An access road (sometimes called a frontage road) runs parallel to high-speed highways. It lets drivers transition safely from fast traffic to local businesses, homes, or farms. In commercial areas, access roads are lined with repair shops, dealerships, and towing yards. These locations need easy access for large tow trucks and transport trailers.
For mechanic shops, being on an access road is great for business. It offers high visibility to passing highway traffic, while making it easy for customers with broken-down vehicles to pull off the main road. The layout must have wide entrances to accommodate flatbeds turning in from the access road.
These roads require careful driving, especially when merging onto the main highway. Speed limits are lower, and traffic patterns can be tricky due to drivers hunting for specific business entrances. Knowing the local access roads helps tow truck operators navigate traffic jams and reach crash scenes quickly.