roadbed

American  

[rohd-bed] / ˈroʊdˌbɛd /

noun

1. Railroads.

   1. the bed or foundation structure for the track of a railroad.

   2. the layer of ballast immediately beneath the ties of a railroad track.

2. the material of which a road is composed.

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roadbed British  

/ ˈrəʊdˌbɛd /

noun

1. the material used to make a road

2. a layer of ballast that supports the sleepers of a railway track

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Etymology

Origin of roadbed

1830–40. road + bed

Example Sentences

With crews still working to clear debris from under the freeway, the wooden structure that will support the roadbed around the damaged columns is already being constructed.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 16, 2023

She believes raising the roadbed and installing a small wildlife underpass beneath it would significantly reduce the number of newts that die on Chileno Valley Road.

From New York Times • Jan. 24, 2023

The roadbed is as wide as nine lanes near the ferry terminal, detracting from city promises to “open up the waterfront” for pedestrians.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 29, 2021

Reuters: How long before wireless charging of electric vehicle batteries will become a reality, whether it's through the roadbed or solar panels on the vehicle or some other means?

From Reuters • Aug. 24, 2021

It was the main line from Venice to Trieste, with a high solid embankment, a solid roadbed and double track.

From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway