underpass

Everyday

An underpass is a road or path that goes under another road or a railway, so people or cars can cross safely. tree →

In the lessons

In safety lessons, an underpass is a safe way for walkers and cyclists to cross a busy road without meeting traffic. Children are reminded to use underpasses and footbridges, and to go with an adult if the underpass is dark or empty. Phrases: «go through the underpass», «pedestrian underpass».

Examples

• We walked through the underpass to get to the park. tree →
• The underpass goes under the busy main road. tree →
• Cyclists use the underpass to avoid the traffic. tree →
• The underpass was painted with colourful murals. tree →
• Our voices echoed in the underpass. tree →
• Use the underpass instead of running across the road. tree →

Note

Countable noun; plural «underpasses» (add -es). Opposite idea: «overpass» or «footbridge» goes over. In the US «underpass» can also be a place where a road goes under a bridge.