Agenda - Public Works Committee - 07/19/2011

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Access Management Requires A Partnership Approach By using the Highway Access Category System and Spacing Guidelines as a common framework, Mn/DOT and local communities can work as partners to manage access. Mn/DOT follows these guidelines when planning highway improvements, reviewing development proposals, and issuing access permits. Cities and counties should also consider these guidelines when reviewing the proposed access and street layout for new subdivisions and redevelopment of existing parcels. Working together, Mn/DOT and local governments can maintain safety and mobility on the highway AND meet the access needs of development. State Mn/DOT and YOU: Partners in Access Management What is Access Management? Access management is the planning, design, and implementation of land use and transportation strategies that maintain a safe flow of traffic while accommodating the access needs of adjacent development. Why Manage Access? Too many driveways, intersections, and closely -spaced traffic signals along major roads cause problems: • Crashes increase as vehicles cross and turn along the road in an uncoordinated manner. • Stop and go conditions frustrate commuters and local residents. • Adjacent businesses suffer when customers have trouble turning into their sites. • Freight and delivery trucks lose time and money stuck in traffic. • Pedestrians can't find a safe spot to cross the road. • Overall community livability suffers. Why Act Now? Small, uncoordinated create problems over land use decisions... time. What are the Benefits? Effective access management will: • Reduce congestion and crashes. • Preserve road capacity and postpone the need for roadway widening. • Improve travel times for the delivery of goods and services. • Ease movement between destinations. • Support local economic development. When problems become apparent... the best solutions are no longer available.