
08/22/2025
In Dallas County, as in the rest of the United States, the key distinction between a highway and a freeway lies in access control and traffic flow.
Highway
Broad Term: A highway is a general term for any major road that connects cities, towns, and other areas, facilitating vehicular travel.
Varying Access Control: Highways can have different levels of access control. Some might be limited-access roads, while others have direct access points from properties along the route.
At-Grade Intersections: Highways can include traffic lights, stop signs, crosswalks, and intersections at the same level as the roadway, requiring drivers to stop or adjust their speed frequently.
Speed Limits: Speed limits on highways can vary depending on whether they pass through urban, suburban, or rural areas.
Examples in Dallas County: U.S. 75, which includes sections of the Central Expressway, may include traffic signals and at-grade intersections.
Freeway
Specific Type of Highway: A freeway is a specialized type of highway designed for high-speed, uninterrupted travel.
Full Control of Access: Freeways have strict access control, meaning vehicles can only enter and exit through designated on-ramps and off-ramps.
Grade Separated: Freeways are designed with grade separations at intersections, meaning they pass over or under other roads and railways, eliminating cross-traffic and the need for traffic signals.
Higher Speed Limits: Due to the absence of intersections and interruptions, freeways generally have higher speed limits (e.g., 65-85 mph in some areas) compared to other highways.
Examples in Dallas County: Interstates like I-35E, I-45, I-20, and I-635 are all considered freeways in Dallas County. The North Central Expressway (part of U.S. 75) is also a freeway section, according to Wikipedia.
In essence, all freeways are highways, but not all highways are freeways. The key differentiator is the controlled access and grade-separated nature of freeways, which enables smoother and faster traffic flow compared to other types of highways.
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