Functional classification is the process of grouping streets and highways into classes according to the character of service they are intended to provide. The Transportation Planning Division is responsible for processing updates to the Federal Functional Classification System in North Carolina.
Prior to 2008, functional classifications were stratified by area type, either rural or urban. In an effort to de-emphasize the urban boundary as being a deciding factor of functional classification, the classes were redefined into one schema independent of urban or rural designation. The functional classes are as follows: Interstate; Other Freeways and Expressways; Other Principal Arterial; Minor Arterial, Major Collector and Minor Collector.
More detailed information about functional classification may be found on the
FHWA website. On November 19, 2014, FHWA approved proposed changes to the North Carolina federal functional classification system, as recommended by NCDOT.
The current functional classification for North Carolina, reflecting these amendments, may be accessed via:
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NCDOT GO!NC online mapping platform by clicking on ‘NCDOT Functional Class’ web service
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NCDOT
GIS Data Layers by downloading the most recent
Road Characteristics shapefile.
As a result of the decennial census, the US Census Bureau issues urban area boundary maps and associated data. Transportation agencies review these census boundaries and either accept them as is or adjust them for transportation planning purposes. Then a statewide review is conducted of functional classifications for roadways that Federal, State and local transportation entities own and operate. Assigning functional classifications and adjusting urban area boundaries requires technical evaluation, as well as coordination and negotiation across agencies. The work to adjust boundaries was completed in 2024 and the work to review and update functional classification is underway with the following upcoming milestones:
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September 12, 2025: Requestors of Functional Classification modifications (MPOs, RPOs) address comments and submit final requests
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September 12- November 7, 2025: Functional Classification Revision Committee reviews final submissions and works with partners to resolve final comments
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November 7, 2025: MPOs and RPOs submit documentation of board adoption/ consensus and NCDOT-TPD submits to FHWA
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December 29, 2025: Deadline for FHWA approval of Functional Classification changes
Transportation Planning Branch has
Revisions Procedure in place allowing MPOs and RPOs to request revisions to the official functional classification systems as needs arise.
Questions regarding functional classification should be direct to:
Hong Qi Lu
Transportation Planning Division
1554 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC 27699-1554
