Roadway Functional Classification System

Functional classification is the process by which the nation's network of streets and highways are categorized according to the type of service they provide. It represents the function of a roadway based on several factors including volume of traffic and types of trips served. 

Functional classification is used in transportation planning, roadway design and the allocation of federal roadway improvement funds. It was introduced by the Federal Highway Administration in the late 1960s, which developed federal guidelines for local governments and planning organizations to use in maintaining the functional classification system in their own jurisdictions.

Functional Classification Process

As the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Kansas City region, it is MARC's responsibility to develop and maintain the functional classification system of roadways within its planning boundaries through coordination with local cities, counties and the state departments of transportation.

Functional Classification Process

Functional Classification Map

MARC maintains an interactive web map of the Functional Classification System that allows users to zoom in on an area of interest and turn on additional informational layers. During a call for changes to the system, jurisdictions can review existing classifications as well as propose changes or new classifications using this map.

Functional Classification Map
Layer Title
Schedule for changes
Table
Approval process for Functional Class changes in Kansas City Urbanized Area
MONTH PROCESS
January Call for changes: formal announcement during regularly scheduled Highway Committee (3rd Wednesday of the month) and Total Transportation Policy Committee (3rd Tuesday of the month) meetings.
March 8 Deadline to submit requests to MARC.
March MARC staff recommendations go to the regularly scheduled Highway Committee (3rd Wednesday of the month) for approval. Note: Highway Committee approval is required for recommended changes to go before TTPC the following month.
April Changes approved by the Highway Committee recommended to TTPC for approval; Recommendations brought to Board (4th Tuesday of the month) for approval. Board-approved changes submitted for to state DOT/FHWA.
August Call for changes: formal announcement during regularly scheduled Highway Committee (3rd Wednesday of the month) and Total Transportation Policy Committee (3rd Tuesday of the month) meetings.
September 15 Deadline to submit requests to MARC.
October MARC staff recommendations go to the regularly scheduled Highway Committee (3rd Wednesday of the month) for approval. Note: Highway Committee approval is required for recommended changes to go before TTPC the following month.
November Changes approved by the Highway Committee recommended to TTPC for approval; Recommendations brought to Board (4th Tuesday of the month) for approval. Board-approved changes submitted for to state DOT/FHWA.