Access control is among the most useful tools the transportation agency has to maintain safe and efficient operations. Judicious use of median treatments, driveway permits, and driveway geometry can enhance the operation of the road without undue burden on landowners accessing their property. Achieving access control may mean acquiring the abutting property owner’s right of access, limiting future driveways when large parcels are sold or developed, or directing or limiting certain turning movements through geometric restrictions. Control of access refers to the location and design of driveways or direct access to the street or roadway section. It also includes the provision for or restrictions associated with access to or across highway medians.
The AASHTO Green Book (2) discusses techniques and design solutions for achieving access control, but includes no discussion mandating or requiring the establishment of such control. Most states have established policies and permit procedures that form the basis for project-specific design decisions.
Source: A Guide for Achieving Flexibility in Highway Design p. 84
Published: 2004
From A Guide for Achieving Flexibility in Highway Design, 2004, by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, Washington, D.C. Used by permission. AASHTO publications may be purchased from that organization’s bookstore at 1-800-231-3475 or online at https://bookstore.transportation.org.
