Which statement describes a crowned road?

• A. A road where lanes are flat and even
• B. A road with a crown line only
• C. A road with elevated shoulders
• D. A road built up higher in the middle and slopped on both sides

Answer: (D)

Understanding crowned roads helps you see how water is managed on pavement. A crowned road uses a center that is higher than the edges, producing a cross-slope that directs runoff to both sides. This keeps the surface drier and reduces the risk of standing water, which can cause loss of grip and hydroplaning. The description here matches a road built up in the middle with slopes on both sides, so water is shed to the shoulders and ditches.

A flat road wouldn’t shed water, and relying on a crown line alone doesn’t specify drainage because there must be a slope away from the center. Elevated shoulders describe higher edges rather than a center raised above the surface.