6.1.7 Shoulders
Collector shoulder widths may vary from 2 to 10-ft depending on the context classification, ADT, and anticipated target speed of the facility.
A 5-ft minimum clear space for bicyclists should be provided on bridges being replaced or rehabilitated.
See
for additional information on shoulders and shoulder surfacing requirements.
6.1.7.1 Rural
Outside shoulder widths on rural collectors can vary from 2 to 10-ft as outlined in the subsequent section.
Rural collectors on the Texas Highway Freight Network (THFN) should provide 10-ft minimum outside shoulders.
6.1.7.1.1 Two-Lane Rural Collectors
The minimum outside shoulder must be 10-ft for all design speeds and the future ADT is greater than 2,000 VPD. The outside shoulder width may be reduced to a minimum of 8-ft in highly constrained situations for any ADT or if the future ADT is between 1,500–2,000 VPD. A minimum 6-ft shoulder must be provided if the future ADT is between 400–1,500 VPD and the design speed is 50 mph or greater. The outside shoulder width may be reduced to a minimum 4-ft if the future ADT is between 400–1,500 VPD and the design speed is 45 mph or less. A minimum of 2-ft outside shoulders may be used if future ADT volumes are less than 400 VPD.
4-ft minimum shoulders must be used at locations adjacent to roadside barrier.
6.1.7.1.2 Multi-Lane Rural Collectors
Outside shoulder widths may be reduced to 8-ft for highly constrained situations for both divided and undivided facilities
A minimum of 4-ft inside shoulders must be provided for 4 lane divided rural collectors. On 6 lane or more divided collectors, 10-ft inside shoulders should be provided. The inside shoulder width may be reduced to 4-ft in constrained situations.
When right or left turn lanes are present, a 4-ft minimum shoulder must be provided for the turn lane.
6.1.7.2 Suburban
Suburban collector shoulder widths can vary from 4 to 10-ft. It is preferred to have 8 to 10-ft shoulder widths on suburban roadways with high operating speeds (50 mph or greater).
When right or left turn lanes are present, a 4-ft minimum shoulder must be provided for the turn lane.
Due to the higher speeds frequently associated with this context, shoulders are usually provided instead of curbs. See
for additional information on curbs.
6.1.7.3 Rural Town, Urban, and Urban Core
Rural town, urban, and urban core contexts will typically use curbs and maintain curb offsets instead of shoulders due to the lower operating speeds. See
for curb offset requirements and additional information on curbs.
For uncurbed roadways, shoulder widths may vary from 3 to 8-ft.
Uncurbed collectors on the Texas Highway Freight Network (THFN) should provide at least 8 ft shoulders for these contexts.