1. An alternative path, route, or method used instead of the primary or usual one
We took a via alternativa to avoid the traffic jam on the main highway.
Pegamos uma via alternativa para evitar o congestionamento na rodovia principal.
2. In legal or administrative contexts, an alternative procedure or recourse
The via alternativa was necessary when the standard process failed.
A via alternativa foi necessária quando o processo padrão falhou.