AM13-11(B): Channelization Standards for Private Approaches

Type: Bulletin

Topic or Program: Access Management  |  Channelization

Final Number: AM13-11(B)

Effective Date: 05/23/2013

Updated Date: 03/07/2022

Signature on File: Angela Kargel, Access Management Program Manager

This Technical Services Bulletin provides guidance to ODOT access management staff in interpreting, evaluating and implementing the channelization standards of OAR734-051-4020 (2). Channelization includes both right and left turn lanes.

See Attachment A, Evaluation of Channelization for Private Approaches, for detailed guidance on interpreting and applying the channelization standards of OAR734-051-4020 (2).

The Region Traffic Engineer must approve proposals to install channelization at intersections (signalized and unsignalized), including at private approaches (Traffic Manual Section 100.1). See Sections 405.0 through 405.8 of the Traffic Manual for additional process and required approvals for channelization including two-way left-turn lanes.

This guidance is for use by the department’s access management staff and may be shared with members of the public for instruction or information.

The channelization standards in OAR 734-051-4020 (2) were established in statute by Senate Bill 264 during the 2011 session, and later appeared as ORS 374.311(5) which is still in effect. Channelization is one of several standards and criteria for approval of private approaches set forth in OAR 734-051-4020. OAR 734-051-3050 (7) and (10) establish the criteria for approval of requests for deviations from the channelization standards by the Region Access Management Engineer and the Region Manager. OAR 734-051-4020 (9) establishes the criteria for denial by the Region Access Management Engineer of requests for deviations.

Further information about the assumptions and technical analyses that form the basis of the channelization thresholds is available in a Technical Paper entitled Background and Assumptions for Development of Channelization Standards in ORS 374.311(5) and OAR 734-051-4020(2)(b). The Technical Paper is posted on the Access Management intranet site.

Department staff members in the following positions are responsible for carrying out the guidance in this Bulletin as it relates to their assigned duties and authority:

• Region Managers.
• District Managers.
• Region Access Management Engineers.
• Development Review Coordinators.
• Access Management Coordinators.
• Permit Specialists.
• Other staff as assigned by management authority.

Implement this guidance upon effective date.

If problems or concerns develop in implementing this Bulletin or further clarification is needed, contact the Access Management Program Manager.

• Attachment A