The crux of the problem is the answer to the question: Which is more
>important, outside/official classifications, or physical characteristics?
>
>The tagging pages on the wiki don't really provide clarity on this
>matter.
>
Although the wiki may not be very clear, this subject has been discussed
extensively on talk-us in the last year or two. For the highway tag in
particular, the consensus I've seen is that it is definitely more about the
physical characteristics, "driveability", and perhaps perceived local
importance than any government classifications. Yes, part of that is
subjective. Highway=motorway in particular is about physical characteristics,
regardless of being state, US, or Interstate highway.
Primary/secondary/tertiary are more related to size and/or local importance,
which sometimes matches gov't classifications but often does not. (Related to
this is the "ref" tag, used to designate official route numbers.)
- Alan
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