HomeMy WebLinkAboutSidewalks & Street CrossingsA Checklist for Accessible Sidewalks and Street Crossings
The Americans w ith Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that new and altered facilities be accessible.
Title II of the ADA covers sidewalk and street construction and transit accessibility, referencing
the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) or the Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards
(UFAS) for new construction and alterations undertaken by or on behalf of a state or local
government. The Department of Justice (DOJ) title II regulation specifically requires that curb
ramps be provided when sidewalks or streets are newly constructed or altered. (Requirements
for existing pedestrian networks not otherwise being altered are also included in the DOJ
regulation, available on line at www.ada.gov/reg2.html). The ADA Accessibility Guidelines
(www.access-board.gov/adaag/html/adaag. htm) include standards for site developrnent
applicable to new construction and alterations in the public right-of-way.
CURB RAMPS
• A curb ramp or other sloped area is required wherever a new or altered pedestrian
walkway crosses a curb or other barrier to a street, road, or highway. Similarly, a curb ra mp
is required wherever a new or altered street intersects a pedestrian walkway. A curb ramp may
be perpendicular to the curb it cuts or parallel with the sidewalk. Other designs may also comply,
including sidewalks that ramp down to a lesser curb height, with a short perpendicular curb ramp
to the street; blended or at-grade connections, or raised crossings that connect at sidewalk level.
• The running slope of a new curb ramp should not exceed 1 in 12 (8.33%). Steeper ramps
are not usable by many pedestrians in wheelchairs and scooters. Cross slope should be limited
to 1 :48 (2%).
• A level landing should be provided at the top of a perpendicular curb ramp. A curb ram p
must connect at the top to a level landing that is at least 48 inches (1220 mm) deep with a cross
slope of no more than 1 :48 (2%). The side flares of a curb ramp are not intended for accessible
travel (the slope of a side flare is limited so that it will not present a tripping hazard to
pedestrians).
• The foot of a curb ramp should be contained within the crosswalk markings. Pedestrians
who use wheelchairs should not be directed outside the crosswalk or into an active travel lane in
order to cross stopped traffic. If a diagonal ramp is used, a 48-inch long (1220 mm) bottom
landing must be provided in the space between the curb radius and curb line extensions.
• The transition from curb ramp to gutter should be flush. Lips are not permitted. Gutter
counterslope in the line of travel should not exceed 1 in 20 (5%) and should connect smoothly
with other elements of the pedestrian network.
• The boundary between the sidewalk and street should be detectable underfoot. A 24-
inch strip of truncated dome (detectable warning) material should be provided the full width of the
ramp or other uncurbed connection to the crosswalk so that pedestrians do not inadvertently
travel into the street.
SIDEWALKS
• A new sidewalk should be wider than the minimum accessible travel width of 36 inches
(915 mm). Additional maneuvering space is necessary for a pedestrian using a wheelchair to
turn, to pass by other pedestrians, to operate and pass through an entrance door, to use a
sidewalk telephone or to activate a pedestrian crossing button. A 60-inch (1525-mm) minimum
width can accommodate turns and passing space and is recommended for sidewalks adjacent to
curbs in order to provide travel width away from the drop-off at street edge; a 48-inch width can
accommodate side-by-side travel with a service animal.
• The cross slope of a sidewalk should not exceed 1 :48 (2%). Excessive cross slope
requires additional energy to counteract and tends to direct wheelchair users into the street,
particularly when it is wet, icy, or snowy underfoot. At driveways there should be a minimum 36-
inch (915 mm) wide passage with a cross slope of no more than 1 :48 (2%). Corners at
intersections should comply in both directions, since the running slope of one walkway will be the
cross slope of another.
• Street furniture, plantings, and other fixed items should not protrude into travel routes.
Pedestrians with vision impairments can detect objects mounted on walls or posts if they are
installed so that the leading edge is less than 27 inches (685 mm) above the sidewalk. Items
mounted above this height should not project more than 4 inches (100 mm) into any circulation
route. Particular care should be taken to locate temporary signage so that it does not impede
pedestrian travel.
STREET CROSSINGS
• Consider the information needs of blind and low-vision pedestrians at intersections.
When pedestrian signals are provided , their crossing and tim ing information should be available
to all users. The audible and vibrotactile information delivered at the pedestrian button of an
accessible pedestrian signal (APS) can identify pedestrian signal phases and provide other non-
visual information about the nature of a crossing.
• Insufficient crossing time may be a barrier for some pedestrians. Every pedestrian cohort
should be expected to contain some walkers whose rate of travel is less than 3.5 feet per second.
Some jurisdictions add additional time using video technology; others employ a pedbutton to call
for a longer crossing cycle.
TEMPORARY WORK
• Temporary work should be accessible. Where construction blocks a public sidewalk for
more than a short time, an alternate accessible route should be provided that is cane-detectable.
Sidewalk barriers should be continuous and cane-detectable as well. Temporary events and
facilities should also meet accessibility criteria.
OTHER PEDESTRIAN FEATURES
• Pedestrian facilities on and along sidewalks must be accessible, Signal actuating
buttons, drinking fountains, telephones, kiosks, and other pedestrian elements should meet
accessibility criteria for approach and maneuvering space, reach range, and operation.
The development of additional rights-of-way guidelines is underway and can be monitored on the
U.S. Access Board's website at www.access-board.gov. The Board also maintains a toll-free
technical assistance line at 800/872-2253 (V); 800/993-2822 (TTY).
ADA POST INSPECTION CHECKLIST
Job No. _____ Route ____ _ County _______ Location-----------------------
Figures/Examples
For example, a segment with the maximum
allowed running slope of 8.33% would require 5'
x 5' landing every 30'.
1 ~'[ ~30' 5' 30'--,"
=~.i'd------. -.. -. [ ~--·--·-··-·-·-----·---------------
-I ~
SIDEWALKS
Requirements 1
All sidewalks constructed within the project limits are ADA compliant.
• Sidewalks are 5' or greater in width. Exception, existing sidewalks or
where physical restraints exists, sidewalks may be less than 5' wide, but
must be at minimum 3' or greater in width with 5' x 5' level landings
provided no more than 200' apart. (A level landing is defined as a
landing with no cross or running slopes greater than 2.0%. Driveways or
parking lots may be considered as landings if they meet the
requirements of a landing.)
•
•
•
•
Sidewalk cross slopes are 2.0% or less .
Sidewalk running slopes meet any of the following conditions:
-The sidewalk is at the same grade as the roadway, regardless how
steep the roadway grade is .
-If the sidewalk is at a different grade than the roadway, yet the
running slope of the sidewalk is not greater than 5%.
-If the sidewalk running slope is at a different grade than the roadway
and the running slope is greater than 5%, then the sidewalk will be
considered a ramp and shall meet the following requirements:
o Maximum grade is 8.33% for any segment.
o Maximum rise for a segment is 30".
o 5' x 5' landings are located between each segment.
Surface Level Criteria -There are no height differentials with a lip greater
than%" in height. Exceptions, a height differential between %"and 1/2'"
is acceptable if it is beveled at a 2: 1 slope, or a height differential greater
than W' is acceptable if it is ramped with a slope of 8.33% or less.
All utility poles, light posts, traffic posts, fire hydrants, and other
manmade vertical appurtenances are located outside of the sidewalk
path. If right of way prevents relocation of an appurtenance, the pathway
width is at minimum 32" wide and the length of the restricted pathway is
no more than 2'.
• Utility covers, such as manholes and water meters, have a slip resistant
top, as much as possible, and meet changes in level criteria.
• Lift holes for manhole/utility covers do not have an opening greater than
Yi". Plugging of holes greater than Yi" with a material approved by the
engineer is acceptable as long as it is flush with the cover surface.
YES NO NA
Pedestrian Access Route
Wrong Installation
of Ira/fl<
JI I I I l j
Fi ures/Exam les
• There are no horizontal obstructions within the sidewalk pathway. See
adjacent figure for examples of what is considered acceptable,
specifically:
-Wall projections or signs or other objects attached to posts do not
exceed 4" into the pedestrian path between 27" and 80" above the
ground. Exception, signs or other objects attached to posts may
project into the pedestrian pathway up to 12", but is not preferred and
should be limited to 4" where possible. ·
• If gratings are located in the sidewalk or other walkways paths, the
spacing of the gratings is not greater than ~ in . (13 mm) wide in one
direction. Gratings with elongated openings are installed so that the long
dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel.
ENTRANCES
uirements
All entrances within the ro ·ect limits are ADA com /iant.
• A level pedestrian access route (walkway) is provided across
commercial and residential entrances, meeting the following criteria:
The walkway is at minimum 3' wide.
Cross slope of walkway is 2 percent or less.
Walkway is at the same grade as the adjacent roadway.
The walkway does not have to be marked, but provides a straight line
between the adjoining sidewalks or ramps .
There is not an abrupt transition from the driveway to the roadway for
vehicles, i.e ., vehicles will not bottom out when driving over the
transition.
YES NO NA
Fi ures/Exam les
5% cmmter slope
(gutter)
...... ·: ~· ..
S% slope
(cm"b ramp)
Perpendicular Ramps
Flared Sides in Pathway
(b)
Rtblmed Curb x = 4'
Flared Sides Not in Pathway
RAMPS
• General requirements for all ramps are:
-Ramps are present where sidewalks exist.
-The ramp width is the same width as the sidewalk.
-The ramp is not less than 36" wide at the bottom.
Cross slope of ramp is 2.0% or less.
-Running slope of ramp is 8.33% or less and oriented to path of travel.
Exception, ramps being retrofitted into existing facilities where space
limitations prohibit the use of a 8.33% slope or less may have slopes
and rises as follows:
o A slope between 1: 10 and 1: 12 is allowed for a maximum rise of
6 inches (150 mm).
o A slope between 1 :8 and 1: 10 is allowed for a maximum rise of 3
inches (75 mm).
o A slope steeper than 1 :8 is not allowed.
-Curb lip height is Yi" or less.
-Street and ramp slope break is 13% or less. (See adjacent figure .)
-No drainage or silt problems within ramp or at gutter line at ramp exit.
-No desi n or maintenance obstructions with in the ram athwa .
• Perpendicular ramps meet the following criteria:
-Have at minim um a level 5' x 5' landing (not more than 2% cross
slope in any direction) at the top of the ramp. Exception, a top
landing is not required if the ramp serves only one sidewalk and the
ramp is aligned with the direction of travel of that sidewalk, i.e., no
turning movement required for a person in a wheelchair to align with
the running slope of the ramp. A landing is preferred , but may not be
able to be constructed because of the steep grade of a sidewalk,
making it technically infeasible to construct. For example, an existing
sidewalk at a 7% grade with a 6"curb height would require the
beginning of a 5' x 5' landing to be installed at 35.7' back from the
curb with a ramp at ~.33% running slope. This may be technically
infeasible because of limited right of way and/or beyond the scope of
the project.
-Flared sides with a slope of 10 percent maximum, measured parallel
to the curb line, are provided where a pedestrian circulation path
crosses the curb ramp. If the flared sides are not in the pathway, then
there is no maximum slope and can be vertical curbs. (See adjacent
fi ure for further ex lanation.
YES NO NA
Figures/Examples
• Parallel ramps have at minimum a level 5' x 5' landing at the bottom of
the ramp.
• Diagonal ramps meet the following criteria:
Have at minimum a level 5' x 5' landing at the top and at minimum a
48" clear space at the bottom of the ramp.
If a crosswalk is present, the clear space is conta ined within the
crosswalk.
If the flared sides are within the pedestrian pathway, the slope of the
flares are 10% or less.
DETECTABLE WARNINGS (TRUNCATED DOMES)
Requirements 1 YES NO NA
Detectable warnings (truncated domes) are properly installed and ADA
compliant.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Installed on all ramps at streets, sig nalized co mmercial entrances and
railroad crossinqs.
Not installed on ramps at residential , publ ic or non-signalized
commercial driveways. ·
The preferred location of the truncated dome surface area is 6"-8" from
the face of the curb (gutter line). Exception, on large curb radii one edge
of the detectable warnings may be placed at the face of the curb to
minimize the distance that the other edge is from the face of the curb;
however, neither corner of the detectabe warnin g may be more than 5'
from the face of the curb line .
The truncated dome surface area is at minimum a 2' strip that extends
the entire width of the ramp , excluding flared sides. Exception, the
dome surface area may be stopped 2" from each side of the ramp to aid
construction and to prevent the concrete from chippinq at the edqes.
The truncated domes are aligned on a square grid in the direction of
pedestrian travel or installed rad ial to the grade break.
Detectable warnings are not stamped into concrete and are an ADA
approved product.
• Detectable warnings contrast visually with th e adjoining surface, either
light-on-dark or dark-o n-light (recommended bright red on concrete and
briqht yellow on asphalt).
Figures/Examples
Fi ures/Exam les
CUT THROUGHS IN ISLANDS OR MEDIANS
Requirements 1
All cut throughs in islands or medians within the project limits are ADA
compliant.
• The width of the cut through is at minimum 5' wide. Exception, narrower
cut throughs of a minimum width of 3' are acceptable if there is a 5' x 5'
passing area within the cut through.
• The cross slope is 2% or less. Exception, on steep grades this may not
be possible, in which case, the cross slope shall not exceed the grade of
the roadway.
• The cut throuqh is oriented with the path of travel.
• Detectable warnings are installed on the surface of the cut through on
each side, located 6"-8" back from the street. If the cut through.:::_ 6' in
lenqth, then the detectable warnin qs cover the entire area.
ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS PUSHBUTTONS
All accessible pedestrian signals (pushbuttons) within the project
limits are ADA com liant.
• Pushbuttons are a minimum 2" across in one dimension , raised (not
recessed), contrast visually with the housing or mounting, and have a
maximum force of 5 ounds to activate o erable arts.
• The control face of the pushbuttons is installed to face the intersection
and parallel to the direction of the crosswalk it serves.
• The location of pushbuttons for new construction are within a
longitudinal distance of 5' maximum from the crosswalk line, and 30"
minimum to 1 O' maximum from the curb line (this measurement is taken
from the center of the ramp). For audible pedestrian signal devices
only, pushbuttons are a minimum 1 O' apart at crossings and a minimum
5' apart at islands or medians. This minimum distance may be waived
for audible ushbuttons in medians and islands.
• Pushbuttons are located no higher than 42" from the ground and within
24" reach from a level paved landing with minimum dimensions of 30" x
48", and positioned for either forward or parallel approach to the
pushbutton. For existing locations, pushbuttons at a height up to 48" and
a reach of 25" are acceptable as long as other ADA accessibility
criterion is met, i.e., pushbuttons are ADA compliant, level landing
rovided, within re uired distances from street and crosswalk.
• Where pushbuttons for the visually impaired are installed, tactile signs
are to be rovided that meet uidelines set forth in the EPG.
YES NO NA
YES NO NA
CROSSWALKS
Figures/Examples Requirements 1 YES NO NA
r z4· .. (HCTE All crosswalks within the project limits are ADA compliant.
~ I . • Minimum width of the crosswalk is 6'.
Ii• ... 1----i-, iHlTE Crosswalk pavement marking is 6" white. C~rr, •
l«N."r1 • Stop bar is at minimum 4' from the crosswalk.
tr .r~;TE
24" 11 1111111: '"'
4 ' / ~ i.... JN.
i " v 1~ ll'HJ TE
1
2~· _:j
WHJ1E
1 Any "NO" answer means that location is ADA non-compliant and needs to be corrected before acceptance of the work, except as follows.
Although exceptions listed in the above requ irements do not meet MoDOT current policy standards, that criterion does meet the minimum ADA
standards and will be accepted as ADA compliant. Where it is technically infeasible to correct deficiencies as part of the current work, those
locations will be labeled as non-compliant, "NO", and added to the transition plan for correction at a later date. (Guidance is provided in the EPG on
what may be considered as technically infeasible.) All exception and technically infeasible locations should be discussed with the project manager
and/or area engineer prior to acceptance of the work. All exception and technically infeasible locations will be thoroughly documented by the
engineer, and that documentation wil l be retained as part of the final acceptance records.
Inspector Name:
lnsoector Signature: Date:
Resident Engineer or Area Engineer Name:
Resident Engineer or Area Engineer Signature: Date:
Distribution:
0 Project Office
(] District Permit Office
Venessa Garza
From: Bob Cowell
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 4:09 PM
Frank Simpson ; Venessa Garza
RE : Sidewalk Prioritization
To:
Subject:
Frank,
Based on our meeting with Blanche and previous (and subsequent) discussions with the BPG Advisory Board, we are
proposing the following approach to addressing the issue of new sidewalk construction prioritization. Please keep in
mind that currently there is essentially no funding dedicated to any of these projects.
We are proposing that funds be established (either through SLA's or regular budget items) in the following categories:
• ADA-this would allow a dedicated source of funding to be used to address ADA requests (note -this is an item
that goes beyond just sidewalks and upon completion of our ADA Transition Plan will likely warrant an annual
allotment of funds to address ADA issues)
• Street Projects -this would allow funds to be available for sidewalks to be constructed concurrent with planned
Capital street projects. This would vary from year to year and would be dependent upon the upcoming year's
CIP street projects.
• Neighborhood Projects -this would provided dedicated funds to address sidewalk needs arising from Council-
adopted Neighborhood Plans (note -this is likely only a part of a funding request that will be made to address a
variety of projects arising from adopted Neighborhood Plans).
In addition to these specialized funding requests, we are likely to propose a funding request for new sidewalks that may
or may not be included in the above lists. It is this list that is the focus of the prioritization discussion going on (note -all
lists will be prioritized, but this is the "big" list).
For the upcoming meeting, we plan to provide a cover memo explaining how the BPG ~ter Plan prioritized new
· · · he resulting list (of 100+ projects), the ADA roject list, {he street project list/ and
e Ne ig hborhood Plan project list. he focus of the meeting in May will then be on two points: , S 15v-~ v.,o.iJ(
1. Does the BPG Advisory Board support the concept of multiple "pots" of money as discussed above or do they
prefer a single "pot" of money with the above projects likely to be at the top of the list?
2. Continued review of the weighting criteria used in the original BPG Master Plan prioritization methodology and
any preferred revisions to the methodology/weighting.
Following the review and adjustment of the methodology/weighting, revised project lists will be created for further
discussion by the BPG Advisory Board . The objective will be to develop a prioritized list of projects that can then be
considered for funding with the FY14 budget. While I would anticipate the methodology/weighting discussion to occur
only once every 5 years or so, the review of the resu lting list, the funding request, and the identification of specific
projects to be funded is likely an annual occurrence.
I will have Venessa set up a meeting with us to review this information prior to the May BPG Advisory Board meeting.
We can also talk further about this at our meeting tomorrow morning, if you would like.
Hope this helps clarify our approach. If you have any questions plea se let me know.
Thanks,
1
..
Bob
From: Frank Simpson
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 10:28 AM
To: Venessa Garza
Cc: Bob Cowell
Subject: RE: Sidewalk Prioritization
What material or information has been developed or planned (what was in their April packet or will be in their May
packet) for the next BPGA Board meeting? I was thinking Staff would be presenting something to the BPGA Board based
on developing a new scoring criteria consistent to what we discussed. I think to many the split criteria doesn't make a
lot of sense. You go from a detailed scoring system and then re prioritize the scores based on more simple categories. I
can check with Blanche to make sure but I think that is what she understood we would be doing from the meeting I am
referring to as well. Please schedule a time prior to the may 6th meeting information being distributed for us to meet.
Thanks.
From: Venessa Garza
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 9:34 AM
To: Frank Simpson
Cc: Bob Cowell
Subject: RE: Sidewalk Prioritization
This item has been before the Bicycle, Pedestrian, and Greenways Advisory Board in February and March. They only
meet once a month. It was on the agenda for April but due to t he number of items that needed to be covered we were
unable to get to sidewalk prioritization. Our next meeting is May 6 th where we will continue discussion on how they
would like to proceed. I'll make sure to provide an update after that meeting occurs.
Venessa Garza
Greenways Program Manager
Planning & Development Services
City of College Station
P.O .Box 9960 11101 Texas Avenue
College Station, TX 77845
Phone: (979) 764-3674 I Fax: (979) 764-3496
Website: cstx.gov/bikepedgreenways
From: Frank Simpson
Sent: Tuesday, April 23, 2013 8:15 AM
To: Venessa Garza
Cc: Bob Cowell
Subject: Sidewa lk Prioritization
We had met with Blanche a couple of weeks ago regarding the prioritization of new sidewalks. We were going to try to
combine the two separate criteria into a single one with a score (versus scoring them and then prioritizing them by ADA,
Neighborhood plan, etc.). Some of the ideas were to put more emphasis on schools and simply have the ADA and
neighborhood plans score points in the revised single system .
Would you please provide an update as to where we are with this. Thanks.
Frank
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