pedestrian underpass

Meaning

A 'pedestrian underpass' is an underground tunnel or passage designed specifically for people walking, allowing them to safely cross beneath a busy road, railway line, or intersection. It helps walkers avoid vehicle traffic and is a common feature in urban planning and transit stations.

Examples

• To get to the other side of the six-lane highway, you need to use the pedestrian underpass.

  To get to the other side of the six-lane highway, you need to use the pedestrian underpass.

• The pedestrian underpass near the train station is well-lit and has security cameras installed.

  The pedestrian underpass near the train station is well-lit and has security cameras installed.

• We took the pedestrian underpass to avoid the heavy rain while crossing the intersection.

  We took the pedestrian underpass to avoid the heavy rain while crossing the intersection.

• Some local street artists have painted beautiful murals inside the pedestrian underpass.

  Some local street artists have painted beautiful murals inside the pedestrian underpass.

• Is there a pedestrian underpass nearby, or do we have to walk to the traffic light?

  Is there a pedestrian underpass nearby, or do we have to walk to the traffic light?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ We crossed the street through the underground bridge.

  ✓ We crossed the street using the pedestrian underpass.

  A bridge goes over something, whereas an underpass goes underneath. The term 'underground bridge' is a contradiction and is not used in English.

• ✗ You can walk through the pedestrian subway to cross the road.

  ✓ You can walk through the pedestrian underpass to cross the road.

  While 'subway' can mean an underpass in British English, in American English it strictly refers to an underground train system. 'Pedestrian underpass' is globally understood and avoids confusion.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't try to run across this busy highway; use the ___ just ahead.

  💡 An underground tunnel for walkers to cross a road.

  Show answer

  pedestrian underpass

• The map shows a ___ that connects the train station directly to the shopping mall.

  💡 A safe walking passage beneath the ground.

  Show answer

  pedestrian underpass