Guidelines for Access, Location and Layout of Roadside Fuel Stations and Service Stations (Third Revision)

The Introduction of IRC 12 outlines the framework for fuel station access and layout on highways. Key specifications include:

• Access roads must have a minimum pavement composition of either 150 mm GSB + WBM Grade II/III (75 mm each) or 150 mm WMM + 50 mm BM + 25 mm SDBC, as per the detailed layout figures (Fig.1 to Fig.4).
• Pavement markings should comply with IRC 35-1997.
• Traffic signs must follow IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001 standards.
• Separator islands must have a minimum width of 3 m and be turfed with 275 mm high kerbs.
• Slab culverts with gratings are required on entry and exit approaches to handle stormwater discharge.
• All dimensions are in meters unless otherwise specified.

The document provides detailed layout diagrams for access to fuel stations on undivided and divided carriageways in plain and rolling terrain, emphasizing safety and proper signage.

This summary is based on the Introduction and Implementation Procedure clauses and associated tables and figures.

Sources: Clause 1. Introduction, Clause 35.00 Implementation Procedure, Figures 1 to 4, IRC 35-1997, IRC 67-2001, IRC SP-55-2001

The basic principles for setting up fuel stations per IRC 12 focus on ensuring free traffic flow, minimizing interference from vehicles using the facilities, and ensuring safety on the road. Key specifications include:

• Access roads must have a minimum pavement composition of either 150 mm GSB + 75 mm WBM (Grades II, III) or 150 mm WMM + 50 mm BM + 25 mm SDBC (Clause 35.00).
• Pavement markings should comply with IRC 35-1997.
• Traffic signs must follow IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001, including advance information signs for fuel stations located on the opposite side of travel.
• Separator islands must have a minimum width of 3 m and be turfed with 275 mm high kerbs.
• Slab culverts with gratings are required on entry and exit approaches to handle stormwater discharge.
• All dimensions are in meters unless otherwise specified.

These principles ensure safety and smooth traffic operations near fuel stations (Clause 2 and Clause 35.00).

Sources: Clause 2, Clause 35.00

The scope of IRC 12 covers guidelines for fuel station siting and access on highways, including layout, pavement, signage, and drainage. Key specifications include:

• Minimum distance between fuel stations:

  • Undivided carriageway: 300 m (including deceleration and acceleration lanes)
  • Divided carriageway (no median gap): 1000 m on the same side; no restriction on opposite side (As per Clause 4.6.1)

• Access road pavement composition:

  • 150 mm GSB + WBM Grade II/III 75 mm each, or
  • 150 mm WMM + 50 mm BM + 25 mm SDBC (Clause 35.00)

• Separator island minimum width: 3 m with 275 mm high kerbs

• Pavement markings as per IRC 35-1997

• Traffic signs as per IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001

• Slab culverts with gratings on entry/exit for stormwater drainage

All dimensions are in meters unless specified otherwise.

Sources: Clause 4.6.1, Clause 35.00, Clause 7.50

The General Conditions of Siting for fuel stations as per IRC 12 include key layout and pavement specifications:

• Access roads must have a minimum pavement composition of either 150 mm GSB + 75 mm WBM (Grades II or III) each or 150 mm WMM + 50 mm BM + 25 mm SDBC, as per the details in Clause 4 (General Conditions of Siting).

• Pavement markings should comply with IRC 35-1997.

• Traffic signs must follow IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001 standards.

• Separator islands must have a minimum width of 3 m, with buffer strips turfed and provided with 275 mm high kerbs.

• Slab culverts with gratings are required on entry and exit approaches to handle stormwater discharge.

• Typical layouts for access and fuel station positioning on undivided and divided carriageways are provided in figures (not to scale), showing paved shoulders of 1.5 m and earthen shoulders of 1.0 m.

All dimensions are in meters unless otherwise specified. These conditions apply to plain and rolling terrain in rural sections.

This summary is based on Clause 4 and Clause 35.00 of IRC 12.

Sources: Clause 4 General Conditions of Siting, Clause 35.00 Implementation Procedure

As per Clause 5.2 of IRC 12, the minimum plot sizes for fuel stations along highways/roads are specified as follows:

Additionally, Clause 5.1 emphasizes that the plot size must accommodate fuel pumps, offices, stores, compressor room, air pump, and kiosks without hindering vehicle movement, especially during peak times. The layout should ensure vehicles do not spill onto access roads and that air pumps/kiosks are placed to avoid traffic interference.

Clause 4.7 specifies minimum distances from barriers and structures: fuel stations must be at least 1000 m from toll plazas and railway crossings, 200 m from the start of an ROB approach road, and 500 m from grade separators or ramps.

These specifications ensure safe, efficient, and accessible fuel station design along highways.

Sources: Clause 5.1, Clause 5.2, Clause 4.7

The key specifications for Access Layout in IRC 12 include typical layouts for fuel stations and clusters of fuel stations on undivided carriageways. As per Clause 6.1.8, the layout covers deceleration and acceleration lanes, connecting approaches, separator islands, buffer strips, drainage, and signs and markings, illustrated in Figures 1 and 3. For clusters of fuel stations, Clause 6.1.9 specifies layouts including deceleration lanes, service roads, and acceleration lanes, shown in Figures 2 and 4. Additionally, Clause 9.4 mandates the system of signs and markings with their types and locations as per these figures. Unfortunately, the exact formulas or tables are not provided in the retrieved context, but the figures referenced are critical for detailed design and implementation.

Sources: Clause 6.1.8, Clause 6.1.9, Clause 9.4

Key drainage specifications from IRC 12 for fuel station access and layout include:

• The fuel station and access area must be at least 300 mm below the edge of the highway shoulder level to prevent surface water flow onto the highway (Clause 6.2).
• Surface water from the fuel station and access roads must be collected in a suitable underground drainage system and discharged to a natural water course via culverts.
• Only slab culverts with iron gratings of adequate strength are permitted on entry and exit approaches to drain stormwater; pipe culverts are not allowed (Clause 6.2, Clause 7.50).
• Slab culverts with gratings should be aligned with stormwater drains on entry and exit approaches to handle expected discharge (Clause 7.50).
• The drainage design must be approved by Highway/Road Authorities, and detailed drainage drawings must be submitted with permission applications (Clause 6.2).

Additional layout details:

• Minimum width of separator islands is 3 m with buffer strips turfed and provided with 275 mm high kerbs (Clause 7.50).

These provisions ensure effective drainage preventing water logging and highway surface water contamination.

Sources: Clause 6.2, Clause 7.50

The enforcement of Right of Way (ROW) and building lines in IRC 12 is detailed primarily in Clause 8 and illustrated through layout figures for fuel station access on various carriageway types. Key specifications include:

• Minimum pavement composition for access roads: 150 mm GSB, WBM Grade II or III of 75 mm each, or WMM of 150 mm, 50 mm BM, and 25 mm SDBC (Clause 35.00).
• Separator island: Minimum width of 3 m, turfed with 275 mm high kerbs.
• Pavement markings: As per IRC 35-1997.
• Traffic signs: As per IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001.
• Slab culverts with gratings: Provided on entry and exit approaches for stormwater drainage.
• Minimum distance 'D' for access roads intersecting NH/SH/MDR: 300 m; for other roads, 100 m (Clause 7.50).

The layouts (Figures 1 to 5) show half prescribed ROW and building lines on either side of the carriageway, paved and earthen shoulders, and buffer strips to enforce building lines and ROW effectively.

These provisions ensure controlled access, safety, and proper siting of buildings relative to highways.

Sources: Clause 8, Clause 35.00, Clause 7.50

The system for signs and markings in IRC 12 is specified in Clause 9.3 and 9.4. Pavement markings shall conform to IRC:35 "Code of Practice for Road Markings" and road signs to IRC:67 "Code of Practice for Road Signs" as well as IRC:SP:55 "Guidelines on Safety in Road Construction Zones" (Clause 9.3). The types and locations of signs and markings are illustrated in Figures 1 to 4 for the chosen access layout (Clause 9.4). No specific formulas or tables are provided directly in IRC 12 for signs and markings; instead, it references these established IRC codes for detailed specifications and standards.

Sources: Clause 9.3, Clause 9.4

The Implementation Procedure in IRC 12 (Clause 10) specifies key layout and design criteria for access to fuel stations on highways. Key points include:

• Access roads must have a minimum pavement composition of either 150 mm GSB + WBM Grade II/III (75 mm each) or 150 mm WMM + 50 mm BM + 25 mm SDBC, as per Clause 35.00.
• Pavement markings shall conform to IRC 35-1997.
• Traffic signs must comply with IRC 67-2001 and IRC SP-55-2001.
• Separator islands must have a minimum width of 3 m, be turfed, and have 275 mm high kerbs.
• Slab culverts with gratings are required on entry and exit approaches to handle stormwater discharge.
• All dimensions are in meters unless otherwise specified.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate layouts for access on undivided and divided carriageways in plain and rolling terrain, showing paved and earthen shoulders, buffer strips, and sign locations.

This ensures safe, standardized access and signage for fuel stations on highways.

Sources: Clause 10, Clause 35.00