traffic obstruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "traffic obstruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where vehicles or pedestrians are unable to move freely due to an impediment on the road or pathway. Example: "The accident caused a significant traffic obstruction, leading to long delays for commuters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He posted an alert on the Facebook page on Friday about a traffic obstruction.

The New York Times - Tech

Spatial terms (traffic, obstruction between the monitor and nearest major road, and population density) together account for approximately 23% of NO2variability.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In driving, the operator receives inputs from outside the vehicle (sounds and visual cues from traffic, obstructions, and signals) and from displays inside the vehicle (such as the speedometer, fuel indicator, and temperature gauge).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Waze provides similar crowdsourced warnings about upcoming traffic obstructions and collisions to watch out for, but Nexar's use of video analysis and machine learning applied to computer vision could help it be more responsive in real-time to incidents that pose an immediate threat.

TechCrunch

The E Series 3 introduced (SBZA) Side Blind Zone Alert which uses ultrasonic sensors to alert drivers of traffic obstructions in blind spots.

Wikipedia

Detective Batista, who was charged with drug trafficking, obstruction of justice and bank fraud, arrived for his arraignment Thursday before Federal Magistrate Judge Viktor V. Pohorelsky at Federal District Court in Brooklyn about 10 hours after his predawn arrest at his home in Elmont.

The New York Times

The man said he was then charged with blocking traffic and obstruction of justice.

Huffington Post

Guatemalan newspapers reported that Mr. Gómez and Ms. Bonilla faced charges including abuse of authority, drug trafficking and obstruction of justice.

The New York Times

Under the category of risks, the chapter considers fire and explosion, extreme environmental condition, human element, traffic and obstructions, and operational hazards.

ISSC 2003 - 15th International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress

The promise of new technologies is hinted at by the success of robotic features built into many cars now: adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the car's speed when it senses traffic or obstructions in its way; lane-departure warnings and emergency braking; and self-parking systems.

Los Angeles Times

A railroad bridge is a structure constructed for the exclusive purpose of carrying railroad traffic across an obstruction.

Innovative Bridge Design Handbook Construction, Rehabilitation and Maintenance

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When reporting on a "traffic obstruction", specify the cause (accident, construction, etc.) and location for clarity. This helps readers understand the scope and impact of the obstruction.

Common error

Avoid using "traffic obstruction" when "traffic congestion" is more appropriate. "Traffic obstruction" implies a specific blockage, while "traffic congestion" suggests a general slowdown due to high traffic volume.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "traffic obstruction" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies a specific condition or event that impedes the flow of traffic. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "traffic obstruction" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to describe events impeding traffic flow. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase appears across various reliable sources. While perfectly acceptable for general use, it's important to specify the nature and location of the obstruction for enhanced clarity and distinguish it from general "traffic congestion". When writing, consider alternatives like "road blockage" or "road closure" to provide nuance and cater to your specific audience. To avoid any possible misunderstanding with "traffic congestion", always check for any specific blockage of traffic, before using the term "traffic obstruction".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

road blockage

Emphasizes the physical blockage of the road.

road closure

Focuses on the fact that the road is not available for transit.

traffic jam

Refers to a situation where traffic is heavily congested and slow-moving.

congestion

Describes a state of crowded traffic with reduced flow.

impeded traffic flow

Highlights the reduced or stopped movement of vehicles.

road hazard

Indicates a dangerous condition affecting traffic.

highway impediment

Uses a more formal tone for an obstruction on a major road.

obstacle in the road

General term for anything blocking the road.

disruption to traffic

Focuses on the interruption of normal traffic patterns.

traffic delay

Highlights the resulting delays caused by an obstruction.

FAQs

How to use "traffic obstruction" in a sentence?

You can use "traffic obstruction" to describe a situation where something is blocking the road. For example: "The accident caused a major "traffic obstruction" on the highway."

What can I say instead of "traffic obstruction"?

Alternatives include "road blockage", "road closure", or "traffic jam", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "traffic obstruction" and "traffic congestion"?

"Traffic obstruction" implies a specific blockage that is preventing traffic from flowing, while "traffic congestion" refers to a general slowdown in traffic due to a high volume of vehicles.

Is "traffic obstruction" formal or informal language?

"Traffic obstruction" is considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, official statements, and everyday conversation.