What is a highway?
A highway is a main road intended for travel between cities, towns, and other populated areas.
Highways are designed to be able to handle a high volume of traffic and are usually maintained by state or federal governments.
They may have intersections with other roads, traffic lights, and may even have toll booths.
What is a freeway?
A freeway, on the other hand, is a specific type of highway that is designed for higher-speed vehicular traffic.
They typically have multiple lanes in each direction and are free of intersections and traffic signals.
Freeways are also free of any toll charges, hence the name "free-way".
They have controlled access, meaning vehicles can only enter and exit at designated interchanges.
Freeway vs. Highway
While both highways and freeways serve as major thoroughfares facilitating long-distance travel, their design, speed limits, and modes of access and egress differ.
Are Freeways also called Expressways?
Yes, the terms "freeway" and "expressway" are often used interchangeably, particularly in North American usage.
However, it's essential to note that definitions can vary by region or country.
In some areas, an expressway may refer to a highway with partial control of access, whereas a freeway stands for a road with full control of access.
Always check local roadway definitions to avoid confusion.
What is the difference between a highway, a freeway, and an interstate?
An interstate is a unique subtype of the highway designed for longer distances and usually spans multiple states, hence the name "interstate".
Like a freeway, an interstate is designed for high-speed travel and has controlled access with no traffic signals or intersections.
However, interstates are part of a nationwide system established by the federal government, which also provides the primary funding for their construction and maintenance.
{{cta-banner}}
Is a freeway faster than a highway?
Generally, freeways are designed to allow faster travel than other highways.
This is due to their design features such as controlled access, lack of traffic signals, and multiple lanes for traffic.
However, actual travel speeds can vary depending on traffic, road conditions, and local laws.
Why is it called a freeway?
The term "freeway" comes from the fact that these types of roads are meant to be free of obstructions, allowing for smooth and uninterrupted travel at high speeds.
Moreover, traditionally in the U.S., freeways were toll-free, providing a "free way" for motorists to travel.
What's bigger, a highway or a freeway?
In terms of physical size, a freeway is typically larger than a regular highway due to the presence of multiple lanes in each direction, wider shoulders, and space for interchanges and ramps.
However, in terms of the network or system size, it's important to remember that both freeways and highways are part of the broader national road network.
The term "highway" can include freeways, interstates, and other major or minor roads, so in this sense, the highway system might be considered "bigger".
