"Overpass" vs "Underpass": the two sides of urban pathways

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 04/10/2024, 13:04

English.me team member

Overpass and underpass. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both are structures associated with roads or railways allowing for passage at different levels.

What is different?

An overpass is a bridge or structure that allows roads or pedestrians to cross over a barrier, typically a road or railway, while an underpass allows passage beneath something.

Which one is more common?

Examples of usage

Overpass

The highway was blocked, so we took the overpass to avoid traffic.
The pedestrian overpass provides a safe crossing over the busy street.

Underpass

The train traveled through the underpass beneath the road.
There's an underpass that cyclists can use to get across the highway.