highway

A highway is a public road designed for the efficient movement of vehicles over relatively long distances. The term has regional variations: in North America it commonly refers to major roads intended for higher-speed travel, including expressways and interstates; in the United Kingdom and many other jurisdictions, highway is a legal classification for any public road, with motorways, arterial roads, and rural routes all types of highways.

Highways typically feature multiple lanes, with some form of access control, grade-separated interchanges or at-grade junctions, and signage for routes, exits, and speed limits. They are designed to accommodate high traffic volumes and higher speeds, while safety is supported by features such as medians, shoulders, clear sightlines, and dedicated turning or crossing lanes at interchanges.

Classification follows the level of access and design. Controlled-access highways, such as freeways or motorways, limit entry and exit to specific ramps. Limited-access or rural highways permit some at-grade intersections but are designed for faster, higher-volume travel than local streets. Highway networks are organized into route systems, including national or state routes, interstate systems, and international networks like the European routes.

History and development trace the move from early turnpikes and toll roads to modern national and regional networks. The 20th century saw extensive freeway and motorway construction, funded by public authorities and, in some cases, tolls, to improve long-distance mobility and economic connectivity.

Highways play a central role in trade, commuting, and travel, supporting economic activity and regional integration. They also raise concerns about traffic congestion, safety, land use, and environmental impact, influencing policy on funding, maintenance, and transportation planning, as well as emerging technologies such as intelligent traffic systems and vehicle automation.