What is the term for the main traveled portion of a street or highway?

The term for the main traveled portion of a street or highway is "roadway." This area is specifically designed to accommodate vehicle traffic, providing the necessary surface for both regular and emergency vehicles. The roadway is typically located between the shoulders, which are designed for vehicles to pull off the road, and any other features that may be in the area, such as medians which separate opposite lanes of traffic.

In contrast, the shoulder refers to the fringe area of the highway that runs alongside the main traveled portion, primarily used for emergency stops and maintenance. Pavement is a broader term that refers to the material used to construct the surface of the roadway but does not specify the traveled portion itself. The median serves a different purpose, acting as a barrier or divider for opposing lanes of traffic. Understanding these distinctions is critical for interpreting highway and roadway layouts while ensuring safe navigation for drivers and pedestrians alike.