Which is a drawback of a linear roadway system?

In the context of roadway design, a linear roadway system has a distinct characteristic of orienting travel primarily along one direction or axis. This design can limit mobility options for users who wish to travel in different directions or axes. Therefore, the drawback is that it does not accommodate travel along other axes, often leading to longer travel times and increased congestion when users need to switch directions.

This limitation impacts not only the efficiency of the transportation network but also the accessibility of areas adjacent to the main travel corridor. As a result, users may face challenges in accessing various destinations that are not directly aligned with the linear configuration, thereby potentially isolating certain regions and reducing overall connectivity.

In contrast, the other options highlight characteristics that are typically seen as advantages of linear systems, such as facilitating efficient travel along a single axis or creating an understandable hierarchy of roadways. These traits are beneficial in many urban planning contexts but do not address the inherent drawback of the linear system's restriction on directional travel.