multilane

A multilane is a road or street that provides more than one lane for traffic in the same direction. In common usage, multilane roads are divided highways or urban arterials with at least two lanes per direction, separated by a median or barrier. The term can also apply to roadways where multiple lanes exist in a single carriageway, but it most often refers to divided facilities that accommodate higher volumes of traffic.

Design and operation on multilane roads focus on capacity, safety, and efficiency. Lane width typically ranges from about 3.0 to 3.75 meters (10 to 12.5 feet), with wider lanes used on higher-speed facilities. Markings designate general-purpose lanes, turning lanes, and any special lanes such as bus lanes or bicycle facilities. Additional features may include auxiliary lanes for merging and exits, medians or barriers, shoulders, and clear zone requirements. Traffic management strategies include lane discipline, restricted or coordinated turning, and, in some cases, dynamic or reversible lanes that change direction based on flow. Lane closures or reductions may occur for maintenance, incidents, or construction, requiring drivers to merge safely.

Variants and uses of multilane roads include general-purpose lanes for through traffic, high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) or bus lanes, and dedicated turning or passing lanes. Some systems employ dynamic lane control to optimize capacity, while others use fixed configurations. The design aims to balance throughput with safety, reducing bottlenecks at ramps and intersections while managing weaving and lane-changing movements. In practice, multilane facilities are common in urban and suburban settings and on many national and regional highways worldwide.