What is a turnpike?

A turnpike is a type of toll road operated by a private company rather than a government agency. In the United States, turnpikes were developed in the late 1700s and early 1800s as a way to raise funds for road construction and maintenance. Users of the road paid a fee, or toll, to travel on it.

Turnpikes were often built on major transportation routes between cities and towns, and they helped to improve travel times and reduce wear and tear on vehicles. However, turnpikes were also criticized for their high tolls, which could be a significant economic burden for travelers, and for the fact that they were operated by private companies rather than publicly accountable government agencies.

Today, many turnpikes in the U.S. have been converted to public roads, while others continue to operate as toll roads. In some cases, tolls are used to fund specific transportation projects or to maintain the road itself.