Road system classification is a planning framework used to describe how roadways function within the overall transportation network. Rather than focusing on who owns a road or how much traffic it carries on a given day, functional classification identifies the role a roadway plays in supporting travel, access, and connectivity.

In Cocke County, road system classifications provide a consistent way to understand how different roads serve local communities, regional travel, and statewide movement. This framework helps ensure that planning decisions are based on how roads are intended to operate, both today and in the future.

Functional classifications help distinguish between roadways that prioritize long-distance travel and those that primarily serve local access. Higher-level routes are designed to move traffic efficiently across the county and beyond, while lower-level roads focus on providing access to homes, businesses, and community destinations.