What are the differences between national highways and expressways?
2 Answers
National highways and expressways differ in the following aspects: 1. Allowed speed range: The allowed speed range for national highways is 60 to 80 kilometers per hour; for expressways, it is 60 to 120 kilometers per hour. 2. Naming conventions: National highways are named using the fixed format of 'G' followed by three digits; expressways are named using 'G' followed by one, two, or three digits. National highways refer to major trunk roads with national political and economic significance, including important international highways, defense roads, roads connecting the capital with the capitals of provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly under the central government, and roads linking major economic centers, port and station hubs, commodity production bases, and strategic locations. Expressways, abbreviated as highways, are roads specifically designed for high-speed vehicle travel. The definition of expressways varies across different countries, regions, eras, and academic research fields.
Having driven for over a decade, I've traveled extensively on both national highways and expressways. National highways, designated with a 'G' prefix like National Highway 207, primarily serve as trunk roads connecting cities, counties, and townships. They are usually toll-free and pass through village centers, inevitably encountering traffic lights and pedestrians crossing the road. Expressways, on the other hand, are fully enclosed high-speed roads without any traffic lights, with toll stations located at entrances and exits, such as the G4 Beijing-Hong Kong-Macao Expressway. The speed limits range from a minimum of 60 to a maximum of 120 km/h, making driving exceptionally smooth and safe. For long-distance trips, I prefer expressways despite the toll fee of a few dozen yuan. With cruise control engaged, I can reach my destination in just two to three hours, cutting travel time by half compared to national highways and reducing fatigue. When pressed for time or traveling with family on road trips, I always opt for expressways.
