NICET - Highway Construction Inspection Practice Exam

How are stations typically measured in highway construction?

1. In yards

2. In feet

3. In miles

4. In meters

The correct answer is: In feet

In highway construction, stations are typically measured in feet because the standard unit of measurement for vertical and horizontal distances in the United States construction practices is the foot. A station is defined as a point on a survey line that is often set at intervals of 100 feet, allowing for precise and consistent measurements when designing and constructing roadways. This convention provides a clear reference system for engineers, surveyors, and construction personnel to communicate and execute work related to alignment, grading, and other critical aspects of roadway construction. While the other units of measurement may be used in different countries or contexts, feet are the norm for the U.S. construction industry. For example, yards can confuse due to their larger increment (3 feet), and miles are too broad for the detailed measurements required on a construction project. Meters are mainly utilized in countries that follow the metric system, which is not common in U.S. highway construction standards. Thus, the use of feet provides an effective measure for ensuring safety, accuracy, and clarity in highway construction practices.