Tollway

A tollway is a road, bridge, or tunnel on which users are charged a fee for passage. Toll revenues fund construction, operation, and ongoing maintenance, sometimes through bonds or private concession agreements. Tollways are common in many countries and are used to finance highway networks without relying solely on general taxation.

Toll collection methods vary. Most tollways employ toll collection at fixed points, such as toll plazas with cash or card payment, or through electronic toll collection systems that use transponders or license-plate billing. In many regions, open-road tolling or all-electronic tolling allows vehicles to pass without stopping; charges are assessed automatically, by tag, or by license-plate recognition.

Governance and financing are diverse. Tollways are typically administered by state or provincial transportation agencies, metropolitan authorities, or private concessionaires under public-private partnerships. Rates and exemptions are set by governing bodies and may vary by vehicle class, time of day, or distance traveled. Tolls can also fund debt issued to finance highway construction and improvements.

Technologies and models also vary. Tolling approaches include barrier tolling (toll plazas) and barrier-free all-electronic tolling. Some tollways employ variable tolling to manage demand or congestion, and several networks use automated systems for efficiency and traffic flow.

Examples and regional usage. In the United States, well-known tollways include the Illinois Tollway system and the New Jersey and Pennsylvania turnpikes. Canada’s 407 ETR (Ontario) uses all-electronic tolling. Europe and Asia also maintain extensive toll networks on highways and bridges.

Overall, tollways represent infrastructure financed by user fees, intended to support the construction, maintenance, and operation of key highway corridors, under public or private management.