RECOMMENDED DESIGN GUIDELINES FOR THE VERTICAL ALIGNMENT OF DRIVEWAYS. FINAL REPORT

This report outlines preliminary vertical curve alignment guidelines for the design of driveways. It is intended to be an aid for highway engineers involved with the design of driveways for access locations with restricted right of way and steep vertical alignment. Guidelines are recommended that will allow designs to meet minimum safety and operational criteria. In addition to the design guidelines, the report discusses various elements that should be considered in formulating a design that includes site characteristics, functional requirements, and design vehicles. Based on these factors, requirements for maximum and minimum driveway grades and lengths of grades are established. In addition, this report provides a procedural framework for implementation in design and analysis. By utilizing this framework, the engineer develops initial design considerations based on geometries and functional requirements, formulates the design according to maximum and minimum geometric guidelines, tests the design to accommodate design vehicles, and then retests the design with respect to the geometric guidelines. Application of the guidelines and procedures provided in this report will enable engineers to be more confident in the safety and operational effectiveness of their design.