2002-01-28 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

Information OVERVIEW (continued) ■ Backage Roads - a term referring to a local street or road that generally runs parallel to an arterial or highway but is not adjacent to the highway right of way. Direct access for businesses or properties located between the highway and the backage road is provided by the backage road rather than the highway. ■ Research indicates backage roads provide more access to a greater number of businesses and can increase the value of adjacent land while reducing road construction costs for individual properties. PURPOSE OF REVISED FRONTAGE ROAD POLICY ■ To improve mobility on state highway corridors ■ To increase safety of freeway travel ■ To extend the operational life of the existing road ■ To reduce highway construction and maintenance costs PROPOSED RULES ■ The proposed rules will amend the current rules found in the Texas Administrative Code Section 15.54 (d). ■ Frontage Road Provision - For new location freeways and relief routes, TxDOT no longer intends to construct frontage roads unless necessary and justified. However, TxDOT may approve frontage roads under the following circumstances: . To improve the safety and efficient operations of a state highway corridor . To resolve landlocked conditions on certain remaining parcels . To restore circulation of local traffic from severed streets . If the cost to purchase the access rights would exceed the cost of the frontage road . If it is determined to be in the best interest of the state ■ Exceptions - The Texas Transportation Commission recognizes there are times when frontage roads are necessary to allow for proper operation of the state highway system. If a project does not meet any of the above requirements, a request must be made to the commission. CURRENT PROJECTS POTENTIALLY IMPACTED ■ Projects currently being developed may be affected by the new rules and will be evaluated on a case -by -case basis. ■ Evaluation will include a review of prior commitments or development work based on the previous frontage road policy. NEXT STEP In addition to the public hearings, TOOT will accept written comments submitted by Feb. 15, 2002. Comments should be mailed to Ken Bohuslav, Director, Design Division, Texas Department of Transportation, 125 E. 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701.2483. Following evaluation of public comment, the Texas Transportation Commission may consider the final rules as early as spring 2002.