When selecting an optimal highway route in hilly or undulating terrain, which collection of criteria best reflects standard alignment considerations?

Introduction / Context:
Highway alignment is a multi-criteria decision balancing cost, safety, environmental impact, and drivability. In rugged terrain, gradients, structures, earthworks, and geometric standards interact strongly.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• New route planning in hilly or mixed geology.
• Ruling gradients are preferred to reduce fuel use and improve safety.
• Structures and deep cuttings are expensive and disruptive.

Concept / Approach:
A good alignment minimizes total cost and life-cycle impacts by reducing length, limiting bridges and tunnels, avoiding hard rock where feasible, and meeting gradient standards for the designated highway class.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Value engineering studies and cost–benefit analyses typically confirm that the preferred route reflects all listed considerations, not just one.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Single-focus choices ignore other dominant cost or safety drivers; real projects require a balanced, multi-criteria approach.

Common Pitfalls:
Overemphasizing shortest length while producing excessive gradients; routing through hard rock that inflates costs; too many water crossings that raise maintenance obligations.

Final Answer:
All the above