Section 6: Other State System Highways
Anchor: #i1004374Overview
This section provides a general description of this category and discusses specific spacing requirements. This classification applies to all state highway system routes that are not new highways on new alignments, freeway mainlanes, or frontage roads.
Anchor: #i1004385Connection Spacing Criteria
Table 2-2 provides minimum connection spacing criteria for other state system highways. However, a lesser connection spacing than set forth in this document may be allowed without deviation in the following situations:
- To keep from land-locking a property where such land-locking is solely the result of action by TxDOT (for example, design and construction modifications which physically prevent a driveway installation due to grade changes, retaining walls, or barrier installations) where TxDOT does not control the access; or
- Replacement or re-establishment of reasonable access to the state highway system under highway reconstruction/rehabilitation projects.
The above references to land-locking do not apply to circumstances where an existing larger tract of land is subsequently (after the effective date of this manual) further subdivided (and the subdivided lots sold to separate owners) and the original tract of land either already has an existing permitted access connection point, or would qualify for such an access connection point based upon the spacing requirements of this manual. Potential land-locking caused by subdivision and resale is the result of such subdivision process and will not alone justify variances or deviations in the spacing requirements contained in this manual. Therefore, as part of the subdividing process, the party proposing the subdivision (and the municipality approving such subdivisions) should require and provide some type of internal access easements to the existing access connection points (or to such access connection point locations that qualify for future permits based on this manual's spacing requirements).
Table 2-2 does not apply to rural highways outside of metropolitan planning organization boundaries where there is little, if any, potential for development with current ADT volumes below 2000. For those highways, access location and design will be evaluated based on safety and traffic operation considerations. Such considerations may include traffic volumes, posted speed, turning volumes, presence or absence of shoulders, and roadway geometrics.
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Other State Highways Minimum Connection Spacing(1)( 2) (3) |
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|---|---|
|
Posted Speed (mph) |
Distance (ft) |
|
≤ 30 |
200 |
|
35 |
250 |
|
40 |
305 |
|
45 |
360 |
|
≥ 50 |
425 |
|
(1) Distances are for passenger cars on level grade. These distances may be adjusted for downgrades and/or significant truck traffic. Where present or projected traffic operations indicate specific needs, consideration may be given to intersection sight distance and operational gap acceptance measurement adjustments. (2) When these values are not attainable, refer to the deviation process as described in Chapter 3, Section 1 or Chapter 2, Section 2. (3) Access spacing values shown in this table do not apply to rural highways outside of metropolitan planning organization boundaries where there is little, if any, potential for development with current ADT levels below 2000. Access connection spacing below the values shown in this table may be approved based on safety and operational considerations as determined by TxDOT. |
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Anchor: #i1004414
Corner Clearance
Corner clearance refers to the separation of access connections from roadway intersections. Table 2-2 provides minimum corner clearance criteria.
Where adequate access connection spacing cannot be achieved, the permitting authority may allow for a lesser spacing when shared access is established with an abutting property. Where no other alternatives exist, construction of an access connection may be allowed along the property line farthest from the intersection. To provide reasonable access under these conditions but also provide the safest operation, consideration should be given to designing the driveway connection to allow only the right-in turning movement or only the right-in/right out turning movements if feasible.