Tvärriktning

Tvärriktning is a Swedish term that literally means “two directions” and is used to describe something that operates in or permits movement in two opposite directions. The word is formed from tvär- (across, crosswise) and riktning (direction). It is a general descriptor that appears in several fields, but it does not have a single standardized technical definition; in many contexts more specific terms such as bidirectional or two-way are preferred.

In road traffic and infrastructure, tvärriktning commonly refers to street or lane configurations that allow vehicles to travel in both directions. Such arrangements require appropriate signage, lane markings, and safety measures to manage opposing flows and ensure safe turning movements. This usage contrasts with one-way street configurations that restrict traffic to a single direction.

In information technology and telecommunications, the term can describe bidirectional data flow across a channel or link, where information can be sent and received in both directions. This may apply to network connections, serial interfaces, or signaling systems, and is often described in English as bidirectional or two-way communication in technical documentation.

Beyond technical contexts, tvärriktning can function as a generic descriptor for processes, influences, or feedback that operate in two directions. In Swedish-language usage, many contexts instead employ more explicit terms such as bidirektionell or tvåvägs to avoid ambiguity.