What is the common area at the junction of two highways, excluding alleyways?

The term that refers to the common area at the junction of two highways, excluding alleyways, is intersection. An intersection is specifically where two or more roads cross each other, facilitating vehicle and pedestrian movement between them. This area is crucial for traffic management and safety, as it is where vehicles often need to stop, yield, or navigate around one another.

In contrast, other terms like crossroad, roundabout, and merge point describe different types of roadway configurations. A crossroad typically implies a road that intersects with another but might not be a controlled traffic area. A roundabout is a circular intersection designed for continuous flow of traffic around a central island, which is distinct from traditional intersections where vehicles might stop at traffic signals or signs. A merge point refers to the area where one roadway joins another, allowing vehicles to blend their flow, but does not necessarily encompass the full area shared by intersecting roads. Understanding these distinctions helps in recognizing traffic designs and their implications for safe driving practices.