The Rationale of a Ring RoadThe impact of ring roads on the spatial structure is favoring a radial
pattern (doughnut effect) and the development of commercial, residential
and industrial activities nearby highway interchanges. The decreasing
dynamism of central areas is often linked with the emergence of centers
at the periphery which have since improved accessibility with the
construction of ring roads. As indicated in the above figure,
prior to the construction of a ring road, going from point A to point
B would take 30 minutes, with delays mainly imposed by having to go
through the central area. Once a ring right has been established, travel
time between point A and point B is reduced to 20 minutes.
