Why Do Mainers Call It a Turnpike and Not a Highway?

Have you ever wondered what the difference is between a highway and a turnpike? Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont all have "turnpikes," but where does the name "turnpike" come from? It's interesting to see how the term has evolved.

The Maine Turnpike Opened in 1947

47 miles of road between Kittery and Portland is what the Maine Turnpike started with when it opened on December, 13,1947. The 66-mile extension to Augusta was completed and opened on December 13, 1955, exactly eight years to the day that the Kittery to Portland section was opened.

In 2023 it was estimated that the Maine Turnpike saw 63 million vehicles during the year.

Where Did the Term "Turnpike" Come From?

According to Merriam-Webster, "turnpike" is a combination of the words turnen, meaning "to turn," and pike, meaning "a sharp-tipped weapon." There were no weapons on the Maine Turnpike, but turnpike became the word for a gate placed across a road. To pass through the turnpike, travelers would have to pay a fee or toll. A similar term is used when people enter places by going through a "turnstile."

Today, the term is used for toll highways, such as the Maine Turnpike, the Mass Pike, and the Blue Star Turnpike, also known as the New Hampshire Turnpike, which only has one toll barrier to pass through in Hampton. There are two toll booths, but drivers only use one depending on where they are going.

READ MORE: A Small Sign in Westbrook, Maine, Explains What You Should Already Know When Driving

Is the Maine Turnpike a Turnpike or a Highway?

It's both. The terms are interchangeable, with the only difference between a turnpike and a highway being tolls. The Maine Turnpike and Interstate 95 share the same road for the length of the turnpike. Once you pay the toll in West Gardiner, you're then only on Interstate 95, which is considered a highway, not a turnpike.

In the end, does it matter?  Most of us just pay our tolls and move on, but for the curious, I hope this helped.