2002-01-28 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

1 PC-- .� The Texas Departnen of Transportation Background In order to make freeway travel safer and to provide maximum traffic han- dling capacity for as long as practical, the Commission is preparing rules au- thorizing it to limit the construction of new frontage roads and access points on controlled access facilities. Adjacent development and access points along controlled access highways contribute to congestion and early deterioration of the main travel lanes. Therefore, the Commission will no longer assume the construction of frontage roads when contemplating a new freeway. Rules It is the intent of the Commission to not construct new frontage roads on new or existing controlled access facilities unless there are compelling reasons to do so. Exceptions TxDOT is authorized to make exceptions to the policy under certain circum- stances. Frontage roads may be authorized when needed to improve the safety and efficient operations of a state highway corridor, to resolve land- locked conditions on certain remaining parcels, to restore circulation of local traffic from severed streets, or if the cost to purchase the right of access con- trol would exceed the cost of the frontage road. The Commission may also approve additional frontage roads when construction is determined to be in the best interest of the state. Next Step The Commission will conduct a series of public hearings around the state to receive the comments of interested parties. In addition, comments may be filed in writing through Feb. 4, 2002. Mindful of the public comments, the Commission will then consider a final version of the rules and vote on adop- tion as early as Spring 2002. ". a ''-' ` Current Projects Potentially Impacted j F 44 4Y;, Projects currently being developed may be affected by the new rules and will be evaluated individually on a case -by -case basis. 4: ,; �a...4.•.' lira , '•.