The Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) is implementing access management strategies across the state to improve safety and traffic efficiency by controlling where vehicles can enter and exit roadways.
These projects involve redesigning access along busy corridors with high traffic volumes. This includes adding dedicated turn lanes, combining driveways and modifying medians to manage traffic more effectively. These changes also support economic growth by improving access to businesses.
“Uncontrolled access can lead to congestions, crashes and delays,” said LaTara Burton, West Central Region Highway Safety Engineer. “By managing access at these points, we make roads more efficient and improve safety.”
According to the Federal Highway Administration, studies show that effective access management can reduce crash rates by up to 50%, while also improving fuel efficiency for drivers by reducing stop-and-go traffic.
ALDOT works closely with local governments to ensure changes meet the needs of drivers. Each project is designed with careful consideration of traffic patterns, roadway capacity and long-term needs.
