Two-lane pavement with berms – standard shoulder (berm) width For a 6.6 m wide two-lane pavement, what typical berm (shoulder) width is provided on each side in Indian practice?

Introduction / Context:
Shoulders (earthen or paved berms) provide lateral support to the pavement, space for emergency stops, and lateral clearance for traffic. Their width is standardized according to facility class and terrain.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Two-lane carriageway width = 6.6 m (typical of 2 × 3.3 m lanes).
• Conventional design standards for mixed traffic.

Concept / Approach:
For such two-lane roads, shoulders of about 1.5 m each side are widely adopted to balance safety, cost, and available right-of-way, especially on rural sections.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the typical standard shoulder for 6.6 m two-lane roads.Select 1.50 m per side as the commonly specified value.

Verification / Alternative check:
Project drawings and standard data books show total formation width including two shoulders (≈ 3.0 m) plus the 6.6 m carriageway.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
1.00–1.25 m may be inadequate for stopped vehicles; 1.75–2.00 m provide more comfort but increase cost and are used for higher-class facilities.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing paved shoulder width with total shoulder; assuming urban parking lanes are shoulders (they are not).

Final Answer:
1.50 m