three-lane
Adjective 1. Having three lanes: Specifically describes a road or highway that is divided into three parallel lanes for vehicular traffic. The typical configuration includes one lane for traffic in each direction and a center lane used for passing or turning.
This adjective is used attributively to describe the physical layout of a roadway. * The highway was widened into a three-lane road to ease congestion. * Drivers must be cautious when using the center lane of a three-lane highway.
- The term is often used in traffic engineering, urban planning, and driving instructions to specify road type and rules.
- It can be part of a compound noun phrase, such as "three-lane highway," "three-lane bridge," or "three-lane carriageway."
- Two-lane (adj.): Having one lane for traffic in each direction.
- Four-lane (adj.): Having two lanes for traffic in each direction.
- Multi-lane (adj.): Having several lanes.
- Triple-lane (less common)
The definition implies a specific, standard arrangement: two outer lanes for opposing flows of traffic and a shared center lane. It does not describe a road with three lanes all flowing in the same direction (which would typically be called a "three-lane one-way street" or part of a "six-lane divided highway").
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having a lane for traffic in each direction and a center lane for passing
