[34 Pa.B. 5355]
[Continued from previous Web Page] [(1) Access driveways shall be located at a point within the property frontage limits which provides at least the minimum sight distance listed in the appropriate following table:
Table 1--Safe Sight Distance for passenger cars and single unit trucks exiting from driveways onto two-lane roads.
Posted
Speed
(mph)Safe Sight Distance--Left1
(feet)Safe Sight Distance--Right1
(feet)25 250 195 35 440 350 45 635 570 55 845 875 1Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge.
Table 2--Safe Sight Distance for buses and combinations exiting from driveways onto two-lane roads.
Posted
Speed
(mph)Safe Sight Distance--Left1
(feet)Safe Sight Distance--Right1
(feet)25 400 300 35 675 625 45 1225 1225 55 2050 2050 1Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge.
Table 3--Safe Sight Distance for passenger cars and single unit trucks exiting from driveways onto four and six-lane roads.
Posted
Speed
(mph)Safe Sight Distance--Left1
(feet)Safe Sight Distance--Right2
(feet)25 175 195 35 300 350 45 500 570 55 785 875 1Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge to a vehicle approaching in the outside lane.
2Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge to a vehicle approaching in the median lane.
Table 4--Safe Sight Distance for buses and combinations exiting from driveways onto four and six-lane roads.
Posted
Speed
(mph)Safe Sight Distance--Left1
(feet)Safe Sight Distance--Right2
(feet)25 300 300 35 625 625 45 1225 1225 55 2050 2050 1Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge to a vehicle approaching in the outside lane.
2Measured from a vehicle ten feet back of the pavement edge to a vehicle approaching in the median lane.
Table 5--Safe Sight Distance for passenger cars and single unit trucks entering driveways by left turns.
Posted Speed
Safe Sight Distance
in Feet1(mph) 2-Lane 4-Lane 6-Lane 25 190 205 220 35 300 320 345 45 445 470 500 55 610 645 680 1Measured from the point where a left-turning vehicle stops to a vehicle in the outside lane.
Table 6--Safe Sight Distance for buses and combinations entering driveways by left turns.
Posted Speed Safe Sight Distance
in Feet1(mph) 2-Lane 4-Lane 6-Lane 25 330 360 390 35 485 530 575 45 690 750 810 55 905 990 1075 1Measured from the point where a left-turning vehicle stops for a vehicle in the outside lane.]
(1) Formula sight distance. The formula sight distance for driveways must be determined in accordance with the following:
(i) The measured sight distances in each direction along the highway must exceed the formula sight distance computed from the following:
V2
FSD = 1.47 Vt + ______
30 a ± G
______
32.2
( )Note to formula:
-- FSD = Formula sight distance (whole feet).
--1.47 = Conversion factor (mph to fps).
--V = Miles per hour, as measured by speed limit or safe-running speed, as determined by the Department.
--t = Brake reaction time, equal to 2.5 seconds.
--30 = Factor to convert mph to feet, utilizing gravitational constant.
--a = Deceleration rate of 11.2 feet per second squared.
--32.2 = Gravitational constant, in feet per second squared.
--G = Average grade of roadway where braking will occur, divided by 100.
(ii) Table 8-1 identifies formula sight distances for selected roadway speeds and average grades.
(iii) If trucks, longer combination vehicles, buses, special mobile equipment or similar specialized vehicles will frequently use the driveway, the Department may require sight distances greater than the minimum values derived from the formula sight distance, considering number of lanes, medians and roadway geometry, consistent with Chapter 9 of the AASHTO publication entitled ''A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets,'' current edition, and the Department's Design Manual, Part 2.
(iv) The owner should locate a driveway at a point which provides optimal sight distance. The Department may require sight distances greater than minimum values derived from the formula sight distance if the district office determines another location along the property frontage of the owner will better accommodate the amount and type of traffic that is expected to frequently use the driveway and considering the type, character and 85th percentile speed of the highway which is being accessed.
[(2) In using Tables 1 through 6 the following additional requirements shall apply:
(i) Tables 2, 4, and 6 shall be used in lieu of Tables 1, 3, and 5 only when combination traffic exceeds 5.0% of the total traffic using the proposed driveway.
(ii) Posted speeds shall be used unless operating speeds vary from the posted speed by more than ten miles per hour, in which case the Department may require that operating speeds be used.
(iii) The sight distances in Tables 1 through 4 apply only when highway grades are zero to 3.0%, either up or down.
(A) When the highway grade in the section to be used for acceleration, after leaving the driveway, ascends at 3.0--5.0%, the sight distance in the direction of approaching ascending traffic may be increased by a factor of 1.4.
(B) When the highway grade ascends at greater than 5.0%, sight distance may be increased by a factor of 1.7.
(C) When the highway grade in the section to be used for acceleration after leaving the driveway descends at 3.0--5.0%, sight distance in the direction of approaching descending highway traffic may be reduced by a factor of 0.6.
(D) When the road descends at greater than 5.0%, sight distance may be reduced by a factor of 0.5.
(iv) The sight distance values in Tables 1 through 6 are desirable for safe operation of the driveway. Sight distance values less than desirable will be accepted only if it is impossible to achieve the desirable value by locating the driveway at any point within the property frontage boundaries. The minimum acceptable sight distance values shall be computed from the following formula:
SSSD = 1.47 Vt + V2
_____
30(f+g)SSSD = Minimum safe stopping sight distance (feet).
V = Velocity of vehicle (miles per hour).
t = Perception time of motorist (average = 2.5 seconds).
f = Wet friction of pavement (average = 0.30).
g = Percent grade of roadway divided by 100.]
(2) Measured sight distance. The correct measurement of sight distance at a driveway is the responsibility of the applicant. The applicant shall record sight distance measurements on Form M-950S, or an electronic format authorized by the Central Permit Office and consistent with Publication 282. Measurements are subject to verification by the Department.
(i) For the purpose of measuring sight distance, the driver's eye height must be 3.50 feet above the proposed driveway surface and highway pavement surface. The vehicle's height must be measured at 3.50 feet above the proposed driveway surface and highway pavement surface. The placement of vehicles measured at the driveway and on the roadway must be consistent with the operation of the driveway and roadway, as illustrated on Form M-950S and consistent with Publication 282.
(ii) When measuring sight distance lengths, the applicant shall also consider impacts of legally parked vehicles and foliage which may not be present when the measurements are made. For each direction along the highway, the following lengths must be the measured sight distances for that direction, as illustrated on Form M-950S:
(A) The maximum length of roadway along which a driver at a driveway location can continuously see another vehicle approaching on the roadway. Consistent with driver responsibilities contained in 75 Pa.C.S. §§ 3112, 3114, 3323, 3344 and 3361, the driver's eyes must be measured 10 feet back from the traveled portion of the roadway.
(B) The maximum length of roadway along which a driver on the roadway can continuously see the rear of a vehicle which is located in the driver's travel lane and which is positioned to make a left turn into a driveway.
(C) The maximum length of roadway along which a driver of a vehicle intending to make a left turn into a driveway can continuously see a vehicle approaching from the opposite direction. This sight distance length is measured from the location of the approaching vehicle to a point on the roadway where the left-turning vehicle crosses the path of the approaching vehicle.
[(3) If sight distance requirements as specified in this chapter cannot be met, the Department may:
(i) prohibit left turns by exiting vehicles;
(ii) restrict turning movements to right turns in and out of a driveway;
(iii) require installation of a right turn acceleration lane or deceleration lane;
(iv) require installation of a separate left turn standby lane;
(v) alter the horizontal or vertical geometry of the roadway; or
(vi) deny access to the highway.]
(3) Inadequate sight distance remedies. If measured sight distances do not exceed the formula sight distances computed under this subsection, the Department will deny access to the highway. The applicant may, at its own expense, submit a new application which provides measured sight distances which exceed the formula sight distances computed under this subsection. The new application must incorporate one or more of the following remedies:
(i) Removal of physical obstructions from the drivers' line of vision.
(ii) Prohibition of left turns out by exiting vehicles.
(iii) Installation of a left turn in standby lane or other auxiliary lanes.
(iv) Prohibition of left turns in by entering vehicles.
(v) Alteration of the horizontal or vertical geometry of the roadway or driveway.
(i) Grade of access [driveway]. Grade of access [driveway] shall be constructed in the following manner:
(1) [All driveways shall] Driveways, local roads, auxiliary lanes and structures must be constructed so as not to impair highway drainage [within the right-of-way], alter the stability of the improved area, or [change] impair the drainage of adjacent areas.
(2) [Where] If a drainage ditch or swale exists, the permittee shall maintain the ditch or swale flow line across the access. The permittee may be required to install adequate pipe under the [driveway in accordance with Form] access or structure, consistent with Design Manual, Part 2 and Publication 408. Drainage pipe installed under [driveways] an access or structure shall be at least [15] 18 inches in diameter or have an equivalent capacity. Larger diameter pipe may be required to accommodate the predicted flow of drainage. The ends of drainage pipes within the improved area shall be fitted with end sections that match existing contours.
(3) The side slopes for driveway embankments [within the right-of-way shall not be steeper than ten to one. See Figure 6] shall be constructed in accordance with Figure 8-6.
(4) Grade requirements in uncurbed shoulders [within the right-of-way] shall conform to Figure [1] 8-1.
(Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Department is proposing to delete Figure 1 on 67 Pa. Code page 441-25, serial page (216133).)
(5) Grade requirements where curbs and sidewalks are present.
(i) The [driveway approaches] curb reveal shall be installed 1 1/2 inches above the adjacent roadway or the gutter grade to maintain proper drainage. See Figure [5] 8-5. Depressed curb is preferable to the alternative of extending curb around the driveway radii in situations involving minimum use driveways, low volume driveways with an ADT below 500 or existing buildings which preclude other than a depressed curb design.
(ii) The difference between the cross slope of the roadway and the [upward] grade of the driveway approach [shall] may not exceed [8.0%] 8%.
(iii) [When] If a planted area exists in front of the sidewalk, one of the following [three cases shall] apply:
(A) [When] If the grass strip between the curb and the sidewalk is wide enough to maintain an [8.0%] 8% maximum driveway approach grade, construct the driveway as shown in Figure [2] 8-2.
(Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Department is proposing to delete Figure 2 on 67 Pa. Code page 441-26, serial page (216134).)
(B) If the driveway grade [would exceed 8.0%] exceeds 8% in the area between the curb and the sidewalk, depress the outer edge of the sidewalk and maintain a maximum sidewalk cross slope of [6.0%] 2%. This will enable the driveway [slope] grade to stay within [the 8.0% slope limit] 8%. See Figure [3] 8-3.
(Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Department is proposing to delete Figure 3 on 67 Pa. Code page 441-26, serial page (216134).)
(C) If the sidewalk cross slope [would exceed 6.0%, as indicated in clause (B) of this subparagraph] exceeds 2%, depress the entire sidewalk. The amount of depression [shall] may not exceed 1 1/2 inches at the inner edge of the sidewalk. The longitudinal [slope] grade of the sidewalk [shall] may not exceed [two inches per foot] (8%). See Figure [3] 8-3.
(iv) [When] If the sidewalk [is] directly [against] abuts the back of the curb and the sidewalk is at least [five] 5 feet wide, the curb shall be sloped as shown in Figure [5 of this subsection] 8-5. This will eliminate the need for depressing the back edge of the sidewalk. For sidewalks narrower than [five] 5 feet, the curb [will] shall be sloped and the back edge of the sidewalk [will] shall be depressed [(] to a maximum of 1 1/2 inches[)] to maintain [an 8.0%] a 2% maximum [grade] sidewalk cross slope on the driveway. The longitudinal grade of the sidewalk [shall] on the driveway may not exceed (8%). See Figure 8-4.
(Editor's Note: As part of this proposed rulemaking, the Department is proposing to delete Figures 4--6 on 67 Pa. Code pages 441-27 and 441-28, serial pages (216135) to (216136).)
(j) Auxiliary lanes. Auxiliary [lanes shall consist of] lane requirements include the following:
* * * * * (2) [Left turn stand-by] Turn lanes. The permit may require the installation of a left turn [stand-by] standby lane, a two-way left turn lane or a right turn lane to separate and protect [left] turning vehicles from through traffic if failure to do so would result in unacceptable traffic operations or an undue hazard [to] for the traveling public, as determined by a traffic study approved by the Department.
(3) [Additional right-of-way for lanes. Where the width of the highway right-of-way is insufficient to permit the construction of a needed auxiliary lane, the permittee shall provide any necessary additional right-of-way.
(4) Cost. When required, auxiliary] Construction. Auxiliary lanes shall be constructed, at no cost to the Department, [in accordance with the Roadway Construction Standards and Form 408] consistent with the Department's requirements and standards, including Design Manual, Part 2 and Publication 408.
[(5)] (4) Lane in front of another property. If an auxiliary lane must be located in front of property of another person, the applicant, at the expense of the applicant, shall [be required to secure the approval of the other person or indemnify the Commonwealth against any action which the other person may bring against the Commonwealth] submit a release executed by each affected property owner in favor of the Department and in a form acceptable to the Department. If the applicant demonstrates that a release cannot be reasonably obtained from each affected property owner, and includes proof of written notice to each affected property owner of the submission of the application to the Department and of the right to appeal under § 441.3(v) (relating to permit application procedure), the Department may agree to accept an indemnification agreement in favor of the Department and in a form acceptable to the Department, if there is no operationally sound alternative available to the applicant. The Department may require the applicant to provide additional security in a form and amount acceptable to the Department. The Department may also require documentation relative to the use of land as described in § 441.3(n) and (p), if applicable.
(5) Longitudinal joints. The applicant or the Department shall determine whether motorists may be misdirected by unaligned longitudinal pavement joints resulting from a pavement widening, in which case the Department may require a full pavement width overlay and new pavement markings.
(k) Access [driveway] pavement.
(1) [Access] Minimum use driveways shall be [appropriately surfaced with a stabilized material between the traveled way and the right-of-way line] constructed with selected material surfacing meeting the requirements of section 677 of Publication 408 unless a higher type material is specified by the permit. The applicant shall construct the access pavement to the pavement edge or, if the shoulder is paved, to the outside edge of the existing shoulder.
(2) Low, medium[,] and high volume driveways and local roads which provide access to paved highways shall be paved [within] from the pavement edge to at least 20 feet beyond the right-of-way and joints shall be sealed. [Materials used in the construction of driveways shall meet the requirements of Form 408. The driveway pavement shall be at least four inches thick within the right-of-way.]
(3) Bituminous access pavements shall have the following materials placed from the pavement edge to at least 20 feet beyond the right-of-way:
(i) Subbase material meeting the requirements of section 350 of Publication 408 with a minimum depth of 6 inches.
(ii) A bituminous concrete base course meeting the requirements of section 305 or section 309 of Publication 408, with a minimum depth of 4 1/2 inches.
(iii) A wearing course of ID-2 material meeting the requirements of section 420 of Publication 408 or superpave asphalt material meeting the requirements of section 409 of Publication 408, with a minimum depth of 1 1/2 inches.
(4) Cement concrete may be placed within the right-of-way only as directed by the district office.
(l) Driveways relative to ramps. Ramps are intended to provide access from one roadway or roadway system to another with a minimum amount of conflict or interference from other traffic. To [insure] ensure the integrity of this intended function, [no] an access [driveway] will not be permitted on a ramp or within 50 feet [of] from either the end of the ramp radius or the intersection of the edge of pavement of the ramp [or its] speed change lane [with] to the [edge of pavement of the intersecting roadway] beginning of the access radius. [Exceptions will be considered only if the enforcement of this subsection would result in the prohibition of reasonable access from the adjacent property to the highway system.]
(m) [Median openings] Medians. Median [openings] requirements shall consist of the following:
(1) The removal or alteration of a portion of median divisor along a divided highway to provide [access to and from traffic in both directions] left turn ingress or egress will not be permitted unless it is determined that the operating characteristics of the highway system will be improved by [such] the action.
(2) A left turn standby lane shall be installed to separate and protect left turning vehicles whenever a median opening or alteration is permitted.
(3) Requests for removal of a median divisor will not be granted without the approval of the [director] district executive or higher Departmental authority.
(4) The applicant, at the expense of the applicant, shall submit a release, in favor of the Department and in a form acceptable to the Department, executed by each abutting or adjacent property owner whose existing access pattern will be affected by the placement or alteration of a median. If the applicant demonstrates that a release cannot be reasonably obtained from each affected property owner, and includes proof of written notice to each affected property owner of the pendency of the application and of the right to appeal under § 441.3(v), the Department may agree to accept an indemnification agreement in favor of the Department and in a form acceptable to the Department, if there is no operationally sound alternative available to the applicant. The Department may require the applicant to provide additional security in a form and amount acceptable to the Department.
(5) The Department may require the placement or alteration of a median to improve the operating characteristics of the highway system.
(n) Shoulder upgrading. [Where] Shoulder upgrading may be required, as follows:
(1) If the existing shoulder on either side of a proposed low, medium[,] or high volume driveway or local road is not structurally or operationally adequate to allow its use by turning vehicles, the permittee shall upgrade the shoulder area for a minimum of 100 feet [on either side of the driveway] from the end of each access radius.
(2) If vehicles traveling on the roadway will utilize the shoulder on the opposite side of the roadway to bypass vehicles attempting to turn left into the access, and a left turn standby lane is not warranted, the Department may require the permittee to upgrade the existing shoulder for a sufficient distance to enable that use.
(3) If curb is required under subsection (g), the shoulder area between the near edge of the pavement and curb must be constructed with a Type 6 paved shoulder in accordance with section 656 of Publication 408 or constructed to match the existing pavement or shoulder type, whichever is higher.
(4) [The] If the permit requires the installation of a paved shoulder to control drainage, the type of shoulder to be installed will be specified by the permit, in accordance with the volume and type of traffic expected to use the [driveway] access.
(o) Traffic control devices. Requirements for traffic control devices [shall be] are as follows:
* * * * * (2) Electrically powered devices. Electrically powered devices shall consist of the following:
* * * * * (iii) Traffic signals must be designed, placed and operated in accordance with the traffic signal permit, consistent with Department Publication 148 (relating to traffic standards--signals) and Department Publication 149 (relating to traffic signal design).
(3) Islands. Islands must be designed consistent with the AASHTO publication entitled ''A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets.'' A raised island must be at least 100 square feet and each side of the island must be at least 15 feet in length, after the rounding of corners.
(p) Required right-of-way. The Department may require the applicant to acquire additional right-of-way necessary to accommodate work to be authorized under the permit, and may require the applicant to utilize property acquisition policies, practices and procedures of the Department. Right-of-way must be acquired by the applicant in a manner acceptable to the Department and conveyed to the Department in fee simple or other acceptable interest. When work authorized under the permit provides a significant public benefit, the Department may authorize and empower the municipality or other authority in the jurisdiction of the permit to acquire required right-of-way on behalf of the Department. Work authorized under the permit includes the construction of the following:
(1) Auxiliary lanes.
(2) Turning lanes.
(3) Drainage.
(4) Structures.
(5) Transportation facilities.
(6) Curb.
(7) Traffic signals.
Table 8-1: Sample Formula Sight Distances
Average Grade (G) (Percent)
Speed (V)
(MPH)0.0 +1.0 +2.0 +3.0 +4.0 +5.0 +6.0 +7.0 +8.0 +9.0 +10.0 25 152 150 149 147 146 144 143 142 141 139 138 30 197 194 192 190 188 186 184 182 180 179 177 35 246 243 240 237 234 231 229 226 224 222 220 40 300 296 292 288 285 281 278 275 272 269 266 45 359 354 349 344 339 335 331 327 323 320 316 50 423 417 410 404 399 393 388 383 379 374 370 55 492 484 476 469 462 456 449 443 438 432 427
Speed (V)
(MPH)-1.0 -2.0 -3.0 -4.0 -5.0 -6.0 -7.0 -8.0 -9.0 -10.0 25 154 155 157 160 162 164 167 170 173 176 30 199 202 205 208 211 214 218 222 227 231 35 249 253 257 261 266 270 276 281 287 293 40 305 310 315 320 326 332 339 346 354 362 45 365 371 378 385 392 400 408 417 427 438 50 430 438 446 454 464 473 484 495 507 520 55 501 510 519 530 541 552 565 579 593 609
Figure 8-1
Figure 8-2
Figure 8-3
Figures 8-4 & 8-5
Figure 8-6
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