hoofdtraject

Hoofdtraject is a Dutch term meaning "main trajectory" or "main route." It is used across domains to designate the principal path within a network, where the highest capacity, traffic flow, or service requirements are concentrated. The term typically contrasts with zijtraject (side or auxiliary routes) that branch from the main line.

In transport planning and railway operations, a hoofdtraject denotes the core corridor connecting major nodes such as city centers, hubs, and interchange points. It often carries the largest share of passenger or freight traffic and is prioritized for capacity upgrades, safety, reliability, and service quality. In road planning, the hoofdtraject is the central spine of the network, with feeder roads forming secondary links.

In urban and regional planning, the hoofdtraject can describe the central axis around which development concentrates, including transit-oriented development and commercial activity along that route. In logistics and process design, it may refer to the primary flow path for goods or information, with secondary paths supporting parallel or backup flows.

Because usage varies by domain, the precise definition of a hoofdtraject is context-dependent. Generally, it indicates the main, high-priority route or line within a larger system, with zijtrajecten providing branching or alternative routes.