2.1Fundamental Principle of Highway Alignment

  

The layout of center line of highway on the ground is called alignment. Generally, highway alignments are of two types

i) Horizontal alignment: It can be defined as projection of highway alignment in horizontal plane consisting of straight and curve path.

ii) Vertical alignment: It can be defined as projection of highway alignment in vertical plane consisting of gradients and vertical curves.

The fundamental principle of alignment are

• The highway alignment should be such that the construction cost will be less.
• The highway alignment should be fixed in such a way that, the road maintenance cost become less.
• It should cross the rivers, canals or streams, etc. at a place where its width is minimum.
• The road alignment should not pass through natural beauty and scenery regions.
• The alignment should not pass through more costly and cultivated land. It must also avoid forests.
• It should be free from obstructions like ponds, lakes, wells, monumental buildings, historical buildings, etc.
• The alignment should be such that it crosses the minimum number of bridges, crossing culverts, and embankment places.