A belt highway is a type of roadway that is designed to encircle or surround a city or metropolitan area. It is often used as a means of bypassing traffic congestion in urban areas, allowing drivers to travel around the city without having to navigate through the center of town. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the term “belt highway,” as well as its origins and associations.
Definitions
A belt highway is a circular or semi-circular road that is designed to provide a bypass around a city or metropolitan area. It is typically a multi-lane highway with limited access points, allowing for high-speed travel without the need to stop at intersections or traffic lights. Belt highways are often used as a means of reducing traffic congestion in urban areas, as they provide an alternative route for drivers who do not need to enter the city center.
Origin
The first belt highway was built in the United States in the 1950s, as a means of addressing the growing problem of traffic congestion in urban areas. The concept quickly caught on, and belt highways were soon built in cities all over the world. Today, they are a common feature of modern urban infrastructure, providing a vital link between suburbs and surrounding areas.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The term “belt highway” is not commonly used in everyday language, and as such, it is not included in many standard dictionaries. However, it can be found in specialized reference works such as the Oxford Dictionary of Geography, where it is defined as “a ring road or bypass around a city or urban area.”
Associations
Belt highways are often associated with urban planning and transportation infrastructure. They are a key component of many city and regional transportation plans, and are seen as a means of reducing traffic congestion and improving the flow of goods and people in and out of urban areas. Belt highways are also associated with suburbanization, as they allow people to live further away from the city center without sacrificing access to employment and other amenities.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the term “belt highway,” including ring road, bypass, and orbital motorway. These terms are often used interchangeably, depending on the specific context in which they are being used.
Antonyms
The antonym of belt highway is a radial highway, which is a road that extends outward from the city center in a spoke-like pattern. Radial highways are often used as a means of providing access to the city center from surrounding areas, whereas belt highways are designed to bypass the city center altogether.
The same root words
The term “belt highway” is made up of two root words: “belt,” which refers to a circular or semi-circular object, and “highway,” which refers to a major road or thoroughfare. Other words that share the same root as “belt” include “beltway” (a synonym for belt highway), “belted” (wearing a belt), and “belted kingfisher” (a bird species). Other words that share the same root as “highway” include “high-speed” (referring to fast travel), “highwayman” (a thief who robs travelers), and “highway patrol” (a law enforcement agency responsible for enforcing traffic laws).
Example Sentences
- The belt highway around the city is a vital link for commuters and truck drivers.
- The construction of the new belt highway has been delayed due to funding issues.
- The city is planning to expand the belt highway to accommodate growing traffic volumes.
- The belt highway provides a convenient route for travelers heading to the airport.
- The belt highway has been instrumental in reducing traffic congestion in the city center.