shoulder

roads

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The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The term "hard shoulder" refers to the edge of a road that is not intended for travel. In road design, the shoulder is a strip of pavement situated outside an outer lane. Its primary purposes are to provide a safe area for vehicles to use in emergencies and to protect the edges of the main road from damage caused by traffic.12

Maintenance of the shoulder is crucial for road safety and longevity. This includes activities like sealing cracks and filling potholes to prevent water damage, as well as ensuring clear pavement markings and signs.3

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The shoulder is a strip of pavement outside an outer lane; it is provided for emergency use by traffic and to protect the pavement edges from traffic damage. A set of adjoining lanes and shoulders is called a roadway or carriageway, while the pavement, shoulders, and…
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The shoulder is a strip of pavement outside an outer lane; it is provided for emergency use by traffic and to protect the pavement edges from traffic damage. A set of adjoining lanes and shoulders is called a roadway or carriageway, while the pavement, shoulders, and…
Read More