Tennessee Department of Transportation Manual for Constructing Driveway Entrances on State Highways 2015 Edition

About this manual

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for the construction of driveway entrances on the Tennessee State Highway System. It details the permit process, liability requirements, and specific design standards intended to preserve the functional integrity and safety of the highway network. The manual defines key terms such as access points, buffer areas, and commercial border areas to ensure consistent application of regulations.

What's inside

• Introduction
• Highway Entrance Permit
• Right-of-Way Encroachment
• Access Points
• Access Design
• Driveway Construction and Grading Standards
• Sight Distance
• Drainage
• Engineering Exceptions
• Maintenance

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of the driveway permit process?

The purpose is to manage access on the State Highway System.

What does 'reasonable access' mean according to this manual?

It means a property owner will have access to the public highway system, but not guaranteed the most direct or convenient access.

What is defined as a 'Driveway' in this manual?

An improved area between a public road and private property used to provide ingress and egress of vehicular traffic.