Turnpike

A turnpike is a public or private highway on which a toll or fee is collected. This fee is typically charged for the use of the road, often to recover the costs of construction and maintenance, or to fund ongoing operations. Historically, turnpikes were often unpaved roads that were maintained by private companies or trusts who were granted the right to collect tolls. The term "turnpike" itself derives from the medieval practice of using a barrier of sharpened stakes, which could be turned on a pivot, to block passage until a toll was paid.

In modern times, turnpikes are most commonly associated with high-speed, limited-access highways, often referred to as toll roads or expressways. These modern turnpikes are typically funded through a combination of government investment and toll revenue. Toll collection can be done through various methods, including toll booths where drivers pay manually, electronic toll collection systems that use transponders or license plate recognition, or a combination of both. The revenue generated from tolls on these modern turnpikes is often reinvested in maintaining and improving the existing road network, as well as funding new transportation infrastructure projects. The concept of a turnpike reflects a long-standing method of financing and managing roadways through user fees.