Terminal Access Application Procedures

INTRODUCTION

What is the purpose of this fact sheet? This fact sheet is an overview of the procedures for applying for new terminal access routes. Its purpose is to enhance communication between Caltrans, the trucking industry and local governments regarding the changing of truck route classifications.

DEFINITIONS

What is a STAA truck? In 1982, the federal government passed the Surface Transportation Assistance Act (STAA). This act requires states to allow certain longer trucks on a network of federal highways, referred to as the "National Network" (NN)." A "STAA" truck is, in many cases, longer than a "California Legal" truck, and may operate only on specific highways in California. (For a more detailed discussion of truck sizes, see the Caltrans web page: "Truck Route Classifications.")

STAA truck dimensions are listed below. (Note: trucks with 53-foot trailers are allowed on the STAA network by State legislation, not federal; however, we categorize them as STAA trucks for simplicity.)

STAA Truck - Single Trailer:	STAA Truck - Double Trailer:
Semi-trailer = 48 feet maximum. KPRA* = no limit. Combination length = no limit. -OR- Semi-trailer = over 48 feet, but 53 feet maximum. KPRA = 40 feet maximum. Combination length = no limit.	Semi-trailer = 28 feet 6 inches maximum. Trailer = 28 feet 6 inches maximum. KPRA* = no limit. Combination length = no limit. (*KPRA = kingpin-to-rear axle length)

What is a Terminal Access route? Terminal Access (TA) routes are portions of State or local highways that Caltrans or a local government granted access to STAA trucks. The purpose of TA routes is to allow STAA trucks to (1) travel between NN routes, (2) reach a truck's operating facility, or (3) reach a facility where freight originates, terminates, or is handled in the transportation process.

Where can I get more information about truck routes? For more information on truck sizes and route classifications, see the Caltrans fact sheet "Truck Route Classifications.")

ROUTE CLASSIFICATION CHANGES

How can a trucking company request a new Terminal Access route on a State route? Caltrans classified all State routes in the 1980's with an engineering analysis. However, improvement projects may change the highway geometrics and may justify a new evaluation. To apply for a Terminal Access designation on a State route, you may send your request to the appropriate Caltrans District Truck Coordinator. You may also call Caltrans Headquarters at (916) 654-5741 for more information.

How can a trucking company request a new Terminal Access route on a local road? Local governments may evaluate roads under their jurisdiction to consider allowing STAA trucks. Caltrans suggests that applicants and local governments follow the guidelines below for the application and route analysis:

Applicant sends a request to the local agency and a copy to the Caltrans District Truck Coordinator. (There is no application form. A letter will suffice. Be sure that the letter includes all pertinent information, including the desired route, the highway exit, streets, and address of the terminal.)
Local agency acknowledges receipt of the request and identifies the time frame for response. (Local agency and Caltrans must act on request within 90 days of receipt.)
Local agency sends a copy of the request and an acknowledgement letter to the appropriate Caltrans District Truck Coordinator.
Local agency and Caltrans analyze the affected highway segments, intersections and interchanges under their respective jurisdictions, to determine whether both facilities can safely accommodate STAA vehicles.
IF ONE CANNOT ACCOMMODATE: Local agency notifies the applicant that access is denied and sends a copy to the Caltrans District Truck Coordinator.
IF BOTH CAN ACCOMMODATE: Local agency notifies the applicant that access is granted and sends a copy to the Caltrans District Truck Coordinator.

If access is granted, the Caltrans Terminal Access signs (G66-56) must be installed:

Local agency installs Terminal Access signs (G66-56) along local routes as trailblazers. At TA route end locations, a G66-56 sign must be installed with an "End" sign (M4-6). The local government then notifies Caltrans that the local signs are installed. (In addition to the required signs, the agency may also produce a map or a listing of highways to indicate TA routes.)
Caltrans installs Terminal Access signs on the State route indicating the approved exits that provide access to the local TA route.

Are local agencies familiar with these procedures? Many are not. However, Caltrans will assist any California agency with guidelines, highway analysis, and signage information.

Where must the TA route begin and end? Obviously, a new Terminal Access route must connect with an existing TA route so that the STAA trucks can access it. If one end of the new route dead ends (does not connect with another TA route), then that end point must have adequate turn-around space, and that space must be accessible to all STAA trucks 24 hours per day. If the new route dead ends at a terminal, the terminal facility must provide the turn-around area.

LEGAL BASIS

What is the legal basis for these terminal access procedures? Legal requirements for vehicles are found in the California Vehicle Code (CVC). Section 35401.5 (d) of the CVC states, "The Department of Transportation or local authorities may establish a process whereby access to terminals or services may be applied for upon a route not previously established as an access route. The denial of a request for access to terminals and services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route." As stated above, the engineering analysis is required by the CVC. The other application guidelines are merely suggestions to streamline communication.

The sign installation is required by law. According to the 2006 California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which is legally binding, "Signing of egress from a State Terminal Access route to a local Terminal Access route shall be done only if... the entire segment including the State highway ramp or intersection meets all geometric criteria for STAA trucks." (Click on "Part 2: Signs." Terminal Access signing starts at page 2D-29.) The MUTCD also states that:

Local agency shall place G66-56(CA) signs at every critical decision point on the Terminal Access routes, including a G66-56(CA) sign with END Auxiliary (M4-6) sign.
The State shall place a G66-56(CA) sign on the State route in advance of the ramp or intersection to the local Terminal Access highway.

Can a request be denied? Yes. A request for a terminal route can be denied; however, the CVC states, "The denial of a request for access to terminals and services shall be only on the basis of safety and an engineering analysis of the proposed access route." The terminal could be any place of business, provided that it is a legal operation.

Is there a time limit? Yes. The CVC states, "If a written request for access has been properly submitted and has not been acted upon within 90 days of receipt by the department or the appropriate local agency, the access shall be deemed automatically approved." However, the meaning of the term "act" is open to interpretation; it does not necessarily mean that the final decision must be made during that time frame.

Which trucks gain access? When an application is successful, the road is opened to all trucks of the same type as the applicant. The CVC states, "...the route shall be deemed open for access by all other vehicles of the same type regardless of ownership."

Where can I read the CVC? To accessthe CVC, go to the web site www.leginfo.ca.gov, select "California Law," and check the box by "Vehicle Code." Then you have two choices: (1) To search the CVC, type in a key word to search for and hit <return>. (2) To access the entire CVC, leave the search field blank and hit <return>. You will see the Table of Contents. To access the length provisions, scroll down to sections 35400-35414 and click on that link.

ENGINEERING BASIS

What is the engineering basis for determining access? Caltrans performs engineering analyses that focus on a vehicle characteristic called "off-tracking." Off-tracking is the tendency for rear tires to follow a shorter path than the front tires when turning. Off-tracking is the primary concern with longer vehicles because rear tires may clip street signs, or drive onto shoulders, walkways, or bike lanes, or cross the centerline on a curve, creating a safety hazard for adjacent and oncoming traffic.

What method is used in the analysis? Caltrans performed many of its original off-tracking analyses using the mainframe computer program "truck off-tracking model" (TOM). Caltrans currently uses licensed software which is based on TOM. The software simulates the turning movement of slow-moving vehicles, and is compatible with MicroStation and AutoCADD software.

Where can off-tracking software be purchased?Caltrans staff is aware of two companies selling off-tracking analysis software: Transoft Solutions can be reached at (604) 244-8387 or through their website at www.transoftsolutions.com. Other software programs are available as well, such as AutoTrack at the website www.savoy.co.uk.

LOCAL MAPS

Are maps available showing local STAA roads? Caltrans is encouraging local governments to produce maps showing local STAA roads. The current local maps are available as links at: http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/truckmap. Look for the topic "Local Truck Route Maps."

CONTACTS

Caltrans Legal Truck Size & Weight Work Group
Casey Robb
Manuel Fonseca
General number (916) 654-5741
E-mail: Truck Size & Weight Unit.

Return to the Caltrans "Office of Truck Services" page.

Revised 4/3/08.