The location of a commercial project's entrance can make or break it: an easily reached entrance draws customers, while an entrance close to an intersection or with a short stacking lane causes congestion, accidents and comments from the municipality. At Level One of the procedural guide, the access study, you may not need a full traffic study, but some commercial projects are asked for drawings showing the entrances, exits and the number and location of parking spaces. At higher levels, access analysis becomes a separate chapter in the report. This guide explains the objectives of access analysis, the required outputs, common mistakes, and who bears the cost of improvements.
Objectives of Access Analysis According to the Guide
- No disruption to traffic flow.
- Avoiding conflict points between merging vehicles.
- Active transport (pedestrians, bicycles and scooters) not being affected by entrances and exits.
- Providing sufficient sight distance for vehicles exiting onto the road.
- Entrances and exits being at sufficient distances from neighbouring entrances, U-turn points and intersections according to the specifications.
Required Outputs
- A preliminary design of the entrances and exits with dimensions and road markings.
- Drawings at a suitable scale overlaid on an aerial image of the project and surrounding area.
- Enough entrances to accommodate the expected traffic.
Table: Design Element and What Is Reviewed
| Element | What is reviewed |
|---|---|
| Entrance location | Distance from intersections, signals and U-turn points |
| Number of entrances | Sufficient for peak traffic volume. Read: Peak hours |
| Stacking lane | Long enough to prevent cars queuing on the street |
| Sight distance | Sufficient visibility for exiting vehicles |
| Pedestrians | Safe walkways at the entrance |
| Parking | Number, locations and dimensions. Read: Parking dimensions and angles |
Common Mistakes
- An entrance too close to an intersection or signal.
- A single entrance for a high-traffic project.
- Omitting pedestrian walkways at the entrance.
- A short stacking lane causing cars to queue on the street.
- Mixing truck movements with customer traffic. Read: Loading dock design.
Improvements within the project's boundary, such as stacking lanes at entrances, are at the owner's cost according to the guide. Read: Entrance location and its effect on project success and Drive-through design.
When Do You Need a Wider Study?
If the generated trips exceed the Level One thresholds, you need a full traffic impact study in which access analysis is one part. Read: When do you need a traffic study?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small shop need an access study?
Some small commercial activities are asked for drawings of entrances, exits and parking even if they do not need a full study.
Who bears the cost of the stacking lane?
Improvements within the project's boundary are at the owner's cost according to the guide.
Can the entrance location be changed after the permit?
This needs a regulatory amendment, so it is better to settle it at the design stage.
Does the entrance affect a commercial project's value?
Yes; ease of access is one of the most important factors in commercial projects' success.
What is AutoTurn?
Software for simulating vehicle movement, used in parking and access drawings according to the guide.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that designs your commercial project's entrances and exits in line with the procedural guide, with drawings overlaid on an aerial image and analysis of stacking lanes and sight distances, through to approval. See our access points design service, or contact us.
Regulatory information is based on the Balady platform and the Ministry of Municipalities and Housing, and procedures may be updated by the competent authority. Last reviewed: October 2026.