channelize

channel +‎ -ize

channelize (third-person singular simple present channelizes, present participle channelizing, simple past and past participle channelized)

1. To form a channel, especially by deepening or altering the course of a river.
2. (transitive) To transmit through a channel.
3. (transitive) To multiplex (messages) through a single line.
4. (transitive, rare) To direct into a specific course or pathway; to channel.
   • 1978, US Department of Transportation, Traffic control for street and highway construction and maintenance operations:

     It is particularly confusing when the motorist is channelized across the highway centerline. For long-term closures conflicting pavement markings must be removed or obliterated before relaning the roadway.

• channelizer