Diseño y características de la carretera

A fast lane is a lane on a road or highway designated for vehicles traveling at higher speeds. It is usually located on the left side of a multi-lane road or highway. The fast lane is typically used by vehicles that are moving quickly and may pass slower-moving vehicles in the right lanes. Drivers are expected to move out of the fast lane when they are not actively passing other vehicles.

A passing lane is a lane on a road or highway where drivers are allowed to overtake or pass slower vehicles. It is usually found on the left side of a multi-lane road, although in some countries, it can be on the right. The passing lane is intended for vehicles that need to go faster and is used to safely move around vehicles traveling at lower speeds. After passing, drivers are expected to return to a slower lane to allow others to pass as needed.

A high-occupancy vehicle lane (HOV lane) is a special lane on a road or highway designated for vehicles with a certain number of passengers, typically two or more. The purpose of an HOV lane is to encourage carpooling and reduce traffic congestion. These lanes are often marked with signs and are usually found on busy highways or roads where traffic flow is heavy. Vehicles that do not meet the passenger requirement are generally not allowed to use the HOV lane, except under certain conditions, such as during off-peak hours or if the vehicle has a special permit.

A high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane is a type of lane on a road or highway where vehicles with multiple passengers can travel for free or at a reduced rate, while single-occupancy vehicles must pay a toll to use the lane. The toll price often changes depending on traffic conditions, allowing for faster travel when traffic is heavy. HOT lanes are designed to reduce congestion by encouraging carpooling and providing an option for drivers who are willing to pay for a quicker route. These lanes are usually marked and are often found in areas with heavy traffic.

A reversible lane is a lane on a road or highway where the direction of traffic can change depending on the time of day or traffic flow. This type of lane is used to help manage traffic by allowing more lanes to be open in the direction with the highest volume of vehicles. For example, during rush hour, a lane might switch to flow toward a busy area in the morning and switch back later to help ease traffic in the opposite direction. Signs and lights are used to indicate when a lane is open or closed to traffic.

A climbing lane is a lane on a road or highway designed to help slower vehicles, such as trucks, move uphill more easily. This lane is typically added on steep roads or inclines where vehicles may struggle to maintain speed. It provides extra space for slower-moving traffic to allow faster vehicles to pass without causing delays or congestion. The climbing lane helps improve safety and traffic flow, especially on roads with significant elevation changes.

A bicycle lane is a designated part of the road specifically for bicycles, separated from motor vehicle traffic to ensure the safety of cyclists. It is usually marked with painted lines or symbols to indicate the space where bicycles should travel. Bicycle lanes are commonly found on busy streets, highways, or urban areas where cycling is popular, providing a safer and more organized way for cyclists to navigate without interference from vehicles. The goal of bicycle lanes is to encourage cycling while improving safety for both cyclists and drivers.

A dogleg is a term used to describe a road or path that bends sharply or has a sharp turn, often resembling the shape of a dog's leg. It is commonly found in areas where a road changes direction suddenly, forcing vehicles to make a quick turn, typically to the left or right. Doglegs are often seen in urban street layouts, rural roads, or areas with obstacles that require a shift in direction. Drivers need to approach doglegs cautiously to navigate the sharp turn safely.

A bike lane is a designated part of the road specifically for bicycles. It is usually marked by painted lines or signs, making it safer for cyclists to travel alongside motor vehicles. Bike lanes can be on the side of the road or sometimes separated from traffic for added protection. They help to reduce the risk of accidents by keeping cyclists in a designated space, separate from car lanes. These lanes are found in many cities and areas with a focus on promoting cycling as a mode of transportation.

An express lane is a part of a highway or road that is designed for faster-moving traffic. It is often reserved for vehicles with multiple passengers or those willing to pay a toll for quicker access. The purpose of the express lane is to reduce congestion on the main lanes by allowing certain vehicles to bypass slower traffic. These lanes may also be used for specific types of vehicles, like buses or high-occupancy vehicles, to help improve traffic flow.

A carpool lane is a lane on a highway or road that is designated for vehicles with multiple passengers. The goal is to encourage people to share rides, reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and lower traffic congestion. These lanes are often marked with signs indicating the required number of passengers, such as two or more. In some cases, carpool lanes may be open to all vehicles during off-peak hours or when traffic conditions allow.

The curbside refers to the area or space along the edge of a road, right next to the curb. It is where vehicles often park, load, or unload. The term is commonly used when talking about services or activities that happen near the curb, such as curbside pickup, where goods or passengers are picked up directly from the curb without the need to enter a building or facility. Curbside areas help manage traffic flow and provide space for people and vehicles to interact safely along the street.

A camber refers to the slight curve or tilt of a road’s surface, which is designed to help water flow off the road instead of collecting on it. This helps prevent water from pooling and makes the road safer by reducing the risk of slippery conditions. The camber also contributes to the stability of the road by ensuring that the weight of vehicles is distributed evenly. It is typically most noticeable in the center of the road, where the curve is most pronounced, and gradually flattens toward the edges.

A switchback is a sharp bend in a road or trail that turns in the opposite direction, often seen on steep terrain or hills. It helps vehicles or pedestrians gradually ascend or descend by zigzagging back and forth, reducing the steepness of the slope. Switchbacks are commonly used in mountain roads or hiking paths, making it safer and easier to travel on difficult terrain by creating more manageable turns. These sharp turns allow vehicles or hikers to maintain control and prevent accidents.

A hairpin turn is a sharp, U-shaped curve in a road or path, often with a very tight angle, resembling the shape of a hairpin. These turns are typically found on steep hills or mountainous roads and require drivers to reduce speed significantly to navigate them safely. Due to their sharpness, hairpin turns can be challenging to drive through, especially for large vehicles or when visibility is limited. They are designed to help the road wind around a difficult terrain while keeping the road within a manageable route.

A loop around is a path or route that curves or bends in a way that brings people back to where they started, without needing to turn around. It often creates a circular or winding journey, allowing a return to the starting point. This kind of route is common in roads or paths designed for traffic flow or to offer scenic views. It typically involves following a roundabout way, where travelers can continue without needing to retrace their steps.

A merge is the point where two or more roads or lanes of traffic come together, and vehicles must combine into a single lane. This typically occurs at the end of an entrance ramp or when multiple lanes of traffic converge. Drivers need to adjust their speed and position to smoothly join the traffic flow without causing disruptions. It typically involves giving way to others to ensure a safe and efficient transition.

A jughandle is a type of road design used to help vehicles make turns, particularly at intersections. Instead of turning left directly onto a main road, drivers take an additional right turn onto a ramp, which then loops around and allows them to turn left onto the desired road. This design helps improve traffic flow and safety by reducing the need for left turns across oncoming traffic. Jughandles are often used in areas with high traffic volumes or where traditional left-turn lanes are not possible.

The roadside refers to the area or space located alongside a road or highway. It includes the land or strip of land next to the road, which can vary in width and may contain features like grass, trees, fences, or barriers. This area is typically not part of the roadway but is often used for emergency stops, signs, and in some cases, utility installations. The roadside is an important part of road design, helping with safety, drainage, and maintenance.

A median strip is the area of land that separates lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions on a road or highway. It is usually located in the middle of the road and can be made of grass, concrete, or other materials. The purpose of a median strip is to provide a safe space between opposing lanes of traffic, reducing the risk of head-on collisions and allowing for better traffic flow. In some cases, a median strip may also have barriers or trees to enhance safety.

A verge is the strip of land located along the edge of a road or pathway. It is usually found between the roadway and a sidewalk, often planted with grass or small plants. The verge helps separate vehicles from pedestrians and can provide space for utilities, signs, or drainage. In some cases, it may also serve as a safety area, giving extra space between the road and nearby buildings or fences.

A soft shoulder refers to a section of the road next to the main lanes that is usually not used for driving. It is typically made of gravel, dirt, or other soft materials and serves as a safety feature. Drivers are not expected to drive on the soft shoulder, but it provides a space for vehicles to pull over in emergencies or for stopping when needed. It is often slightly lower than the main road and can help prevent accidents by giving drivers a safe area to move out of the way of traffic.

A pylon is a tall, upright structure designed to support and hold electrical wires or cables above the ground. Made from materials such as steel or concrete, pylons are spaced at regular intervals to carry electricity over long distances. They are essential for connecting power stations to homes and businesses, helping to distribute electricity safely. Pylons can be found in both rural and urban areas, often standing out in the landscape due to their size and height. They are built to withstand weather conditions and to ensure that electrical lines remain stable and secure.

A gantry is a large framework that holds signs, traffic signals, cameras, or other equipment above the road. It is usually made of metal and is built to stand strong and support the weight of the items it holds. Gantries are commonly found on highways or busy roads where they are used to display road signs, monitor traffic, or collect tolls. These structures help ensure that important information is clearly visible to drivers while keeping equipment safely above the road.

A pinch point is an area that causes a restriction in movement, occurring when a space or passage narrows. This narrowing can slow down or limit the movement of people, vehicles, or goods. Pinch points are commonly found on roads, bridges, or walkways where the width decreases, making it difficult for things to pass through easily. These areas can create delays or congestion, especially when there is high traffic or demand. They are often temporary issues that can be resolved by widening the space or improving the flow.

A turnaround is an area designed for vehicles to change direction. It provides enough space for drivers to safely reverse or make a U-turn, especially in places where there is limited room to maneuver. Turnarounds are often found in residential areas, parking lots, or dead-end streets, where they allow vehicles to turn without having to back up for long distances. These areas are typically clearly marked to help drivers identify where they can safely turn around.

Wrong-way concurrency occurs when two or more numbered highways share the same roadway while being signed with opposing cardinal directions (e.g., one marked "North" and the other "South" along the same stretch). This inconsistency arises due to historical route numbering, jurisdictional compromises, or geographical constraints that prevent logical directional alignment. These anomalies are often remnants of older highway systems that were later integrated into modern networks without directional adjustments. Examples include segments where US highways and state or provincial routes intersect in urban areas or mountainous terrain.