(A) This section describes criteria applicable to all types of access. The criteria presented include the maximum number of access points and their permissible location with respect to adjacent access points and intersecting streets.
COMMENTARY: The number of access points along a county highway should be limited and spaced far enough apart so that conflicting movements are minimized and safe operation is promoted. |
(B) Maximum number of access points.
(1) Each development or property regardless of the number of parcels shall be limited to one access point, except as provided for otherwise in this chapter.
(2) One additional access point may be granted if it can be demonstrated that the level of service at the approved access point would be substantially improved by the addition of one access point. In this instance, the level of service at the approved access point must be improved by a minimum of one level of service. This level of service improvement must provide a noticeable improvement, i.e., a level of service improvement from B to A would not warrant an additional access.
(3) The Access Control Officer may permit one additional restricted access, permitting right-turns in and right-turns out only, provided that the owner clearly demonstrates a substantial need and complies with all the applicable provisions of this chapter. This option will only be considered where the enforcement of this restricted movement will be possible.
(4) Upon review and approval by the Access Control Officer, a one-way pair of access points may be permitted in place of a single major access point. The location, driveway separation, engineering design, and geometrics of the access-related improvements shall be determined by the LCDOT on a site-specific basis.
COMMENTARY: Where additional access points are requested, first consideration shall be given to supplemental access points, which restrict turning movements. Shared access points or indirect access from adjacent public streets is encouraged. Access classification of the roadway will be considered by the Access Control Officer in evaluation of requests for additional access points. |
(C) Alignment with existing access locations or roads. Where an existing access location or road is on the opposite side of the county highway from an abutting property for which access is being requested, the proposed access shall be aligned with the existing access location or road whenever possible. Given site specific characteristics or operational considerations on the county highway, the Access Control Officer may waive this requirement under the following conditions:
(1) The abutting property for which access is being requested has insufficient frontage to allow for the proper alignment with the existing access location or road.
(2) The proposed point of access would not comply with other provisions and requirements set forth in this chapter.
(3) The alignment of the proposed access point with an existing access location or road would be detrimental to traffic flow, result in undue delay, impede traffic operations, or impair traffic safety on the county highway.
(D) Spacing of adjacent access points.
(1) To function effectively, adjacent access points shall be spaced to ensure safe and efficient traffic movements and operations.
(2) The minimum distance between adjacent access points shall be determined by the distance required to provide full left-turn tapers and storage bays along the county highway for inbound turning movements to each access location regardless of the present need for said tapers and storage bays. The geometric standard can be found in the LCDOT Standard Details.
(3) If a property has inadequate frontage to meet this spacing requirement, the Access Control Officer shall determine the location of the access point using the standards and provisions established by the chapter. The Access Control Officer may require that the access be shared, that indirect access be used, or that the access restrict turning movements.
(E) Distance from intersecting streets.
(1) To enhance traffic safety and operation on county highways, access points shall be located a sufficient distance from intersecting streets.
(2) The minimum distance between an access point and an intersecting street shall be determined by the distance required to provide full left-turn tapers and storage bays along the highway for both the access point and the intersecting street, regardless of the present need for said tapers and storage bays. The geometric standard can be found in the LCDOT Standard Details.
(3) If a property has inadequate frontage to meet this minimum distance requirement, the Access Control Officer shall determine the location of the access point using the standards and provisions established by this chapter. The Access Control Officer may require that the access be shared, that indirect access be used, or that the access restrict turning movements.
(F) Proximity to adjacent intersections and access points.
(1) If construction of an access requires the widening of and improvements to the abutting county highway, and an existing intersection or access falls within the limits of construction, then such widening or improvements shall extend through and beyond the intersection or access before tapering down to the existing pavement width. Exclusive left-turn lanes shall be provided at the existing intersection or access.
(2) The Access Control Officer shall determine the limits of the construction of widening and improvement to a county highway.
(Ord. 19-1061, passed 7-9-2019)