Interstate Access Requests/Interstate Access Modification Requests
Purpose
The Interstate Access Request (IAR) or Interstate Access Modification Request (IAMR) is a procedure for the analysis, documentation, review and approval of MnDOT requests to FHWA for changes in Interstate System access.
When to use this subject
This process is required for every project on or impacting the Interstate System that meets at least one of the following criteria:
- New interchange(s)
- Additional lane(s), such as added capacity lanes—general purpose or restricted lanes (E‑ZPass)—and auxiliary lanes
- Modifications to existing interchanges involving access control revisions for new ramps or relocation or elimination of existing ramps
- Relocation of entrance or exit ramp noses
- Modification of the access control on arterial roadways at interchanges
- Projects with the potential to change operations of the Interstate and/or interchange (such as a change to a freeway/arterial roadway within one interchange/intersection of an Interstate)
- Initial construction or modification of transit-only access
- Initial construction or modification of managed-lane-only access
How this subject fits into the overall project development process
This process should begin at the initiation of the project—usually at the start of scoping—and carry through the NEPA process.
The process starts with an initial meeting between MnDOT and FHWA Minnesota Division staff to reach consensus on the parameters that will be used to develop and analyze the project, such as years of forecasting (forecasted year and day of opening), design standards to be used, how safety will be evaluated, and requirements for operational analysis. The process concludes with the approval of the IAR/IAMR by FHWA and MnDOT. The NEPA document for the project will not be approved without the review of the draft IAR/IAMR being complete.
The process is intended to be iterative with the NEPA process, as the evaluation of safety and mobility for the project will impact the associated impacts of each alternative. This ensures a coordinated and measured result that will provide the best alternative.
Organizations involved
- MnDOT
- District Planning
- District Traffic Engineering
- Office of Environmental Stewardship
- Office of Project Management and Technical Support: Geometric Design Support Unit
- Federal Highway Administration
- The Metropolitan Planning Organization for the area, if applicable
- Local entities, including cities and counties