Overpass facts for kids
An overpass is like a special bridge. It helps people and vehicles cross over something else. Imagine a road going over another road, or a railway line. Overpasses make sure traffic doesn't crash. They keep things moving smoothly and safely.
Contents
What is an Overpass?
An overpass is a type of bridge. It allows one path to go over another. This means a road can go over another road. Or a railway can go over a road. It helps traffic avoid stopping. This makes travel safer and faster.
Why are Overpasses Important?
Overpasses are very important for modern travel. They help prevent accidents. Without them, all roads would meet at the same level. This would cause many stops and traffic jams. Overpasses keep traffic flowing. They make sure cars, trains, and people can move easily.
Reducing Traffic Jams
Imagine a busy intersection. Cars have to stop for red lights. This can cause long lines of traffic. An overpass lets one road go over the other. This means cars on the top road don't have to stop. It helps reduce traffic jams. This saves time for everyone.
Improving Safety
Overpasses also make travel much safer. They separate different types of traffic. For example, a road over a railway means no cars will cross train tracks directly. This lowers the risk of serious accidents. Pedestrian overpasses keep people safe from busy roads.
Types of Overpasses
Overpasses come in many different forms. They are built to suit different needs.
Road Overpasses
These are the most common type. They allow one road to pass over another. You often see them on highways. They help drivers stay at a steady speed. This makes long journeys quicker. Some large cities have many layers of road overpasses. They create complex interchanges.
Railway Overpasses
A railway overpass carries a train line over a road or another railway. This is important for train safety. It also helps road traffic avoid delays. Trains can keep moving without stopping for cars.
Pedestrian Overpasses
These bridges are made for people walking or cycling. They allow pedestrians to cross busy roads safely. You might see them near schools or parks. They help people avoid dangerous traffic.
Wildlife Overpasses
Some overpasses are built for animals! These are called wildlife crossings. They help animals cross busy roads or railways safely. This prevents animals from being hit by vehicles. It also helps them reach different parts of their habitat.
How Overpasses are Built
Building an overpass is a big engineering project. Engineers design them to be very strong. They must hold up heavy traffic.
Materials Used
Most overpasses are made from concrete and steel. Concrete is strong and durable. Steel provides extra strength and flexibility. These materials help the overpass last for many years. They can withstand different weather conditions.
Construction Process
First, engineers plan the design carefully. Then, large foundations are built. These go deep into the ground. Next, tall supports, called piers, are constructed. Finally, the bridge deck is built on top of these supports. This deck is the part that vehicles or people travel on.
Images for kids
-
Overpass crossing multiple railway lines and roads in Kyoto, Japan
-
Overpass in Washington, D.C.
-
Overpasses near Barcelona
-
Cumberland Highway overpasses a street in Sydney
-
A high-capacity stack interchange: the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles
-
Sandgate Flyover, New South Wales, where two main railway lines pass over two dedicated coal lines
-
Zheng Qi overpass, Taipei.
-
New York State Thruway overpass
-
Pedestrian overpass, I-64, St. Louis, Missouri. This overpass is located at the St. Louis Science Center.
-
A road sign on Sion Panvel Highway in India instructing travellers to use flyover for onward journey.
-
Overpass under construction over Interstate 5 in Burbank, California, July 2021
-
Round overpass in Athens
-
Sydney airport taxiway going over a major road.
See also
In Spanish: Paso sobre nivel para niños
