Engineering studies or analyses can be used to assist in the evaluation of future access connections to the state highway system. In many cases, such as low volume or rural access connections, an engineering study will not be needed. For locations where TxDOT is the permitting authority, the need for an engineering study, and the level of detail, will be determined by TxDOT. In the case of a dispute resolution, the Design Division can request an engineering study and specify the level of study detail.

The purpose of an engineering study is to determine the safety, mobility, and operational impacts that the access connection will have on the highway system. While not applicable to TxDOT, municipalities may require that such studies also determine the compatibility between the proposed land use and the transportation network.