The
median strip or
central reservation is the reserved area that separates opposing
lanes of
traffic on divided roadways, such as
divided highways,
dual carriageways,
freeways, and motorways. The term also applies to divided roadways other than highways, such as some major streets in urban or suburban areas. The reserved area may simply be
paved, but commonly it is adapted to other functions; for example, it may accommodate decorative
landscaping,
trees, a
median barrier, or
railway or
streetcar lines.