Welcome on piarc.org!

PIARC (World Road Association), founded in 1909 and comprising 125 member governments from all over the world, is the global forum for exchange of knowledge and experience on roads, road transport policies and practices. With consultative status to the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the Association is contributing to a stable and sustainable global development of the road and transport sector.

This site uses cookies to optimize its operation. They allow you to securely access your personal space and download our publications. You accept their use by clicking on the "Accept" button.

Term of the Road Dictionary

shoulder

  • Language : PIARC Road Dictionary / English
  • Theme : Roads Design Components of the Road
  • Definition : Part of the roadway between the carriageway and the ditch or the (cutting or embankment) slope, which gives the carriageway lateral support. Notes: 1. The shoulder may be used for emergency stops in some countries; in these countries it comprises the hard shoulder for emergency use in the case of a road with separate carriageways. 2. In Australia, the verge is considered to be the section of the road formation that joins the shoulder with the batter.
  • Synonyms : verge / side