Paso inferior peatonalEspaña
Normas de tráfico
España
36. Paso inferior peatonal
Un paso inferior peatonal es un paso que permite a los peatones desplazarse por debajo de una carretera, vía férrea u otro obstáculo sin cruzar la ruta del tráfico al mismo nivel. Es una forma de cruce peatonal a distinto nivel.
Los pasos inferiores peatonales pueden ser accesibles mediante escaleras, rampas o ascensores y formar parte de una red más amplia de caminos o itinerarios peatonales. Los ciclistas y otros usuarios solo pueden utilizar el paso cuando el diseño, las señales y las normas locales lo permitan.
What is a pedestrian underpass?
A pedestrian underpass is a passage that allows pedestrians to cross beneath a road, railway or other obstacle without entering the traffic route above.
Why are pedestrian underpasses used?
They separate pedestrians from motor vehicles, trains or other traffic, reducing direct conflicts at busy or high-speed crossings.
Is a pedestrian underpass the same as a tunnel?
Not exactly. A pedestrian underpass is specifically intended to allow pedestrians to pass beneath an obstacle, while a tunnel can carry roads, railways, pedestrians or other forms of transport.
Is an underpass the same as a pedestrian overpass?
No. An underpass passes beneath the obstacle, while an overpass or footbridge carries pedestrians above it. Both provide grade-separated crossings.
Can cyclists use a pedestrian underpass?
This depends on the signs and design of the facility. Some underpasses are shared with cyclists, while pedestrian-only underpasses may require cyclists to dismount.
Can a pedestrian underpass have a cycle path?
Yes. Some underpasses contain separate or shared pedestrian and cycle facilities so both categories can cross safely away from motor traffic.
Can motor vehicles use a pedestrian underpass?
No when the passage is specifically reserved for pedestrians. Maintenance or emergency access may be permitted in exceptional circumstances.
Can an underpass be accessible to wheelchairs?
Yes, when suitably designed. Ramps or lifts can provide step-free access, although accessibility depends on the individual facility.
Do pedestrians have to follow signs inside an underpass?
Yes. Users must follow any signs indicating permitted users, direction of travel, separated sections or temporary closures.
Can a pedestrian underpass be temporarily closed?
Yes. Maintenance, flooding, construction, safety concerns or other circumstances may require temporary closure or diversion.
Does an underpass give pedestrians priority over traffic above?
The underpass physically separates the movements, so pedestrians do not directly cross the traffic route above. Priority rules still apply wherever the pedestrian route later crosses another roadway or cycle facility.
What should cyclists do in a pedestrian-only underpass?
Where cycling is not permitted, cyclists should dismount and continue on foot if pedestrian access with a bicycle is allowed.
