ASSESSING THE COSTS AND BENEFITS OF STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF LIMITED ACCESS RIGHT-OF-WAY AT FREEWAY INTERCHANGE AREAS

The purpose of this research is to assess the cost effectiveness of purchasing additional limited access right-of-way at the time of construction in lieu of retrofitting interchange areas after functional failure. The findings indicate that the long term safety, operational, and fiscal benefits of purchasing additional limited access right-of-way at interchange areas, significantly exceed the initial up-front right-of-way costs. This is particularly true for new interchanges in areas where land has not yet been extensively subdivided and developed. Additional research is suggested to further refine and expand upon the results. Nonetheless, the magnitude of these results suggests that state transportation agencies and the traveling public could benefit greatly by an increase in the amount of limited access right-of-way that is acquired at interchange areas to a minimum 600' and a desirable 1/4 mile.