Resolving network hierarchy with an unconventional core c/d highway concept, highway 63, Fort McMurray.

A structured and organized road network hierarchy system within the urban setting is invaluable. It provides increased convenience for all and facilitates social contact through ease of access. This paper describes the work done in resolving the road hierarchy system along Highway 63 through Fort McMurray, Alberta. Highway 63 through Fort McMurray is the Provincial Highway linking south-central Alberta with the oil-sands north of Fort McMurray and the only link between the downtown Fort McMurray core and outlying residential communities, commercial and industrial zones, and the oil sands mine sites. General background on developing a road network hierarchy is presented and then the specific characteristics of the existing road hierarchy are discussed. The proposed infrastructure improvements to the corridor are then highlighted as is the resulting functional classification. For the covering abstract of the conference see ITRD number E211521.