Property and Business Access
Work in the right-of-way sits in front of driveways, storefronts, and entrances that people still need to use. Maintaining access — for deliveries, customers, residents, and emergencies — is both courtesy and requirement.
Last reviewed: June 24, 2026
Why It Matters
- Blocking a driveway, storefront, or accessible entrance harms residents and businesses and generates complaints and access disputes.
- Emergency access to properties must be preserved at all times.
When It Applies
- Whenever a work zone is adjacent to driveways, businesses, garages, or building entrances.
Planning Considerations
- Identify the accesses the work affects and plan how each is maintained — temporary walkways, alternate loading, or scheduled access — and preserve emergency access.
- Coordinate with affected properties in advance where access will be constrained.
Field Considerations
- Keep driveways, entrances, and accessible paths usable, or provide the planned alternate, and keep emergency access clear.
- Respond to access issues and adjust within the approved plan.
Inspection Considerations
- Inspectors check that driveways and entrances are not improperly blocked and that accessible and emergency access is maintained.
Common Compliance Failures
- Blocked driveways or storefront entrances with no alternate.
- An accessible entrance blocked by equipment or materials.
Upstream Prevention
- Plan access maintenance for each affected property and coordinate in advance.
- Keep a temporary walkway or alternate access ready where needed.