(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) When subdividing existing developed parcels to create new lots, no additional access will be permitted. When existing development undergoes a change in land use, the existing access point(s) may require relocation or the number of access points reduced per the requirements of the County Engineer to improve safety of the motoring public.
(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.
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 and reasonable attempts made by the applicant to acquire additional property have failed.
(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.
(4) In the event that a proposed access point is not aligned as provided for in this section, the spacing of access points with existing adjacent access points and roads shall comply with the provisions in divisions (D) and (E) of this section.
(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. These lengths shall follow the most current edition of the IDOT Bureau of Design and Environment Manual (BDE). The applicant shall submit proposed geometries to WCDOT for approval.
(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. The applicant is required to make reasonable attempts to acquire additional property.
(E) Distance from intersecting streets.
(1) County designated freeways and S.R.A. routes.
(a) An intersection spacing of one-quarter mile (1,320') for full access shall be required on all county designated freeways and S.R.A. routes. This spacing may be modified at the discretion of the County Engineer dependent on existing roadway conditions and features along the corridor or per findings described in a final S.R.A Report.
(b) Restricted access may be considered provided the access centerline is located a minimum of 500 feet from any other access centerline and is consistent with other requirements contained within this chapter.
(2) All other county highways.
(a) For major access permits, an intersection spacing of one-quarter mile (1,320') for full access is desirable. Any spacing less than 1/4 mile will be considered provided a left turn lane can be designed that does not conflict with any existing or future left turn lane improvements at any existing intersection.
(b) Restricted access may be considered provided the access centerline is located a distance from any other access centerline that is consistent with other requirements contained within this chapter (i.e. right turn deceleration requirements, number of access points, etc.)
(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, access, or previously widened section falls within 500 feet (or at the discretion of the County Engineer) of 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.
(G) Proximity to interchanges. Access points in the vicinity of interchanges, interchange ramp terminals, crossroads, frontage roads and service drive connections shall be restricted to eliminate hazardous and congested conditions. Sufficient spacing between interchange ramps and access points or crossroad intersections shall be provided to permit the development of turning lanes and proper signing of the highway facilities. In addition, the prior approval of the agency that has jurisdiction or functional oversight of the interchange must be received in writing.
(Ord. 20-231, passed 7-16-2020)