ADA Build it Right - Public Right of Way Issues

ADA Build-it-Right, Inc.
Public Right of Way Issues

The US Access Board published Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way on June 17,2002. These guidelines are not final and are not enforceable by the US Department of Justice. See Public Right of Way Enforcement and Consensus for more details.

1.Accessible Parking - one per block face.

The June 2002 draft Public right of Ways specifies one disabled parking spot in every block face and that every perpendicular or angled parking spot be van accessible. This draft specification requires some common sense interpretations of the following items

a. How big is a block -- short ones as opposed to mile long blocks in some cites - but how short? I think the downtown Corvallis, OR blocks are short enough. The one mile blocks in Tucson, AZ are too long.

b. Does this apply to residential areas -- not addressed by the specification. Logic says that it does not apply to residential areas as long as the city is open to specific requests from a disabled resident.

Parking Section Extract -- Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way - June 17,2002
See: http://www.access-board.gov/rowdraft.htm
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1102.14 On-Street Parking. Where on-street parking is provided, at least one accessible on-street parking space shall be located on each block face and shall comply with 1109.
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1109.1 General. Car and van on-street parking spaces shall comply with 1109.

1109.2 Parallel Parking Spaces. An access aisle at least 60 inches (1525 mm) wide shall be provided at street level the full length of the parking space. The access aisle shall connect to a pedestrian access route serving the space. The access aisle shall not encroach on the vehicular travel lane.
EXCEPTION: An access aisle is not required where the width of the sidewalk between the extension of the normal curb and boundary of the public right-of-way is less than 14 feet (4270 mm). When an access aisle is not provided, the parking space shall be located at the end of the block face.

1109.3 Perpendicular or Angled Parking Spaces. Where perpendicular or angled parking is provided, an access aisle 96 inches (2440 mm) wide minimum shall be provided at street level the full length of the parking space and shall connect to a pedestrian access route serving the space. Access aisles shall be marked so as to discourage parking in them.

1109.4 Curb Ramps or Blended Transition. A curb ramp or blended transition complying with 1104 shall connect the access aisle to the pedestrian access route.
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2. Sidewalk locations of decorative vegetation, trees, bicycle racks, pavers etc.

Pay close attention to 1109.5 Obstructions - many towns have signs, trees and planter boxes on the sidewalk which prevent the use of a side lift van.

1109.5 Obstructions. There shall be no obstructions on the sidewalk adjacent to and for the full length of the space.
EXCEPTION: This provision shall not apply to parking signs complying with 1109.6 and parking meters complying with 1109.7.2.

1109.6 Signs. Parking spaces shall be designated as reserved by a sign complying with 502.6. Signs shall be located at the head or foot of the parking space so as not to interfere with the operation of a side lift or a passenger side transfer.

3. Parking meters, centralized pay stations, signage.

1109.7 Parking Meters. Where parking meters are provided, they shall comply with 1109.7.

1109.7.1 Operable Parts. Operable parts shall comply with 309.

1109.7.2 Location. A parking meter shall be located at the head or foot of the parking space so as not to interfere with the operation of a side lift or a passenger side transfer.
EXCEPTION: Where parking meters are not provided at the space, but payment for parking in the space is included in a centralized collection box or paying station, the space shall be connected to the centralized collection point with a pedestrian access route.

1109.7.3 Displays and Information. Displays and information shall be visible from a point located 40 inches (1015 mm) maximum above the center of the clear floor space in front of the meter.

4. Detectable Warning Solutions

ADAAG Requirements for Detectable Warnings -- March 2003

Detectable Warning: Synthesis of U.S. and International Practice

Accessible Design for the Blind -- Detectable Warning Surfaces

Accessible Design for the Blind -- Detectable Warning Surface Manufacturers

Railroad Platform Detectable Warning Example

Detectable Warning Picture of the 2 ft. yellow plastic inset detectable warning material along the train tracks at the Vancouver, WA Amtrak station. Close up view.

Photos for 5-6

5. Driveways

6. Curb Ramps

7. Audible Crossing Signals for visually impaired --- Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS).
Great controversy, use newer ones with control button so they can be optionally used. New ones are more directional and quieter so don't interfere with the pedestrian listening to traffic.

Several blind groups provided many strong comments against using the Accessible (audible) Pedestrian Signals (APS). I am not sure they were up to date on the current technology of Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) which can be optional with a control button and are much quieter and directional.

WalkingInfo.com -- Guidelines for Accessible Pedestrian Signals

Interfacing Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS) with Traffic Signal Control Equipment

8. Pedestrian Overpasses - Access required - elevator if not very long ramps.

Solution - don't use unless important, the grades work and enough budget.

9. Traffic Circles - Rotaries - No way to work for pedestrians. Solution to add pedestrian controlled stop light crossings back from the circle. This is also expensive. So don't use if possible.

Pedestrian Access to Modern Roundabouts: Design and Operational Issues for Pedestrians who are Blind -- August 2003

10. Access considerations during construction. In active downtown areas consider maintaining crosswalk access with plywood "bridges" over torn-up corners such as installing curbs, pavers and bulbs. Offset crosswalks back from intersections with temporary stop lines, no parking signs, and blacktop curb ramps. This may require temporary walk signs. Check with the local disabled and blind organization to see how it will work.

11. Multi-use Plaza's -- streets blocked off for festivals, food booths, Saturday market, and other events.

Plan for electrical wiring and water supply for booths, provide conduit under sidewalks, underground utility boxes in every isolated area. Preserve normal crosswalks and accessible routes by avoiding surface wiring and water lines. See festivals booklet from NWADA.com

Referenced URL's spelled out.