What does shoulder mean?

[AnnaMarie]

Shoulder refers to the strip-like section with a certain width located between the outer edge of the carriageway and the subgrade edge (including hard shoulder and protective shoulder). It is used to maintain the functionality of the carriageway and for temporary parking, as well as serving as lateral support for the pavement. The main functions of the shoulder are: 1. To protect the stability of main structures such as the carriageway; 2. To provide a temporary parking space for vehicles experiencing mechanical failures or emergencies; 3. To provide lateral clearance, enhancing safety and comfort; 4. To allow passage for pedestrians and bicycles. On the pavement, the carriageway, overtaking lane, and hard shoulder are separated. The hard shoulder is constructed together with the carriageway and overtaking lane, with equal strength, and its role is to ensure the width of the carriageway and provide space for emergency parking. On highways, vehicles are not allowed to drive on the hard shoulder.