Multicarriageways

A multicarriageway is a road that is divided into at least two separate carriageways. Each carriageway is designed for traffic traveling in one direction. The separation between carriageways is typically achieved by a physical barrier such as a central reservation, a grass verge, or a concrete median. This separation prevents head-on collisions and allows for higher speeds and greater traffic flow compared to single carriageways.

Multicarriageways are commonly found on major roads, including motorways, dual carriageways, and some main A-roads. The design aims to improve road safety by minimizing conflict points and reducing the likelihood of opposing traffic streams colliding. In some instances, multiple lanes can be present on each carriageway, further increasing the road's capacity.

The term "dual carriageway" is often used interchangeably with multicarriageway, though technically a dual carriageway refers to a road with exactly two carriageways. Roads with more than two separate carriageways are less common but are still considered multicarriageways. The presence of a central reservation is a key characteristic that distinguishes a multicarriageway from a road with multiple lanes traveling in the same direction but without a physical separation. This infrastructure is crucial for modern transportation networks, facilitating efficient and safe movement of large volumes of traffic.