Traffic Standards & Policies
Access Management Policy
In general, the goal of access management is to balance access density with the desired mobility function of a particular section of a given roadway. If access management policy is effective, it can promote beneficial outcomes including: better mobility and access, safer facilities, and an increased desirability of the businesses or land value in the area. Access management also reduces the potential for accidents by minimizing conflicts between through vehicles and turning vehicles. Research has shown that accident rates increase consistently with an increase in access.
Speed Hump Installation Policy
A speed hump is an effective and appropriate traffic-calming device for safely reducing vehicle speeds on certain types of streets when installed in accordance with the provisions of the Speed Hump Installation Policy.
In order for speed hump installations to be effective, they should be located selectively in accordance with defined transportation engineering criteria for the purpose of improving documented speeding problems. Proper installation will also minimize driver frustration and encourage safe driving practices.
Subdivision Street Lighting Standard
General Description of work:
- Installation of adequate and uniform street lighting is required in new subdivisions, approval of the lighting plan is required through the Traffic Operations Division.
- A streetlight shall be placed on residential streets at each intersection and in each cul-de-sac. The spacing of the street lights shall not be less than 250’ or greater than 300’. If the distance between intersections is greater than 300’, intermediate lights may be required.
- The street light fixtures for residential streets are to consist of 250 watt high pressure sodium, cobra type fixtures with 6’ extensions mounted on 35’ concrete standard.
- The street light fixture for arterial roadways is to consist of 400 watt, high pressure sodium, cobra type fixture with 6’ to 14’ extension mounted on a 35’ concrete standard. If wood poles are present they may be utilized as long as height and spacing comply with standard. Alternating pole placement preferred.
- No ornamental pole top fixtures are permitted.
The Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA) policy applies to new development, changes to existing development, and conditional use permits. The TIA shall assist City of McAllen staff in assessing the roadway system’s ability to serve the development.
It shall be the responsibility of the developer to submit a Trip Generation and a TIA if required with plat/site plan and conditional use permit applications. The TIA will be used by City of McAllen staff to:
- Evaluate site access and traffic circulation
- Evaluate the ability of the roadway system to support the proposed development
- Determine specific on-site and off-site roadway system mitigation requirements
- Deternine the developer's share of future roadway improvements
All Traffic Impact Analyses performed under this policy shall be conducted under the direction of a registered/licensed professional engineer. The final report shall be signed and sealed by the registered professional engineer responsible for the document. The Professional Engineer’s license shall be valid in the State of Texas. Engineers performing the study shall discuss study requirements (trip generation, trip distribution, growth rates, e.g.) with the City of McAllen Traffic Operations Department’s designated staff to confirm each of these elements prior to completing the study.