3 Roadway Element
Access Management The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) defines access management as “the process that provides access to land development while simultaneously preserving the flow of traffic on the surrounding system in terms of safety, capacity, and speed.” According to the Access Management Manual, access management results from a cooperative effort between state and local agencies and private land owners to systematically control the “location, spacing, design, and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges, and street connections to a roadway.” Poor access management directly affects the livability and economic vitality of commercial corridors, ultimately discouraging potential customers from entering the area. Corridors with poor access management often have higher crash rates, greater congestion, and more spillover cut-through traffic on adjacent residential streets. Overall, poor access management increases commute times, creates unsafe conditions, lowers fuel efficiency, and increases vehicle emissions. The access management solutions outlined in this section can be divided into three (3) major categories: site access treatments, median treatments, and intersection and minor street treatments. An overview of these three (3) major categories are provided below.
Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) have many potential benefits when implemented in concert with an overall transportation management strategy. ITS solutions use communications and computer technology to manage traffic flow in an effort to reduce crashes, mitigate environmental impacts such as fuel consumption and emissions, and reduce congestion from normal and unexpected delays. Successful systems include a variety of solutions that provide surveillance capabilities, remote control of signal systems components, seamless sharing of traveler information with the public, and even allowances for emergency vehicles to have priority to proceed safely through signalized intersections. NCDOT is implementing a town-wide ITS (U-6022) project which will connect all major signals in Fuquay-Varina under the State’s ITS system. Intelligent Transportation Systems include items such as the following:
• Integrated Corridor Management Systems (ICM) • Active Transportation Demand Management (ATDM) • Fiber Optic Networks
• Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) • Emergency Vehicle Preemption While ITS infrastructure is largely planned and coordinated at the regional or statewide level, the Town should consistently integrate elements such as fiber, cameras, and roadside units to ensure future interoperability and data sharing. Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Transportation Demand Management (TDM), also known as travel demand management, refers to a set of strategies and policies aimed at enhancing the efficiency of transportation systems. These approaches either reduce travel demand or redistribute it in terms of space or time. Here are some key points about TDM: 1. Purpose and Goals: • Efficiency: TDM aims to make transportation systems more efficient by optimizing existing infrastructure and resources. • Reducing Congestion: By encouraging alternatives to single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips, TDM helps alleviate traffic congestion. • Lowering Emissions: TDM strategies contribute to reduced vehicle emissions, benefiting air quality and the environment. 2. Examples of TDM Strategies: • Promoting Public Transit: Encouraging the use of buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation. • Carpooling and Ridesharing: Encouraging commuters to share rides to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicles. • Telecommuting and Flexible Work Hours: Allowing employees to work from home or adjust their work schedules.
Intersection and Minor Street Treatments The operation of signalized intersections can be improved by reducing driver confusion, establishing proper curb radii, and ensuring adequate laneage of minor street approaches. Intersection and minor street treatments include the following: • Skip Marks (Dotted Line Markings) • Intersection and Driveway Curb Radii • Minor Street Approach Improvements
Median Treatments
Site Access Treatments
Segments of a corridor with sufficient cross access, backdoor access, and on-site circulation may be candidates for median treatments. A median divided roadway improves traffic flow, reduces congestion, and increases traffic safety — all important goals of access management. While medians restrict some left-turn movements, overall traffic delays are reduced by removing conflicting vehicle movements from the corridor. Landscaping and gateway features incorporated into median treatments improve the aesthetics of the corridor, in turn encouraging investment in the area and contributing to the overall quality of the surrounding environment. Median treatments include the following: • Non-Traversable Median • Median U-Turn Treatment • Directional Cross (Left-Over Crossing) • Left-Turn Storage Bays • Offset Left-Turn Treatment
Improvements that reduce the total number of vehicle conflicts should be a key consideration during the approval of developed and redeveloped sites along corridors identified for access management programs. Site access treatments include the following: • Improved On-Site Traffic Circulation • Number of Driveways • Driveway Placement/Relocation • Cross-Access to Adjacent Sites
• Biking and Walking Infrastructure: Creating safe and accessible paths for cyclists and pedestrians. • Congestion Pricing: Charging higher fees during peak hours to discourage unnecessary travel. • Parking Management: Implementing policies that influence parking availability and pricing.
While access management should be considered as projects are being developed, it is important that the Town leverage the provisions laid out in the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) and Standard Specifications and Details to enforce strong access management early in the process. Early and consistent application of these standards is critical, as retroactively deploying access management is often met with strong community and business opposition.
There are already a variety of TDM measures that have been implemented at the regional level. The Town will look for ways to promote these measures and partner with agencies such as Go Triangle and CAMPO to help reduce pressure on the transportation network within the CTP Planning Area.
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Town of Fuquay-Varina
2040 Comprehensive Transportation Plan
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