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Expressway: meaning, definitions and examples

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expressway

 

[ɪkˈsprɛsˌweɪ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

highway

A divided highway designed for high-speed traffic, with at least partial control of access and generally with some grade separation.

Synonyms

freeway, highway, motorway.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressway

Used in American English to refer to a major road designed for fast traffic, typically with controlled access.

  • We took the expressway to avoid the city traffic.
  • The new expressway has reduced travel times significantly.
highway

A general term in both American and British English for major roads that connect cities and towns. It can be a broader term than freeway and expressway.

  • The highway runs straight through the town.
  • We had to take the highway to get to the next city.
freeway

Used mainly in American English, referring to a high-speed road with controlled access, either free of tolls or with limited toll collection.

  • He drives to work on the freeway every day.
  • The freeway was congested during rush hour.
motorway

Primarily used in British English, referring to a major road designed for fast traffic with controlled access. Usually similar to the American 'freeway'.

  • The M1 motorway gets very busy during holidays.
  • They are building a new motorway to improve transport links.

Examples of usage

  • Let's take the expressway to get there faster.
  • The expressway was built to ease traffic congestion in the city.
Context #2 | Noun

urban area

A wide road in an urban area, typically with multiple lanes in each direction and few or no intersections.

Synonyms

arterial road, boulevard, thoroughfare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
expressway

Used to describe a major highway designed for fast traffic, often without any intersections or traffic lights. It is ideal for long-distance travel and high-speed traffic.

  • We took the expressway to avoid the city traffic.
  • The new expressway cuts travel time significantly.
thoroughfare

General term for any busy road or main route that's used by many people for travel or transport. It can be a smaller avenue, street, or larger road.

  • The thoroughfare was busy with pedestrians and vehicles.
  • Living near a thoroughfare can be noisy.
arterial road

Refers to a major road that carries traffic from minor roads to expressways or other major roads. Typically, it connects different parts of a city or urban area.

  • The arterial road was congested during rush hour.
  • New shops are opening along the arterial road.
boulevard

Often used to describe a wide street in a city, usually lined with trees and designed for slower, scenic travel. Boulevards may also have multiple lanes for traffic.

  • We strolled down the beautiful boulevard lined with cafés.
  • The city's main boulevard was decorated for the festival.

Examples of usage

  • The new expressway will connect the downtown area with the suburbs.
  • He drove along the expressway to reach the airport.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The first motorways were constructed in Germany in the 1920s, known as 'Autobahnen', setting a precedent for fast roads.
  • In the United States, the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 funded the Interstate Highway System, leading to the creation of many expressways.
  • The term 'expressway' became popular in North America during the mid-20th century, as urban areas sought efficient transportation solutions.

Engineering

  • Expressways often have special design features, such as multiple lanes, limited access points, and controlled intersections.
  • The construction of expressways requires careful planning to minimize disruption to surrounding communities and ecosystems.
  • In some regions, expressways include elevated sections or tunnels to help traffic flow smoothly across urban landscapes.

Cultural Impact

  • Expressways revolutionized travel and commerce, dramatically reducing travel time for goods and people across cities.
  • Films and songs often depict expressways as symbols of freedom and adventure, illustrating road trips and escapes.
  • The growth of expressways influenced suburban development as people moved farther from city centers, leading to the rise of car culture.

Safety

  • Expressways typically have higher speed limits, which can increase the risk of serious accidents if not driven cautiously.
  • Safety features on expressways include designated rest areas, emergency phones, and clear signage to guide drivers.
  • Many expressways are equipped with traffic cameras and sensors to monitor vehicle flow and enhance road safety.

Environmental Considerations

  • The construction and expansion of expressways can lead to habitat destruction and increased pollution in nearby areas.
  • Some cities are exploring 'green' expressways that incorporate eco-friendly technologies and wildlife corridors.
  • Traffic congestion on expressways contributes significantly to air quality issues, leading to initiatives aimed at promoting public transport.

Translations

Translations of the word "expressway" in other languages:

🇵🇹 via expressa

🇮🇳 एक्सप्रेसवे

🇩🇪 Schnellstraße

🇮🇩 jalan tol

🇺🇦 швидкісна дорога

🇵🇱 droga ekspresowa

🇯🇵 高速道路

🇫🇷 autoroute

🇪🇸 autopista

🇹🇷 otoyol

🇰🇷 고속도로

🇸🇦 طريق سريع

🇨🇿 dálnice

🇸🇰 diaľnica

🇨🇳 高速公路

🇸🇮 hitra cesta

🇮🇸 hraðbraut

🇰🇿 экспресс жол

🇬🇪 სწრაფი გზა

🇦🇿 sürətli yol

🇲🇽 autopista

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,600, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.