A common alternative name for a frontage road is an access road.
A frontage road is typically a local road that runs parallel to a higher-speed, limited-access main road, such as a freeway or expressway. Its primary function is to provide direct access to adjacent properties and businesses, allowing them to connect with the main thoroughfare without disrupting the flow of high-speed traffic.
Common Alternative Names for Frontage Roads
Frontage roads can be known by several different names, often reflecting their specific purpose or regional terminology. These terms are used interchangeably with "frontage road" in various contexts:
- Access Road: This term emphasizes the road's primary function of providing entry and exit points for properties located alongside the main highway. It ensures that local businesses and residences can be reached directly.
- Feeder Road: This name suggests that the road collects and distributes local traffic, "feeding" it to or from the main highway. It acts as a connector between local streets and the principal route.
- Service Road: Often used when the road serves commercial establishments, such as shops, restaurants, or gas stations, that line the major highway. It facilitates convenient access for customers.
- Side Road: A more general term, "side road" implies a road running alongside or off a main route. While less specific than "frontage road," it can be used to describe its parallel position to the primary road.
- Slip Road: While more commonly associated with short ramps connecting a main road to another road or a specific area (like an on-ramp or off-ramp), in certain contexts, a segment of a road parallel to a main route that provides local access or allows for specific turning movements might be referred to as a slip road.
Key Functions of Frontage Roads
Understanding the various names for frontage roads is easier when considering their vital functions in urban and suburban planning:
- Property Access: They ensure that properties bordering high-speed roads remain accessible.
- Traffic Management: They separate local traffic from through traffic, enhancing safety and reducing congestion on the main highway.
- Economic Support: They are crucial for the viability of businesses located along major transportation corridors, providing easy entry for customers and deliveries.
Table of Alternative Names
| Common Alternative Name | Primary Function Highlighted |
|---|---|
| Access Road | Provides direct entry and exit for adjacent properties. |
| Feeder Road | Collects and distributes local traffic to/from the main highway. |
| Service Road | Serves businesses and residences along the main route. |
| Side Road | Runs parallel or alongside a principal road. |
| Slip Road | Can refer to short sections providing local access or transitions. |
