View source for Limited-access road

{{short description|High-speed road with many characteristics of a controlled-access highway (freeway or motorway)}}
{{Redirect|Expressway (limited-access road)|roads with an uninterrupted flow of traffic, commonly referred to as a motorway or freeway|Controlled-access highway}}
[[File:Veterans Memorial Parkway, London, Ontario.jpg|thumb|The [[Veterans Memorial Parkway]] in [[London, Ontario]] is a modern at-grade limited-access road with intersections]]
A '''limited-access road''', known by various terms worldwide, including '''limited-access highway''', ''' partial controlled-access highway''', and '''expressway''', is a [[highway]] or [[arterial road]] for high-speed traffic which has many or most characteristics of a [[controlled-access highway]] (also known as a ''freeway'' or ''motorway''), including limited or no access to adjacent property; some degree of separation of opposing traffic flow (often being [[dual carriageway]]s); use of [[grade separated]] [[Interchange (road)|interchanges]] to some extent; prohibition of slow modes of transport, such as [[bicycle]]s, [[horse-drawn vehicle]]s or ridden horses, or self-propelled agricultural machines; and very few or no [[intersection (road)|intersecting cross-streets]] or [[level crossing]]s. The degree of isolation from local traffic allowed varies between countries and regions. The precise definition of these terms varies by jurisdiction.<ref name="MUTCD definitions">''[[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]]'', [https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003r1/part1/part1a.htm#section1A13 Section 1A.13 Definitions of Words and Phrases in This Manual]: "Expressway—a divided highway with partial control of access." and "Freeway—a divided highway with full control of access."</ref>

[[File:Limited access road CA1.png|thumb|right|[[California State Route 1]] is shown with parallel service roads for local traffic in the [[Aptos, California|Aptos]] area.<br>(Map source: [[OpenStreetMap]])]]

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== History ==
The first implementations of limited-access roadways in the United States were the [[Bronx River Parkway]] and [[Long Island Motor Parkway]] in [[New York (state)|New York]], in 1907.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nycroads.com/roads/bronx-river/| title=Bronx River Parkway - Historical overview| access-date=2010-04-05}}</ref> The [[New York State Parkway System]] was constructed as a network of high-speed roads in and around [[New York City]]. The first limited access highway built is thought to be the privately built [[Long Island Motor Parkway]] in [[Long Island]], New York.<ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/12/automobiles/12LIMP.html?_r=1&partner=permalink&exprod=permalink&oref=slogin| title=A 100-Year-Old Dream: A Road Just for Cars| work=New York Times| date=2008-10-09| access-date=2010-04-05 | first=Phil | last=Patton}}</ref> The [[Southern State Parkway]] opened in 1927, while the Long Island Motor Parkway was closed in 1937 and replaced by the [[Northern State Parkway]] (opened in 1931) and the contiguous [[Grand Central Parkway]] (opened in 1936).

== Regional implementations ==
In the [[United States]], the national ''[[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]]'' (MUTCD) uses "full control of access" only for [[freeway]]s. Expressways are defined as having "partial control of access" (or ''semi-controlled access''). This means that major roads typically use [[interchange (road)|interchange]]s and [[commercial development]] is accessed via cross roads or [[frontage road]]s, while minor roads can cross at grade and farms can have direct access, some may be [[Two-lane expressway|two lanes.]] It also states that freeways and expressways have to be [[Dual-carriageway|divided highways]]. This definition is also used by some states, some of which also restrict freeways only to [[motor vehicle]]s capable of maintaining a certain speed.<ref name="MUTCD definitions"/><ref>{{cite web |title=Peoria to Macomb |url=http://www.peoriatomacomb.com/faq.htm |author=Illinois Department of Transportation |year=2006 |access-date=2006-07-19}} (enclosed within frames in [http://www.peoriatomacomb.com http://www.peoriatomacomb.com]). "Expressways are constructed as partial access controlled facilities. This means direct access is allowed for single family residence and field entrances and public roads may be at-grade intersections. Also, interchanges are constructed or planned at most marked routes or high-volume county highways. Commercial properties are not allowed direct access and are brought in off of public or frontage roads."; "Farm machinery is not allowed to be driven on a freeway. Farm machinery would need to be driven on side roads or frontage roads to access fields. With an expressway, farm machinery is allowed to be driven on the highway and field access is generally allowed along the main highway."</ref> Some other states{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} use "controlled access" to mean a higher standard than "limited access", while others<ref>[[Florida Department of Transportation]], {{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Planning/systems/sm/los/pdfs/QLOS2002Standards.pdf |title=Florida's Planning Level of Service Standards |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060827063353/http://www.dot.state.fl.us/Planning/systems/sm/los/pdfs/QLOS2002Standards.pdf |archive-date=2006-08-27 }}&nbsp;{{small|(94.2&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]])}}: "Limited access highways (freeways) are multilane divided highways having a minimum of two lanes for exclusive use of traffic in each direction and full control of ingress and egress; this includes freeways and all fully controlled access roadways."; "Controlled access highways are non-limited access arterial facilities where access connections, median openings and traffic signals are highly regulated."</ref> reverse the two terms.

=== Oceania ===

==== Australia ====
{{Main article|Highways in Australia}}

While [[Australia]]'s larger capital cities feature [[controlled-access highway]] networks, the smaller metropolitan areas mostly rely on limited-access highways for high-speed local traffic.

In [[South Australia]] the terms "expressway" and "freeway" can be synonymous. The Southern and Northern Expressways are both controlled-access highways. However, perhaps confusingly, the Port River Expressway is a limited-access highway.

[[Dual carriageway]]s that connect capital cities and regional centres, such as the M31 [[Hume Highway]] between Sydney and Melbourne, are almost all limited-access highways. In spite of this, 'freeway' terminology is used on signage for most regional limited access highways in the state of [[Victoria (Australia)|Victoria]].

[[Image:L1070358.JPG|thumb|The [[Dunedin Northern Motorway]], a typical non-[[freeway]]-type ''motorway'' in New Zealand]]

==== New Zealand: ''Expressway, Motorway'' ====
{{Main article|Motorways of New Zealand}}
[[image:New Zealand road sign A41-1.svg|left|80px]]
[[image:New Zealand road sign A41-2.svg|left|80px]]
The terms ''Motorway'' and ''Expressway'' in New Zealand both encompass multi-lane divided [[freeways]] as well as narrower 2 to 4-lane undivided expressways with varying degrees of [[grade separation]]; the difference being that in New Zealand a ''Motorway'' has certain additional legal traffic restrictions.<ref name="motsam">''Manual of Traffic Signs and Markings (MOTSAM) Part 3: Motorways and Expressways'', [[NZ Transport Agency]], June 2009</ref>
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=== Asia ===

==== China ====
{{Main article|Expressways of China}}The '''China National Highways''' ('''CNH'''/'''Guodao''') ([[Simplified Chinese characters|simplified Chinese]]: 中华人民共和国国道; [[Traditional Chinese characters|traditional Chinese]]: 中華人民共和國國道; [[pinyin]]: ''Zhōnghuá Rénmín Gònghéguó Guódào'') is a network of [[Trunk road|trunk roads]] across [[mainland China]]. 

As of 2024, the network encompasses over 1.9 million kilometers of highways, making it one of the most extensive in the world. Key milestones include the completion of major expressways by 2008 and ongoing expansions to enhance connectivity, especially in western and less developed areas.

Apart from the [[expressways of China]] that were planned and constructed later, most of the CNH are not [[Controlled-access highway|controlled-access highways]].[[File:SiduheBridge.jpg|thumb|upright|[[G50 Huyu Expressway]] crossing over the [[Si Du River Bridge]] in [[Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture|Enshi Prefecture]], [[Hubei]], [[China]].]]

====Pakistan====
{{Main article|Expressways of Pakistan}}
[[File:Pakistans Expressways logo.png|left|60px|Symbol used for motorways in Pakistan]]
The [[Expressways of Pakistan]] are a network of multiple-lane, high-speed highways in Pakistan, which are owned, maintained and operated federally by Pakistan's [[National Highway Authority]]. They are one class lower than the country's [[Motorways of Pakistan|motorways]] and are usually upgraded versions of the national highways. The total length of Pakistan's expressways is {{cvt|260|km|mi}} as of November, 2016. Around {{cvt|770|km|mi}} of expressways are currently under construction in different parts of country. Most of these expressways will be complete between 2017 and 2020.

==== India ====
[[Image:MumbaiPuneExpressway.jpg|thumb|upright|The [[Mumbai-Pune Expressway]] as seen from [[Khandala]]]]
{{Main article|National highways of India}}

The national highways in [[India]] are a network of [[Limited-access road|limited access roads]] owned by the [[Ministry of Road Transport and Highways]]. National highways have [[Overpass|flyover access]] or some [[Controlled-access highway|grade-separation]]. However, they should be distinguished from expressways in that they are not completely grade-separated.

Expressways in [[India]] make up more than {{cvt|5,579|km}} of the [[National Highway (India)|Indian National Highway System]]<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/india/ CIA World Factbook, India]</ref> on which they are the highest class of road. The [[National Highways Development Project]] is underway to add an additional {{cvt|18637|km}} of expressways to the network by the year 2023.<ref name="toi_nov2009">{{cite news |author=Dipak Kumar Dash |date=2009-11-23 |title=By 2022, govt to lay 18,637km of expressways |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/5259102.cms |publisher=Times of India}}</ref><ref name="dna_expressways">{{cite web |author=Ashutosh Kumar |date=10 May 2010 |title=Expressway cost pegged at Rs20 crore/km |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_expressway-cost-pegged-at-rs20-crore-km_1381235 |publisher=Daily News and Analysis. DNA}}</ref>{{Needs update|date=April 2024}}  


==== Iran ====
{{Main article|List of highways in Iran|l1=Expressways in Iran}}
[[image:Expressway in Iran.svg|50px|left]]
''Expressways'' in Iran are one class lower than ''freeways'' and are used in large urban areas such as [[Isfahan]], [[Mashhad]], or [[Tehran]] and between other important cities (Usually two [[province]] capitals) in rural and desert areas. The speed limit in Urban areas is between {{cvt|50|-|70|km/h|mph}} and in rural and desert areas between {{cvt|90|-|110|km/h|mph}}.

==== Japan ====
{{Main article|Expressways of Japan}}
[[File:Japan road sign 325.svg|60px|left]]
The term ''Expressway'' as used in English in Japan refers to both [[freeway]]-style highways and narrower, more winding, often undivided ''Regional High-Standard Highways'' {{Nihongo|地域高規格道路|ちいきこうきかくどうろ|chiiki kōkikaku dōro}}. Both types of expressways have a combined length of {{cvt|10021|km|mi}} as of April 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlit.go.jp/road/road_e/03key_challenges/6-1.pdf |title=Toll and Toll-free Roads in Current Arterial High-standard Highway Network |author=Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport |access-date=2017-11-09}}</ref>

====Malaysia====
Limited-access roads in Malaysia usually, but not always, take the name {{em|highway}} ({{langx|ms-MY|lebuhraya}} – this is also the name for [[controlled-access highway|expressways]]). Highways normally have a lower speed limit than expressways (but still higher than the rest of the local road network), and permit at-grade intersections and junctions to residential roads and shopfronts, although [[grade separation]] is still typical. Highways are normally toll-free and are owned and operated by the [[Government of Malaysia|federal government]]. Notable examples of limited-access roads are the [[Federal Highway (Malaysia)|Federal Highway]], [[Skudai Highway]], [[Gelugor Highway]], [[Kuantan Bypass]] and [[Kuching Bypass]].

====Philippines====
{{main|Philippine expressway network}}

Limited-access roads in the Philippines are called ''expressways'', which can refer to both highways built to freeway standard and are often tolled, as well as lower-standard highways with partial grade separation. The former are designated controlled-access highways (HSH-1), while the latter are designated ''regional high-standard highways'' (HSH-2). The Philippine expressway network as of 2025 is entirely formed of tolled controlled-access highways, with no HSH-2 expressways being implemented yet.

====Singapore====
{{Main article|Expressways of Singapore#Semi-expressways}}
Limited-access roads in Singapore are formally known as {{em|semi-expressways}} (in contrast to [[controlled-access highway]]s which are known as ''expressways''). While still functioning as high-speed roads, semi-expressways may still have [[at-grade intersection]]s with [[traffic light]]s, and speed limits are not uniform. [[Grade separation]] is, however, still typical at major junctions. Five roads have been designated as semi-expressways: [[Bukit Timah Road]], [[Jurong Island Highway]], [[Nicoll Highway]], [[Outer Ring Road System]] and [[West Coast Highway, Singapore|West Coast Highway]].

==== South Korea ====
Motorways in South Korea (자동차 전용 도로, ''jadongcha jeonyong doro'', literally 'motor vehicle-only road') include various grades of highways other than [[Expressways in South Korea|expressways]]. Contrary to the expressway in South Korea, the status of motorway is a measure of traffic control rather than a class of road. For example, ''Jayu-ro'' is a segment of national route 77 as well as a motorway. As of June 2011, 1,610&nbsp;km of highways in total were designated as motorways. (1,052&nbsp;km national highways, 351&nbsp;km metropolitan highways, 185&nbsp;km regional highways and 20&nbsp;km municipal highways)

Like on expressways, motorcycles are not permitted.

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==== Taiwan (R.O.C.) ====
{{Main article|Highway system in Taiwan}}
[[image:TW_PHW61.svg|left|70px]]
[[image:TW_PHW61a.svg|70px]]
Expressways in Taiwan may be [[controlled-access highway]]s similar to National Freeways or limited-access roads. Most have Provincial (as opposed to National) Highway status, although some are built and maintained by cities. All provincial expressways run east–west except for [[Provincial Highway 61 (Taiwan)|Provincial Highway No. 61]], which runs north–south along the west coast. Some provincial expressway routes are still under construction.

=== Europe ===
[[File:Arlberg Schnellstrasse Schnann.jpg|thumb|Arlberg Schnellstrasse (S16) near Schnann, Austria]]

==== Austria: ''Schnellstraße'' ====
{{details|Autobahns of Austria#Schnellstraßen}}
{{anchor|Austria}}
[[File:Hinweiszeichen 8c.svg|left|50px]]
In Austria the speed limit on a ''Schnellstraße'' is {{cvt|100|–|130|km/h|mph}}. ''Schnellstraßen'' are very similar to Austrian ''[[Autobahns of Austria|Autobahnen]]'' (freeways/motorways); the chief difference is that they are more cheaply built with smaller curve radius, often [[single carriageway|undivided]] and have fewer bridges and tunnels.<ref name="bundesstraßengesetz">[http://www.ris2.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?QueryID=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10011428 Austrian State Route Law]</ref>
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==== Belgium: ''Autoweg'' ====
{{anchor|Belgium}}
[[File:Belgian traffic sign F9.svg|left|50px]]
In Belgium an ''autoweg'' is a public road, the beginning of which is indicated by the first signboard (F9) and the end by the second sign (F11).

An important difference with an ''autosnelweg'' is that crossroads as well as traffic lights can be on an ''autoweg''.

In Belgium there is no specific speed regulation for an ''autoweg''.

Only motor vehicles and their trailers (with the exception of mopeds), agricultural vehicles and the towing of fairground vehicles, as well as four-wheelers (without passenger compartment), are allowed to drive on an ''autoweg''.

An ''autoweg'' can consist of two or more lanes. The driving directions can be separated by a roadmarking, or by a central reservation. If a public road (''autosnelweg'', ''autoweg'', ''weg'') consists of two or more lanes that are clearly separated from each other by a roadside or a space that is not accessible to vehicles, the drivers may not drive on the lane opposite to them.
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==== Bosnia and Herzegovina: ''Brza cesta/Brzi put'' ====
{{anchor|Bosnia and Herzegovina}}
[[File:BA road sign III-75.svg|left|50x50px]]

==== Croatia: ''Brza cesta'' ====
{{anchor|Croatia}}
{{main|Highways in Croatia#Expressways}}
[[File:HR road sign C66.svg|left|50x50px]]

In [[Croatia]], the term ''brza cesta'' (lit. "fast road") is used to describe a motor vehicle-only road, usually [[Grade separation|grade-separated]], without an [[Shoulder (road)|emergency lane]], with a speed limit of {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}}, although it can be lowered, usually to {{cvt|70|or|90|km/h|mph}}. They range from 2+2 lane [[dual carriageway]]s with grade-separated intersections and {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}} speed limit ([[D2 road (Croatia)|D2]] in [[Osijek]]), four or six-lane urban streets with at-grade intersections with traffic lights ([[D1 road (Croatia)|D1]] in [[Karlovac]]) or two-lane [[single carriageway]]s with grade-separated intersections ([[D33 road (Croatia)|D33]] in [[Šibenik]]). They are either a standalone state road ([[D10 road (Croatia)|D10]]) or a part of one (Southern Osijek bypass, [[D2 road (Croatia)|D2]]). Some portions of [[Highways in Croatia#Motorways|motorways]] are expressways since they are either in construction ([[A8 (Croatia)|A8]] between [[Pazin]] and [[Matulji]]) or designed as such ([[A7 (Croatia)|A7]] in [[Rijeka]]). As a rule, the expressways are not tolled, however major tunnels on expressways are tolled.
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==== Czech Republic: ''Silnice pro motorová vozidla'' ====
{{anchor|Czech Republic}}
[[File:CZ traffic sign IZ2a.svg|left|50px]]
{{Main article|Highways in the Czech Republic#Road for motorcars}}

Roads for motorcars in the [[Czech Republic]] ({{langx|cs|Silnice pro motorová vozidla}}, are defined as grade-separated dual carriageways. The speed limit is {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}}. Road for motorcars road signs are white on blue.
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==== Denmark: ''Motortrafikvej''====
{{anchor|Denmark}}
[[File:Denmark road sign E43.svg|left|50px]]
In [[Denmark]], a 'motortrafikvej' ([[Danish language|Danish]] for "motor traffic road") is a high-speed highway normally with a speed limit of {{cvt|80|km/h|mph}}. The most common 'motortrafikvej' has two lanes (1+1) or 2+1. The signs for 'motortrafikvej' have white text on blue background.
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==== Finland: ''Moottoriliikennetie'' ====
{{anchor|Finland}}
{{See also|Highways in Finland}}
[[File:Finland road sign F38.svg|50px|left]]
In [[Finland]], highways are separated into three categories: all-access ''valtatie'' ("main road"), limited-access ''moottoriliikennetie'' ("motor traffic road") and finally ''moottoritie'' ("motorway"); the latter two are marked with green signage, while ''valtatie'' signage is blue. While most of the network is all-access road, {{cvt|779|km|mi}} of it is motorway, and {{cvt|124|km|mi}} is limited-access road. The access is limited to motor vehicles faster than {{cvt|50|km/h|mph}}, thus excluding pedestrian, bicycle, moped or tractor traffic; furthermore, [[towing]] is not allowed. Limited-access roads are generally similar to motorways, but do not fulfill all the technical requirements, such as several lanes in one direction or separation of opposite directions. Limited-access roads are usually built because the local population density is too low to justify a motorway. Often space has been left during construction for an eventual upgrade to a motorway.  Limited-access roads also function as feeder routes for motorways. The general speed limit on main roads and limited-access roads is {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} (summertime) and {{cvt|80|km/h|mph}} (wintertime). On motorways the speed limits are {{cvt|120|and|100|km/h|mph}} respectively. Especially during winter the speed limits can be changed due to weather conditions.
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====France: ''voies rapides'' and ''voies expresses'' ====
[[File:Voie express F.svg|50px|left]]

In France, limited-access roads are usually called ''{{lang|fr|voies rapides}}'' (fast roads) or ''{{lang|fr|voies expresses}}'' (express roads or expressways), which are usually dual carriageways built to a lower design standard than [[Autoroutes of France|autoroutes]]. Most such roads are upgrades or bypasses of national roads (''{{lang|fr|[[route nationale|routes nationales]]}}'') or [[Departments of France|departmental]] roads  (''{{lang|fr|routes départementales}}''), or are ring roads around major cities (such as with [[Paris]]'s [[Boulevard Périphérique]]) and access is usually through grade-separated interchanges and in some intersections and termini, roundabouts. Such roads usually have blue signs implying traffic restrictions similar to those of autoroutes and a maximum speed limit  of {{cvt|110|km/h}} that is lowered to {{cvt|100|km/h}} during rainy weather.

==== Germany: ''Kraftfahrstraße'' ====
{{anchor|Germany}}
[[File:1031482 A60 Prüm-Bleialf.jpg|thumb|''Kraftfahrstrasse'' passage of [[Bundesautobahn 60]] near [[Prüm]]–[[Bleialf]]]]
[[File:Zeichen 331.1 - Kraftfahrstraße, StVO 2013.svg|left|50px]]
A ''Kraftfahrstrasse'' ([[German language|German]] for "motor-power road", also colloquially called ''Schnellstraße'', literally "fast road") in [[Germany]] is any road with access limited to motor vehicles with a maximum design speed of more than {{cvt|60|km/h|mph}}, excluding pedestrian, bicycle, moped or tractor traffic. Oversized vehicles are banned.<ref>[http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvo_2013/__18.html Deutsche Straßenverkehrsordnung, § 18]</ref>

The construction of transregional ''Kraftfahrstraßen'' highways (''Autostraßen'') rank below the standard of [[German autobahns]]. With regard to the general [[Speed limits in Germany|German speed limits]], on roads with lanes separated by a median or with a minimum of two marked lanes per direction, an [[advisory speed limit]] (''Richtgeschwindigkeit'') of {{cvt|130|km/h|mph}} applies. [[At-grade intersection]]s are admissible, regulation at [[junction (traffic)|junctions]] is usually provided by [[traffic light]]s or [[roundabout]]s. [[U-turn]]s and any deliberate stopping are prohibited. ''Kraftfahrstraßen'' are out of bounds to [[pedestrian]]s, except for special crosswalks.
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==== Hungary: ''Autóút'' ====
{{anchor|Hungary}}
{{See also|Highways in Hungary}}
[[File:Hungary road sign E-018.svg|50px|left]]
Expressways in Hungary are called ''Autóút'' (Auto/car road). They are mostly dual carriageways.
The main difference between Hungarian motorways and expressways is, that they are more cheaply built with narrower width and often undivided. 
Maximum speed limit is reduced to {{cvt|110|km/h|mph}} for vehicles under 3.5 tons, and {{cvt|70|km/h|mph}} for vehicles over 3.5 tons.

In Hungary there are multiple types of dual carriageways. One part is almost identical with motorways, but the driving lanes are narrower.

Parameters of a 2+2 lane dual carriageway off-habitat area:
* Total width of road: 25.60 m
* Driving lane width: 3.50 m
* Pavement width: 2x10.25 m
* Parking lane: 3.00 m
* Middle separation area width: 3.60 m
 
Parameters of a 2+2 lane dual carriageway in habitat (town/city) area:
* Total width of road: 24.10 m
* Driving lane width: 3.50 m
* Pavement width: 2x10.75 m
* Parking lane: 3.00 m
* Middle separation area width: 3.60 m

There are also semi-motorways with only one side of the motorway built.
After the missing lanes are built, they will become standard motorways.

==== Ireland: ''HQDC'' ====
{{anchor|Ireland}}
[[File:IMG 3916w.JPG|thumb|The 6 lane Naas Road, the final stretch of the [[M7 motorway (Ireland)|M7]] nearing [[Dublin]].]]
A ''[[High-quality dual carriageway]] (HQDC)'' in Ireland is normally completed to a motorway standard, including no right-turns, but with no motorway restrictions. These are common on the final stretches of motorways nearing a major city, generally in order to enable use of bus stops and city bus services on the particular stretch of road.

Speed limits are normally {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} compared to {{cvt|120|km/h|mph}} on motorways
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====Italy: ''Superstrada''====
{{anchor|Italy}}
{{main|Roads in Italy}}
[[File:Serrenti - SS131 Carlo Felice.jpg|thumb|right|The ''superstrada'' [[Cagliari]]-[[Porto Torres]] ([[Strada statale 131 Carlo Felice]]), the main road artery of [[Sardinia]]]]
[[File:Italian traffic signs - inizio strada extraurbana principale (figura II 345).svg|50px|thumb|left|[[Strada extraurbana principale]]]]

In Italy there are:
Type B highway (or ''[[strada extraurbana principale]]''), commonly but unofficially known as ''superstrada'', is a divided highway with at least two lanes for each direction, paved shoulder on the right, no cross-traffic and no at-grade intersections. Access restrictions on such highways are exactly the same of [[Autostrade of Italy|Italian motorways]] (''autostrade''), as well as signage at the beginning and the end of the highway (with the only difference being the background color, blue instead of green). Speed limit on type-B road is {{cvt|110|km/h}}.
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[[File:Italian traffic signs - strada riservata ai veicoli a motore.svg|50px|thumb|left|Motorized vehicles only (this sign is not associated with any particular road type)]]
Type C highway (or ''strada extraurbana secondaria''), a [[single carriageway]] with at least one lane for each direction and shoulders. It may have at-grade, at-level crossings with [[railways]], [[roundabouts]] and [[traffic lights]]. This category contains also [[dual carriageways]] that can not be classified as type-B highways because of the lack of one or more required features. In absence of specific regulation signs, a type-C road is accessible by all vehicles and pedestrians, even if it has separate carriageways and no cross-traffic.

The sign shown here on the left allows access only to motorized vehicles. Speed limit on type-C roads is {{cvt|90|km/h}}.
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==== Netherlands: ''Autoweg'' ====
{{anchor|Netherlands}}
[[image:Nederlands verkeersbord G3.svg|50px|left]]
[[Image:Driestrooksweg02.JPG|thumb|[[Single carriageway]] expressway that was economically upgraded to (mostly) meet the new ''Regional flow road'' standard. A physical [[traffic barrier]], and a [[Shoulder (road)|hard shoulder]] were added.]]
The [[Netherlands]] has much more kilometres of motorways (''snelwegen''), than expressways (''autowegen''). The latter only form a complementary part of the country's main highway network. They are typically shorter than motorways, offering connections of a more regional significance. The general speed limit is {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}}. Only faster motor vehicles, both ''capable'' and ''legally allowed'' to go at least {{cvt|50|km/h|mph}}, may use the road. ''Autowegen'' are always numbered and mostly signposted with an '''N''' (for '''Non''' motorway highway) and up to three digits, like [[Provincial road N34 (Netherlands)|N 34]]. For the most part they fall under national or provincial management.

Dutch expressways are built to significantly varying standards. Designs range from fully [[Controlled-access highway|controlled-access]] [[dual carriageway]]s with [[grade separation]], [[traffic barrier|center dividers]] and full [[Shoulder (road)|hard shoulders]], to [[single carriageway]]s with just one lane per direction and only intermittent shoulder patches called ''Vluchthavens'' (small Lay-bys). Intersections are frequently [[At-grade intersection|at grade]] with [[traffic lights]], or they are [[roundabout]]s. There can be [[moveable bridge]]s in these roads. In either case, the speed limit is frequently reduced to {{cvt|70|km/h}} before reaching the junction or the bridge.

Since 1997 a national [[traffic safety]] program called ''Sustainable Safety'' has introduced a new [[Roads in the Netherlands#Roads by safety policy category|road categorisation]] and new design standards. Although ''autowegen'' don't have to conform completely to the new Dutch design standard for regional flow roads (''stroomwegen''), many of these roads require at least some upgrades. The ideal is to make expressways divided and grade-separated, as much as possible. Otherwise these roads are downgraded to the safety category of distributor roads, thereby losing their expressway status.
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[[File:E6 motortrafikkvei.JPG|thumb|E6 ''motortrafikkvei'' at Lillehammer, Norway]]

==== Norway: ''Motortrafikkvei'' ====
{{anchor|Norway}}
[[File:NO road sign 503.svg|left|50px]]
In [[Norway]], a ''[[:no:Motortrafikkvei|motortrafikkvei]]'' ([[Norwegian (language)|Norwegian]] for "motor traffic road"), formerly called ''motorvei klasse B'' ("class-B [[motorway]]") is a high-speed highway normally with a speed limit of {{cvt|80|or|90|km/h|mph}} respectively), and mainly with grade-separated intersections. Direction signs for ''motortrafikkvei'' have black text on yellow background, while same signs on ''motorvei'' have white text on blue background. As of October 2017 the Norwegian Road DataBase show approximately {{cvt|455|km|mi}} of ''motortrafikkvei'' in Norway.
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==== Poland: ''droga ekspresowa'' ====
{{anchor|Poland}}
{{Main article|Highways in Poland}}
[[Image:S1 1.JPG|200px|thumb|S1 '''''Droga ekspresowa''''' in [[Bielsko-Biała]], Poland]]
[[Image:PL road sign D-7.svg|50px|thumb|left|Sign D-7: ''Expressway'']]
[[Image:PL road sign B-6-8-9.svg|50px|thumb|left|Sign B-6/8/9: ''No entry for non-motor vehicles'']]

{{lang|pl|Droga ekspresowa}} (plural: {{lang|pl|drogi ekspresowe}}) refers to a type of road in the Polish highway network, with slightly lower technical parameters than the {{lang|pl|autostrada}} ([[controlled-access highway|motorway]]), and serving major international and inter-regional purposes. They are often built as [[ring road]]s since they take less space than motorway and allow more entrances and exits. All expressways start with the letter S followed by a number, and are signposted with the ''D-7'' traffic sign. They can be dual or single carriageways, but as of May 2024, only {{cvt|178|km}} out of {{cvt|3102|km}} of Polish expressways are single-carriageway. Since 2020, all expressways as well as motorways have grade-separated intersections,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gddkia.gov.pl/pl/a/7815/s3-miekowo-rzesnica|title=S3 Miękowo - Rzęśnica :: Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad - Serwis informacyjny|website=www.gddkia.gov.pl}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://s3.miekowo-rzesnica.pl/|title=Miekowo Rześnica|website=Miekowo Rześnica}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.pl/web/gddkia|title=Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad - Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad - Portal Gov.pl|website=Generalna Dyrekcja Dróg Krajowych i Autostrad}}</ref> which also, since 2022, is a requirement. The speed limit is {{cvt|120|km/h|mph}} on dual carriageway or {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} on single carriageway.

As of May 2004 the Polish government documents indicated that the country had plans of an expressway and motorway network totalling {{cvt|7200|km|-1}} (including about {{cvt|2000|km|-1}} of motorways).<ref name="rozp2004">[http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/DetailsServlet?id=WDU20041281334 Dz.U. 2004 nr 128 poz. 1334] {{in lang|pl}}</ref>

Those limited-access roads, which are not part of the Polish national highway network, are signposted with a separate ''B-6/8/9'' prohibitory sign, which bans all traffic not allowed on highways.<ref>[https://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/download.xsp/WDU20190002311/O/D20192311-c1.pdf Dz. U. z 2019 poz. 2311] {{in lang|pl}}</ref>
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==== Portugal: ''via rápida'' ====
{{anchor|Portugal}}
{{Main article|Roads in Portugal}}
[[Image:IC27 Algarve.jpg|thumb|right|IC27 complementary route in [[Algarve]], Portugal, a single carriageway type ''via rápida''.]]
[[File:Portuguese traffic sign via rapida.JPG|left|50px]]
In [[Portugal]], a non-motorway limited access road is commonly referred as a ''via rápida'' (rapid way, plural: ''vias rápidas''), although there is not a specific official technical designation for it.

The legal term ''via reservada a automóveis e motociclos'' (reserved way for automobiles and motorcycles) is used to designate a non-motorway road where motorway rules apply (except the speed limit which is lower). However, this term refers only to the road rules and not to the road technical characteristics.

There are two main types of roads commonly referred as ''vias rápidas'' in Portugal. The first type is a limited access road, with dual carriageway and with interchanges grade separation. Many of these roads have all or almost all the technical characteristics of full motorways. Examples are the several urban highways in cities like [[Lisbon]], [[Porto]], [[Coimbra]] and [[Braga]]. In [[Madeira]], the main regional highways, that connect the cities and other important places of the island, are mainly of these type, there are two vias rápidas classified as motorways in the region, [[VR1, Madeira|VR1]] and [[VR2]].
 
The second Portuguese type of ''via rápida'' is a highway with all the same characteristics of the above first type, except the number of carriageways that is only one. Examples of this type of roads are the ancient IP4 and IP5 (before being transformed in full motorways), the [[Portalegre District|Portalegre]]-[[Beja, Portugal|Beja]] section of the IP2, the Coimbra-[[Viseu]] section of the IP3 and several complementary routes (IC).
 
The dual carriageway ''vias rápidas'' can be classified and signalized as reserved ways for automobiles and motorcycles, cases in which general motorway rules apply, except speed limited which is never above {{cvt|100|km/h}}. In dual carriageway ''vias rápidas'' not signalized as reserved ways, normal road rules apply, including speed limit which is never above {{cvt|90|km/h}}. Single carriageway ''vias rápidas'' cannot be classified and signalized as reserved ways and so normal road rules always apply there.
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==== Romania ====
{{anchor|Romania}}
[[File:RO road sign G17.svg|50px|left]]
In [[Romania]], such roads are called ''drumuri expres'' (or ''drum expres'' in singular form). Whilst there is only one expressway in Romania so far, their main difference from regular motorways are the lack of [[hard shoulder]]s and a slightly lower speed limit of {{cvt|120|km/h}}, otherwise, being similar to a motorway regarding [[grade separation]] and featuring at least [[Dual carriageway|2 lanes per direction]].

Expressways were introduced for the first time on the 2014 roads masterplan. This masterplan envisaged building most planned motorways up to expressway standards, provided that in the future they would be converted to actual motorways. However, by mid-2019, no expressway has been built, nevermind starting works on one, although contracts were signed to allow for their construction, meaning that in the 2020s more expressways will likely be completed.

Planned expressways according to CNADNR (Romanian National Company of Motorways and National Roads), based on the 2014 roads masterplan:<ref name="Roads Masterplan 2014">{{cite web|title=Roads Masterplan 2014|url=http://media.hotnews.ro/media_server1/document-2014-10-1-18214311-0-sinteza-oficiala-masterplanului-general-transport.pdf|publisher=CNADNR|access-date=1 October 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Construcţie drumuri expres|url=http://www.cnadnr.ro/proiecte.php?tip=111|publisher=CNADNR|access-date=29 September 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722015500/http://www.cnadnr.ro/proiecte.php?tip=111|archive-date=22 July 2011}}</ref>

{| class="wikitable" border="1" cellpadding="2" style="border-collapse:collapse; text-align:center;"
|- style="background:lightblue"
! Expressway
! Name
! Route
! Length (km) / in use (km)
! Remarks
|-
! DEx1
| Valahia Express
| [[Găești]] – [[Târgoviște]] – [[Ploiești]]
| 74 / 0
| will connect [[A1 motorway (Romania)|A1]] to [[A3 motorway (Romania)|A3]]
|-
! DEx2
| Danubius Express
| [[Lugoj]] – [[Drobeta-Turnu Severin]] – [[Craiova]] – [[Caracal, Romania|Caracal]] – [[Alexandria, Romania|Alexandria]] – [[Bucharest]]
| 246 / 0
| will connect [[A6 motorway (Romania)|A6]] to [[A12 motorway (Romania)|A12]], then to [[Bucharest Motorway Ring Road|A0]]
|-
! DEx3
| Brașovia Express
| [[Brașov]] – [[Pitești]]
| 65 / 0
| will connect [[A3 motorway (Romania)|A3]] to [[A1 motorway (Romania)|A1]]
|-
! DEx4
| Someș Express
| [[Turda]] – [[Cluj-Napoca]] – [[Gherla]] – [[Dej]] – [[Baia Mare]] – [[Halmeu]] border-crossing to [[Ukraine]]
| 320 / 0
| will connect [[A3 motorway (Romania)|A3]] to [[Ukraine]]
|-
! DEx4A
| Someș Express
| [[Dej]] – [[Bistrița]]
| 56 / 0
| will connect DEx4 to [[Bistrița]]
|-
! DEx4B
| Someș Express
| [[Ardusat]] (DX4 exit) – [[Baia Mare]]
| 10 / 0
| will connect DEx4 to [[Baia Mare]]
|-
! DEx4C
| Someș Express
| [[Livada, Satu Mare|Livada]] (DX4 exit) – [[Satu Mare]] – [[Dorolț|Petea]] border-crossing to [[Hungary]]
| 140 / 0
| will connect DEx4 to [[Hungary]]
|-
! DEx5A
| Moldavia Express
| [[Bacău]] – [[Piatra Neamț]]
| 53 / 0
| will connect A7 to [[Piatra Neamț]]
|-
! DEx6
| Milcovia Express
| [[Brăila]] – [[Focșani]]
| 108 / 0
| will connect DEx5 to DEx7, then to DEx8, then to [[Republic of Moldova]]
|-
! DEx7
| Muntenia Express
| [[Buzău]] – [[Brăila]]
| 98 / 0
| will connect DEx5 to DEx6
|-
! DEx8
| Dobrogea Express
| [[Constanța]] – [[Tulcea]] – [[Brăila]]
| 186 / 0
| will connect [[A4 motorway (Romania)|A4]] to DEx6
|-
! DEx12
| Oltenia Express
| [[Craiova]] – [[Slatina, Romania|Slatina]] – [[Pitești]]
| 121 / 37
| will connect [[A1 motorway (Romania)|A1]] to DEx2
|}

==== Russia ====
{{anchor|Russia}}
{{Main article|Russian federal highways}}
[[File:RU road sign 5.3.svg|RU road sign 5.3|50px|left]]
Russia has a large federal highway network that totals approximately {{cvt|30000|km|-1|abbr=on}}.<ref name="cia_wfb_russia">{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/russia/|publisher=[[Central Intelligence Agency]]|title=CIA - The World Factbook -- Russia|date=12 October 2021}}</ref> Federal highways in the country are classified into two categories: "motorways" ({{langx|ru|магистральная автомобильная дорога, автомагистраль}}, not the same as the English term [[motorway]]) and "other". 
In the Road Rules, there are 2 designations for a limited-access road, one being "motorway" and the other being "road for cars"({{langx|ru|дорога для автомобилей}}), on both of which special motorway rules apply.
"Roads for cars" are different from motorways by the fact that they don't have to be dual-carriageway, at-grade traffic light intersections are permitted, and the speed limit is still {{cvt|90|km/h}}.
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==== Spain: ''Autovía'' ====
{{anchor|Spain}}
{{Main article|List of autopistas and autovías in Spain}}
[[File:Spain traffic signal s3.svg|left|50px]]
Unlike [[Spain]]'s ''Autopistas'', specifically reserved for vehicles able to sustain at least {{Cvt|60|km/h|mph}}, and usually tolled, '''''Autovías''''' are usually upgrades from older roads, and never toll roads. In general, slow vehicles like bicycles and agricultural machinery are allowed under certain restrictions.
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====Slovakia: cesta pre motorove vozidla====
{{anchor|Slovakia}}
{{main|Highways in Slovakia}}
[[File:311 Cesta pre motorové vozidlá.svg|left|50x50px]]
[[File:Dopravná značka IP22a.svg|thumb|140x140px|Old sign for expressways.]]
A ''rýchlostná cesta'' in Slovakia,(sometimes referred to as cesta pre motorove vozidla) is different from a [[Highways in Slovakia|''diaľnica'']], with [[Speed limits in Slovakia|speed limits]] restricted to {{cvt|100|km/h|mph}} for cars and {{cvt|80|km/h|mph|}} for trucks. Rýchlostné cesty ("cesty" is the plural form of "cesta") used to be designated by the letter 'R' preceding the road number, however, new road rules introduced in 2020 established that all expressways noted by the letter 'R' were to be considered motorways. A rýchlostná cesta has two lanes on each side and, occasionally, may take the form of a single carriageway. Some motorways which are single carriageways are also known as 'road for motor vechicles'.
[[File:R3_orava.jpg|thumb|R3 in orava (Tvrdošín)|center]]

==== Sweden ====
{{anchor|Sweden}}
[[image:Autoweg S.svg|left|50px]][[Image:Motortrafikled1.jpg|thumb|A Swedish [[2+1 road|2+1 lane]] ''motortrafikled'' is part of Riksväg (national road) 34]]The Swedish road type '''''motortrafikled''''' is a [[limited-access highway|road with limited access]] (all grade-separated, no slow traffic) and two or three lanes. According to the EU's multilingual term base, ''motortrafikled'' should be translated to ''expressway'', ''rapid road'' or ''road with limited access''. The same rules apply to a ''motortrafikled'' as to a [[motorway]] - it is basically a half motorway. The speed limit is usually {{cvt|90|–|100|km/h}}. Many ''motortrafikleder'' are built as [[2+1 road]]s, alternating two lanes in one direction and one in the other, with a narrow fence in between.
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==== Switzerland ====
{{anchor|Switzerland}}
[[File:CH-Hinweissignal-Autostrasse.svg|left|50px]]
[[Image:A8 Autostrasse CH.jpg|thumb|The [[A8 (Switzerland)|A8]] ''Autostrasse'' in [[Switzerland]]. Notice the [[speed limit]], which is repetitively indicated, and the lack of a central physical barrier]]
In [[Switzerland]] ''Autostrasse'' ([[German language|German]], ''auto road''), ''semi-autoroute'', or ''semiautostrada'' ([[French language|French]] and [[Italian language|Italian]] for ''semi-freeway'') is a highway that is only allowed to high-speed traffic with no crossings, but it is not the highest class road, the [[Motorways of Switzerland|motorways]] (''Autobahn''/''autoroute''/''autostrada''). The speed limit on these roads in Switzerland is {{cvt|100|km/h}}. Most of the ''Autostrasse / semi-autoroutes / semiautostrade'' have no central barrier separating the [[lane]]s in different directions.
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==== United Kingdom ====
{{anchor|United Kingdom}}
{{Main article|Roads in the United Kingdom}}
{{See also|Dual carriageway#United Kingdom}}
[[File:UK traffic sign 608.svg|left|80px]]
In the United Kingdom, the second tier of high speed roads below [[motorway]]s are typically [[dual carriageway]]s (although the term "dual carriageway" can refer to roads that are not limited-access, so long as traffic in opposite directions is physically separated). Many roads such as the [[A1 road (Great Britain)|A1]], the [[A14 road (England)|A14]], the [[A19 road|A19]] and the [[A42 road (England)|A42]] are built to a high quality, in many places they are only intersected by grade-separated junctions, have full barriers at both the road side and the central reservations and in some cases three or more lanes of traffic, however they are not subjected to motorway restrictions as they are typically built to a lower standard, or have existing [[Right-of-way (transportation)|rights of way]] for non motorised vehicles. They may lack some features that a motorway would have, such as hard shoulders, and may have tighter bends and steeper gradients than would be allowed on a motorway or have established rights of way that cannot be removed. The standard motorway speed limit for cars of {{cvt|70|mph}} also applies to many dual carriageways.<ref name="gb_hc">{{cite book|title=The Official Highway Code|isbn=978-0-11-552814-9|year=2007|page=41|chapter=Rule 124: Speed Limits|chapter-url=http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070304|publisher=TSO}}</ref>

In March 2015, it was announced that a new standard would be developed to formally designate certain high-quality routes in England as ''Expressways''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-forward-a-new-era-for-englands-major-roads|title=Driving forward: a new era for England's major roads|publisher=[[Highways Agency]]|access-date=15 May 2015}}</ref> This new standard would have the same motorway regulations as traditional motorways, however would lack a hard shoulder and use traffic management systems like those on smart motorways. An "expressway" is limited to 3 through lanes, they are to be built largely to the same standards as a smart motorway, although some non-standard existing alignments are allowed to remain if they are just short of being standard.<ref>{{cite web|date=10 March 2021|title=SD - Requirement for new and upgraded all-purpose trunk roads (expressways)|url=https://www.standardsforhighways.co.uk/prod/attachments/1223f3d1-5dd8-4afd-a2e8-0367f70b8652?inline=true|website=Standards for Highways}}</ref>

Some roads have "expressway" in their name, this has no reflection on the purpose or standard of the road. For example, the [[A38(M) motorway|Aston Expressway]] or the [[North Wales expressway|North Wales Expressway]]. 
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=== North America ===

==== Canada ====
{{Main article|Roads in Canada}}
In Ontario, ''expressway'' is synonymous with ''[[freeway]]'' and is used to mean limited-access divided-highways with no at-grade intersections.  An example of this is the [[Gardiner Expressway]] through western and downtown Toronto, and once it turns into a 6-lane [[arterial road]] ([[Lake Shore Boulevard]]) east of the [[Don River (Ontario)|Don River]], there is a sign warning of the end of the freeway.  The [[E. C. Row Expressway]] in [[Windsor, Ontario]] is a controlled-access divided freeway with grade-separated interchanges, between Ojibway Parkway at its western terminus and Banwell Road at its eastern terminus, where there are traffic intersections at both termini.<ref>The end points can be viewed using Google Earth {{Coord|42.2741|-83.0786}}, {{Coord|42.3014|-82.8989}}</ref>   <!-- {{Citation needed|date=November 2009}} --> The [[Ontario Highway 401|Macdonald–Cartier Freeway]] would be an example of a route that uses the term ''freeway'', however, that name is being phased out by the [[Ministry of Transportation of Ontario|Ministry of Transportation]]. In general, the term "expressway" is used more frequently for municipally maintained roads, while provincial freeways are known more by their route number (particularly the [[400-series highways]] are known as Highway 4__) despite some of them having an "expressway" name for all or part of their length, such as the ([[Ontario Highway 403|Chedoke Expressway/Hamilton Expressway]], [[Ontario Highway 409|Belfield Expressway]], and [[Ontario Highway 427|Airport Expressway]]).

The [[Veterans Memorial Parkway]] in [[London, Ontario]], has intersections instead of interchanges, and thus is considered an expressway and not a [[freeway]]. It was originally designed with sufficient right-of-way to be built as a full freeway, but a lack of funding forced it to be built with at-grade intersections. Similarly, the [[Hanlon Parkway]] in [[Guelph]] and [[Ontario Highway 40|Highway 40]] in [[Sarnia, Ontario]] were originally opened with intersections in lieu of interchanges, save for the couple grade-separated interchanges. [[Ontario Highway 420|Regional Road 420]] in [[Niagara Falls, Ontario|Niagara Falls]] is also an expressway. While [[Allen Road]] and [[Ontario Highway 400|Highway 400]] were originally full freeways, their extensions (for Allen Road to meet Sheppard Avenue and Dufferine Street, and the 400 South Extension which became [[Black Creek Drive]] and handed over to Metro Toronto upon completion) were built as expressways with at-grade intersections.

Two sections of [[Ontario Highway 11#Barrie .E2.80.93 North Bay|Highway 11]], between Barrie and Orillia as well as between Orillia and Gravenhurst, are a [[Right-in/right-out|right-in Right-out (RIRO) expressway]] rather than a full freeway. The joint route of [[Ontario Highway 35|Highway 35]]/[[Ontario Highway 115|115]] in [[Durham Region]] is also a RIRO expressway.

In most of [[Western Canada]], an expressway is a high-speed arterial road along the lines of the California definition, while a freeway is fully controlled access with no at-grade intersections. In Alberta, the term "Trail" refers to both full freeways (e.g. [[Stoney Trail]]), or high-speed arterials with a mix of signalized intersections and interchanges (e.g. [[Crowchild Trail]]). The [[Yellowhead Trail]] as it passes through [[Edmonton, Alberta]] has both intersections and interchanges. It is the main east–west artery for the northern half of the city. There are plans to upgrade many of the most congested remaining intersections into interchanges in the near future.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edmonton.ca/transportation/road_projects/yellowhead-trail-strategic-plan.aspx |title=Yellowhead Trail Strategic Plan :: City of Edmonton |access-date=2014-06-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140804103054/http://edmonton.ca/transportation/road_projects/yellowhead-trail-strategic-plan.aspx |archive-date=2014-08-04 }}</ref>

In Quebec, the term ''freeway'' is never used, with the terms ''expressway'' (in English) and ''autoroute'' (in English and French) being preferred. English terms are rare, and only found on bilingual signage of expressways (abbreviated "expy") found in [[Montreal]] around bridges and on the [[Quebec Autoroute 10|Bonaventure Expressway]]; these signs are controlled by the federal government. Most of the [[Autoroutes of Quebec|Autoroute]]s are built or at least designed to be upgraded to a full freeway (initially constructed as a [[two-lane expressway]]), a notable exception is the section of [[Quebec Autoroute 20|Autoroute 20]] through [[Vaudreuil-Dorion]] and [[L'Île-Perrot]] which is an {{cvt|8|km}} urban boulevard. 
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==== United States ====
{{further|United States Numbered Highways|Interstate Highway System}}
[[File:Montague Expressway.jpg|thumb|[[County Route G4 (California)|County Route G4]] (Montague Expressway), an American expressway under the MUTCD definition]]
In the United States, an ''expressway'' is defined by the [[Federal government of the United States|federal government]]'s [[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]] as a divided highway with partial control of access.<ref>Section 1A.13, Paragraph 27, ''[[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]]'', 2003 ed., rev. 1.[https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003r1/part1/part1a.htm]</ref> In contrast, a ''[[freeway]]'' is defined as a divided highway with full control of access.<ref>Section 1A.13, Paragraph 29, ''[[Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices]]'', 2003 ed., rev. 1.[https://mutcd.fhwa.dot.gov/HTM/2003r1/part1/part1a.htm] See also 23 CFR 750.153(k).</ref>  The difference between ''partial'' and ''full'' access control is that expressways may have  a limited number of driveways and at-grade intersections (thus making them a form of high-speed arterial road), while access to freeways is allowed only at [[Grade separation|grade-separated]] interchanges.  Expressways under this definition do not conform to Interstate highway standards (which ban all driveways and at-grade intersections) and are therefore usually numbered as [[state highway]]s or [[U.S. Highways]].

This distinction was first developed in 1949 by the Special Committee on Nomenclature of what is now the [[American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials]] (AASHTO).<ref>American Association of State Highway Officials, ''AASHO Highway Definitions'' (Washington D.C., American Association of State Highway Officials, 1962), 1-3.</ref>  In turn, the definitions were incorporated into AASHTO's official standards book, the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, which would become the national standards book of the [[United States Department of Transportation|U.S. Department of Transportation]] under a 1966 federal statute. The same distinction has also been codified into the statutory law of eight states: [[California]],<ref>Cal. Sts. & High. Code § 257.</ref> [[Minnesota]],<ref>Minn. Stat., § 160.02, subds. 18b & 19.</ref> [[Mississippi]],<ref>Miss. Code Ann., § 65-5-3, subds. (b) and (c).</ref> [[Missouri]],<ref>Mo. Rev. Stat., § 304.010.</ref> [[Nebraska]],<ref>Neb. Rev. Stat., §§ 60-618.01 and 60-621.</ref> [[North Dakota]],<ref>N.D. Cent. Code, § 24-01-01.1 (2006).</ref> [[Ohio]],<ref>[http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4511.01 Ohio Rev. Code Ann., § 4511.01, subds. (YY) and (ZZ).]</ref> and [[Wisconsin]].<ref>Wis. Stat., §§ 59.84(1)(b) and 346.57(1)(am).</ref>

However, each state codified the federal distinction slightly differently.  California expressways do not necessarily have to be divided, though they must have at least partial access control.  For both terms to apply in Wisconsin, a divided highway must be at least four lanes wide. In Missouri, both terms apply only to divided highways at least 10 miles long that are not part of the Interstate Highway System.  In North Dakota and Mississippi, an expressway may have "full or partial" access control and "generally" has grade separations at intersections; a freeway is then defined as an expressway with full access control.  Ohio's statute is similar, but instead of the vague word "generally", it imposes a requirement that 50% of an expressway's intersections must be grade-separated for the term to apply.  Only Minnesota enacted the exact MUTCD definitions, in May 2008.

However, many states around the [[Great Lakes]] region and along the Eastern Seaboard have not conformed their terminology to the federal definition.  The following states officially prefer the term ''expressway'' instead of ''freeway'' to describe what are freeways in federal parlance: [[Connecticut]],<ref>Conn. Gen. Stat. § 13a-20(a).</ref> [[Florida]],<ref>Fla. Stat. § 348.0002(8).</ref> [[Illinois]],<ref>625 Ill. Comp. Stat. 5/1-119.3.</ref>  [[Maryland]],<ref>Md. Transp. Code Ann. § 8-620(c).</ref> and [[West Virginia]].<ref>W. Va. Code § 17-4-2(a).</ref>  In those states, it is common to find Interstate highways that bear the name ''expressway''. Ultimately, by law it is the federal definition that defines whether a road is classified as an expressway or freeway. No state, for instance, could have what is technically an expressway given Interstate status just because semantically they use the term interchangeably with freeway.

Most expressways under the federal definition have [[speed limit]]s of {{cvt|45|-|55|mph|km/h}} in urban areas and {{cvt|55|-|70|mph|km/h}} in rural areas.  Urban expressways are usually free of private driveways, but occasional exceptions include direct driveways to [[Filling station|gas stations]] and [[shopping mall]]s at major intersections (which would never be allowed on a true freeway).

The vast majority of expressways are built by [[state government]]s, or by private companies, which then operate them as [[toll road]]s pursuant to a license from the state government.

A famous example of a [[local government]] getting into the expressway business is [[Santa Clara County, California|Santa Clara County]] in [[California]], which deliberately built its own expressway system in the 1960s to supplement the freeway system then planned by [[California Department of Transportation|Caltrans]]. Although the county originally planned to upgrade the expressways into full-fledged freeways, such a project became politically infeasible after the rise of the [[tax revolt]] movement in the mid-1970s, which began with [[California Proposition 13 (1978)|California Proposition 13]] in 1978.
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=== South America ===
==== Brazil ====

In Brazil, an expressway is known as ''Via Expressa'' and its function is to connect the most important streets and avenues of certain cities with their adjacent highways. Because of this, some expressways are numbered (in the same way as highways). According to the ''Código Brasileiro de Trânsito'' (Brazilian Traffic Code), expressways are officially defined as ''Vias de Trânsito Rápido'' (Rapid Transit Routes) and are considered the most important urban roads, with standard speed limits of {{cvt|80|km/h|}} (unless specified). A few examples of expressways include [[Marginal Tietê]] and [[Marginal Pinheiros]] in [[São Paulo]]; [[Avenida Brasil (Rio de Janeiro)|Avenida Brasil]], [[Red Line (Rio de Janeiro)|Red Line]] and [[Yellow Line (Rio de Janeiro)|Yellow Line]] in [[Rio de Janeiro]]; among others.
{{clear}}

== See also ==
* [[Supercorridor]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

{{Road types}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Limited-Access Road}}
[[Category:Limited-access roads| ]]
[[Category:Limited-access roads by country]]
[[Category:Types of roads]]