An exception currently to the USA Roads standard is Kentucky state highways. Kentucky has numbered state highways from Controlled Access Freeways down to Alleys. Because of this Kentucky strictly uses Functional Classification to set road types for state roads and below.
US Highways and Interstates will continue to follow Waze standards.
Functional Classification
According to the Kentucky Department of Transportation, Functional Classification is described as the following.
Functional classification groups streets and highways into classes or systems according to the character of service they are intended to provide. This classification recognizes that individual roads and streets do not serve travel independently. Rather, travel involves movement through a network of inter-related roads and streets. Because a highway network is limited and restrictive, the movement must be channeled through an efficient, hierarchical system of facilities that progress from a lower classification handling short, locally oriented trips to a higher classification as the trips become longer and connect regional and inter-regional traffic generators. The level of service provided by, and function performed by, each facility within this hierarchical system determines its functional classification
The easiest resource to use for Functional Classification data in Kentucky is the Kentucky Active Highway Plan site. To show Functional Class information, go to the Legend tab, click the arrow next to System, then check the box for Functional Class. Also be sure to uncheck the "Active Highway Plan" in the Legend. The chart below is available to relate KYTC Functional Classification to Waze Road Types.
Another way to check FC on the Active Highway Plan map is to click on the Road Info button in the menu bar, which changes your mouse cursor to cross hairs, then click on the road you want information for. Functional Class and Functional Class Value will be listed.
If you'd prefer offline PDFs, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Functional Classification website has maps for major cities and all counties in Kentucky.
Reference Chart
| KYTC FC Value | FC | Qualifier | Corresponding Waze Road Type | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate | None | Freeway | I-65 | |
| Principal Arterial - Other Freeways and Expressways | Controlled-access highway | Freeway | KY-841 | |
| Principal Arterial - Other | Non-controlled-access highway | Major Highway | Dixie Hwy | |
| Minor Arterial | None | Minor Highway | Zorn Ave | |
| Major Collector | None | Primary Street | Mellwood Ave | |
| Minor Collector | None | Primary Street | E Moody Ln | |
| Street | None | Street |
Lock Levels
Kentucky currently observes the following South Atlantic Region minimum lock levels for Waze road types:
Freeway - 5
Major Highway (MH) - 4
Minor Highway (mH) - 3
Primary Street (PS) - 2
The Ramp road type is to be locked at the level of road it serves.
- i.e. a ramp connected to a Freeway is locked at 5, a ramp serving a Major Highway, multi-level intersection is locked at 4, etc.
Street All others - 1
Note: These are minimums and, for protection, certain segments may be at higher lock levels. Locks should be applied after the segments are correct. Remember you are putting your name on it, make sure it is correct.
Name Normalization
Kentucky will use the following standards for naming:
Interstates - I-xx
US Highways - US-xx
State Highways - KY-xxx
County Highways - CR-xxx (Only if they have no other name)