What is the Difference Between Highway and Freeway?

The main difference between a highway and a freeway lies in the degree of access control and the types of access points. Here are the key differences:

• Highway: A highway is a road with a higher speed limit than other roads, designed to facilitate faster and more efficient travel over long distances. Highways can be found in both rural and urban areas and may have varying levels of access control. They can have cross-traffic, traffic signals, and sometimes pedestrian crossings. Highways can also be single-lane or multi-lane divided roads.
• Freeway: A freeway is a "controlled-access" highway, also known as an express highway, where access to the roadway is strictly regulated. Drivers can only enter a controlled-access highway by ramps, and traffic flow is unhindered by traffic signals, intersections, or at-grade crossings with other roads, railways, or pedestrian paths. Traffic traveling in opposite directions is usually separated by a median, and vehicles wanting to cross a freeway must use an overpass or underpass. Freeways are typically found in urban settings and have higher speed limits than highways.

In summary, all freeways are highways, but not all highways are freeways. The main distinction lies in the degree of access control and the absence of traffic signals, intersections, or at-grade crossings on freeways, which results in a more streamlined and efficient traffic flow.

Comparative Table: Highway vs Freeway

The main differences between highways and freeways are as follows:

In summary, freeways are a type of highway designed for high-speed travel with limited access points, no intersections, and no traffic signals, while highways can have multiple access points, including intersections and stoplights, and may or may not have controlled access. All freeways are highways, but not every highway is a freeway.