1. (a) Purpose and need. Access management is an engineering and planning method of balancing the needs of mobility and safety on a highway system with the needs of access to adjacent land uses. Access management is one method of preserving the substantial public investment in the ground transportation system by preserving the roadway level of service. Further, access management can significantly enhance traffic safety by reducing traffic accidents, personal injury, and property damage. It has been noted that access management practices can promote a more coordinated intergovernmental, long term approach to land use and transportation decisions in the context of quality of life, economic development, livable communities, and public safety. Given the benefits to the ground transportation system and public safety, it is the intention of the department to promote the use of access management on the state highway system.
2. (b) Applicability. This subchapter applies to all new access connections constructed on highways on the state highway system. It also applies to existing access connections that may be reconstructed or otherwise modified as part of a department project.
3. (c) Effective date. The provisions of this subchapter are effective January 1, 2004.
4. (d) Transition period. Prior to January 1, 2005, exceptions to the provisions of this subchapter may be granted for specific access connection requests where significant prior commitments have been made based on previous department policy.

Source Note:The provisions of this §11.50 adopted to be effective October 16, 2003, 28 TexReg 8958.