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Glite Dictionary
↔️ Opposite direction ↔️ Reverse lane 🚧 Temporary reverse traffic
contraflow

contraflow

6.5
A permanent lane that lets buses or bikes travel against the usual traffic direction
  • noun
  • /ˈkɒntrəˌfloʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : carril de contraflujo
  • Buses use the contraflow system to avoid congestion on the main road.

Examples

  • During roadworks, a temporary contraflow was set up to keep traffic moving in both directions.

  • The city installed a contraflow lane to help cyclists travel safely against the direction of traffic.

  • The city implemented a contraflow lane to ease congestion.

  • Many cyclists prefer the contraflow route for safety.

  • The city implemented a contraflow lane to help cyclists travel safely against the traffic on Main Street.

  • During the rush hour, the new contraflow system allows vehicles to navigate through the busy intersection more efficiently.

  • Drivers were instructed to use the contraflow lane to ease congestion during the special event in the downtown area.

Synonyms

counterflow
vscontraflow
  • Specialized
1 6.6

A movement that goes in the opposite direction to another, for example fluids or people

is a specific lane or route used often as a permanent feature for opposite travel

Surface Forms

contraflow singular
contraflows plural

Morphology

contraflow = flow (transparent) = contra + flow

The word is a straightforward combination of 'contra-' (opposite) and 'flow' (movement), giving the literal sense of movement opposite to the main flow.

Etymology

Contraflow comes from contra- 'against' and flow 'movement'. So a contraflow (as a noun) is a lane or route that lets vehicles travel 'against' the main flow, often as a permanent feature.