In transport engineering nomenclature, a counterflow lane or contraflow lane is a lane in which traffic flows in the opposite direction of the surrounding lanes. Contraflow lanes are often used for bicycles or bus rapid transit on what are otherwise one-way streets.

What happens in a contraflow system?

A contraflow system means that traffic will be flowing along lanes in the opposite direction to the norm. As such, when you approach a contraflow system you should reduce your speed in plenty of time. ... You should also stay in your lane and avoid making attempts to overtake whilst driving on a contraflow system.

What is the purpose of contraflow?

Contraflow is a method designed to increase the capacity of transportation roads toward a certain direction by reversing the opposite direction of road segments. Figure 1 shows a change of road direction under contraflow operation. Contraflow has been primarily used as a part of evacuation schemes.