CST Level 1 Land Surveyor Certification Practice

What do broken back curves typically indicate on a roadway?

1. Sharp bends used for quick turnarounds

2. Changes in roadway alignment where the segments are very close

3. A point of junction for multi-lane roads

4. Optimal paths for reducing travel time

The correct answer is: Changes in roadway alignment where the segments are very close

Broken back curves typically indicate changes in roadway alignment where the segments are very close. This design feature is used in road construction to facilitate smoother transitions between different roadway segments. These curves can allow for a gradual change in direction, helping to maintain vehicle speed and safety while offering an efficient routing that connects two adjacent curves or straight sections of a road. Surrounding this concept, sharp bends signify drastic directional changes that may not foster the same vehicle control as broken back curves. Meanwhile, junction points for multi-lane roads involve more complex intersections that often require signalization or signage to manage the flow of traffic and would not strictly be described as broken back curves. Lastly, while optimal paths for reducing travel time are an important consideration in roadway design, they are not a direct characteristic tied to the definition of broken back curves; rather, the focus is on alignment and transition rather than efficiency in travel time alone.