Md. Code Regs. 11.04.05.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 11.04.05.03 - Entrance Standards and Specifications

A. All work and materials shall conform to Administration specifications, standards, and addenda current at the time of the permit grant.

B. All work is subject to Administration periodic inspection and final approval.

C. Entrance Location.

(1) The number and location of entrances which may be granted shall be based on usage, interior and exterior traffic patterns, and current design policy of the Administration.

(2) A maximum of two entrances may be allowed in the first 200 feet of frontage. For each additional 100 feet of frontage, a maximum of one entrance may be permitted, subject to the final determination of the Administration in order to promote highway safety. Regardless of frontage, a development may be restricted to a single entrance and exit location.

(3) Entrances shall adhere to the safety criteria for acceptable intersection or stopping sight distance conditions, or both, in accordance with current Administration standards and engineering practices.

D. Entrance Width.

(1) The maximum width for a two-way access at 90 degrees shall be 35 feet, except where traffic, type of access, or type or size of using vehicles justify a variation of the 35-foot maximum. The minimum width of a two-way access is 25 feet.

(2) One-way access at 45 degrees to 90 degrees shall have a maximum width of 20 feet. The minimum width should also be 20 feet. Exceptions based on existing conditions and current adopted design criteria may be made by the State Highway Administration.

(3) Entrance width shall be measured perpendicular to the center line of the entrance.

E. Channelization.

(1) Unless other channelization is acceptable to the Chief, Engineering Access Permits Division, all entrances permitted under these regulations shall be channelized, for their entire frontage, as follows:

(a) Projects funded in the Consolidated Transportation Program for construction within 6 years, whether or not advertised-temporary bituminous curb may be used;

(b) Highways with safety grading-type C concrete curb, or concrete curb and gutter;

(c) All other situations-type A concrete curb, or curb and gutter;

(d) On existing curbed State highways, developers shall generally be required to replace existing curbs in kind; and

(e) All improvements shall provide for increased safety and access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic in a manner acceptable to the Administration.

(2) The front curb shall be constructed on a line 14 feet to 17 feet from and parallel to the existing edge of the road as determined by the Administration. The rear edge of the back curb shall be constructed on the existing right-of-way line where existing right-of-way is sufficient for ultimate roadway design. Where the existing right-of-way is not sufficient to contain the ultimate improvements, the curb should be placed on the alignment of the proposed right-of-way line. The area between the curbs shall be properly graded and paved, sodded or seeded. Signs, structures, etc. may not be placed in this area or elsewhere within the highway right-of-way.

(3) In rural areas where a drainage ditch of sufficient depth to act as a barrier will remain paralleling the highway, or the height and grade of slope of the property abutting the State highway is greater than 3 feet and 2:1, respectively, the back curb (on the right-of-way line) may be eliminated at the discretion of the State Highway Administration. However, the front curb shall be constructed. If the topography of the area is changed by the owner so that the side ditches or cut slopes are eliminated, a curb or a curb and gutter along the right-of-way will be required.

(4) Ultimate Section.

(a) Rural Section-four lane divided highway, 50 foot-76 foot median Minimum 150 foot right-of-way*

(b) Urban Section-four lane divided highway-20 foot-34 foot median Minimum 120 foot right-of-way*

(c) Street Section-undivided 36 foot-60 foot street Minimum 80 foot right-of-way*

*Right of way widths based on minimum slope requirement. Increased slope requirement will necessitate wider right-of-way width.

F. Curb Length.

(1) The minimum curb length between entrances is 40 feet, consisting of a 10-foot radius-20-foot tangent-10-foot radius.

(2) The minimum tangent curb length between the radius point of the entrance and the property line is 10 feet.

G. Intersection Radius.

(1) At the intersection of a State highway with a minor road (county, municipal, etc.), the minimum radius shall be a 30-foot or equivalent three-centered compound curve and provide for increased safety and access for pedestrian and other intended traffic in a manner acceptable to SHA.

(2) At the intersection of a State highway with a State highway or other major arterial highway, the minimum radius shall be a 50-foot or equivalent three-centered compound curve and provide for increased safety and access for pedestrian and other intended traffic in a manner acceptable to SHA.

(3) At intersections with channelization providing for free right turns, the above-mentioned dimensions will be increased as directed by the State Highway Administration in accordance with accepted engineering practices.

(4) There shall be a minimum 20-foot tangent distance between the intersection radius and the first permitted entrance.

H. Paving. Paving within the State Highway Administration right-of-way, including storage lanes, bypass lanes, speed change lanes, crossovers, entrances proper, etc., shall be in accordance with current State Highway Administration paving specifications or as stipulated in the permit, or both.

I. Median Openings. The granting of a permit for access onto a dual type facility may not be construed to mean that an opening in the median will be permitted.

J. Pump Island Location. In order that the entrances operate at maximum efficiency, it is recommended that the roadside face of the pump island of filling stations be set a minimum of 12 feet, preferably 15 feet, from the property line. Pump setback lines are subject to the regulations of the pertinent local subdivision.

K. Building Setback. In order that the entrances operate at maximum efficiency, it is recommended that the minimum desirable building setback line be 30 feet. Building setback lines are subject to the regulations of the pertinent local subdivision and appropriate design criteria.

L. Angular Entrances. Angular entrances may not extend beyond the property line when paving a driveway to highway, or beyond access control limits. The point of control shall be the extension of the property line from its intersection at the existing State Highway Administration right-of-way line normal or radial to the edge of the pavement. One-way angular entrances shall be at 45 degrees.

M. Ditch Cross Sections. Ditch cross sections shall be in accordance with current adopted State Highway Administration criteria.

Md. Code Regs. 11.04.05.03

Regulations .03 amended effective September 3, 1990 (17:17 Md. R. 2082)
Regulations .03 amended effective February 8, 2010 (37:3 Md. R. 176)
Regulation .03E amended effective November 30, 1979 (6:24 Md. R. 1920); December 18, 1995 (22:25 Md. R. 1962)