Where are we on the road network?

This paper discusses whether the need for functional road hierarchy plans for major urban areas is still relevant. It looks at the current fashion for permeability and connectivity and considers the scale of networks. It concludes that hierarchy plans are still relevant, but in Melbourne the fundamentals of functional road hierarchies and spacing of traffic routes is poorly understood. In fact this city of well over 2 million people has no agreed functional road hierarchy plan. The paper compares Melbourne with Perth (WA) and Milton Keynes (UK). Some specific road network issues in Melbourne are also considered. (Author/publisher) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E213531.