HIGHWAYS AND RAILWAYS
Highway- major road designed for high-speed traffic, typically connecting cities, towns, or regions.
Railway- system of transportation that uses trains running on tracks to move people and goods from one place to
another.
Importance of Design in Infrastructure:
Safety- minimizes risks and enhances safety for users.
Efficiency- optimizes the use of resources and space.
Cost-Effectiveness- thoughtful design can reduce construction and maintenance costs.
Sustainability- good design incorporates environmental considerations.
Accessibility- accessible to everyone
Aesthetics- visual appeal of infrastructure can enhance the quality of life and contribute to the identity and
attractiveness of a place.
Functionality- meets the needs of its users.
Resilience- can withstand and recover from adverse conditions.
Comparison Overview
ASPECT HIGHWAY RAILWAY
Mode of Transportation Cars, trucks, and buses Trains
Flexibility Point-to-point travel with flexibility in route Less flexible, follows fixed route
choice
Construction and Less expensive, but requires frequent More expensive
Maintenance maintenance
Capacity Limited to road space, can be congested High capacity, less likely to be
congested
Speed Depends on traffic and road conditions Faster for long distance travel
Accessibility Direct access to various destinations Limited stations and rail lines
Environmental Impact Higher emission, contribute to air pollution More eco-friendly
Safety Prone to accidents Safer with fewer accidents
Design Criteria for Highways:
Geometric Design- smooth curves and gradients, proper grading for drainage and visibility, appropriate lane,
shoulder widths and visibility.
Pavement Design- surface binder and sub-base layers
Drainage Considerations- design slopes, install culverts and ditches.
Safety Features- clear signs and warnings, guardrails and crash barriers, adequate street lighting.
Environmental Impact- prevent soil erosion, minimize noise, crossing for animal safety.
Design Criteria for Railways:
Track Alignment- curves with appropriate radii to accommodate train speed.
Track Structure- strong rails, durable sleepers to support and align rails.
Signaling Systems- clear signals, reliable system for real-time updates.
Station and Platform Design- facilities for passengers, correct height and length for boarding.
Load and Speed Consideration- load capacity, speed limits.
Comparison: Factors Influencing Design
ASPECT HIGHWAY RAILWAY
Safety Road signs, barriers, lighting, and clear Signalling systems, track integrity, and level
alignment crossing
Social Factors Consider the impact on local Address community access to stations
communities
Economic Factors costs of construction, maintenance, and cost of infrastructure, long-term operational
boosting local economies. expenses, and benefits of transportation
Traffic traffic volumes, vehicle types, and speed Plan for train frequency, load capacities, and
Characteristics requirements speed
Land Use and Adapt to varying land uses, such as Align tracks considering land use for efficient
Topography urban, rural, or industrial areas routes
Factors Influencing Highway Design:
Traffic Volume- tailor lane width, road capacity, and alignment.
Environmental Impact- minimize disruption to ecosystems, manage runoff, and reduce pollution.
Terrain and Topography- adapt road layout to handle varying elevations, slopes, and natural obstacles.
Economic Factors- balance construction and maintenance costs with benefits like improved connectivity and
economic development.
Urban vs. Rural Setting Factors- in urban areas, focus on integrating with existing infrastructure and addressing
high traffic densities.
Factors Influencing Highway Design:
Type of Trains- design tracks based on freight, passenger, or both.
Load Capacity- can support the maximum expected loads for both trains and freight.
Speed Requirements- Adapt track geometry, curvature, and signaling for the desired train speeds.
Topographical Challenges- address elevation changes and natural features.
Electrification and Signaling System- integrate systems for efficient train control and power supply.
