motorway junction

Meaning

A motorway junction is a point where a motorway (highway) connects with another road or motorway, allowing vehicles to join or leave the main road. It is primarily used in British English, whereas American English typically uses 'highway interchange' or 'exit'.

Examples

• Take the next exit at motorway junction 15 to get to the hotel.

  Take the next exit at motorway junction 15 to get to the hotel.

• There is a major accident near the motorway junction, so expect some delays.

  There is a major accident near the motorway junction, so expect some delays.

• The GPS told me to turn left immediately after passing the motorway junction.

  The GPS told me to turn left immediately after passing the motorway junction.

• They are building a new roundabout near the motorway junction to improve flow.

  They are building a new roundabout near the motorway junction to improve flow.

• Missed the motorway junction? Don't worry, we can take the next one and double back.

  Missed the motorway junction? Don't worry, we can take the next one and double back.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I missed the motorway connection to London.

  ✓ I missed the motorway junction to London.

  While 'connection' is understandable, 'junction' is the correct and standard term for highway intersections in British English.

• ✗ Turn left at the motorway crossroad.

  ✓ Take the exit at the motorway junction.

  Motorways do not have traditional 'crossroads' because traffic cannot cross directly; they use junctions with slip roads.

Related Expressions

Practice

• We need to get off at ___ 24 to reach the countryside.

  💡 The intersection where you leave the highway (British English).

  Show answer

  motorway junction

• Traffic is backing up near the ___ because of the narrow lanes.

  💡 The point where roads connect to the motorway.

  Show answer

  motorway junction