Chapter 5 – Other Relevant Topics This chapter examines selected other relevant topics in corridor preservation. These include the application of parallel relivers and service roads to provide access and reduce demand on major thoroughfares. Other topics include how resilience to climate change and emerging technology are or may be reflected in contemporary corridor management programs, and considerations in rail corridor preservation and management. Parallel Relievers and Service Roads Many urban areas have right-of-way constraints that limit expansion of existing arterials, as well as a desire or policy to avoid further widening of arterial roadways. A variety of alternative options exist to improve the capacity of the existing thoroughfare system, including increased transit service frequency on select corridors, alternative intersection designs, and improvement of the supporting street network. This section examines strategies to integrate service roads as parallel relievers. Service roads are local or collector roads that generally provide alternative access to commercial tracts along a major roadway. Contemporary best practice is to place these roadways behind commercial tracts to provide access to property on both sides and avoid conflicts associated with short entry throats where they connect to an arterial – a common problem with frontage roads (Access Management Manual, 2014). Service roads can be implemented in a variety of ways but are most readily accomplished when land is being subdivided or consolidated for development. For example, developers could be required to set aside right-of-way needed for the road as a condition of development approval, and the local government could construct and maintain the road. In some cases, developers may construct a portion of the road. In other cases, a local government may opt to complete undeveloped segments of the road where needed to maintain continuity or as an incentive for private participation. Service roads may also be implemented when roadways are being improved. MPOs and state transportation agencies may contribute to local road improvements where this would advance corridor improvement objectives or reduce safety and operational problems on a state highway. An example would be to provide funding to complete a gap in a parallel street that would reduce demand on the thoroughfare network. For example, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) engages in targeted local street improvements during highway reconstruction projects using state funds to advance its access management program. Projects are identified based on their benefits to implementing adopted access control plans. The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) has a small budget designated for off-system improvements that advance a state highway corridor management plan. Local agencies provide a one- third match for the grants offered through the budgeted funds and pay the contractor as work is performed, with KDOT reimbursing eligible expenses. Projects funded by this program include left- and right-turn lanes, joint and cross access, consolidated access permits, raised medians, local street extensions and service roads. Figure 36 shows a service road funded by the program in the City of Basehor, Kansas (Wolfcreek Parkway) along the US24/US 40 State Avenue corridor.
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