Definition

Noun: A short road that connects a main road, highway, or expressway to local streets, businesses, or properties. It provides a way for vehicles to enter or exit the main traffic flow.

Usage

An "access road" is used to describe a connecting road, typically shorter and less busy than the main road it serves. It is the specific term for the road that provides the point of entry or exit. - The new shopping center is located just off the main highway, connected by a short access road. - All traffic for the industrial park must use the northern access road.

Advanced Usage

• "Slip road": In British English, an "access road" leading onto or off of a motorway or expressway is commonly called a "slip road."
  • Take the next slip road to exit the motorway.

Variants and Related Words

• Service road: A local road running parallel to a main road (like a highway) that provides access to properties along it. While similar, a service road often runs alongside a longer stretch, whereas an "access road" is typically a shorter, connecting spur.
• Frontage road: Another term for a service road.
• Ramp: In American English, the inclined sections of an "access road" that connect different road levels (e.g., for entering an expressway) are often called on-ramps or off-ramps.

Synonyms

• Connector road
• Approach road
• Entry road

Related Phrases

• Gain access via: To reach a place by using a particular road.
  • You can gain access to the beach via the private access road.
• Provide access to: To serve as a route to a place.
  • This lane provides the only vehicle access to the farmhouse.

Noun

1. a short road giving access to an expressway
   • in Britain they call an access road a slip road