2018 Issue

39 be refined to assure connecting roadway corridors and provide a quick visual of the important corridors. The maps can show most of the elements mentioned below. Roadway classification and right-of-way width The roadway classification/corridor types are used to identify its main purpose. The smaller roadways are typical- ly called Local Roads. Local Roads are streets that collect traffic within a subdivision or are for streets that may be cul- de-sacs or dead-ends or are intended to be a slower speed roadway. A Collector is the next designation. A Collector is used to route traffic from Local Roads to the major roadway corridors (Arterials) and to main points of interest. They typically handle a higher volume of traffic and have a higher speed limit. An Arterial is typically an un-impeded roadway with a higher speed limit. They are intended to handle a much higher volume of traffic. For a regional corridor plan you will typically focus on the collectors and arterials. More information about roadway types can be found here: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/publications/flexibil- ity/ch03.cfm Typical sections For the corridors to span multi-jurisdictions, it is import- ant to maintain a consistent typical section design of the roadway width. This provides a consistent roadway cross section for the motorist that will improve the traffic flow and reduce crashes. The critical component of typical sections is the shoulder width and the number of travel lanes along with the center turn lane (if applicable). The area between the curb and gutter and right-of-way can be modified de- pending on city design preferences. The shoulders of the roadways may be used to accommodate bicycle infrastruc- ture as well. Access Management Another component is to identify the type of access man- agement you want on each of the corridors. Depending on the roadway type and usage you can identify the access spacing to allow for the best flow of traffic and to improve the roadway safety. Access management controls the number and spacing between driveways and streets along a roadway. There are many benefits of access management including improved movement of traffic, reduced crashes, and fewer vehicle conflicts. Access management principles are applicable to roadways of all types, ranging from fully access-controlled facilities, such as freeways, to those with little or no access control, such as local streets. (http://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/provencountermeasures/fhwa_ sa_12_006.cfm) Additional information can be found in these brochures: FHWA BROCHURE-Benefits of Access Management.pdf http://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner. gf?n=12076621573693531 FHWA BROCHURE Safe Access is Good for Business.pdf https://www.udot.utah.gov/main/uconowner. gf?n=12077702975820609 Conclusion The intent is not to force a city or community to instantly build the full roadway, but to preserve the corridors. Then as development occurs, the roadways are constructed to the full width. In some communities, county road tax funds or corridor preservation funds can be used to purchase the necessary right-of-way or access rights as needed. Also local funds, county road tax funds or federal funds could be used to construct the widening as needed, and in some cases Public Private Partnerships can be established to fund and build the roadways. I have recently been working with the cities of North Logan, Hyde Park and Smithfield to develop a Regional Corridor Plan. It has been a great experience to meet with these communities and determine which corridors they want to preserve to minimize future congestion. We are currently in the process of working with the city councils to adopt this plan so they can then incorporate the roadway networks into their transportation master plans. I look forward to a great transportation network with alternate routes to take to destinations within these communities. John is professional engineer/project manager focused on Transportation Engineering. He started as an intern with UDOT over 20 years ago, and has been working at J-U-B Engineers, Inc. since graduating from Utah State University in 1998. He is currently the ASCE Past Presi- dent for the Northern Utah Branch.