ROAD SHOULDER

• A Road Shoulder is a reserved area by the verge of a road or motorway. Generally, it is kept clear of motor vehicle traffic. Shoulder widths typically vary from as little as 0.6 m (2 ft) on minor rural roads, where there is no surfacing, to about 3.6 m (12 ft) on major

  highways.
• Road shoulder or verge is defined as the portion of the road-way between the edge of the traffic lane and the edge of the ditch, gutters, curb, or side slope. AASHTO requires that its usable pavement width shall be strong enough to support a vehicle.
• IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SHOULDERS:

  Road shoulder serves as a place for vehicles to stop when disabled or for some other purposes. Road shoulder considerably reduces road accidents.
• IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SHOULDERS:

  The shoulder should be continuous along the full length of the roadway. It also adds structural strength to the road pavement.