Crossword Genius

Anchorage area surrounded by bars (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

roads

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'anchorage' is the definition.
(I know that roads is a type of anchorage)

'area surrounded by bars' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'area' could be 'a' (maths abbreviation) and 'a' is present in the answer.
The remaining letters 'rods' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for roads that I've seen before include "Routes for vehicles" , "Area by shore where ships lie at anchor; streets" , "Highways" , "Thoroughfares" , "Tracks" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times and The Sunday Times.
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