What are the differences between “Highway”, “Freeway”, “Expressway” and “Turnpike”?
(Fine shades of meaning) Roadway – that portion of a highway improved, designed, or ordinarily used for vehicular travel and parking lanes, but exclusive of the sidewalk, berm, or shoulder even though such sidewalk, berm, or shoulder is used by persons riding bicycles or other human-powered vehicles. In the event a highway includes two or more separate roadways, the term roadway as used herein shall refer to any such roadway separately, but not to all such roadways collectively. Highway – a general term for denoting a public way for purposes of travel by vehicular travel, including the entire area within the right-of-way. Expressway – a divided highway with partial control of access. Freeway – a divided highway with full control of access. “Turnpike” and “tollway” and not listed as such — these are more in the realm of regional names and usages assigned by state and local transportation authorities. The Feds provide guidance, not absolute control, over naming of road features designed
