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Section 1 ‐ Introduction PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND The primary purpose of this technical report is to develop a roadway network to support investment in the Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area, based on an examination of existing plans, future land use, environmental constraints, cultural and historic resources, key transportation considerations, and future development potential. The data presented in this technical report will provide the basis and justification for requiring the dedication of rights‐of‐way in the Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area and may serve as an appendix to the updated Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area Access Management Plan. Access management of the road network in the study area will facilitate access to land for development, while maintaining the safety and efficiency of the State’s transportation system. The goals of an access management plan include creating access to new developments and ensuring that existing facilities remain operating at a functional level. Within Orange County, the Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area was selected as a location to encourage future economic development activities, based on its strategic location along major transportation corridors. The Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area runs along the north side of I‐40 between Buckhorn Road and I‐85/US 70 Connector and along the south side of I‐40 from Ben Wilson Road and Mt. Willing Road. Recent growth along the I‐85/40 corridor has resulted in an average increase of traffic of 3% each year; with the expected growth of residential activity and office, service, research, commercial and industrial development in the study area, the future traffic is anticipated to also intensify. A map of the project study area is shown in Figure 1. ACCESS MANAGEMENT Access management is the systematic control of the location, spacing, design and operation of driveways, median openings, interchanges and street connections to a roadway1. The Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) official definition of access management is “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.” By controlling these access points, a local or state government can: Maintain the overall safety of the transportation system; Minimize congestion; Provide for efficient traffic flow and pedestrian safety; Minimize crash rates; and Provide appropriate access to adjacent business properties. Ultimately, Orange County seeks to develop an access management plan in order to maintain the functionality of the transportation network as the Efland‐Buckhorn‐Mebane Study Area develops. 1 Access Management Manual, Transportation Research Board, Washington D.C. 2003 64