A customer who cannot get in easily goes to a competitor. A showroom, restaurant or shopping centre with a hard-to-reach entrance, or one that needs a long U-turn, loses some of its customers every day however good its service. That is why the entrance location is as much a commercial decision as an engineering one, and it also determines whether the municipality approves the project. This guide sets out the questions to answer before choosing the entrance, what the procedural guide says, the entrance's effect on investment value, and how to assess a commercial plot from an access perspective before buying it.
Questions to Answer Before Choosing the Entrance
- Can it be reached from both directions of traffic, or does the customer need a long U-turn?
- Is the entrance too close to an intersection or signal?
- Is the entrance visible to the driver from a sufficient distance?
- Is parking close to the entrance and organised? Read: Parking requirements by activity.
- Can pedestrians pass safely?
- Are truck and service movements separated from customer traffic?
What the Procedural Guide Says
The guide requires analysing entrance and exit locations in terms of number, location and proximity to intersections, to ensure they do not adversely affect traffic flow or safety, and that there are enough of them for the expected traffic. Read: Access requirements.
Table: Entrance Options, Advantages and Considerations
| Option | Advantages | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Direct entrance on a main street | Clear and easy for those coming from the same direction | Distance from intersections and a sufficient stacking lane |
| Entrance from a parallel service road | Calmer traffic and higher safety | Clear signage and wayfinding |
| Entrance from a side street | Reduces conflict with the main street | The side street's width and capacity |
| Two entrances on a corner plot | Flexibility and traffic distribution | Clearly separating entry from exit |
The Entrance and Investment Value
- When buying a commercial plot, assess the entrance potential before the price.
- A corner plot may allow two entrances.
- A parallel service road may be better than a direct entrance on a highway.
- Street frontage affects the project's visibility and signage. Read: Commercial facade and signage requirements.
The guide defines the "commercial corridor" and "commercial streets", which affect access requirements.
Projects with Special Traffic
Restaurants with drive-throughs and fuel stations need special queue and exit design. Read: Drive-through and fuel station design. Large projects may need a full study. Read: When do you need a traffic study?.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the entrance be changed after permitting?
Changing entrances needs approval, and may require a study if it affects traffic.
Does the entrance affect the number of parking spaces?
Yes; the entrance location sets the parking layout and vehicle circulation within it.
Do I need a traffic engineer before buying a commercial plot?
Assessing access before buying is advisable, as it affects the project's success and permittability.
Can an entrance open onto a highway?
It is subject to the municipality's and competent authorities' requirements; access from a service road is usually preferred.
What is the effect of a nearby signal on the entrance?
The signal queue may overlap the entrance and disrupt traffic, so the distance from intersections is taken into account.
How Abak Engineering Consultancy Helps
Abak is an accredited engineering office that assesses access to your commercial plot before purchase or design, sets the best location for entrances and exits in line with the procedural guide, and prepares the traffic study when needed. 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.