605 ILCS 5/5-102 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, as amended, describes County Highways as those highways that “shall 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.” By their definition, the primary function of County Highways is to provide a high degree of mobility.
COMMENTARY: Most highway design, administrative, and regulatory policies vary depending on the function a highway provides. This functional classification is based on mobility (the degree to which traffic can move easily and the volume of traffic moved) and accessibility (the ease of entering/exiting adjacent property). Functional classification ranges from freeways (high mobility, low accessibility) to local streets (low mobility, high accessibility.) 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, 2003.) Therefore, the appropriate degree of access control varies according to the function the roadway provides.
A. Highway Classification Definitions. The County Highway System is comprised of roadways with varying functional classification. For purposes of determining the requirements and procedures for permitting of access facilities, the following Highway Classifications for Access Management are established:
DESIGNATED FREEWAY: Those roadways that, in accordance with 605 5/8-101 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes, 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.
PRINCIPAL ARTERIALS: Those County Highways that by their length and connectivity with other county and/or state highways, within or adjacent to McHenry County, provide for a high degree of mobility and supplement the mobility of State Highways and freeways.
ARTERIALS: Those County Highways that provide connectivity between the municipal street system and other County or State Highways or serve as a connection between County Highways.
OTHER: Those roadways within the County Highway System whose functional classification is below an arterial or by their current physical characteristics provides a low level of mobility.
B. Access Management Highway Classification Map.
1. Adoption of Map. To implement the intent of this Chapter, the County Highway System is hereby divided into Highway Classifications for Access Management as depicted on the Access Management Highway Classification Map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this Ordinance.
2. Map Amendments.
a. 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 Management Highway Classification Map may be amended from time to time by the County Board in accordance with § 10.12.180A. of this Ordinance.
b. The McHenry County Division of Transportation shall be responsible for maintaining and updating the Access Management Highway Classification Map pursuant to all amendments enacted by the County Board.
(Ord. O-200811-82-068, passed 11-6-2008)