What is the design speed of urban branch roads?
3 Answers
Urban branch road design speeds: expressways: ≥80 km/h; arterial roads: 40-60 km/h; secondary roads: 40 km/h; branch roads: ≤30 km/h. Definition of speeding: Driving at 45 km/h on a road with a 40 km/h speed limit falls within the range of exceeding the prescribed speed by more than 10% but less than 20%. According to new traffic regulations, for violations where the speed exceeds the limit by less than 50% on a 40 km/h road, traffic police will only issue a warning without fines or penalty points. Driving precautions: When driving, it's necessary to observe roadside signs, markings, and other indicated speed limits, while also constantly monitoring the speedometer on the vehicle's dashboard to avoid speeding violations.
Regarding the design speed of urban branch roads, I find this topic quite interesting, as I have studied some basic principles of traffic engineering myself. Typically, the design speed for urban branch roads is set between 30 to 50 kilometers per hour, with 40 kilometers per hour being the most common. Why is that? Primarily due to safety considerations. In densely populated urban centers with sidewalks, school zones, and residential areas, higher speeds can lead to a significant increase in accident rates. I recall a discussion among experts where it was mentioned that once the speed exceeds 50 kilometers per hour, the braking reaction time becomes insufficient to avoid collisions, especially on narrow roads. Additionally, the architectural layout and tight turning radii necessitate lower speeds to ensure smooth vehicle maneuvering. Weather conditions also influence the design speed, as rain and fog require lower speed limits to prevent skidding. I would advise drivers to always adhere to posted speed limits and avoid speeding—safety should always come first. In practice, different cities adjust speeds based on traffic flow. For instance, in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, main roads are often designed for 50 kilometers per hour, while branch roads strictly enforce 40 kilometers per hour to mitigate congestion risks, given the current heavy traffic pressure.
From practical driving experience, having driven on various urban side roads for decades, the designed speed is generally capped at around 40 kilometers per hour, though specific road signs may indicate 30-50 km/h. For instance, I frequently drive on narrow branch roads near residential areas where pedestrians cross casually—exceeding 40 km/h would be dangerously risky, as I once nearly hit a child who suddenly darted out. This design standard incorporates a safety buffer to reduce sudden accidents and gives seasoned drivers greater peace of mind. Other factors, like low visibility at night, make the 40 km/h limit ensure headlight coverage without delayed reaction times. During congestion, lower speeds also ease traffic flow and prevent chain-reaction collisions. I advise new drivers to heed these signs—don’t rush and risk regret over accidents. Overall, traffic rules set this speed reasonably, fostering smoother urban operations.
