A ring road (also known as circular road, beltline, beltway, circumferential (high)way, loop, or orbital) is a road or a series of connected roads encircling a town, city, or country. The most common purpose of a ring road is to assist in reducing traffic volumes in the urban center, such as by offering an alternate route around the city for drivers who do not need to stop in the city core. Ring roads can also serve to connect suburbs, allowing efficient travel between them.