The access management criteria contained in this manual are applicable to all classes of state highways. This manual also provides a mechanism for municipalities to be granted permitting authority to the state highway system. Municipalities that choose to handle access permitting for state highway system roadways within their jurisdiction can either develop their own access management guidelines or they can adopt the guidelines contained in this manual. Because they have authority to implement subdivision and zoning regulations, municipalities also have the ability to apply a host of access management techniques: shared access, cross access, lot width requirements, driveway throat length, internal street circulation, and general thoroughfare planning. It is through a cooperative relationship between the Department and municipalities that the safety and operational benefits of access management can be fully realized. The following subsection provides an overview of access management and discusses some of its principles.