National Route Network (Makko Oko)
The National Route Network is a network of certain motorways and roads that are deemed to be vital transport routes established on July 5th, 2027. The admittance of a road into this network does not bring any benefits or perks with it, however it does bring protection from destruction and a restriction on future development and expansion. Prior to the Act of Union 2027, the National Route Network was the National Motorways System and all motorways were owned by the national government, however, after the establishment of provinces, the national motorways system was dismantled, with each province gaining autonomy over their parts of the original motorway system and becoming provincial motorways. The Privy Council accepted this, stating in their declaration of authority that "relieving the burden of a complex system will lead to a more organized and better transport network for times of importance".
After the motorways system was abolished, the National Route Network was formed to replace it, which had severely degraded authority to its predecessor. The network is managed by the Ministry of Energy, Infrastructure & Environment, and the network has the authority to set policy for all roads belonging to the network, however, the national government has no oversight or authority to manage the actual construction of the road itself.
Types
Roads
Motorways
Admittance
Roads and motorways are admitted into the network at the discretion of the ministry, and occasionally through the approval of an application made by the provinces' governor for a particular road/motorway to join the network.
Statutory Protections & Restrictions
Authority
The National Route Network has authority over signage, road numbers, etc. for any road within the network. Provinces not in compliance with network policies can be penalized by the Ministry of Energy, Infrastructure & Environment, and jurisdiction over the infringing road can be seized, rather on a temporary or permanent basis.
Signage
All motorways on the network are given unique identifiers for the route, and can be used on the entire motorway, or only on the relevant parts designated by the ministry. The ministry does require that all motorways that cross a province have the same identifier for consistency. Motorways are given unique signage for being part of the network, with the blue typically seen on motorway signs being replaced with red signs. Roads are given the same treatment, with the usual white signs staying the same, except adding a "N" identifier to the beginning of the road, so 331 for example would become N331.
