What type of slabs connect the bridge deck to the roadway?

The type of slabs that connect the bridge deck to the roadway are approach slabs. Approach slabs are specifically designed to provide a smooth transition between the bridge deck and the roadway. They serve an essential function in reducing the impact of the bridge's movements, accommodating minor displacement as vehicles travel from the roadway onto the bridge and vice versa.

Approach slabs are typically placed at the ends of the bridge, where the bridge structure meets the ground level of the approach roadway. They help to mitigate the risk of settlement and unevenness which can occur over time, leading to a safer driving experience for vehicles. This connection is crucial for maintaining roadway safety and structural integrity.

In contrast, expansion slabs are utilized to allow for thermal expansion of the bridge itself, rather than connecting the bridge to the roadway. Concrete slabs refer to the material used in construction but do not specify the function of connecting the bridge to the roadway. Precast slabs are manufactured off-site and then delivered for placement, but the specific role they play can vary widely, and they are not exclusively used for connecting bridge decks to roadways. Thus, approach slabs are the most accurate choice for this particular question.