traffic bottleneck

USAGE SUMMARY

"traffic bottleneck" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a busy point in a roadway where the amount of traffic exceeds the capacity of the road, thus causing a bottleneck or a slowdown in traffic. For example, "The traffic bottleneck on the highway caused massive delays for commuters throughout the morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

And, the newspaper said, "It will break the White Plains traffic bottleneck".

The New York Times

In a traffic bottleneck in Mecca, I looked at a beaten down Suzuki van next to me and saw a boy – no more than 13 – at the wheel.

The Guardian - Opinion

The overlay proximity can shorten routing propagation delay, and the hop-by-hop routing can avoid the traffic bottleneck.

Ad Hoc Networks

He also noted that any proposal would have to account for what is already a substantial pedestrian traffic bottleneck on the Manhattan side of the bridge.

The New York Times

The only result of the road's closing is an acute regional traffic bottleneck that is a nuisance to commuters and residents at best, and a police officer's, firefighter's or ambulance driver's nightmare at worst.

The New York Times

Road traffic bottleneck (ex. road design), can be a trigger, but which might not be the main reason to occur congestion.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Tells about the traffic bottlenecks.

The New Yorker

Traffic bottlenecks often slow the arrival of delivery trucks.

The New York Times - Sports

No major highways were closed, but lanes accumulating snow occasionally closed lanes and caused traffic bottlenecks.

The New York Times

Surprisingly, the researchers found that the main traffic bottlenecks weren't always the problem.

The Washington Post

Because that's where the traffic bottlenecks happen, and those make people impatient and short-tempered.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing solutions to traffic issues, use "traffic bottleneck" to precisely identify the area causing the congestion. For example, instead of saying "the traffic is bad," specify "the traffic bottleneck at the intersection needs to be addressed".

Common error

Avoid using "traffic bottleneck" as a general term for all traffic problems. It specifically refers to a point of congestion, not just overall heavy traffic. Overusing the term may dilute its impact and create misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traffic bottleneck" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific location or situation where traffic flow is significantly impeded. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traffic bottleneck" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that accurately describes a specific point of congestion in traffic flow. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is correct and commonly used in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media, Scientific, and Wiki sources, it's important to use it to describe the location of a traffic issue, and not just general congestion. Alternatives like "road bottleneck" or "traffic congestion" might be more appropriate based on context. Focusing on precise usage enhances clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

road bottleneck

Refers specifically to a bottleneck on a road, which is a more specific context than general traffic.

traffic congestion

Focuses on the state of being congested, implying a broader area affected by slow-moving traffic.

traffic gridlock

Indicates a complete standstill in traffic flow, suggesting a more severe situation.

traffic jam

A common and informal term for a line of vehicles waiting due to an obstruction.

congestion point

Emphasizes the specific location where congestion occurs, rather than the broader traffic issue.

area of traffic congestion

Describes a region experiencing heavy traffic, focusing on the geographical aspect.

road closure

Indicates that the road is closed and that it would be a reason to create a bottleneck.

transportation bottleneck

Broadens the scope to include all forms of transportation, not just vehicular traffic.

impeded traffic flow

A more formal way of describing the disruption of normal traffic movement.

restricted traffic

Focuses on the limitation or hindrance of traffic movement, rather than the location of the congestion.

FAQs

How can I use "traffic bottleneck" in a sentence?

You can use "traffic bottleneck" to describe a specific point of congestion. For instance, "The bridge is a known "traffic bottleneck" during rush hour".

What phrases are similar to "traffic bottleneck"?

Similar phrases include "road bottleneck", "traffic congestion", or "traffic jam". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "traffic bottleneck" when referring to slow traffic in general?

While "traffic bottleneck" implies slow traffic, it specifically refers to a point where the flow is constricted. If the entire road is slow, "traffic congestion" might be a better term.

What causes a "traffic bottleneck"?

A "traffic bottleneck" can be caused by various factors, including road construction, accidents, lane reductions, or even high traffic volume at a specific point.