Section 6: Cross Sectional Elements

Overview
This section includes information on the following cross sectional design elements:

Pavement Cross Slope

Median Design

Lane Widths

Shoulder Widths

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Elements

Curb and Curb and Gutters

Roadside Design

Slopes and Ditches

Lateral Offset to Obstructions

Clear Zone

Pavement design is covered in TxDOTs Pavement Design Guide.

Pavement Cross Slope

The operating characteristics of vehicles on crowned pavements are such that on cross
slopes up to 2 percent, the effect on steering is barely perceptible. A reasonably steep lateral
slope is desirable to minimize water ponding on flat sections of uncurbed pavements due to
imperfections or unequal settlement. With curbed pavements, a steep cross slope is desirable
to contain the flow of water adjacent to the curb. The recommended pavement cross slope for
usual conditions is 2 percent. In areas of high rainfall, steeper cross slopes may be used (see
AASHTOs A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets).
On multilane divided highways, pavements with three or more lanes inclined in the same
direction desirably should have greater slope across the outside lane(s) than across the two
interior lanes. The increase in slope in the outer lane(s) should be at least 0.5 percent greater
than the inside lanes (i.e., slope of 2.5 percent). In these cases, the inside lanes may be
sloped flatter than normal, typically at 1.5 percent but not less than 1.0 percent.
For tangent sections on divided highways, each pavement should have a uniform cross slope
with the high point at the edge nearest the median. Although a uniform cross slope is
preferable, on rural sections with a wide median, the high point of the crown is sometimes
placed at the centerline of the pavement with cross slopes from 1.5 to 2 percent. At

intersections, interchange ramps or in unusual situations, the high point of the crown position
may vary depending upon drainage or other controls.
For two lane roadways, cross slope should also be adequate to provide proper drainage. The
cross slope for two lane roadways for usual conditions is 2 percent and should not be less
than 1.0 percent.
Shoulders should be sloped sufficiently to drain surface water but not to the extent that safety
concerns are created for vehicular use. The algebraic difference of cross slope between the
traveled way and shoulder grades should not exceed 6 to 7 percent. Maximum shoulder
slope should not exceed 10 percent. Following are recommended cross slopes for various
types of shoulders:

Bituminous and concrete-surface shoulders should be sloped from 2 to 6 percent (often

the slope rate is identical to that used on the travel lanes).

Gravel or crushed rock shoulders should be sloped from 4 to 6 percent.

Turf shoulders should be sloped at about 8 percent.

Pavement cross slopes on all roadways, exclusive of superelevation transition sections,

should not be less than 1 percent.

Median Design
A median (i.e., the area between opposing travel lane edges) is provided primarily to separate
opposing traffic streams. The general range of median width is from 4 ft to 76 ft [1.2 m to 22.8
m], with design width dependent on the type and location of the highway or street facility.
In rural areas, median sections are normally wider than in urban areas. For multi-lane rural
highways without access control, a median width of 76 ft [22.8 m] is desirable to provide
complete shelter for trucks at median openings (crossovers). These wide, depressed medians
are also effective in reducing headlight glare and providing a horizontal clearance for run-offthe-road vehicle encroachments.
Where economically feasible, freeways in rural areas should also desirably include a 76 ft
[22.8 m] median. Since freeways by design do not allow at-grade crossings, median widths
need not be sufficient to shelter crossing trucks. In this regard, where right-of-way costs are
prohibitive, reduced median widths (less than 76 ft [22.8 m]) may be appropriate for certain
rural freeways. Statistical studies have shown that over 90 percent of median encroachments
involve lateral distances traveled of 48 ft [14.4 m] or less. In this regard, depressed medians
on rural freeways sections should be 48 ft [14.4 m] or more in width.
Urban freeways generally include narrower, flush medians with continuous longitudinal
barriers. For urban freeways with flush median and six or more travel lanes, full (10 ft [3.0 m])
inside shoulders should be provided to provide space for emergency parking. Median widths

vary up to 30 ft [9.0 m], with 24 ft [7.2 m] commonly used. For projects involving the
rehabilitation and expansion of existing urban freeways, the provision of wide inside
shoulders may not be feasible.
For low-speed urban arterial streets, flush or curbed medians are used. A width of 16 ft [4.8
m] will effectively accommodate left-turning traffic for either raised or flush medians. Where
the need for dual left turns are anticipated at cross streets, the median width should be 28 ft
[8.4 m]. The two-way (continuous) left-turn lane design is appropriate where there exists (or is
expected to exist) a high frequency of mid-block left turns. Median types for urban arterials
without access control are further discussed in Chapter 3, Section 2, Urban Streets.
When flush median designs are selected, it should be expected that some crossing and
turning movements can occur in and around these medians. Full pavement structure designs
will usually be carried across flush medians to allow for traffic movements.

Lane Widths
For high-speed facilities such as all freeways and most rural arterials, lane widths should be
12 ft [3.6 m] minimum. For low-speed urban streets, 11 ft or 12 ft [3.3 m or 3.6 m] lanes are
generally used. Subsequent sections of this manual identify appropriate lane widths for the
various classes of highway and street facilities.
Bicycle accomodations should be considered when a project is scoped. Bicycle consideration
is required on urban facilities. To accommodate bicycles, the outside curb lane should be 14 ft
[4.2m] from the lane stripe to the gutter joint or gutter lip on a monolithic curb. For a striped
bicycle lane, the clear width is 5 ft [1.5m] minimum. For additional guidance, refer to the
AASHTO Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities.

Shoulder Widths
Wide, surfaced shoulders provide a suitable, all-weather area for stopped vehicles to be clear
of the travel lanes. Shoulders are of considerable value on high-speed facilities such as
freeways and rural highways. Shoulders, in addition to serving as emergency parking areas,
lend lateral support to travel lane pavement structure, provide a maneuvering area, increase
sight distance of horizontal curves, and give drivers a sense of safe, open roadway. Design
shoulder widths for the various classes of highways are shown in the appropriate subsequent
portions of this manual.
Shoulder widths should accomodate bicycle facilities and provide a 1 ft offset to barriers
across bridges being replaced or rehabilitated.
On urban collector and local streets, parking lanes may be provided instead of shoulders. On
arterial streets, parking lanes decrease capacity and generally are discouraged.

Sidewalks and Pedestrian Elements

Walking is an important transportation mode that needs to be incorporated in transportation
projects. Planning for pedestrian facilities should occur early and continuously throughout
project development. Sidewalks provide distinct separation of pedestrians and vehicles,
serving to increase pedestrian safety as well as to enhance vehicular capacity. When any of
the following factors are present, sidewalks should be included on a project located in an
urban setting where:

Construction is within existing right-of-way, and the scope of work involves pavement
widening;

Full reconstruction or new construction that requires new right-of-way.

In typical suburban development, there are initially few pedestrian trips because there are few
closely located pedestrian destinations. However, when pedestrian demand increases with
additional development, it may be more difficult and more costly to go back and install
pedestrian facilities if they were not considered in the initial design. Early consideration of
pedestrian facility design during the project development process may also greatly simplify
compliance with accessibility requirements established by the Americans with Disabilities Act
Public Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right of Way
(PROWAG) and the Texas Accessibility Standards (TAS).
Sidewalk Location. For pedestrian comfort, especially adjacent to high speed traffic, it is
desirable to provide a buffer space between the traveled way and the sidewalk as shown in
Figure 2-7(A). For curb and gutter sections, a buffer space of 4 ft to 6 ft [1.2m to 1.8m]
between the back of the curb and the sidewalk is desirable. Roadways in urban and suburban
areas without curb and gutter require sidewalks , which should be placed between the ditch
and the right of way line if practical. Note that pedestrian street crossings must be ADA
compliant. For roadways functionally classified as rural, the shoulder may be used to
accommodate pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Where a shoulder serves as part of the
pedestrian access route, it must meet ADA/TAS requirements.
Sidewalk Width. Sidewalks should be wide enough to accommodate the volume and type of
pedestrian traffic expected in the area. The minimum clear sidewalk width is 5 ft [1525 mm].
Where a sidewalk is placed immediately adjacent to the curb as shown in Figure 2-7(B), a
sidewalk width of 6 ft [1830 mm] is recommended to allow additional space for street and
highway hardware and allow for the proximity of moving traffic. Sidewalk widths of 8 ft [2440
mm] or more may be appropriate in commercial areas, along school routes, and other areas
with concentrated pedestrian traffic.
Where necessary to cross a driveway while maintaining the maximum 2 percent cross slope,
the sidewalk width may be reduced to 4 ft [1220 mm] (Figure 2-8). Also,if insufficient space is
available to locate street fixtures (elements such as sign supports, signal poles, fire hydrants,

manhole covers, and controller cabinets that are not intended for public use) outside the 5 ft
[1525 mm] minimum clear width, the sidewalk width may be reduced to 4 ft [1220 mm] for
short distances.
Street Crossings. Intersections can present formidable barriers to pedestrian travel.
Intersection designs which incorporate properly placed curb ramps, sidewalks, crosswalks,
pedestrian signal heads and pedestrian refuge islands can make the environment more
accommodating for pedestrians. Desirably, drainage inlets should be located on the upstream
side of crosswalks and sidewalk ramps.
Refuge islands enhance pedestrian comfort by reducing effective walking distances and
pedestrian exposure to traffic. Islands should be a minimum of 6 ft [1.8m] wide to afford
refuge to people in wheelchairs. A minimum 5 ft [1.5m] wide by 6 ft [1.8m] long curb ramp
should be cut through the island for pedestrian passage. Install curb ramps with a minimum 5
ft x 5 ft [1525 mm x 1525 mm] landing in the island if room allows, see Figure 2-9. Curb
ramps and crosswalks must be aligned behind the nose of the median island to provide
adequate refuge.

Figure 2-7. Curb Ramps and Landings

Figure 2-8. Sidewalks at Driveway Aprons.

Figure 2-9. Curb Ramps at Median Islands.

NOTE: Online users can view the metric version of this figure.
Curb Ramps and Landings. Curb ramps must be provided in conjunction with each project
where the following types of work will be performed:

reconstruction, rehabilitation and resurfacing projects, including overlays, where a

barrier exists to a sidewalk or a prepared surface for pedestrian use

construction of curbs, curb and gutter, and/or sidewalks

installation of traffic signals which include pedestrian signals

installation of pavement markings for pedestrian crosswalks

A sidewalk curb ramp and level landing will be provided wherever a public sidewalk crosses a
curb or other change in level. The maximum grade for curb ramps is 8.3 percent. The
maximum cross slope for curb ramps is 2 percent. Flatter grades and slopes should be used
where possible and to allow for construction tolerances and to improve accessibility. The
preferred width of curb ramps is 5 ft [1.5m] and the minimum width is 4 ft [1.2m], exclusive of
flared sides. Where a side of a curb ramp is contiguous with a public sidewalk or walking
surface, it will be flared with a slope of 10 percent maximum, measured parallel to the curb.
Where a perpendicular or directional curb ramp is provided, a landing must be provided at the
top of the ramp run. The slope of the landing will not exceed 2 percent in any direction. The
landing should have a minimum clear dimension of 5 ft x 5 ft [1.5m x 1.5m] square or
accomodate a 5 ft [1.5m] diameter circle and will connect to the continuous passage in each
direction of travel as shown in Figure 2-7. Landings may overlap with other landings.
Where a parallel curb ramp is provided (i.e., the sidewalk ramps down to a landing at street
level) a minimum 5 ft x 5 ft [1.5m x 1.5m] landing should be provided at the entrance to the
street.
The bottom of a curb ramp run should be wholly contained within the markings of the
crosswalk. There should be a minimum 4 ft x 4 ft [1.2m x 1.2m] maneuvering space wholly
contained within the crosswalk, whether marked or unmarked and outside the path of parallel
vehicular traffic.
Manhole covers, grates, and obstructions should not be located within the curb ramp,
maneuvering area, or landing.
The standard sheet PED may be referenced for additional information on the configuration of
curb ramps.
Cross Slope. Sidewalk cross slope will not exceed 1:50 (2 percent). Due to construction
tolerances, it is recommended that sidewalk cross slopes be shown in the plans at 1.5

percent to avoid exceeding the 2 percent limit when complete. Cross slope requirements also
apply to the continuation of the pedestrian route through the cross walk. Sidewalks
immediately adjacent to the curb or roadway may be offset to avoid a non-conforming cross
slope at driveway aprons by diverting the sidewalk around the apron as shown in Figure 2-8.
Where the ramp sidewalk must be sloped to cross a driveway, the designer is encouraged to
use a running slope of 5 percent or less on the sloping portions of the sidewalk to avoid the
need for handrails.
Street Furniture. Special consideration should be given to the location of street furniture
(items intended for use by the public such as benches, public telephones, bike racks, and
parking meters). A clear ground space at least 2.5 ft x 4 ft [760 mm x 1.2m] with a maximum
slope of 2 percent must be provided and positioned to allow for either forward or parallel
approach to the element in compliance with PROWAG/TAS. The clear ground space must
have an accessible connection to the sidewalk and must not encroach into the 5 ft [1.5m]
minimum sidewalk width by more than 2 ft [610 mm]. Pedestrian push buttons must also be
within specified reach ranges of a ground space.
PROWAG/TAS. Specific design requirements to accommodate the needs of persons with
disabilities are established by the PROWAG/TAS and related rulemaking. A request for a
design variance for any deviations from TAS requirements must be submitted to the Texas
Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for approval.

Curb and Curb and Gutters

Curb designs are classified as vertical or sloping. Vertical curbs are defined as those having a
vertical or nearly vertical traffic face 6 inches [150 mm] or higher. Vertical curbs are intended
to discourage motorists from deliberately leaving the roadway. Sloping curbs are defined as
those having a sloping traffic face 6 inches [150 mm] or less in height. Sloping curbs can be
readily traversed by a motorist when necessary. A preferable height for sloping curbs at some
locations may be 4 inches [100 mm] or less because higher curbs may drag the underside of
some vehicles.
Curbs are used primarily on frontage roads, crossroads, and low-speed streets in urban
areas. They should not be used in connection with the through, high-speed traffic lanes or
ramp areas except at the outer edge of the shoulder where needed for drainage, in which
case they should be of the sloping type.

Roadside Design
Of particular concern to the design engineer is the number of single-vehicle, run-off-the-road
accidents which occur even on the safest facilities. About one-third of all highway fatalities are
associated with accidents of this nature. The configuration and condition of the roadside
greatly affect the extent of damages and injuries for these accidents.

Increased safety may be realized through application of the following principles, particularly
on high-speed facilities:

A forgiving roadside should be provided, free of unyielding obstacles including

landscaping, drainage facilities that create obstacles, steep slopes, utility poles, etc. For
adequate safety, it is desirable to provide an unencumbered roadside recovery area that is
as wide as practicable for the specific highway and traffic conditions.

For existing highways, treatment of obstacles should be considered in the following

order:
o

Eliminate the obstacle.

Redesign the obstacle so that it can by safely traversed.

Relocate the obstacle to a point where it is less likely to be struck.

Make the obstacle breakaway.

Apply a cost-effective device to provide for redirection (longitudinal barrier) or

severity reduction (impact attenuators). Barrier should only be used if the barrier is
less of an obstacle than the obstacle it would protect, or if the cost of otherwise safety
treating the obstacle is prohibitive.

Delineate the obstacle.

Use of higher than minimum design standards result in a driver environment which is

fundamentally safer because it is more likely to compensate for driver errors. Frequently, a
design, including sight distances greater than minimum, flattened slopes, etc., costs little
more over the life of a project and increases safety and usefulness substantially.

For improved safety performance, highway geometry and traffic control devices should
merely confirm drivers' expectations. Unexpected situations, such as left side ramps on
freeways, sharp horizontal curvature introduced within a series of flat curves, etc., have
demonstrated adverse effects on traffic operations.

These principles have been incorporated as appropriate into the design guidelines included
herein. These principles should be examined for their applicability at an individual site based
on its particular circumstances, including the aspects of social impact, environmental impact,
economy, and safety.

Slopes and Ditches

Sideslopes. Sideslopes refer to the slopes of areas adjacent to the shoulder and located
between the shoulder and the right-of-way line. For safety reasons, it is desirable to design

relatively flat areas adjacent to the travelway so that out-of-control vehicles are less likely to
turn over, vault, or impact the side of a drainage channel.
Slope Rates. The path that an out-of-control vehicle follows after it leaves the traveled
portion of the roadway is related to a number of factors such as driver capabilities, slope
rates, and vehicular speed. Accident data indicates that approximately 75 percent of reported
encroachments do not exceed a lateral distance of 30 ft [9 m] from the travel lane edge where
roadside slopes are 1V:6H or flatter - slope rates that afford drivers significant opportunity for
recovery. Crash test data further indicates that steeper slopes (up to 1V:3H) are negotiable by
drivers; however, recovery of vehicular control on these steeper slopes is less likely.
Recommended clear zone width associated with these slopes are further discussed in Clear
Zone.
Design Values. Particularly difficult terrain or restricted right-of-way width may require
deviation from these general guide values. Where conditions are favorable, it is desirable to
use flatter slopes to enhance roadside safety.

Front Slope. The slope adjacent to the shoulder is called the front slope. Ideally, the
front slope should be 1V:6H or flatter, although steeper slopes are acceptable in some
locations. Rates of 1V:4H (or flatter) facilitate efficient operation of construction and
maintenance equipment. Slope rates of 1V:3H may be used in constrained conditions.
Slope rates of 1V:2H are normally only used on bridge header banks or ditch side slopes,
both of which would likely require rip-rap.
When the front slope is steeper than 1V:3H, a longitudinal barrier may be considered to
keep vehicles from traversing the slope. A longitudinal barrier should not be used solely
for slope protection for rates of 1V:3H or flatter since the barrier may be more of an
obstacle than the slope. Also, since recovery is less likely on 1V:3H and 1V:4H slopes,
fixed objects should not be present in the vicinity of the toe of these slopes. Particular
care should be taken in the treatment of man-made appurtenances such as culvert ends.

Back Slope. The back slope is typically at a slope of 1V:4H or flatter for mowing
purposes. Generally, if steep front slopes are provided, the back slopes are relatively flat.
Conversely, if flat front slopes are provided, the back slopes may be steeper. The slope
ratio of the back slope may vary depending upon the geologic formation encountered. For
example, where the roadway alignment traverses through a rock formation area, back
slopes are typically much steeper and may be close to vertical. Steep back slope designs
should be examined for slope stability.

Design. The intersections of slope planes in the highway cross section should be well
rounded for added safety, increased stability, and improved aesthetics. Front slopes, back
slopes, and ditches should be sodded and/or seeded where feasible to promote stability and

reduce erosion. In arid regions, concrete or rock retards may be necessary to prevent ditch
erosion.
Where guardrail is placed on side slopes, the area between the roadway and barrier should
be sloped at 1V:10H or flatter.
Roadside drainage ditches should be of sufficient width and depth to handle the design runoff and should be at least 6 inches [150 mm] below the subgrade crown to insure stability of
the base course. For additional information, see Drainage Facility Placement.

Lateral Offset to Obstructions

It is generally desirable that there be uniform clearance between traffic and roadside features
such as bridge railings, parapets, retaining walls, and roadside barriers. In an urban
environment, right of way is often limited and is characterized by sidewalks, enclosed
drainage, numerous fixed objects (e.g., signs, utility poles, luminaire supports, fire hydrants,
sidewalk furniture, etc.), and traffic making frequent stops. Uniform alignment enhances
highway safety by providing the driver with a certain level of expectation, thus reducing driver
concern for and reaction to those objects. The distance from the edge of the traveled way,
beyond which a roadside object will not be perceived as an obstacle and result in a motorists
reducing speed or changing vehicle position on the roadway, is called the lateral offset. This
lateral offset to obstructions helps to:

Avoid impacts on vehicle lane position and encroachments into opposing or adjacent
lanes

Improve driveway and horizontal sight distances

Reduce the travel lane encroachments from occasional parked and disabled vehicles

Improve travel lane capacity

Minimize contact from vehicle mounted intrusions (e.g., large mirrors, car doors, and the
overhang of turning trucks.

As a minimum, as long as the obstruction is located beyond the recommended paved

shoulder of a roadway, it will have minimum impact on driver speed or lane position and meet
the lateral offset requirement. Where a curb is present, the lateral offset is measured from the
face of curb and shall be a minimum of 1.5 ft [0.5 m]. A minimum of 1 ft [0.3 m] lateral offset
should be provided from the toe of barrier to the edge of traveled way.

Clear Zone
A clear recovery area, or clear zone, should be provided along high-speed rural highways. A
clear zone is the unobstructed, traversable area provided beyond the edge of the through
traveled way for the recovery of errant vehicles. The clear zone includes shoulders, bike

lanes, and auxiliary lanes, except those auxiliary lanes that function like through lanes. Such
a recovery area should be clear of unyielding objects where practical or shielded by crash
cushions or barrier. Table 2-12 shows criteria for clear zones.
Table 2-12: Clear Zones
Location

Functional Classification

Design Speed (mph)

Avg. Daily Traffic

Clear Zone W

Minimum

Rural

Freeways

All

All

30 (16 for ra

0 - 750

10

750 - 1500

16

>1500

30

Rural

Arterial

All

Rural

Collector

50

All

Use above r

Rural

Collector

45

All

10

Rural

Local

All

All

10

Suburban

All

All

<8,000

106

Suburban

All

All

8,000 - 12,000

106

Suburban

All

All

12,000 - 16,000

106

Suburban

All

All

>16,000

206

Urban

Freeways

All

All

30 (16 for ra

Urban

All (Curbed)

50

All

Urban

All (Curbed)

45

All

4 from curb

Urban

All (Uncurbed)

50

All

Use above s

Urban

All (Uncurbed)

45

All

10

Use above s
permits.

Because of the need for specific placement to assist traffic operations, devices such as traffic signal supports, railroad signal/warning d

excluded from clear zone requirements. However, these devices should be located as far from the travel lanes as practical. Other non-br
prescribed clear zone or these devices should be protected with barrier.
2

Average ADT over project life, i.e., 0.5 (present ADT plus future ADT). Use total ADT on two-way roadways and directional ADT on one-

Without barrier or other safety treatment of appurtenances.

Measured from edge of travel lane for all cut sections and for all fill sections where side slopes are 1V:4H or flatter. Where fill slopes are

10 ft area free of obstacles beyond the toe of slope.

5

Desirable, rather than minimum, values should be used where feasible.

Purchase of 5 ft or less of additional right-of-way strictly for satisfying clear zone provisions is not required.

NOTE: Online users can view the metric version of this table in PDF format.
The clear zone values shown in Table 2-12 are measured from the edge of travel lane. These
are appropriate design values for all cut sections (see Drainage Facility Placement), for cross
sectional design of ditches within the clear zone area) and for all fill sections with side slopes
1V:4H or flatter. It should be noted that, while a 1V:4H slope is acceptable, that a 1V:6H or
flatter slope is preferred for both errant vehicle performance and slope maintainability. For fill
slopes steeper than 1V:4H, errant vehicles have a reduced chance of recovery and the lateral
extent of each roadside encroachment increases. It is therefore preferable to provide an
obstacle-free area of 10 ft[3.0m] beyond the toe of steep side slopes even when this area is
outside the clear zone.