Junction (traffic)

A junction, when discussed in the context of transport, is a location where traffic can change between different routes, directions, or sometimes modes, of travel.

Historical significance

Historically, many cities and market towns developed wherever there was a junction. The intersection of two or more routes offered opportunities for rest or trade for travelers and merchants. Towns sprang up to accommodate this; the first such in Europe were probably at intersections of the Roman roads.

A similar effect came with the growth of rail transport; so-called railway towns grew up near major railway junctions - originally to accommodate railway workers, but expanding into fully functioning settlements over time.

Junctions for specific transport modes

:"See main articles: Junction (road) and Junction (rail)."There are many types of different junction for road transport and rail transport (including metro and rapid transit systems). If many of these are contained in a small area, and where passengers can change from one transport mode to the other in them, it is said to be a transport hub.

The word "junction"

The word "junction" derives from Latin "iunctus", past participle of "iungere", to join. The word "junction" in this context may also refer to:
*The general locality of a given interchange
*A specific interchange on a major road, e.g. motorway. This it the common use in the United Kingdom. For example, Milton Keynes is said to be "off "junction 13" of the M1.