Abstract
Research has persistently demonstrated that adopting a systematic access management framework improves highway operations and bolsters safety. Many state transportation agencies have adopted formal access management programs to systematize the application of access management techniques, however, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) been unable to institute such a program due to institutional, regulatory, and political constraints. Recognizing the benefits of judicious access management, the Cabinet asked researchers at the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) to identify access management best practices that are effective, can be easily implemented, and are compatible with existing statutes and regulations. After reviewing national-level and state-level guidance on access management, researchers devised an Access Management Toolbox which contains 14 commonly used access management techniques. Using a rating scale of 1 to 5, personnel at KYTC were then asked to rate each technique in terms of its effectiveness and ease of implementation (1 = ineffective and/or difficult to implement; 5 = highly effective and/or easy to adopt). Six techniques garnered scores of 4 or above for both effectiveness and implementation: 1) maintaining sight distance, 2) setting the maximum number of driveways per lot, 3) installing auxiliary turn lanes, 4) protecting the functional area of intersections, 5) adopting turn restrictions, and 6) conducting traffic impact studies. Consistently incorporating these access management techniques into permitting, planning, and design activities will result in the development of an efficient and safe highway system that equitably balances the needs of motorists and property owners.
Report Date
10-2019
Report Number
KTC-19-37/SPR16-525-1F
Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.13023/ktc.rr.2019.37
Repository Citation
Kirk, Adam and Van Dyke, Chris, "Access Management Best Practices" (2019). Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report. 1722.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/ktc_researchreports/1722
Notes
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The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the data presented herein. The contents do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Transportation Center, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, the United States Department of Transportation, or the Federal Highway Administration. This report does not constitute a standard, specification, or regulation. The inclusion of manufacturer names or trade names is for identification purposes and should not be considered an endorsement.