Arterial road: meaning, definitions and examples

An arterial road is a high-capacity urban road that serves as a main route through a city. It's designed to deliver traffic from collector roads to freeways and between urban areas.

• The new arterial road has significantly reduced travel time across the city.
• Heavy traffic congestion is common on this arterial road during peak hours.

A main road is one of the primary roads in an area or city, often connecting smaller roads and handling a significant amount of local traffic. It is generally crucial for accessibility.

• We live just off the main road, making it easy to get to the city center.
• There was an accident on the main road, causing delays.

A major road is an important road that typically accommodates high traffic volumes and connects different parts of a city or region. It might intersect or parallel highways.

• Highway maintenance is scheduled for next month on all major roads.
• Drivers are advised to use alternate routes due to construction on the major road.

A through road is designed for uninterrupted flow of traffic from one end to another, often bypassing residential or side streets. It is used mainly for passing through an area without interruption.

• We need to find a through road to avoid all the traffic lights in the downtown area.
• The new through road will reduce congestion in residential neighborhoods.

Used to refer to major roads or highways that deliver high-capacity traffic flow within or between urban areas. These roads are typically central to the transportation network.

• The new arterial road will greatly reduce commute times between the suburbs and downtown.
• Arterial roads usually have multiple lanes to accommodate heavy traffic.

Utilized in a more formal or descriptive context to talk about significant streets in a city that handle a large volume of traffic. Less common in everyday conversation.

• The urban thoroughfare is lined with shops, cafes, and cultural landmarks.
• Plans to renovate the main urban thoroughfare were discussed during the city council meeting.

Often used metaphorically to describe major streets or highways within a city that are crucial for transportation. Highlights the lifeline function of the road within the urban setting.

• Fifth Avenue is considered a major city artery, connecting the northern and southern parts of the town.
• During rush hour, city arteries are often clogged with bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Used to describe main roads, often for navigation and mapping purposes, focusing on their importance in the road network. Common in formal or technical descriptions.

• Route 66 was once the primary route for travelers crossing the United States.
• The primary route to the northern region is currently closed due to maintenance work.