Functional Classification

State System

Federal Functional Classification vs. State Functional Classification

Federal functional classification guidelines are used in functionally classifying Virginia roadways.

However, Virginia currently also uses other classifications.
 
State administrative-funding classifications are used to refer to the state primary, secondary and urban systems. 

The state functional classification parallels the federal system, except the state system does not include non-existing roadways.

The percentage thresholds used by the Federal Highway Administration are slightly modified and federal major collectors are classified as minor arterials in the state system.

Virginia has applications that use the federal system in mixture with the state administrative systems. 

One example is distributing maintenance funds for urban and urbanized area localities that undertake maintenance responsibility in their jurisdiction. 

SPECIAL NOTE:  The VDOT Commissioner has identified specific federally functionally classified minor arterial highways that will be subject to the VDOT Access Management regulations and standards for principal arterial routes under the authority granted in VA Code §33.1-198.1. These routes were identified based on their regional significance and value for emergency evacuation purposes.  For more information on the Access Management regulations and standards, please refer to the information and maps available on VDOT’s access management Web pages.