A road is a thoroughfare or a route that connects two or more places, typically designed and built for vehicles, such as cars, buses, and trucks, to travel on. Roads can vary in size, shape, and surface, depending on the location, purpose, and level of use.
In general, roads can be classified into several categories, including highways, motorways, freeways, rural roads, urban roads, and residential streets. Highways and motorways are typically designed for high-speed travel and are usually wider and straighter than other types of roads. Freeways are similar to motorways but may have additional features such as ramps and interchanges.
Rural roads, on the other hand, are usually narrower and windier and are often located in more remote areas, while urban roads are located in densely populated areas and may have more stop signs, traffic signals, and pedestrian crossings. Residential streets are typically smaller and have lower speed limits to prioritize safety for pedestrians and residents.
In Northern Ireland, the road network is maintained and managed by the Department for Infrastructure. The main routes are designated by the prefix "A," while smaller local roads are designated by "B" and "C" prefixes. Northern Ireland also has several motorways and major highways, such as the M1, M2, and A1, which connect the region to other parts of the United Kingdom.
