carl

Motorway = freeway
A-road = expressway
B-road = er, not sure you have them in the US

Usually there are sub-classifications within the A and B-roads. For example, A-roads with single or dual digit numbers (A1, A2, A11, A14) are generally bigger than those with three or four digit numbers (e.g. A1000, A507). Actually, TBH the A507 is a damn good B-road

[Edited by carl - 4/1/2003 10:31:45 AM]

codemunky

As a reader of Evo magazine, I somewhat get it...but I want to make sure.

scooby_si

they r a foreign concept where roads r far from straight, plenty of corners on a single lane carrageway (1 lane each way) which r generally not straight & oh i almost 4got they have the ellusive twisties
ie they r good 4 scoobies
Si

lucky_strike

I spend most of my time in the Scooby on the motorway (or should that be freeway or highway?) to and from work and customers, anyway the b-roads and the twisties remind me at the weekends why I love the Scoob - great cornering capabilities, fantastic acceleration out of tight corners and the magic sound that is the flat four burble....

Dream Weaver

And as not even those in the UK can understand scooby_si, heres a pic (sort of)



B Roads are slightly wider though, and have 1 lane each way, with dashed white lines in between each lane.

scooby_si

w0+ u try!/\/ 2 54y? lol
Si

prodriva

Apologies for having my work head on, but hear is the official breakdown for different road classifications.

Tier 1 roads are 'A' roads

Tier 1: through routes of national or regional importance, giving priority to the safe and efficient movement of vehicles. Acceptable speeds could based on retention of current speed limits (60 mph for single, 70 mph for dual, carriageways, 30 in villages). In exceptional cases (for example due to poor road geometry or topography) a lower speed limit may be appropriate, although it is probable that lower speeds would be self-imposed in most cases.

Tier 2 roads are B roads

Tier 2: mixed use roads that cater primarily for motorised traffic, with limited numbers of vulnerable road users and occasional access to properties such as farms rather than frequent access to residences. A slower speed environment than for Tier 1 should be sought: a suggested maximum of 50 mph, and of 30 mph in villages. Where there are vulnerable road users, ideally physical separation should prevail, with special facilities at isolated locations. Junction treatments may be required, as these are a major source of accidents on such roads.

Tier 3 are not classified.

Tier 3: local roads that are primarily for access, particularly roads through villages, and where vulnerable road users are to be expected, and where these users are not fully catered for by way of physical separation or protection. Maximum speeds could be 40 mph, and 30 mph or less in villages. In particular cases, for example villages with restricted carriageway widths and Quiet Lanes – these should be very low speed environments with a maximum of 20 mph.

Here endeth the lesson

speedking

B roads, like the B4100 (used to be the A41) near Banbury, are perfectly good roads where the council can't be bothered to maintain properly, grit when icy, sign adequately etc. and so re-classify

Really annoys me when I get directed to the motorway for short trips when there is a perfectly adequate, shorter, and usually more enjoyable, alternative ex A road route nearby. Thanks (not) Oxfordshire CC[img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img]

stanmo

iTrader: (1)

Gosh, I thought 'B' roads were the type classified under tier 3; which is what I've got round my way.

No wonder I can't do the mental speeds often quoted on this board...

prodriva

To clarify, tier 3 roads are generally designated 'C' class roads. Check out a street atlas and you will notice the different road classifications.

mutant_matt

Carl,

In my experience, the Americans use Freeway, Expressway, Turnpike and Parkway all seem to be used as "Motorway". You're right about the B-roads, I've never seen an equivalent in the US.

Matt

P.S. SSSSHHHHhhhhhhsssshhhhhh about the 507!!!!!!

carl

IIRC expressways have traffic lights on them at junctions (unlike motorways).

JapSport

Doesn't B stand for Bendy?

hades

IIRC "Freeway" = free motorway, whereas "Turnpike" = motorway with toll booths on entrance and exit.

I think - but don't quote me - that Parkways tend to be passing/going round cities?

I did find a few roads when I was out there that would be the equivalent of a good B road - decent two lane roads snaking their way through the woods near Pittsburgh. Shame I was in a Dodge Grand Caravan "sport" at the time (like a Chrysler Grand Voyager only with worse handling and less performance)

Midmotorsteve

The best b roads are the old declassified A road in s.wales, lane each way damn bendy, no camras and empty 99.9% of the time. My parents live on a 9 mile stretch got it all, 1/2mile sort of slightly kinked straight, S bends couple 90 degree bends, 1 jump!!. Everyone of my contemparies wrote a car, or two, or more off on it in the first licenced years (not a single injury, all fly through hedges roll it in field style). My 67 year old father in celica has raced a mate in AMG cossie merc to work along it everyday for many years, always equal, that sort of road.

They are the best type full stop.

BRRRRR

OK, I used to be able to "kind of" understand scoobysi's posts... but that last one completely lost me.

hey man, this is not a short message service - type the full words and we'll understand you!!!

I personally think its pretty damn lazy - I'll take less time typing this so you can work *really* hard to read it!

scooby_si

lol that last 1 was irony but if u need a guide Click here lmao
Si

mutant_matt

So, you're admitting to be the subject of that web page then Si? ;p

Matt

scooby_si

50z ! d0nt understand?

Leslie

They are just roads for having fun on Codemunky!

Les

SJ_Skyline

they have many corners in them

super slider

B type roads (and great pictures)
http://www.stevecarter.com/bestuk.htm

Canuck

They are the reason for owning a Scoob, and provide a source of constant
1) Rictus face (ie. too much smiling)
2) Bank debts (ie. petrol, tyres, go-faster bits)
3) Source of revenue for Car Valeting firms (ie. fabric cleaner needed after sh**ing yer keks after flying around a sharp corner to find some inconsiderate:
i) horse and rider
ii) tractor
iii) Sunday driver
iv) Rambler group or cyclists
iv) Scoob coming the other way and trying to clip the fecking apex)
4) High insurance premiums

Canuck

codemunky

Thanks for your replies! But we do have a couple B-roads here. I know of one that goes from LA to Palmdale. Shoot me an email whenever you come visit.

What we have similar to b-roads are canyon runs. Although some have been "hot"(patrolled by CHP-California Highway Patrol), they sometimes don't mind.