Citation

Gattis J, Gluck JS. ITE J. 2010; 80(1): 40-45.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Institute of Transportation Engineers)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Unmanaged access can cause roadway service to deteriorate, especially when traffic volume and speed is high. This article summarizes the impacts of access management on roadway safety and mobility, as well as the economic effects of access management on neighboring properties. Research has shown that crash rates increase as access density increases. For a given access spacing, the crash rate is higher for undivided and lower for non-transversable median roadways. Unrestricted access along roadways appears to negatively affect traffic flow rate and capacity, and increase evasive maneuvers due to turning vehicles. Although owners of roadside properties and businesses have mixed reactions to access management proposals, generally the economic effects of access management have been mostly positive or neutral. Access management can also create a more attractive transportation corridor, reduce emissions and fuel consumption due to improved traffic flow, and help preserve the public investment in a roadway by preventing the degradation of the corridor.