IRC Code SP 87-2019: Specifications and Standards for Six Laning of Highways

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The rapid expansion of road infrastructure is crucial for enhancing economic growth and connectivity. IRC SP 87-2019, issued by the Indian Roads Congress (IRC), serves as a comprehensive guide for six-lane highway construction through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. This code lays down the design, planning, construction, operation, maintenance, and safety standards for six-lane highways, ensuring efficiency, durability, and sustainability.

This blog explores the key provisions of IRC SP 87-2019, emphasizing its significance in highway development and traffic management.

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Key Highlights of IRC SP 87-2019

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1. Scope and Applicability

The manual is applicable to six-lane highways developed under PPP as well as non-PPP projects, covering:

• Widening of existing 4-lane highways to 6 lanes
• New construction of six-lane highways
• General planning, design, and operational aspects

The standards outlined in the manual serve as minimum requirements, ensuring compliance with safety, environmental, and engineering considerations​.2. Geometric Design StandardsThe geometric design of six-lane highways is crucial for ensuring traffic flow, road safety, and structural durability. The key elements include:

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• Design Speed:
  • 100 km/h in plain terrain
  • 60 km/h in mountainous terrain
• Lane Width: 3.5 meters per lane
• Median Width: Raised or depressed, with a minimum width as per Right of Way (ROW) availability
• Right of Way (ROW): Minimum of 60 meters
• Intersections and Grade Separators: At-grade intersections and grade-separated interchanges to improve safety and efficiency​.

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3. Pavement Design and MaterialsThe pavement standards ensure structural integrity, smooth ride quality, and long-term performance. The manual specifies:

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• Flexible Pavement: Designed for a minimum of 15 years
• Rigid Pavement: Designed for a minimum of 30 years
• Bituminous Overlay: To be applied periodically to strengthen pavements
• Sub-grade Materials: Must comply with MoRTH (Ministry of Road Transport and Highways) specifications
• Roughness Standards: The roughness for rigid pavement should not exceed 2000 mm/km, while flexible pavement must be within 1800 mm/km​.

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4. Structural Design and Drainage SystemBridges, flyovers, and other structures on six-lane highways are designed to meet IRC codes and MoRTH standards. Key specifications include:

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• High-level bridges for all crossings
• Independent superstructures for each direction
• Rainwater drainage systems with adequate slope and outlet management
• Proper embankment and soil stabilization to prevent erosion and waterlogging​.

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5. Road Safety and Traffic ManagementSafety is a top priority in IRC SP 87-2019. The manual mandates:

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• Crash barriers at median openings and dangerous curves
• Roadside furniture including reflectors, signage, and delineators
• Pedestrian crossings and underpasses in urban areas
• Provision for emergency exits and breakdown lanes
• Regular pavement maintenance and structural inspections to ensure safe driving conditions​.

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Why IRC SP 87-2019 is Important for Highway DevelopmentThe manual ensures:

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✅ Standardized construction quality across India
✅ Efficient project execution under PPP models
✅ Long-term sustainability with robust pavement designs
✅ Enhanced road safety through structured guidelines
✅ Improved traffic flow with better geometric planning

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‍Conclusion

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‍The IRC SP 87-2019 manual plays a pivotal role in the modernization of India's highway infrastructure. By implementing its provisions, highway developers can enhance road capacity, ensure commuter safety, and support economic growth. Whether it's a new six-lane highway project or an upgrade from four to six lanes, this IRC code sets the benchmark for design, construction, and maintenance.

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