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25. Incorporating Aesthetics Into Access Management <br />Access management projects often involve widening existing roadways to add either <br />an additional two-way-left-turn lane (TWLTL) or a raised median. Such projects can <br />lead to a wide expanse of concrete and asphalt. An aesthetically pleasing treatment, <br />however, does not need to run counter to sound access management practices. In <br />fact, aesthetics can and should be incorporated into access management project <br />plans. <br /> <br />Why are aesthetics important? <br />Access management projects are much more likely to be accepted by the public and <br />by business owners of adjacent properties if they look good as well as improve safety <br />and traffic flow. <br /> <br /> <br />26. Clear Zones, Utility Placement And Lighting <br />Adequate clear zones with proper placement of utilities and sufficient lighting are <br />essential components of well designed roadways. Proper design will help ensure <br />sufficient sight distance and improve roadway operating safety. <br /> <br />What is a clear zone? <br />The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) <br />Green Book states that “a clear zone is used to designate the unobstructed, relatively <br />flat area provided beyond the edge of the traveled way for the recovery of errant <br />vehicles.” Utilities, structures, signs, trees, and other objects should not be located <br />within the clear zone. <br /> 58