Access Management Action Plan Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development

Transcription

1 Access Management Action Plan Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Kristine M. Williams, AICP Vergil G. Stover, Ph.D., P.E. Center for Urban Transportation Research

2 Access, Congestion & Safety on Louisiana Highways 28% ofla urban freeways are congested Traffic fatality rate 40% higher than national average Many arterials with 60 to 80 access points per mile Source: J Broemmelsiek Access Management Source: J. Broemmelsiek, Access Management, The Louisiana Civil Engineer, Vol 15, No 4, August 2007.

3 Access Management and Safety As access points increase, sodoes the frequency of highway crashes And the rate also increases Source: NCHRP Report (national estimate based on numerous state studies and analysis of 37,000 crashes) Composite crash rate indices

4 Importance of Balanced Networks Shortage of local and collector streets Focuses local trips p onto the highway

5 LADOTD Action Plan Assessment Document and evaluate current practices in relation to national best practices Review policies, design standards, andregulations Site visits and interviews

6 LADOTD Site Visits What key issues need to be addressed in LADOTD s access management practices? What strategic actions should be taken?

7 Establish a Vision for State Highways Identify access levels for different types of state highways 2 or 3 categories are generally sufficient (exclusive of freeways, frontage roads) d)

8 Adopt Complete Set of AM Standards Complete sets of design and spacing standards for each highway category that address: Traffic signal spacing Median use and design Median opening spacing and design Auxiliary lanes Spacing, location and design of driveway and street tconnections Interchange area access spacing

9 Update Driveway Standards Title 70, Part II, 531.C (Permit Rule) Allows two driveways for sites with <200 feet of frontage Additional driveways for larger frontages upon showing of necessity Allows driveway connections to be located 25 feet from highway intersections Outdated driveway design standards d

10 Address Staff Overload Staff overload in higher growth Districtsi Unrealistic expectations of permit timeframes Speculative applications Substandard traffic impactstudies Continuous training Increase staff in higher growth Districts Permitting enhancements

11 Improvements to Permitting New driveway permit procedures and forms Permit review timelines Permitting and TIS fees Permit time limits, reapplication req. Clear TIS guidelines Driveway permitting checklists Update website and provide more info to applicants

12 Strengthen Enforcement Enforcement Illegal connections/encroachments Nonconformance with existing permits/mitigation Development preceding permit application Need to clarify enforcement process and establish fees/consequences for violators Post permit inspections

13 Clarify Variance and Appeal Process Need for written criteria and procedures for deviation from standards Clarify appeals process for various AM decisions Could build on Traffic Impact Review Committee appeals process Clarify division of authority relative to mitigation and waivers

14 Provide Outreach to Stakeholders Develop materials to communicate the importance of AM to stakeholder groups Outreach and education for local governments and officials General outreach on access management Proactive communication of rule and procedural changes

15 Increase State/Local Coordination Work with Parishes on corridor management plans Provide technical assistance and incentives to encourage local lparticipation. ii i

16 Next Steps Finalize state of the practice report Outline potential strategic actions Submit draft action plan for review and comment Present to Executive Committee Finalize action plan and report

17 Thank You! Kristine M. Williams, AICP Center for Urban Transportation Research University of South Florida