For the purposes of this act, "State, county or municipal highway or road" means any public street, thoroughfare, roadway, bridge, traffic circle, tunnel, overpass, interchange, and way in this State open to the use of the public as a matter of right for the purpose of vehicular travel, which has been constructed, taken over, or is owned, controlled, or maintained by the State or a county or municipality thereof.
N.J.S. § 27:3A-1