american english - Is 'surface street' specific to southern California?

In Los Angeles, California, the US, the phrase surface street is in common use. It refers to an ordinary city street, as opposed to a controlled-access freeway. Presumably the word surface comes from the fact that these streets are at ground level, whereas freeways are often elevated.

I suppose I first heard this phrase somewhere in southern California, but assumed it was a standard term that I just happened to be hearing for the first time. But I have now seen claims that surface street is specifically local to Los Angeles and the vicinity (example from the LA Times).

• Is the use of surface street localized only to southern California, or is it in general use anywhere else?




• Are there other common terms (either widespread or localized to other places) for a street or road which emphasize that it is not a freeway?