A plank road is a type of road that is made of wooden planks laid side by side for vehicles to pass on. There are several synonyms for the term plank road, including corduroy road, trestle road, boardwalk, or duckboards. Corduroy road was usually used for temporary purposes where logs would be laid across a swamp or marsh to create an instant roadbed. Trestle road was another term used for planked bridges built with wooden beams and crosspieces. A boardwalk refers to a raised pathway usually found along a beach or waterfront, while duckboards were used in muddy and wet areas to allow for easier passage. Regardless of the chosen term, plank roads were instrumental in opening up new areas and providing easier travel over swampy or muddy terrain.