TRAFFIC ARTERY Meaning and
Definition
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A traffic artery refers to a major road or highway that efficiently transports a significant volume of vehicles in a particular area. Meticulously designed to ease traffic congestion, a traffic artery serves as a pivotal route that connects various geographic locations and facilitates smooth movement of automobiles, trucks, and other means of transportation. Traffic arteries are characterized by their wide lanes, multiple lanes in each direction, controlled access points, and superior infrastructure such as overpasses and interchanges.
The primary purpose of a traffic artery is to ensure the swift and safe transportation of people and goods. These vital roadways act as key conduits for commuting, travel, and commerce, enabling people to get from one point to another with minimal delay. Traffic arteries are typically located in densely populated urban areas or along frequently traveled corridors, arterial roads often serve as the primary routes within a transportation network.
Due to their high capacity and strategic importance, traffic arteries require meticulous planning, construction, and regular maintenance. As a result, they often face significant investment and ongoing management from local governments. Implementing various traffic control measures on these routes, such as traffic signals, roundabouts, and intelligent transportation systems, helps to further optimize traffic flow and maximize the capacity of these key transportation links. Ultimately, a well-designed traffic artery is crucial for efficient transportation, reduced travel time, improved accessibility, and enhanced overall connectivity in a region.
Etymology of TRAFFIC ARTERY
The word "traffic" originated from the Middle French word "trafic" in the 15th century, which referred to trade or commerce. It ultimately derives from the Italian word "traffico" or the Latin word "trajectus", both meaning "to transport". Over time, "traffic" came to be associated with the movement of vehicles or people on roads and streets.
The word "artery", on the other hand, has a different origin. It traces back to the Latin word "arteria", which referred to a blood vessel or a windpipe. The Latin term was borrowed from the Greek "arteria", with the same meaning. In Greek, "arteria" originally meant "airpipe", as the ancient Greeks believed that arteries carried air rather than blood. However, the meaning shifted to refer to blood vessels.
