ABSTRACT
As a result of the lower level of economic development, the traffic volumes on most rural roads in developing and emerging countries are relatively low. Thus, providing a road with high geometric standards will not normally be feasible, since transport cost savings may not offset construction costs. The provision of wide carriageways, flat gradients and full overtaking sight distance may therefore be inappropriate. Also, in countries with weak economies, design levels of comfort used in industrialized countries may well be an unaffordable luxury.
