Glossary
Road glossary
Terms that come up on signs, on maps and in traffic reports. It is not a complete list — it is a beginning.
The English terms in this glossary are those in general use in Ireland and those seen on signs. They are editorial entries, not legal terms.
Motorway
Road type
A road with rules of its own: restricted access, directions separated, a higher speed.
Dual carriageway
Road type
A road with at least two lanes in each direction, but without the full motorway rules.
Junction
Road layout
A place where routes meet or divide.
Grade-separated junction
Road layout
A junction where routes pass over or under one another without crossing directly.
Lane
Road layout
A part of the road in which vehicles travel.
Central reservation
Road layout
The strip between the directions of traffic.
Tolling
Charging
Payment for use of a route in the network.
Toll plaza
Charging
A place where tolls are collected.
Tunnel
Structure
A road that passes under something else — water, a hill or a city.
Bridge
Structure
A structure that carries a road over a channel, a river or a valley.
Speed limit
Regulation
The highest speed permitted on a stretch of road.
Warning sign
Signage
A sign that warns of a hazard ahead.
Footpath
Road layout
A way for pedestrians.
Directional sign
Signage
A sign that gives information about destinations and about the route.
National road
Road classification
A road that connects larger towns and ports; numbered with N.
Regional road
Road classification
A road that connects smaller towns; numbered with R.
Registration
Administration
The process of registering a vehicle or a device.
Maintenance
Administration
Work carried out to keep a road in use.
Closure
Conditions
When a road, or part of one, is temporarily shut.
Traffic
Conditions
The vehicles moving on the road.
How to use the terms
Terms that resemble one another are often confused. The most important difference between a motorway and a dual carriageway is this: the rules are not the same, even if the two look alike.
If you are reading a sign, the most important thing may be to recognise the kind of road, not the word itself. It is the kind of road that settles the rules.
Not an official glossary
These are editorial entries, given for the sake of clarity. For legal or official terms, consult the relevant sources.
Three pairs that are often confused
Motorway
versus dual carriageway
Motorway rules are stricter. Not every kind of traffic may use a motorway, although it may look like a dual carriageway.
Junction
versus grade-separated junction
A junction may be a crossroads or a level connection. Not every junction is grade-separated, but on a motorway it usually is.
Speed limit
versus recommended speed
The two are not the same. The limit is a legal control; the recommended speed is not binding.
Editorial
Content is written and reviewed in accordance with our editorial policy.
Corrections
If you see an error, let us know at [email protected].
Contact
m50nline, 73 Clontarf Rd, Clontarf East, Dublin 3, D03 EP93, Ireland
+353 1 833 6364