overpass

An overpass is a bridge or raised road that goes over another road or railway. It helps people or vehicles cross without stopping the traffic below. You might walk across one near a school or station, or drive along one on a highway. In some places, especially for road systems, people also call this a "flyover."

Imagine you are trying to reach a park, but a wide, noisy street blocks your path. An overpass lets you get across safely above the traffic. It is a simple answer to a common city problem.

An overpass is a bridge, road, or railway line that passes over another road, railway, or obstruction. Its primary purpose is to allow traffic—whether vehicular or pedestrian—to cross an intersection without interfering with the flow of traffic moving underneath. This design significantly improves safety and reduces congestion in busy areas.

You will most commonly see overpasses on highways, allowing long-distance travelers to proceed uninterrupted while local streets pass beneath them. However, they are not limited to cars! Pedestrian overpasses are frequently built near schools, shopping centers, or train stations to provide a safe route for people to cross multiple lanes of traffic. These structures can range from simple metal footbridges to elaborate, enclosed walkways with elevators.

The term "overpass" is often used interchangeably with "flyover," though "flyover" more often refers to road-to-road structures on major highways. In everyday English, "overpass" is used as a noun, and people usually mean the physical structure itself. So when you hear the word, you should picture a bridge or raised roadway that carries people, cars, or trains safely above what is below.