PRINCIPLE OF ROAD ALIGNMENT

Road alignment is the position occupied by the centerline of a road in the plan. The centerline of the road is marked before its actual construction. The cost of construction, maintenance safety and ease in travel depend upon its alignment. Therefore a road alignment should be selected carefully.

The basic objects of road alignment are as given below:

1.       The alignment of the road should be as short as possible to provide economy in the cost of construction.

2.       The alignment should be as straight as possible which ensure higher speed to the traffic and lower cost of construction.

3.       The alignment should be easy for construction, maintenance, and traffic operations.

4.       The alignment should cross the railway lines and other roads and bridge at right angles.

5.       It should cross the rivers, canals or streams, etc. a place where its width is minimum.

6.       The alignment serves the maximum population connecting intermediate important towns and group of villages.

7.       The alignment should pass through regions of natural beauty and scenery.

8.       The alignment should be such that crosses the minimum number of bridges, crossings, culverts, and embankment.

9.       It should provide smooth curves and easy gradients.

10.   It should be such that minimum earthwork in embankment or cutting is done.