Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-112.6

Current through Register Vol. 47, No. 6, October 2, 2024

Rule 761-112.6 - Location and design

This rule sets criteria for the location and design of access connections to primary highways.

(1) Each access connection authorized must be located and designed in accordance with this rule. Terms and conditions for location, design, construction and use of the access connection shall be established by permit.

(2) The priority of the primary highway system is to provide highway corridors with the goal of maintaining traffic capacity by limiting disruptions to through traffic. Direct access from abutting land is therefore subordinate. Where an adjacent lower traffic volume road is available, the access should connect to that roadway.

(3) Private access connections may only be considered when there is a reasonable necessity for the access and should be separated from other private access connections at a minimum distance equal to the sight distance at the posted speed. The burden of proving necessity is on the applicant.

(4) An access connection must be consistent with the requirements of the assigned access category.

(5) Access location considerations shall include traffic operations, public safety, sight distance, distance to other access locations, traffic speed and volumes, the design vehicle for the access and the allowable turning movements.

(6) Restrictive medians may be installed and access connection turning movements may be restricted to right turns or directional left turns for operational reasons when determined necessary and at the sole discretion of the department.

(7) Minimum design criteria may be used only when there is a proven and documented necessity that higher standards are not feasible at the specific site.

(8) When there are access connections on opposite sides of the highway and left turns are allowed from both directions, the access connections should be opposite each other or have sufficient offset distance so as to prevent overlapping left turn maneuvers.

(9) If the access connection requires a turn lane, the access connection should be located so the turn lane can be installed and no other access connections occur along the turn lane. An access should not be installed along a turn lane or taper.

(10) Private access connections should not be located within the functional area of a public intersection.

(11) All access connections must meet sight distance.

(12) The access shall be designed to facilitate the movement of vehicles from the highway to prevent the queuing of vehicles on the roadway.

(13) If a proposed access location does not comply with this chapter, the access permit shall be denied.

(14) If the department determines that the literal application of these rules to a specific situation will create or result in an unsafe situation or an unreasonable design, the department shall use sound engineering practices to determine the appropriate location and design for the specific situation. The department shall include justification for the design in the permit or the highway project file, as applicable.

Iowa Admin. Code r. 761-112.6

Amended by IAB October 5, 2022/Volume XLV, Number 7, effective 11/9/2022