Arterials in rural areas range from two-lane roadways to multilane divided controlled access facilities. Rural arterial design criteria are used to facilitate high-speed and longer-distance travel between connections.

A smooth flowing alignment is desirable for a rural arterial and changes in vertical and horizontal alignment should be gradual. Minimum radii should be used sparingly to reduce crash rates and create a comfortable drive for travelers. Rural areas offer fewer physical constraints, allowing profiles to be generally flat and level with the surrounding ground terrain.