Crossword Genius

Breakdowns always occurring along this red route? (10,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

alimentary canal

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

'route?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how they can define each other.

'breakdowns always occurring along this red' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'red' could be 'r' (I've seen this in other clues) and 'r' is located in the answer.
'always' could be 'ay' (archaic term for 'always') and 'ay' is located in the remaining letters.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for alimentary canal that I've seen is " gut".)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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