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20. Frontage And Backage Roads Frontage and backage roads run parallel the mainline route and provide alternative access to property. Property access is provided along the frontage or backage road, which accesses the arterial via a cross road (with a traffic signal if necessary). This reduces the number and density of conf lict points associated with strip development. These roads are generally applicable to commercial development. A backage road provides access to the rear side of commercial properties located between the backage road and the arterial. It also provides access to properties located on the opposite side of the backage road from the arterial, thus increasing land values and reducing infrastructure costs to individual properties. A frontage road provides access to the front side of commercial properties located along the arterial. Care must be taken to ensure adequate separation between the arterial and the intersection of the frontage and cross roads. Why are frontage and backage roads important? Frontage and backage roads reduce conflict points between through traffic and turning traffic associated with strip development and direct property access to the arterial. Conflict points are associated with reduced levels of roadway safety and operations. Studies have shown that when driveway access to arterial roadways is granted to too many property owners without considering future traffic volumes and road classifications, the additional driveways increase the rate of accidents and decrease the efficiency of the roadway. 21. Dedicated Left And Right Turning Lanes One of the major concerns of transportation engineers and planners in cities and suburban areas is keeping through traffic moving at a smooth and even pace. When traffic can’t move at an even pace, delays and congestion are the result. This frustrates motorists and creates opportunities for “fender-bender” crashes. One of the simplest ways to accomplish smooth and even traffic is to remove the turning traffic from the through traffic flow at road intersections and near busy driveways. Often, dedicated turning lanes are provided to serve that purpose. Many times turning lanes are used in conjunction with raised medians and medians at intersections to provide additional safety by protecting turning traffic. 22. Driveway Turn Radius Turn radius refers to the extent that the edge of a commercial driveway is “rounded” to permit easier entry and exit by turning vehicles. Driveway entrances with longer turn radii help slower, turning traffic move off the arterial more quickly. They also help traffic leaving a driveway turn and enter the stream of traffic more efficiently. Guidelines for turn radii are generally applied to non-residential developments and subdivisions. 56