What term refers to the condition when traffic demand exceeds capacity?

The term that refers to the condition when traffic demand exceeds capacity is congestion. Congestion occurs when the volume of traffic on a road or intersection surpasses the ability of that roadway or intersection to accommodate it efficiently. This leads to slower speeds, longer travel times, and increased vehicle queuing as vehicles try to navigate through the congested area.

In a congested situation, vehicles may experience delays, and the overall flow of traffic is hindered, which can contribute to additional stress on infrastructure and increase hazards for all road users. Understanding congestion is crucial for traffic management and planning since it helps in designing interventions to improve traffic flow and increase the efficiency of transportation systems.