Access Management
In general, the goal of access management is to balance access density with the desired mobility function of a particular section of a given roadway. If access management policy is effective, it can promote beneficial outcomes including: better mobility and access, safer facilities, and an increase desirability of the businesses or land value in the area. Access management also reduces the potential for accidents by minimizing conflicts between through vehicles and turning vehicles. Research has shown that accident rates increase consistently with an increase in access
Access Management Policy
Speed Hump Installation Policy
Speed humps are an effective and appropriate device for safely reducing vehicle speeds on certain types of streets when installed in accordance with the provisions of this policy. In order for speed hump installations to be effective, they should be located selectively in accordance with defined transportation engineering criteria for the purpose of improving documented speeding problems. Proper installation will also minimize driver frustration and encourage safe driving practices. This policy promotes reasonable opportunities for residents and property owners most affected by a proposed speed hump to participate together in the process that leads to its installation. It also provides for a sharing of the speed hump installation cost between the City and the neighborhood under certain conditions.
Subdivision Street Lighting Standard
General Description of Work
- Installation of adequate and uniform street lighting in new subdivisions.
- A streetlight shall be placed on residential streets at each intersection and in each cul-de-sac. The spacing of the street lights shall not be less than 250’ or greater than 300’. If the distance between intersections is greater than 300’, intermediate light may be required.
- The street light fixture for arterial roadways is to consist of 400 watt, high pressure sodium, cobra type fixture with 6’ to 14’ extension mounted on a 35’ concrete standard. If wood poles are present they may be utilized as long as height and spacing comply with standard. Alternating pole placement preferred see detail sheet. No ornamental pole top fixtures will be allowed.
- The street light fixtures for residential roadways are to consist of 250 watt high pressure sodium, cobra type fixtures with 6’ extensions mounted on 35’ concrete standard. Spacing preferred at 300’ intervals. No ornamental pole top fixtures will be allowed.
- Street light approval is required on all subdivisions.
Materials
Provide materials required to perform work as specified.
Installation of Street Lighting System
The installation of the Street Lighting System is the responsibility of the Developer. This includes furnishing all materials, labor, equipment, tools and incidentals required for the work, all in accordance with the plans and these specifications.
General
All material and items are to be installed in accordance with City Specifications, or as directed by the City Engineer or their designee.
Traffic Impact Analysis Policy
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) policy applies to new development, changes to existing development, and conditional use permits. The TIA shall assist City of McAllen staff in assessing the roadway system’s ability to serve the development.
It shall be the responsibility of the developer to submit a Trip Generation and a TIA if required with plat/site plan and conditional use permit applications. The TIA will be used by City of McAllen staff to:
- Evaluate site access and traffic circulation
- Evaluate the ability of the roadway system to support the proposed development
- Determine specific on-site and off-site roadway system mitigation requirements
- Determine the developer’s share of future roadway improvements
All Traffic Impact Analyses performed under this policy shall be conducted under the direction of a registered/licensed professional engineer. The final report shall be signed and sealed by the registered professional engineer responsible for the document. The Professional Engineer’s license shall be valid in the State of Texas. Engineers performing the study shall discuss study requirements (trip generation, trip distribution, growth rates, e.g.) with the City of McAllen Engineering Department’s designated staff to confirm each of these elements prior to completing the study.