This report contains the results of a study of highway shoulder design practices and operational uses throughout the United States. The study has determined that the shoulders along highways are subjected to a variety of uses by the traveling public, adjacent property and business owners, agencies that build and maintain the highways, law enforcing agencies, and organizations that provide public services. Guidelines are provided for shoulder design elements such as width, surface type, cross slope, special signing, and markings that best satisfy the requirements for each identified shoulder use for various classifications of highways. The report will be of interest to transportation agencies and personnel responsible for the design, maintenance, and operation of all types of highways from local roads to freeways.
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