The Access and Hearings Unit is part of the WSDOT HQ Design Office. We administer the statewide limited access and managed access programs for all Washington state highways. We provide technical support and training to project teams developing Interchange Justification Reports and Access Reports as well as coordinate all project hearings statewide. We review and approve access documentation on state route projects and coordinate actions with FHWA for approval of access revisions on Interstate routes. An effective access management program can:

• reduce crashes as much as 50%
• increase roadway capacity by 23% to 45%
• reduce travel time and delay as much as 40% to 60%
  

An effective access management program can provide all of these benefits and can be achieved without adding asphalt! If you would like to find out more, contact the Access and Hearings Unit.


Primary Responsibilities
To provide direction, comments and reviews to the WSDOT regions on all matters regarding access. The Access & Hearings Unit’s primary responsibilities are:

• Consistent application of the RCW’s and  WAC’s, and WSDOT guidance documents (such as the Design Manual or Local Agency Guidelines). 
• Maintain and update the Roadway Access Management Permit (RAMP’s) system.
• Review and update appropriate Design Manual Chapters.
• Provide statewide training on access issues.
• Provide technical assistance to regions when requested.
• Review property disposals for approval.
• Review cell tower airspace leases for access issues.
  

Technical Assistance
The Access and Hearings Unit offers technical assistance for the following:

• Provide guidance and direction on access issues.
• Maintain process and accurate estimate of time to complete.
  Maintain Access Control Tracking System Limited Access and Managed
  Access Master Plan. This should go under Responsibilities
• Update and maintain Access & Hearings Unit website. This should go under Responsibilities
• Provide training to WSDOT regions, local agencies and, as requested, by other groups.
• Analyze state and federal rules and regulations for impacts to access guidelines. 
• Access Guide to the State Highway System (pdf, 51 kb)
• Brochure (tips and tricks)

Interchange Justification Reports/Access Reports

Training

Process Timelines Draft Interchange Justification Report (pdf 87k)

Methods & Assumptions Document Template (pdf 27kb)

Assumptions Document Example 1 (pdf 204k)

Assumptions Document Example 2 (pdf 474k)

Hearings
Coordinating Assistance related to Design, Access, Environmental, and/or Corridor Statewide.

Process Timelines Access Reports, Limited Access Plan and Prehearing Packet (pdf 67k)

Prehearing Packet Example (pdf 80k)

Process Timelines Hearings (pdf 61k)

Statute, Administrative Code, Department Policy
We will help direct and advise you on requirements of statute, administrative code, and department policy for access issues.

Limited Access
Applicable Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
RCW 47.52 - Limited Access Facilities

Applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
WAC 468-54 - Limited Access Hearings
WAC 468-58 - Limited Access Highways


Managed Access
Applicable Revised Code of Washington (RCW):
RCW 47.50 - Highway Access Management

Applicable Washington Administrative Code (WAC):
WAC 468-51 - Highway Access Management Access Permits - Administrative Process
WAC 468-52 - Highway Access Management - Access Control System and Standards

Limited and Managed Access

Limited Access Break Criteria (pdf)

Limited Access & Managed Access Comparison Sheet (pdf 10k)