What is a freeway?

A freeway, also known as an expressway, motorway, or autobahn, is a high-speed, controlled-access highway designed for efficient and uninterrupted traffic flow. Key features of a freeway include:

• Controlled Access: Freeways typically have access limited to on-ramps and off-ramps, preventing direct entry from adjacent properties or local roads. This is crucial for maintaining high speeds and minimizing [https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/traffic%20congestion](traffic congestion).

• Grade Separation: Intersections with other roads are achieved through overpasses and underpasses, ensuring that traffic flows smoothly without the need for at-grade crossings or traffic signals.

• Multiple Lanes: Freeways usually have multiple lanes in each direction to accommodate a higher volume of traffic, as well as dedicated [https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/HOV%20lanes](HOV lanes) in some instances.

• High Speed Limits: Freeways are designed for higher speed limits compared to other roads, enabling faster travel between destinations.

• Divided Carriageways: Opposing directions of traffic are separated by a median, a physical barrier or a wide strip of land, reducing the risk of head-on collisions.

• Ramps and Interchanges: Traffic enters and exits the freeway via https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/on-ramps and https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/off-ramps, which merge traffic seamlessly into the main flow. Interchanges are used where two or more freeways intersect allowing traffic to switch from one freeway to another without stopping. Different [https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/interchange%20types](interchange types) exist to facilitate this.

• Service Areas: Many freeways have service areas, also called rest areas, located along their length, providing facilities such as restrooms, food, and fuel for travelers.