1. (a)

   1. (1) An access point is defined as an entrance or exit point on the freeway mainline, including locked gate access.
   2. (2) For example, a diamond interchange configuration has four (4) access points.
   3. (3) A proposal to revise or modify the existing access or the interchange configuration is considered a change even though the number of actual points of access may not change.
   4. (4) For example, replacing one (1) of the direct ramps of a diamond interchange with a loop or changing a cloverleaf interchange into a fully directional interchange is considered an access modification.

2. (b)

   1. (1) All proposals for additional or modified access must comply with federal regulations, policies, and applicable design standards, such as the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials’ A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets and A Policy on Design Standards – Interstate System, as well as Arkansas Department of Transportation policies and practices.
   2. (2) Exceptions to these regulations, policies, and design standards must be documented and are subject to the approval of the department and the Federal Highway Administration.
   3. (3) Final project designs are subject to review and approval by the department and the Federal Highway Administration, if applicable.

3. (c)

   1. (1) The applicant must follow all National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, 42 U.S.C. § 4321 et seq., and other applicable federal regulations such as the Section 106 process of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and should consider environmental and social impacts during the project development process.
   2. (2) The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 process must be completed before final access approval can be given.
   3. (3) Final compliance with National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 procedures may either precede or follow a determination of engineering acceptability and feasibility.

Codification Notes: Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act is codified at 54 U.S.C. § 306108.