Agenda - 11-03-1997 - 9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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DRAFT TEXT PROPOSED FOR INSERTION IN SECTION 2.6 OF COMP PLAN 22 ORANGE COUNTY ROAD FUNCTIONAL CLASSIFICATION CRITERIA AND ASSIGNMENT INTRODUCTION: Functional classification is the process by which streets and highways are grouped into classes, or systems, according to the type of service that the roads are intended to provide. Basic to this process is the recognition that individual roads do not serve travel independently of each other. Rather, most travel involves movement through a network of roads. Functional classification defines the role that any particular road should play in serving the flow of trips over a road network. The road network has a dual role in providing both travel mobility and access to property. Mobility along the path of such trips can be provided at varying levels, usually referred to as "levels of service." Levels of service can incorporate a wide range of elements e.g.,riding comfort, and travel time and freedom from speed changes, but the most basic element is operating speed. Access to a property is necessary at both ends of any trip. Not only is there a functional hierarchy of systems (with interstates at the highest level and local roads at the most basic level), but also a parallel hierarchy of travel distances served by those systems. This hierarchy of travel distances can be related to a desirable functional classification to meet mobility and access requirements. Local roads emphasize the land access function, arterial roads emphasize a higher level of mobility for through movement, and collector roads offer a compromise between both functions. The purposes for developing functional classifications tailored to the Orange County Comprehensive Plan include having classifications that are easily understood and visually distinct and to insure that there is uniform criteria for functionally classifying all public roads outside of the jurisdictions of the incorporated municipalities. A road's functional classification is very important when determining its design, priority for improvements, and the amount of right-of-way needed for improvements and new construction. Land use planning is impacted by a road's functional classification in the following ways: a) on and off-site highway improvements required because of subdivision and land development activity; b) the appropriateness of the location for certain types and intensities of land development; and c) by requiring access management if necessary. Some functional classification criteria use tables that describe a range of average daily traffic (ADT)that a road is intended to serve. This document does not include an ADT Table because a road's function will remain the same no matter how much traffic is using the road, unless a parallel road with a different design is built to carry the traffic on the existing road. ADT is used in conjunction with a road's functional classification to determine design specifications and the right-of-way needed to construct improvements or a new road. 2.6-3