Tollway Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tollway

[หˆtoสŠlweษช ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

A tollway is a road or highway on which a driver must pay a fee to use.

Synonyms

toll road, turnpike.

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Word Description / Examples
tollway

Used in general contexts to describe a highway where drivers must pay a toll to use it.

  • The new tollway significantly reduces travel time between cities
toll road

Commonly used in conversational English to describe any road where a fee is required for passage.

  • We had to stop at a toll road booth to pay the fee before continuing our journey
turnpike

Often used in the northeastern United States to refer to major highways that require tolls, and can carry a slightly formal or regional tone.

  • We took the Pennsylvania Turnpike on our way to Pittsburgh

Examples of usage

  • I avoid the tollway because it's too expensive.
  • The tollway is faster but costs more than the regular highway.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Infrastructure

  • Tollways can help reduce traffic on non-toll roads by encouraging drivers to pay for a faster route.
  • Many tollways offer electronic payment options, reducing the need for cash and speeding up traffic flow.
  • In some countries, the revenue from tolls is directly reinvested into road improvements and maintenance.

Cultural Impact

  • In the United States, tollways are common in states like New Jersey and Illinois, each having unique designs and fee structures.
  • The Illinois Tollway system was launched in 1953 and has significantly impacted the stateโ€™s transportation network.
  • Internationally, tollways are prevalent not only in the USA but also in countries like France and Spain, reflecting different approaches to road funding.

Environmental Considerations

  • By reducing traffic congestion on toll roads, emissions can also be lower compared to regularly heavy traffic routes.
  • Some studies suggest that the introduction of tolls can encourage the use of public transportation, reducing the overall carbon footprint.
  • Tollways can be designed to include eco-friendly features, such as green bridges for wildlife and charging stations for electric vehicles.

Technological Advancements

  • Many modern tollways use automatic toll collection systems, relying on sensors and transponders for seamless payments.
  • The use of mobile apps allows for real-time traffic updates and toll costs, aiding drivers in planning their journeys better.
  • Innovations like variable pricing on tollways respond to traffic levels, encouraging drivers to travel during less busy times.

Origin of 'tollway'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'toll' comes from the Old English 'tollian', which means to ask or fetch.
  • The term 'way' has roots in Old English 'weg', meaning a path or route.
  • Combining these, 'tollway' literally refers to a pathway where payment is required.

The concept of tollways dates back to ancient times when travelers had to pay a fee to use certain roads. Toll collection has evolved over the years, with tollways becoming a common feature of modern transportation infrastructure to fund road maintenance and construction.


See also: toll, tollgate, tolling.