Hi everyone!
Time to track our progress on moving to the new Functional Classification-based Road Type guidelines as indicated in the wiki here -> https://wiki.waze.com/wiki/Road_Types_(USA). Before you go any further, if you are not intimately familiar with the new guidelines, please study them first. This is very important before you venture back into road type editing. From here forward, we’ll use the abbreviation “FC” to refer to Functional Classification.
Next, I’d strongly recommend the North Carolina Mapping Resource wiki page here -> https://wiki.waze.com/wiki/North_Carolina. FC guidelines for NC are included there (I’ll ignore that it still mentions landmarks for the moment). Now, this page does need work, but the info on FC is spot on. Read it.
Next, you need to become familiar with NCDOT FCs. This can be done at the Connect NCDOT site here -> https://connect.ncdot.gov/projects/planning/Pages/Functional-Classification-of-Highways.aspx. There you will see a few links to further information, the most important of which is the NCDOT FC map at GO!NC -> http://ncdot.maps.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?layers=029a9a9fe26e43d687d30cd3c08b1792.
Note: As of 4/27, the map is a few years out of date. We’ll show you what to do about that later.
Once in the map, click on the “Legend” menu to see what each of the route colors mean. Hint: they indicate FC. At the default state-wide level, you only see interstate FC. As you zoom in, more FC classes will appear until all classes appear at about 2 miles / inch.
Colors are fairly straightforward.
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However, you may find that it is difficult to distinguish red from brown in the closer in views. If you step back to a view that fades the brown routes, it’s easier to tell where NCDOT has the principal arterials versus minor arterials.
So, okay then. You’ve mastered the knowledge of NC FC. Now, let’s talk about the roadblocks you may encounter.
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You find that some routes are locked. If, in your editable area, a part or all of a route is locked in and a road type change is needed for FC, do not change the route. Please post a reply here and indicate which route needs to be changed . A higher ranked editor will either lower the lock or make the change for you.
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You find that the NCDOT map is out of date. It can happen. For example, NCDOT FC map does not show I-74 complete between Archdale and Randleman (as of 4/27). In that case, obviously I-74 would be freeway type anyway, so not a big deal. However, some of you may be familiar with the US-321/Clement/Old Lenoir intersection in Hickory (now famous education session from 4/26). NCDOT FC map does not show the Clement Extension that connects Old Lenoir and Clement. In this case (in Waze), we dropped the road type used for original routing of Old Lenoir to street even though NCDOT FC has it as a minor arterial (which would be minor highway in Waze). The new Clement Extension took on the minor highway role here. For new and changed routes, you’re going to have to use your best judgement. If you have any question about what to do in this case, please reply here and we’ll provide a suggestion.
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You’ve made FC changes, but someone keeps changing them back. I haven’t seen this yet, but I’m sure it’s possible. Consider PMing the editor who made the changes. If you get no feedback, reply here and someone of higher rank will assist in resolving the issue.
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NCDOT FC does the back and forth change of FC on a route - what should I do? As noted in the NC wiki page, we don’t want to jump from one road type to another and back in relatively short sections of road. If it’s not clear which road type to use because of indecision on the part of NCDOT, post a reply here and note the route and road types involved. We’ll look at the maps and offer a suggestion.
We may add to this (1-4) list as we gain more experience.
Now, how do we know where NC FC work is in progress and where it is complete? Good question (because I asked it myself 
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Here’s the map -> https://mapsengine.google.com/map/edit?mid=zEAELhYvM_KQ.kVy6YRl4C3FU. On it, we’ll track who is editing where and what their progress is. I (egnralnc) will maintain the map. If you are doing FC work in NC, please let me know, via reply here, and tell me where your editing and what your status is so we all can keep track. For a limited set of folks, I’ll grant edit privileges to the map as well (if requested). Currently marked (as thick red lines) on this map are major highway routes that are already in progress that need unlocks (or R5+ edit) to complete.
And, there ya go. Let’s do this!
Regards, Eric.