What is referred to as the portion of a roadway adjacent to the traveled way?

The portion of a roadway adjacent to the traveled way is known as the shoulder. Shoulders serve several important functions, including providing a space for vehicles that have broken down, offering a refuge for pedestrians and cyclists, and helping to stabilize the roadway by preventing erosion. Shoulders are typically paved or unpaved areas on the sides of the road, contributing to overall road safety by giving drivers a little extra room during unexpected situations.

In contrast, the median is the strip of land that separates opposing lanes of traffic, primarily used for safety and traffic management. A pathway generally refers to a dedicated space for pedestrians or cyclists, while the right-of-way denotes the legal right to pass along a specific route, which encompasses much more than just the adjacent area of the roadway. Understanding these distinctions is critical for effective road design and maintenance strategies.