Chapter 3 - Design Controls

3.5. Establishment of Access Control

Roadways serving higher volumes of regional through traffic require greater access control to preserve their traffic function. Frequent and direct property access is more compatible with the function of local and collector roadways.

The regulation of access to a roadway is referred to as access control.  It is achieved through the regulation of public access rights to and from properties abutting the highway facilities. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA)  § 32-6-111 and OCGA §  32-6-112 give GDOT this authority. These regulations generally are categorized as full control of access or partial control of access.

Full control of access means that preference is given to through traffic by providing access connections by means of ramps with only selected public roads and by prohibiting crossings at grade and direct driveway connections. 

Partial control of access means that preference is given to through traffic to a degree. Access connections, which may be at-grade or grade-separated, are provided with selected public roads and private driveways.  In areas with partial control of access, the decision to grant access to private driveways is made at the time of project development, and thereafter, private driveway access may not be added. 

Permitted access means that a permit is needed for access.  A permit is required prior to performing any construction work or non-routine maintenance within the State highway right-of-way. This includes but is not limited to the following activities: grading, landscaping, drainage work, temporary access to undeveloped land for logging operations, or construction of a development. Any revisions to any portion of existing driveways, i.e. widening and/or relocation that are within the State highway right-of-way shall also require a permit.