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Access Theory and Applicability <br />The desired level of access on a facility is related to its functional classification and traffic <br />volumes. Roadways essentially serve two competing interests: mobility and access. Examples <br />of these include freeways, which have access control and provide mobility only; and local <br />cul-de-sac type street that is 100 percent access (no through traffic). Because County Road 116 <br />is an A -Minor Arterial, the focus of the roadway will be heavily weighted towards mobility. <br />As the road authority, Anoka County desires to limit direct private access to Minor Arterials <br />because of the need to maintain mobility and to maintain safety. However, it is often difficult to <br />prevent direct access due to development pressure and a lack of supporting street networks. In <br />addition, under Minnesota law, access to state and county facilities is a property right as long as <br />alternative suitable and convenient access cannot be provided. This means that Anoka County is <br />required to provide suitable, reasonable access to each parcel that is along County Road 116. <br />Courts have interpreted reasonable access to include restriction of access to a right-in/right-out or <br />no access if a reasonable alternative access is available from an adjacent side street. <br />Cities can also control access changes in the corridor through zoning and subdivision regulations, <br />as well as through plat reviews. As part of the plat review process, Anoka County comments to <br />cities on proposed access changes. In addition, Anoka County issues access permits to property <br />owners for access changes in the corridor. <br />Because property rights are associated with each parcel, creating additional parcels along <br />important transportation facilities can obligate agencies to provide additional access. This can be <br />problematic in terms of safety and traffic flow. Arterials with closely spaced access locations <br />often experience safety and capacity problems, and side street volumes may be so dispersed that <br />they are unable to justify signals. As a result, local subdivision regulation and administrative <br />parcel splits need to consider the potential impacts to roadway function, safety and operations. <br />Communities often experience increased benefits from planned access management prior to <br />development. Proper access management removes access uncertainty during the platting process <br />for developing areas and provides equity amongst various properties that may be developed by <br />competing commercial interests. <br />Corridor Access Principles and Policies <br />In addition to developing an access concept, access principles and policies were discussed with <br />local staff. Based on the discussion, the following principles and policies were developed to <br />reflect the agencies' desire to improve the operation and safety of the corridor. These principles <br />and policies listed below establish the framework from which the access management plan was <br />developed. <br />SRF Consulting Group, Inc. - 39 - February 2004 <br />