OCPB agenda 100318 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

I. Introduction Orange County seeks to develop an access management plan in order to maintain and improve the functionality of the transportation network as the Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane (E-B-M) Study Area develops. This E-B-M AMP provides the basis and justification for requiring the dedication of right-of-way in the planning area. Orange County’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) requires that proposed site plans demonstrate compliance with adopted access management plans. As properties are developed, transportation interconnectivity and access become increasingly important. Orange County and regional metropolitan and rural planning organizations are dedicated to safe and efficient use of the transportation network through sound access management practices. These practices in form of local plans and policies are applied to highways, major arterials, and other roadways, including but not limited to: • Access Spacing: Increasing the distance between traffic signals improves traffic flow on major roadways, reduces congestion, and improves air quality for heavily traveled corridors. • Driveway Spacing: Fewer driveways spaced further apart allow for more orderly traffic merging and presents fewer challenges to drivers. • Safe Turning Lanes: Dedicated left- and right-turn, indirect left-turns and U-turns, and roundabouts keep through-traffic flowing. Roundabouts provide an opportunity to reduce conflict points within intersections for safe travel. • Median Treatments: Two-way left-turn lanes and non-traversable, raised medians are examples of some of the most effective means to regulate access and reduce crashes. • Right-of-Way Management: Right-of-way reservation for future widenings, good sight distance, access location, and other access-related issues. Such policies designate appropriate control levels for various land uses. Local residential streets are allowed full access, while commercial corridors have limited access. A wide range of road types are included, each requiring standards that ensure free traffic flow while allowing access to major businesses and other land uses along a road (FIGURE 1). Orange County uses Access management Plans to ensure land use decisions take into consideration their impacts on the transportation network. This practice is incorporated into the UDO as a means of implementing the County’s 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The County currently has three Access Management Plans in place: • Orange Grove Road (March 2003) • Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane (November 2011) • Eno Economic Development District (November 2013) A review of current legal and regulatory practices lists some fundamental access management aspects and authority: Figure 1: Access vs Mobility 24