Tag:highway=primary
+/- highway=primary
A highway linking large towns.
Used combinations in
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A major highway linking large towns, normally with 2 lanes. The traffic for both directions is usually not separated by a central barrier.
How to map
To map a simple primary highway you can just draw a line for it. Select all ways which belong to the highway and tag them with highway=primary. Use oneway=yes when it is not possible to drive in both directions on the highway. Make sure the way points in the same direction as the oneway goes, otherwise reverse the direction or use oneway=-1.
To attach more information for the highway you should add further keys.
- name=Name of the highway
- maxspeed=Number indicates the maximum speed which is allowed
- minspeed=Number indicates the minimum speed which needs to be reached to use the highway
- ref=reference name for example A 1, E 22
Special situations
In the case you do not have a normal highway you should take a look on these sites:
- bridge=yes - If the highway goes over a street or waterway.
- tunnel=yes - If the highway goes below a street or waterway.
International equivalence
| Country | Description | more |
|---|---|---|
| Switzerland | Hauptstrasse | There are two kind of "Hauptstrassen" in Switzerland:
 Example of a signpost for a numbered "Hauptstrasse"
 Example of a signpost for a normal primary highway
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| Italy | Strada Statale (SS) or Strada Regionale (SR) | The "SSs" are mostly primary. You should also indicate the name of the highway, if it has one, example:
"SRs" can be tagged as primary as well, if they have a relevant role in linking two major cities. In general the highway-tag is not representing the administrative class but the importance of the connection. By default this kind of highway is rendered:
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| United States | Primary highway or arterial road. | U.S. Highways are mostly primary. You should also indicate the name of the highway if it exists, example:
Some State Roads or State Routes may also be primary, if they have a significant role in linking two major cities. By default this kind of highway is rendered:
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