Opinion ID: 2405402
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 7

Heading: effect of curbs on access

Text: Several other questions require discussion. One relates to claims asserted in this case for damages resulting from interference with access attributed to the construction of curbs along the edge of the new highway. Prior to the construction of the new highway there was no curb along the level 125-foot frontage north of the restaurant parcel. However, the only entrance-way actually in use on this frontage was a 14-foot wide driveway leading back to the residence. The new highway will have a curb along the frontage except where the driveway enters the highway. The landowners claim that in order to develop their farm for subdivision purposes it will be necessary to have a wider driveway, perhaps 60 feet, and that the subdivision value of the land has been destroyed because by the curb their access is limited to 14 feet. A similar claim is made by the restaurant lessees. Before the construction of the new highway there was access to the highway along the entire 150-foot frontage of the restaurant parcel, except for places at which the lessees had placed guard posts, a sign, and some shrubbery. The new highway will have a curb along the frontage of the restaurant parcel except for the spaces of a 50-foot entrance and a 29-foot exit. The lessees claim damages from alleged reduction of access by reason of the curb. We think neither of the claims is valid, for the reasons stated in Commonwealth Dept. of Highways v. Carlisle, Ky., 363 S. W.2d 104. The Commonwealth has not undertaken to condemn any rights of access. The curbs are not absolute and permanent bars to access, but may be removed with permission of the Highway Department upon a showing of a reasonable necessity for further access. If the Department refuses to permit further access under claimed authority of the police power the question of whether such refusal is justified may be litigated in an appropriate action. There is no issue of access rights in the present case because the Commonwealth has not taken any access rights.