According to roadway functional classification, which category is considered the highest level of roadway?

The category representing the highest level of roadway according to functional classification is the Principal Arterial. Principal Arterials serve major traffic movements and are designed to carry large volumes of traffic over longer distances. They typically connect regions, large cities, and important economic centers, thus playing a critical role in the overall transportation network.

Principal Arterials are characterized by a higher speed limit, greater capacity, and fewer access points compared to lower categories such as collectors and locals. They serve to efficiently move traffic through urban and suburban areas, thereby optimizing travel times and enhancing mobility across larger geographical areas.

In contrast, the other classifications have specific roles that serve more localized or lower-priority traffic needs. Minor Collectors and Major Collectors are designed for smaller-scale traffic distribution, serving to funnel traffic from local roads to the higher-capacity Principal Arterials. Local roads primarily provide access to individual properties and typically handle lower volumes of traffic at slower speeds. This hierarchy showcases the Principal Arterial's essential function in facilitating efficient transportation across a wide area.