Parkway

A parkway is a type of public road designed to blend transportation with landscape and recreational values. The concept arose in the United States in the early 20th century as planners sought routes that connected urban centers while preserving park-like surroundings along the corridor. Parkways typically emphasize aesthetics as well as mobility, incorporating landscaped medians, tree-lined shoulders, and careful alignment to minimize visual disruption.

Key design features often include limited or controlled access, with entry and exit points at designated interchanges rather than through frequent private driveways. Many parkways use grade-separated interchanges to reduce cross-traffic and maintain smoother, safer travel. Pedestrian and cycling provisions vary by jurisdiction, and some parkways restrict commercial traffic or impose vehicle height limits to protect the scenic character of the route.

Notable examples in the United States include historic parkways such as the Bronx River Parkway and the Merritt Parkway, which helped shape later concepts of scenic byways and greenways. The parkway model has influenced highway design by integrating landscape architecture with transportation planning, contributing to the conservation of adjoining parks, waterways, or natural areas.

Regional usage varies. In some places the term parkway denotes a formal classification within the road network, managed by state or provincial transportation agencies. Elsewhere, “parkway” is used more informally for aesthetically designed routes or as a marketing name for scenic roads. Parkways are often contrasted with boulevards, which are typically urban and may include more frequent access points, and with expressways or freeways, which prioritize high-speed, high-capacity travel with stricter access control.