shaft
An above-ground enclosure for transportation, arranged vertically, horizontally, diagonally, or in several directions.
A shaft is a vertical, horizontal, diagonal, or multi-directional enclosure (other than a bridge) designed for transportation. It may enclose a stairway, walkway, elevator, escalator, moving sidewalk, gondola, or other medium of transportation.
The enclosure can contain a walkway, stairs, or a mechanical passenger-transport system. Its direction is not limited to vertical travel.
A bridge is excluded from this form, and a passage excavated through the ground belongs to a tunnel. The shaft provides an above-ground enclosure around the transportation route.
