Current through Register Vol. 27, No. 12, June 1, 2024
Section 5.4 - SIGHT DISTANCEWhen an entrance is provided to a State-maintained roadway, the area adjacent to the right-of-way shall be clear and free of obstructions. When approaching an intersection, a driver should have an unobstructed view of the intersecting roadway and the ability to view any approaching vehicles at the intersection. The sight distances shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of this section. Projects shall demonstrate compliance by completing the Intersection Sight Distance worksheet available online at http://www.deldot.gov/Business/subdivision > Forms.
A. The entrance location and design shall provide a clear line of sight for the driver of a vehicle preparing to enter the roadway and should be designed in accordance with applicable guidelines and standards such as DelDOT's policies and AASHTO's location and design standards.B. The departure sight triangle (see Figure 5.4-a) shall be used at entrances where a stopped driver on a minor road approach (entrance) attempts to depart from the intersection and enter or cross a major road. Calculated distance from the center of the near travel lane to 18 feet from the edge of through lane (see note 2.b in Figure 5.4-a) should be used as the decision point in departure sight triangle. For minor subdivision plans, the calculated distance can be a minimum of 14.5 feet from the edge of the near through lane.C. Any marquee sign located in conformance with the Outdoor Advertising requirements must be placed to maintain the required sight distance.D. If the sight triangle established in accordance with the standards of this chapter is outside the existing of dedicated right-of-way on the subject parcel, then a sight easement shall be established to maintain the required sight distance as shown on Figure 5.4-a. If the sight triangle is outside the existing of dedicated right-of-way on an adjacent parcel, then a sight easement should be obtained by the applicant to maintain the required sight distance. If the applicant is unable to obtain the easement, then development may be limited to eliminate the need for the easement on the adjacent parcel.E. At entrances, the sight triangle shall be maintained so as to be free of plantings or anything that could obstruct the sight distance.F. Within the streets of a subdivision the placement of shrubbery or other visual barriers is prohibited within the triangular area formed by the intersection of two curb lines and a line joining the respective points on each of these lines at a distance of 30 feet from the point of intersection. These triangular areas shall be designated on the record plans as sight triangle easements. DelDOT shall have full authority to maintain or require them to be maintained in order to keep the required sight distance. Fire hydrants shall not be considered visual barriers or hazardous obstacles. Figure 5.4-a Sight Distance Triangles
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