Questions and Answers Regarding Easements and Frontage Roads
eMail: 29 Apr 05, between IDOT and Manny

1.  Does the corridor as seen on your maps include frontage road(s)?

If the next phase of study determines that the type of facility needed is a four lane divided highway with frontage roads, the protected corridor is generally wide enough to accommodate such a footprint.  However, topography of the land, required vertical clearances (such as above streams, floodplains, railroads and other roadways), access requirements, etc. will all play a factor in developing the design.  Other important and necessary design features include drainage and ditches, side slopes, etc.  Pavement and medians are not the only elements that have to be placed in a corridor.  Therefore, the 400 ft. corridor could be less than needed in some locations or more than what is needed.  It can’t be assumed that there is a “one size fits all” design for such a facility.

A.  If included, how much space in feet will be used from the connector space (400 ft) to build the frontage road and the grass space between the roads?

As stated above, there are many factors which can influence the ultimate design and Right of Way (ROW) needs of a facility including any frontage roads.  Design was not a part of the corridor protection study.  But in general, IDOT design standards recommend 12-foot wide travel lanes for most facilities.  A frontage road would typically consist of two 12-foot travel lanes, with shoulders, on each side of a roadway facility.  One hypothetical scenario (which I believe came up during our discussions with Stop 158) could consist of 40 or more feet of grass (or drainage ditch, etc) between each side of the facility and the frontage road, with about 40 feet being used for each frontage road.  Median and open space widths vary based upon the facility type and other economic, operational, and environmental considerations.  Again, I refer to the answer to question 1 above.

B.  If included, what side of the connector will the frontage road be on - if single sided?

This is a design question that will be addressed in future phases of study.  The design of the frontage roads will be developed as a result of the access analysis that will be conducted in the next phase.  It will vary dependent on the locations of the parcels needing new or modified access.

C.  If not included, any future plans to add one or two roads, especially for those who live and need access out of their property?

Access issues will be addressed in future study phases with the input of local residents.

D.  If not included, will the space needed to build the frontage roads come from the connector (400 ft) space or from the property owner?

Access needs to a parcel can vary greatly with the use and configuration of each unique parcel, therefore the access design for each parcel will vary as well.

2.  Does the connector, 400 feet, include utility easement?

If necessary, utility coordination will take place in the design phase.  Utility companies may pursue obtaining permits from IDOT to locate their utilities in IDOT ROW, or they may choose to pursue their own independent easements.  The location and size of any future utility easements will depend on the type and size of the utility.

3.  When will your maps include / reflect utility easements and frontage roads?

This will be addressed in future phases of study.