Abstract:
Access management involves the systematic location, spacing and design of driveways, median openings, and street connections to the public roadway system. It also involves roadway design applications, such as median treatments and auxiliary lanes, and the appropriate spacing of traffic signals. The purpose of access management is to provide vehicular access to land development in a manner that preserves the safety and efficiency of the transportation system. Local governments have authority to accomplish access management from both land use and transportation perspectives. They can engage in access management through land use planning, transportation planning, public works projects, zoning, subdivision regulation, development review, traffic impact assessment, development exactions, and permitting. Because of their broad authority, local governments are well positioned to develop a comprehensive and effective access management program – provided that they adopt the appropriate plans, policies, ordinances and procedures.
