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ODOT Access Management

About Us

Welcome to the Access Management Unit

The Access Management Unit is part of the Highway Division, Technical Services Branch, in the Traffic-Roadway Section. It is responsible for overseeing and directing the Access Management Program, a program that manages how and where the department permits access to state highways from adjacent land.
 
ODOT manages highway access based on state law, engineering principles and objective standards that balance the economic development needs of property abutting highways with the need to maintain the safe and efficient operation of state highways. The program is managed in a manner that is consistent with local comprehensive plans.
 
State law, ORS 374, authorizes ODOT to regulate entry to highways from adjacent land to manage and minimize potential conflicts and crashes between traffic flow on the highway and vehicles turning to use a driveway or turning at a crossroad; and for general public welfare.

Access Management Unit (AMU)

The AMU works with diverse individuals and stakeholder groups to develop and refine the state statutes and administrative rules governing access to state highways. The AMU works with ODOT leadership teams to integrate access management into ODOT maintenance and operations, project delivery, right-of-way and transportation planning business lines. It works closely with dedicated staff in the five ODOT Regions and 14 Districts to develop guidance and training to implement access management rules, policies and procedures consistently across the state. Services provided by the AMU include:

  • Coordinate stakeholder groups to develop and refine access management laws and rules.
  • Lead in developing guidance and training to support Region and District staff in ongoing implementation of the Access Management Program.
  • Oversee the approach permit application review and decision process; and an appeals process.
  • Administer a central highway approach permit database.
  • Develop new program initiatives, conduct research and program evaluation.  
     
ODOT Regions

ODOT divides highway operations into five Regions with headquarters in Portland, Salem, Roseburg, Bend and La Grande. A Region Access Management Engineer (RAME) is stationed in each Region to lead the ongoing application and implementation of the Access Management Program in each Region. These senior engineers provide many services including: 

  • Serve as technical consultants to Region and District staff, contractors and local agencies for applying access management statutes, rules, policies and procedures in a range of often complex situations.
  • Lead engineering and traffic analysis for complex approach permit applications, often in conjunction with local land use actions and development review processes.
  • Serve as subject matter experts on transportation planning, project delivery and development review teams. 

ODOT Districts

There are 14 Districts divided among the five Regions. The District Managers and Permit Specialists are the primary points of contact for customers seeking information about the Access Management Program. Services performed by District staff include: 

  • Provide customer service and information to applicants about the highway approach permit process.
  • Receive, evaluate and approve applications for new highway approaches and changes to the use of existing connections.
  • Review and approve approach construction plans and issue a Permit to construct the approach.
    Inspect construction and issue a Permit to Operate, Maintain and Use the approach.
  • Maintain paper files containing the record of decision, terms and agreements for approach permit applications.
Right of Way

The Technical Services, Right-of-Way Section is based in Salem with representatives stationed in each Region. The Right-of-Way staff in Salem conducts access control research to determine if property has a right of access to the highway. It also process applications for Grants of Access or Indentures of Access in areas where the department has acquired rights of access.