A "beltway" is a type of highway that encircles a city or metropolitan area, designed to facilitate traffic flow around the urban center. These roads help reduce congestion in the city by allowing drivers to bypass it, connecting various suburbs and regions. Beltways are often named after the city they surround, such as the Washington, D.C. Beltway, which is officially known as Interstate 495. They typically feature multiple lanes and interchanges, making them crucial for commuters and long-distance travelers alike.