Agenda - 03-07-2019 8-f Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane - Attachment

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Efland-Buckhorn-Mebane Access Management Plan 15. Continuous Two-Way Left-Turn Lanes Continuous two-way-left-turn lanes (TWLTL) are a common access management treatment when combined with driveway consolidation and corner clearance. TWLTLs simultaneously provide a separate lane for left turning vehicles and property access. Typically, they are used as the center lane of a five-lane roadway. A less common design involves three lanes, a TWLTL in the center for left turns and one lane in each direction for through traffic. Recent theory suggests avoiding this design unless road right-of-way conditions are restrictive. 16. Three-Lane Roadways With Two-Way Left-Turn Lanes Continuous two-way left-turn lanes (TWLTL) are a common access management treatment. Typically, they are used in the center of a four-lane roadway. However, a less- common design involving three lanes — a TWLTL in the center for left turns and one lane in each direction for through traffic — is being used more and more frequently. At first, the idea of a three-lane road may seem strange. But under the right circumstances they can work very well, operating better and more safely than a four- lane undivided road. 17. Raised Medians At Intersections Raised medians with left-turn lanes at intersections offer a cost-effective means for reducing accidents and improving operations at higher volume intersections. The left- turn lanes separate slower turning vehicles from through traffic and provide a protected space for these vehicles to decelerate and turn. The raised median prohibits left turns into and out of driveways that may be located too close to the functional area of the intersection. 18. Continuous Raised Median Continuous raised medians with well-designed median openings are among the most important features for managing access to create a safe and efficient highway system. 19. Comparison Of Raised Median And Two-Way Left-Turn Lanes Because raised medians are the most restrictive access management treatment, building a raised median along an arterial is often very controversial among business and property owners. Two-way left-turn lanes (TWLTL) are much less so. Business persons and property owners feel that installation of raised medians will have a large, negative impact on their customers, sales, and property values. Therefore, TWLTLs are often suggested as a compromise solution. However, TWLTLs also represent a safety compromise when compared to raised medians. They should be used with care.