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Study Guide: Overpasses and Grade Separation: Principles, Design, and Applications

Cheat Sheet:
Overpasses and Grade Separation: Principles, Design, and Applications Study Guide

Overpass Definitions and Grade Separation

An overpass is fundamentally defined as any structure that allows a road or railway to pass underneath another road or railway.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source defines an overpass as a structure that crosses over another road or railway, not underneath it.

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In the United Kingdom, the term 'flyover' is specifically used for a road crossing over another road, while 'overbridge' is a more general term for any overpass.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source states that in the United Kingdom, 'overbridge' and 'flyover' are both commonly used as alternative names for an overpass, especially for a road crossing over another road. It does not specify 'overbridge' as a more general term for any overpass.

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A grade separation is formed by an overpass and an underpass working together to separate intersecting roads or railways.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source defines grade separation as a method where an overpass and an underpass collectively separate intersecting roads or railways at different levels to eliminate conflicts.

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In North American usage, a 'flyover' specifically refers to a high-level overpass built above main overpass lanes or a bridge over a former at-grade intersection.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that in North American usage, a 'flyover' specifically denotes a high-level overpass constructed above primary overpass lanes or a bridge built over a former at-grade intersection.

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Traffic engineers typically classify any bridge built over an existing at-grade intersection as a 'skyway.'

Answer: False

Explanation: Traffic engineers typically classify a bridge built over a former at-grade intersection as a 'grade separation,' not a 'skyway.'

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Grade separation is a method of traffic engineering that aims to eliminate conflicts and improve safety by separating intersecting roads or railways at different levels.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source defines grade separation as a traffic engineering method that separates intersecting roads or railways at different levels to eliminate conflicts and enhance safety and flow.

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What constitutes the fundamental definition of an overpass?

Answer: A bridge, road, railway, or similar structure that crosses over another road or railway.

Explanation: An overpass is defined as a bridge, road, railway, or similar structure that crosses over another road or railway, designed to separate conflicting traffic flows.

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In the United Kingdom and certain Commonwealth countries, what are the common alternative names for an overpass, particularly when it involves a road crossing over another road?

Answer: Overbridge or flyover

Explanation: In the United Kingdom and certain Commonwealth countries, an overpass, especially a road crossing over another road, is commonly referred to as an 'overbridge' or 'flyover'.

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What is the collective term for an overpass and an underpass that function together to separate intersecting roads or railways?

Answer: Grade separation

Explanation: An overpass and an underpass together form a 'grade separation,' a traffic engineering method that separates intersecting roads or railways at different levels.

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In North American highway terminology, what specific characteristics define a 'flyover'?

Answer: It specifically refers to a high-level overpass built above main overpass lanes or a bridge over a former at-grade intersection.

Explanation: In North American usage, a 'flyover' specifically denotes a high-level overpass constructed above primary overpass lanes or a bridge built over a former at-grade intersection, emphasizing its elevated position and role in achieving grade separation.

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How do traffic engineers typically classify a bridge constructed over a previously existing at-grade intersection?

Answer: As a grade separation

Explanation: Traffic engineers typically classify a bridge built over a former at-grade intersection as a 'grade separation,' a design that eliminates stopping or yielding, thereby enhancing traffic flow and safety.

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What is the primary objective of grade separation in traffic engineering?

Answer: To separate intersecting roads or railways at different levels to eliminate conflicts.

Explanation: The primary purpose of grade separation in traffic engineering is to separate intersecting roads or railways at different levels, thereby eliminating conflicts and improving safety and flow.

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What is the primary purpose of an overpass within modern transportation infrastructure?

Answer: To separate conflicting traffic flows.

Explanation: The primary purpose of an overpass is to separate conflicting traffic flows, whether vehicular, railway, or pedestrian, by crossing one over another, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency.

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Interchange Design and Traffic Optimization

Stack interchanges are characterized by their simple design, typically involving only a single overpass to manage traffic flow.

Answer: False

Explanation: Stack interchanges are complex road junctions featuring several overpasses and often four or more distinct traffic levels, designed for high traffic volumes, not a simple design with a single overpass.

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A flyover can be added to an existing interchange as an extra ramp, often replacing a cloverleaf loop.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that a flyover can be integrated into an existing interchange as an additional ramp, potentially replacing an existing cloverleaf loop.

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Cloverleaf interchanges are highly efficient for multi-lane traffic due to their 90-degree turns, which prevent congestion.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cloverleaf interchanges are often inefficient for multi-lane traffic due to their 270-degree loops, which significantly slow down traffic and can lead to congestion, rather than preventing it with 90-degree turns.

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Replacing 270-degree turns with flyovers and underpasses allows traffic to flow at or near open road speeds by requiring only 90-degree turns.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source states that replacing 270-degree turns with flyovers and underpasses enables interchanges to require only 90-degree turns, allowing traffic to flow at or near open road speeds, provided there is no congestion.

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Interchanges designed with only 90-degree turns via flyovers and underpasses typically feature only two distinct levels of traffic.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interchanges designed with only 90-degree turns, achieved through flyovers and underpasses, commonly feature four or more distinct levels of traffic, not just two, to separate all conflicting movements.

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Which specific type of road junction is characterized by the extensive use of multiple overpasses to manage high traffic volumes?

Answer: Stack interchange

Explanation: Stack interchanges are complex road junctions featuring multiple overpasses and often four or more distinct traffic levels, specifically designed to handle high volumes of traffic without stops.

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Describe how a flyover can be integrated into an existing interchange as an additional ramp.

Answer: By adding it as an extra ramp, potentially replacing an existing cloverleaf loop.

Explanation: A flyover can be integrated into an existing interchange as an additional ramp, often replacing an existing cloverleaf loop, to provide a higher, faster connection.

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What constitutes a significant drawback associated with cloverleaf or partial cloverleaf interchange designs?

Answer: They often contain 270-degree loops that can significantly slow down traffic.

Explanation: A significant drawback of cloverleaf or partial cloverleaf interchanges is the presence of 270-degree loops, which necessitate significant speed reductions and can lead to congestion, especially with multiple lanes.

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How do flyovers and underpasses enhance traffic flow by mitigating the limitations inherent in cloverleaf interchanges?

Answer: They replace 270-degree turns with 90-degree turns, enabling traffic to flow at open road speeds.

Explanation: Flyovers and underpasses improve traffic flow by replacing the inefficient 270-degree turns found in cloverleaf interchanges with 90-degree turns, which allows traffic to maintain open road speeds.

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What is the typical structural characteristic, regarding traffic levels, for interchanges that exclusively utilize 90-degree turns through flyovers and underpasses?

Answer: They often feature four or more distinct levels of traffic.

Explanation: Interchanges designed with only 90-degree turns, achieved through flyovers and underpasses, commonly feature four or more distinct levels of traffic to separate all conflicting movements and enable free-flowing traffic.

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What is the primary benefit of replacing 270-degree turns with 90-degree turns in interchanges through the use of flyovers and underpasses?

Answer: It enables traffic to flow in all directions at or near open road speeds.

Explanation: Replacing 270-degree turns with 90-degree turns via flyovers and underpasses allows traffic to flow in all directions at or near open road speeds, provided there is no congestion, by eliminating sharp curves and potential conflicts.

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Historical Context and Evolution

The world's first railroad flyover was constructed in 1843 by the London and Croydon Railway at Norwood Junction railway station.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source explicitly states that the world's first railroad flyover was constructed in 1843 by the London and Croydon Railway at Norwood Junction railway station in the United Kingdom.

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The primary function of the inaugural railroad flyover at Norwood Junction was to carry coal lines over passenger lines.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary function of the first railroad flyover at Norwood Junction was to carry the atmospheric railway vehicles of the London and Croydon Railway over the Brighton Main Line, not coal lines over passenger lines.

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The first railroad flyover was built to carry the Brighton Main Line over the London and Croydon Railway's atmospheric vehicles.

Answer: False

Explanation: The first railroad flyover was built to carry the atmospheric railway vehicles of the London and Croydon Railway over the Brighton Main Line, the inverse of the statement.

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When and where was the world's first railroad flyover constructed?

Answer: 1843, Norwood Junction railway station, United Kingdom

Explanation: The world's first railroad flyover was constructed in 1843 by the London and Croydon Railway at Norwood Junction railway station in the United Kingdom.

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What was the primary operational function of the inaugural railroad flyover at Norwood Junction railway station?

Answer: To carry the atmospheric railway vehicles of the London and Croydon Railway over the Brighton Main Line.

Explanation: The primary function of the first railroad flyover at Norwood Junction was to carry the atmospheric railway vehicles of the London and Croydon Railway over the Brighton Main Line.

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Specialized Overpass Applications

Pedestrian overpasses primarily serve to enhance the aesthetic appeal of urban landscapes rather than improve safety.

Answer: False

Explanation: The primary safety advantage of pedestrian overpasses is to separate foot traffic from vehicular traffic, significantly reducing the risk of accidents, rather than primarily enhancing aesthetic appeal.

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Railway overpasses are considered a safer alternative to level crossings because they eliminate conflict points between trains and other traffic.

Answer: True

Explanation: Railway overpasses are considered safer than level crossings because they eliminate direct conflict points between trains and vehicular or pedestrian traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring unobstructed rail movement.

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Rapid transit systems often use partial grade separation to allow for some interaction with road traffic, ensuring flexibility.

Answer: False

Explanation: Rapid transit systems utilize complete grade separation of their rights-of-way to avoid interference from other traffic, ensuring frequent and reliable service, rather than partial grade separation for interaction.

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A 'flying junction' in railway engineering is a type of grade-separated junction designed to prevent trains from conflicting with those on other tracks.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source defines a 'flying junction' in railway engineering as a grade-separated junction where one railway line passes over another, specifically to avoid conflicts between trains on different tracks.

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An unusual application of an overpass at Sydney airport involves a taxiway going over a major road.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source describes an unusual application of an overpass at Sydney airport where a taxiway crosses over a major road, allowing efficient aircraft movement without interfering with ground traffic.

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What is the primary safety advantage provided by pedestrian overpasses?

Answer: They allow traffic to pass underneath without affecting pedestrian safety.

Explanation: Pedestrian overpasses primarily enhance safety by physically separating foot traffic from vehicular traffic, allowing vehicles to pass underneath unimpeded and significantly reducing the risk of accidents.

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Why are railway overpasses considered a safer alternative to level crossings?

Answer: They eliminate conflict points between trains and vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Explanation: Railway overpasses are considered safer than level crossings because they eliminate direct conflict points between trains and vehicular or pedestrian traffic, preventing collisions and ensuring unobstructed rail movement.

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How do rapid transit systems utilize grade separation to ensure efficient and reliable service?

Answer: By utilizing complete grade separation of their rights of way to avoid interference from other traffic.

Explanation: Rapid transit systems employ complete grade separation for their rights-of-way, effectively isolating them from other traffic, which is critical for ensuring frequent and reliable service by eliminating delays and interference.

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In railway engineering, what is the primary objective of a 'flying junction'?

Answer: To avoid trains conflicting with those on other tracks.

Explanation: A 'flying junction' in railway engineering is a grade-separated junction designed to prevent conflicts between trains on intersecting tracks, thereby enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

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Describe the unusual application of an overpass observed at Sydney airport.

Answer: A taxiway going over a major road.

Explanation: At Sydney airport, an overpass is unusually applied as a taxiway crossing over a major road, facilitating efficient aircraft movement without impeding ground traffic.

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In railway engineering, what type of junction prevents trains from conflicting with those on other tracks by physically passing one line over another?

Answer: A flying junction

Explanation: A 'flying junction' in railway engineering is a grade-separated junction where one railway line passes over another, specifically designed to avoid conflicts between trains on intersecting tracks.

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Rapid transit systems ensure frequent and reliable service by avoiding interference from other traffic through what specific method?

Answer: Utilizing complete grade separation of their rights of way.

Explanation: Rapid transit systems achieve frequent and reliable service by employing complete grade separation for their rights-of-way, thereby avoiding interference from other traffic.

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Global Case Studies of Overpasses

The Hill Road Flyover in Hong Kong is specifically built to alleviate traffic congestion between two main roads.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source indicates that the Hill Road Flyover in Hong Kong is specifically designed to alleviate traffic congestion between two primary roads.

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The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles is noted for its simple, two-level design.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange in Los Angeles is highlighted as a high-capacity stack interchange, known for its multi-level design, not a simple two-level design.

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The Sandgate Flyover in New South Wales illustrates a configuration where two dedicated coal lines pass over two main railway lines.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Sandgate Flyover in New South Wales illustrates a configuration where two main railway lines pass over two dedicated coal lines, the inverse of the statement.

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The image from Burbank, California, shows an overpass completed in 2020 over Interstate 5.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image from Burbank, California, dated July 2021, shows an overpass under construction over Interstate 5, not completed in 2020.

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The image from Kyoto, Japan, depicts a highway overpass crossing multiple railway lines and roads.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image from Kyoto, Japan, illustrates a railway overpass crossing multiple railway lines and roads, not a highway overpass.

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The pedestrian overpass in St. Louis, Missouri, is located over Interstate 64 at the St. Louis Science Center.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the pedestrian overpass in St. Louis, Missouri, is situated over Interstate 64 at the St. Louis Science Center.

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The New York State Thruway is depicted in the source material as an example of a major canal system.

Answer: False

Explanation: The New York State Thruway is depicted as a major controlled-access highway system, not a canal system.

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The overpass in Athens is notable for its distinctive square design.

Answer: False

Explanation: The overpass in Athens is noted for its distinctive round design, not a square design.

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The Sion Panvel Highway in India features a road sign instructing drivers to use a flyover for their onward journey.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source includes an image of a road sign on Sion Panvel Highway in India that directs travelers to use a flyover for their onward journey.

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The Cumberland Highway in Sydney, Australia, is shown overpassing a river.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image shows the Cumberland Highway in Sydney, Australia, overpassing a street, not a river.

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The Zheng Qi overpass is located in Taipei.

Answer: True

Explanation: The source confirms that the Zheng Qi overpass is situated in Taipei.

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The Edgewood Road Bridge in Leonia, New Jersey, is shown welcoming drivers to the New Jersey Turnpike.

Answer: True

Explanation: The image from Leonia, New Jersey, shows a sign welcoming drivers to the New Jersey Turnpike under the Edgewood Road Bridge.

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The image of multiple overpasses is located near Madrid, Spain.

Answer: False

Explanation: The image featuring multiple overpasses is located near Barcelona, Spain, not Madrid.

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According to the source, what is the specific function of the Hill Road Flyover in Hong Kong?

Answer: To alleviate traffic congestion between two main roads.

Explanation: The Hill Road Flyover in Hong Kong is specifically designed to alleviate traffic congestion between two primary roads, as indicated by the source material.

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Which prominent high-capacity stack interchange is featured in the Los Angeles gallery image?

Answer: The Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange

Explanation: The Los Angeles gallery image highlights the Judge Harry Pregerson Interchange, recognized as a high-capacity stack interchange due to its multi-level design for managing substantial traffic volumes.

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Describe the specific railway configuration exemplified by the Sandgate Flyover in New South Wales.

Answer: Two main railway lines passing over two dedicated coal lines.

Explanation: The Sandgate Flyover in New South Wales illustrates a railway configuration where two main railway lines traverse over two dedicated coal lines, demonstrating a grade separation designed for distinct types of rail traffic.

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State the city where the Zheng Qi overpass, depicted in the gallery, is located.

Answer: Taipei

Explanation: The Zheng Qi overpass, featured in the gallery, is situated in Taipei, representing a notable piece of urban overpass infrastructure.

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Identify the major highway system linked to the overpass shown in the New York State image.

Answer: The New York State Thruway

Explanation: The overpass depicted in the New York State image is associated with the New York State Thruway, a significant controlled-access highway system.

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Describe the location and contextual setting of the pedestrian overpass illustrated in the St. Louis, Missouri image.

Answer: Over Interstate 64 at the St. Louis Science Center.

Explanation: The pedestrian overpass in the St. Louis, Missouri image is located over Interstate 64, specifically at the St. Louis Science Center, providing safe pedestrian access.

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Interpret the message conveyed by the road sign on Sion Panvel Highway in India, as presented in the gallery.

Answer: It instructs travelers to use a flyover for their onward journey.

Explanation: The road sign on Sion Panvel Highway in India, as shown in the gallery, instructs travelers to utilize a flyover for their onward journey, thereby directing traffic flow.

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Describe the construction stage and the crossing point of the overpass in Burbank, California, dated July 2021.

Answer: Under construction over Interstate 5.

Explanation: The image from Burbank, California (July 2021), depicts an overpass under construction over Interstate 5, illustrating an active phase of transportation infrastructure development.

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Identify the distinctive design characteristic of the overpass located in Athens, as depicted in the gallery.

Answer: A distinctive round design.

Explanation: The overpass in Athens, as shown in the gallery, exhibits a distinctive round design, indicative of a specific architectural or engineering approach for its traffic configuration.

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Identify the specific bridge and highway referenced in the image from Leonia, New Jersey.

Answer: The Edgewood Road Bridge under the New Jersey Turnpike.

Explanation: The image from Leonia, New Jersey, references the Edgewood Road Bridge, situated under the New Jersey Turnpike, serving as an overpass structure.

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The image from Kyoto, Japan, illustrates what type of overpass and its crossing configuration.

Answer: A railway overpass crossing multiple railway lines and roads.

Explanation: The image from Kyoto, Japan, displays a railway overpass that traverses multiple railway lines and roads, exemplifying the capacity of overpasses to manage complex, multi-modal transportation intersections.

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Identify the major road depicted overpassing a street in Sydney, Australia.

Answer: The Cumberland Highway

Explanation: The Cumberland Highway is shown overpassing a street in Sydney, Australia, serving as an example of a highway overpass application.

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The gallery includes an image featuring multiple overpasses located near which Spanish city?

Answer: Barcelona

Explanation: The gallery image depicting multiple overpasses is situated near Barcelona, Spain, illustrating the complex road infrastructure of the region.

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The highway overpass depicted in the source material as an example is located in which city?

Answer: Greensboro, North Carolina

Explanation: The source material includes an image depicting a highway overpass located in Greensboro, North Carolina, serving as an example of this type of infrastructure.

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