What is the primary purpose of a ramp in traffic design?

The primary purpose of a ramp in traffic design is to allow vehicles to enter or exit roadways at different levels. Ramps facilitate the connection between different types of roadways, such as highways and local streets, by providing a smooth transition between high-speed and low-speed areas. They are essential for managing traffic movement safely and efficiently, particularly in scenarios where there's a need to change elevation, such as in interchanges or when moving onto or off a bridge.

Using ramps effectively enhances roadway safety by reducing the potential for abrupt stops or turns that can lead to accidents. It ensures that vehicles can integrate smoothly into the traffic flow from various directions, minimizing conflicts between merging and diverging traffic. Therefore, ramps are a critical component of roadway design that supports both mobility and safety for all users.