What is the main purpose of the highway design manual?

The main purpose of the highway design manual is to set standards and guidelines for highway construction and maintenance. This comprehensive manual outlines the technical specifications, design procedures, and best practices necessary for creating safe and efficient highway systems. By adhering to these established standards, engineers and planners ensure consistency and safety across various highway projects, which ultimately contributes to the overall functionality of the transport infrastructure.

Setting guidelines also facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements and ensures that new roads and maintenance activities meet safety standards. This is essential for protecting the welfare of road users and maintaining the integrity of the transportation system. Properly designed highways can improve traffic flow, increase safety, and reduce construction and maintenance costs over time.