Historical Significance
Historically, many cities and market towns developed wherever there was a junction. The intersection of two or more routes offered opportunities for rest or trade for travelers and merchants. Towns sprang up to accommodate this; the first such in Europe were probably at intersections of the Roman roads.
A similar effect came with the growth of rail transport; so-called railway towns grew up near major railway junctions - originally to accommodate railway workers, but expanding into fully functioning settlements over time.
Junctions also developed where different modes of transport intersected, e.g. canal and rail.
Read more about this topic: Junction (traffic)
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