(A) The LCDOT uses a highway access classification system to apply appropriate access management techniques, requirements and standards to permitting of access facilities. The specific requirements for each classification are outlined in the Technical Reference Manual, which is maintained by LCDOT and updated annually in accordance with provisions of this chapter.
(B) County highways serve two primary functions: access and mobility. The county highway system was developed with the primary function of providing regional mobility. Illinois Compiled Statues 605 ILCS 5/5-102 describes county highways to be "as nearly as possible highways connecting the principal municipalities and trading points in each county with each other, and also with the principal municipalities and trading points in other counties." Through land use changes since the establishment of the county highway system, some county highways now provide increased access to support local economic development. As access to a roadway increases, mobility along that roadway decreases. Due to this relationship, roadways are assigned a functional classification that defines the design, administrative and regulatory policies which govern that roadway. Functional classification ranges from freeways (high mobility, low accessibility) to local streets (low mobility, high accessibility.) The appropriate degree of access control varies according to the function the roadway provides.
COMMENTARY: Access management is the coordinated planning, regulation, and design of access between roadways and land development. Studies have shown that an effective access management program can reduce crashes by as much as 50%, increase roadway capacity by 23% to 45%, and reduce travel time and delay as much as 40% to 60% (source:
Access Management Manual, Transportation Research Board, 2014.) |
(C) Access classification definitions. The county highway system is comprised of roadways with varying functional classifications. For purposes of determining the requirements and procedures for permitting of access facilities, the following access classifications are established:
DESIGNATED FREEWAY. Those roadways that, in accordance with 605 ILCS 5/8-101, as amended, have been designated by the County Board as freeways and as such are intended to provide the highest level of mobility within the county highway system. They are intended to provide very low accessibility. Currently two county highways are designated freeways in Lake County:
(a) Washington Street (County Highway 45) from US 41 to IL 21.
(b) Peterson Road (County Highway 20) from US 45 to IL 60.
HIGH MOBILITY HIGHWAY. Those county highways of regional importance that, by their length and connectivity with other county and/or state highways or large centers of activity, provide for a high degree of mobility and supplement the mobility of state highways and freeways.
LOW MOBILITY HIGHWAY. Those County Highways of local importance that provide connectivity between arterials and local roads, or by their current physical characteristics provides a low level of mobility.
MEDIUM MOBILITY HIGHWAY. Those county highways of regional or local importance that provide connectivity between the municipal street system and other county or state highways or serve as a connection between county highways or centers of activity.
(D) Access Classification Map.
(1) Adoption of map. To implement the intent of this chapter, the county highway system is hereby divided into highway access classifications as depicted on the Access Classification Map which is contained within the Technical Reference Manual and is hereby adopted by reference.
(2) Map amendments. As county highways are constructed, improved, reconstructed, or otherwise altered, there may be a need to change the classification of a county highway for access management purposes. The Access Classification Map may be amended from time to time by update to the Technical Reference Manual. The LCDOT shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the Access Classification Map.
(Ord. 19-1061, passed 7-9-2019)