What best describes a street or alley that is permanently designated for public use?

A street or alley that is permanently designated for public use is most accurately described as a Public Way. This term specifically refers to roads, streets, and alleys that are maintained and accessible to the general public, allowing vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists to traverse these areas legally and safely.

Public Ways are typically managed by local government entities, which ensures they meet safety and maintenance standards for public access. This designation implies that the area is not only open to the public but also that it connects various parts of a community or city, facilitating movement and transportation.

Other terms like Private Lane may refer to roads that are privately owned and not intended for public use, while Pavement simply describes the material used to surface roads and does not imply public access or designation. Thoroughfare refers to a main road or public highway but can sometimes be used more generally and might not specifically indicate a permanent public designation as clearly as Public Way does.