What is a cul-de-sac?

A cul-de-sac is defined as a dead-end street that features a turnaround area at the end, allowing vehicles to safely turn around without the need for backing up or maneuvering excessively. This design enhances safety and facilitates traffic flow by minimizing through traffic, which can be particularly beneficial in residential neighborhoods. Additionally, cul-de-sacs are often considered desirable in residential planning as they can create a quiet and private environment for inhabitants, encouraging a community atmosphere.

The other choices do not align with the definition of a cul-de-sac; a main intersection pertains to traffic and road layouts rather than a specific street configuration, zoning restrictions relate to land use regulations, and federal transportation projects typically involve larger scale infrastructure initiatives, neither of which describes the physical characteristics of a cul-de-sac.