central reservation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "central reservation" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to the strip of land that separates opposing lanes of traffic on a road or highway. Example: "The car swerved into the central reservation, narrowly avoiding a collision with oncoming traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In the central reservation, indigent families live under plastic sheeting.

The Economist

"The Mitsubishi mounted the central reservation and drove directly at the officers down the central reservation and hit Constable Phillips directly.

The Guardian

The vehicle then mounted a central reservation and hit the officer, before speeding away.

Independent

They also lined the central reservation, to protect traffic along the newly re-opened carriageway.

Independent

"The car aquaplaned into the crash area on the central reservation.

Independent

The value of adding a central reservation (median strip) is £1.08.

Transport Policy

On dual carriageway roads, it is possible to incorporate barriers on the central reservation as a noise control measure.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The vaulted central reservation passing through the arch end openings holds a bicycle path.

Hormigón y Acero

The vehicle crossed the central reservation and collided with an oncoming car.

The Guardian

I soon found myself on a high street, with a big central reservation dividing the traffic.

The Guardian

In central Europe, a speeding car ploughs into the central reservation, killing the driver.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about road safety or traffic incidents, use "central reservation" to clearly identify the specific area between opposing lanes of traffic.

Common error

Avoid using "central reservation" interchangeably with terms like "shoulder" or "sidewalk". "Central reservation" specifically refers to the median separating traffic flows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "central reservation" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. Ludwig AI examples show it describing a physical part of the road.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "central reservation" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase referring to the divider between opposing lanes of traffic. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage, as it often appears in news reports, scientific papers and encyclopedias, with the "median strip" being a close synonym. When writing, ensure clarity by using "central reservation" specifically for the median area, and avoid confusing it with other road features.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

median strip

A more concise and common alternative referring to the same physical feature of a road.

road divider

A general term for any structure dividing traffic lanes.

median

A shortened version of "median strip", commonly used in traffic engineering.

traffic island

Refers to a raised area in a road used to separate traffic or as a pedestrian refuge, sometimes interchangeable depending on the specific design.

center divide

A straightforward description of its function.

highway median

Specifically refers to the divider on a highway.

dual carriageway divider

Highlights its location on a dual carriageway (British term).

roadway median

A formal term for the divider in a roadway.

dividing strip

A more descriptive term for the area separating traffic.

center median

Highlights the central location of the divider.

FAQs

What is a "central reservation"?

A "central reservation" is the area that separates opposing lanes of traffic on a dual carriageway or highway. It is often referred to as a "median strip" or "road divider".

Is "central reservation" a British term?

While "central reservation" is commonly used in British English, ""median strip"" is the more prevalent term in American English.

What can I say instead of "central reservation"?

You can use alternatives like ""median strip"", ""road divider"", or "median" depending on the context.

What safety features are often found in a "central reservation"?

Depending on the design, a "central reservation" may include features such as crash barriers, landscaping, or lighting to improve safety and visibility.