Interstate vs. Turnpike — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 3, 2024
Interstate highways are extensive road networks funded federally, focusing on connecting multiple states; turnpikes are tolled road segments, often part of highways, used to fund their maintenance.
Difference Between Interstate and Turnpike
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interstate highways are part of a nationwide network designed to facilitate long-distance travel across states in the U.S., ensuring connectivity and uniformity in road standards. Whereas turnpikes, often part of this network, are specific segments where tolls are collected to fund road maintenance and improvements.
Interstates are generally funded through federal and state taxes, ensuring that they remain toll-free for users to promote free interstate commerce and travel. On the other hand, turnpikes require drivers to pay tolls, which directly fund the specific road's operational costs and improvements.
The design of interstate highways emphasizes high-speed, limited-access features, such as multiple lanes and restricted entry and exit points to enhance travel efficiency and safety. In contrast, turnpikes may vary in design but share these features where they overlap with interstate systems.
Interstates are mandated to meet certain federal standards in terms of signage, exit numbering, and road quality, ensuring a consistent driving experience across different states. Whereas turnpikes, although they often meet these standards, may implement additional features like service plazas and enhanced roadside assistance due to their funded nature.
Usage of interstates is generally higher as they form the backbone of the U.S. transportation system, facilitating the bulk of cross-country and regional traffic. Turnpikes, while also heavily used, cater more to specific routes where the toll infrastructure can be justified by traffic volumes and financial necessity.
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Comparison Chart
Funding
Primarily federally and state funded
Funded by tolls collected from users
Usage
Free of charge
Requires payment of tolls
Network Connectivity
Connects multiple states and major cities
Can be limited to certain regions
Design Standards
Uniform federal standards for design and signage
May have unique features and services
Primary Purpose
Facilitate long-distance and high-speed travel
Generate revenue and fund maintenance
Compare with Definitions
Interstate
Integral to national defense and evacuation routes.
Interstate highways are also planned with national security in mind.
Turnpike
Can be part of an interstate or a separate state road.
Some sections of the interstate system are designated as turnpikes.
Interstate
Designed for high-speed vehicular traffic with limited access.
The interstate near the city facilitates quick commuter traffic.
Turnpike
Often equipped with service areas and toll plazas.
Turnpikes typically have rest stops every few miles.
Interstate
Federally funded roads without tolls for seamless state-to-state travel.
Interstate highways make cross-country road trips more feasible.
Turnpike
A toll road, especially a part of a major highway system.
The New Jersey Turnpike is a major toll road connecting several states.
Interstate
Governed by uniform standards nationwide.
All interstate signs follow the same design guidelines.
Turnpike
Generates revenue for road maintenance and improvements.
Toll fees collected on turnpikes fund their own upkeep.
Interstate
A system of highways connecting major cities across states.
The I-95 Interstate runs from Florida to Maine.
Turnpike
May have variable speed limits and service features.
The turnpike’s toll booths regulate traffic flow during peak hours.
Interstate
Involving, existing between, or connecting two or more states.
Turnpike
Abbr. Tnpk. or Tpk. A toll road, especially an expressway on which tolls are charged.
Interstate
One of a national system of expressways connecting major population centers in the United States.
Turnpike
A tollgate.
Interstate
Of, or relating to two or more states.
Turnpike
A frame consisting of two bars crossing each other at right angles and turning on a post or pin, to hinder the passage of animals, but admitting a person to pass between the arms; a turnstile.
Interstate
Crossing states (usually provincial state, but also e.g. multinational sense).
The truck driver drove interstate to unload.
Turnpike
A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages, animals, and sometimes people, until a toll is paid,
Interstate
(US) A freeway that is part of the Interstate Highway System.
Turnpike
(Scotland) A winding stairway.
Interstate
Pertaining to the mutual relations of States; existing between, or including, different States; as, interstate commerce.
Turnpike
(military) A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a cheval de frise.
Interstate
An interstate highway, part of the United States Interstate Highway system.
Turnpike
A toll road, especially a toll expressway.
Interstate
Involving and relating to the mutual relations of states especially of the US;
Interstate Highway Commission
Interstate highways
Interstate Commerce Commission
Interstate commerce
Turnpike
(mathematical economics) A trajectory on a finite time interval that satisfies an optimality criterion which is associated with a cost function.
Turnpike
To form (a road, etc.) in the manner of a turnpike road, or into a rounded form, as the path of a road.
Turnpike
A frame consisting of two bars crossing each other at right angles and turning on a post or pin, to hinder the passage of beasts, but admitting a person to pass between the arms; a turnstile. See Turnstile, 1.
I move upon my axle like a turnpike.
Turnpike
A gate or bar set across a road to stop carriages, animals, and sometimes people, till toll is paid for keeping the road in repair; a tollgate.
Turnpike
A turnpike road.
Turnpike
A winding stairway.
Turnpike
A beam filled with spikes to obstruct passage; a cheval-de-frise.
Turnpike
To form, as a road, in the manner of a turnpike road; to throw into a rounded form, as the path of a road.
Turnpike
(from 16th to 19th centuries) gates set across a road to prevent passage until a toll had been paid
Turnpike
An expressway on which tolls are collected
Common Curiosities
What is an interstate highway?
An interstate highway is a federally funded road designed to facilitate high-speed, long-distance vehicular travel across state lines.
Can a road be both an interstate and a turnpike?
Yes, some roads are designated both as parts of the interstate system and as turnpikes, depending on their funding and management.
What makes interstates different from other highways?
Interstates are designed for high-speed travel with multiple lanes and limited access, and are subject to federal standards.
How are interstate highways funded?
Interstate highways are primarily funded through federal and state taxes, which cover construction and maintenance costs.
Are all interstates free of tolls?
While most interstates are toll-free, some segments might have tolls, particularly those that overlap with turnpike systems.
Why are turnpikes tolled?
Turnpikes are tolled to directly fund the operational costs, maintenance, and improvements of that specific road segment.
What services are offered on turnpikes?
Turnpikes often feature service plazas with food, fuel, and rest facilities, along with sometimes enhanced roadside assistance.
What is a turnpike?
A turnpike is a road, often part of a larger highway system, where tolls are collected to fund its maintenance and improvements.
Do turnpikes affect traffic flow?
Turnpikes can affect traffic flow, particularly at toll booths, although many are moving towards electronic toll collection to minimize disruptions.
What is the longest interstate in the U.S.?
The longest interstate in the U.S. is Interstate 90, stretching from Seattle to Boston.
How are tolls calculated on turnpikes?
Tolls on turnpikes are calculated based on vehicle type, distance traveled, and sometimes time of day.
Can turnpikes be avoided if one does not want to pay tolls?
Yes, alternative routes are usually available, though they may be less direct and slower than the turnpike.
Are turnpikes safer than other roads?
Turnpikes often have high maintenance standards due to their funded nature, which can contribute to safer driving conditions.
How long have turnpikes been in use?
Turnpikes have been in use since the early 19th century in America, evolving from toll roads on major routes.
What role do interstates play in emergency management?
Interstates are crucial in emergency management, serving as primary routes for evacuation and emergency response.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
