When a community plans a roadway improvement project, the obvious right-of-way needs are usually considered, such as additional land needed to widen a road. However, the impact of ADA compliance on right-of-way needs is often overlooked.
Big mistake. Any intersection construction that is undertaken by, on behalf of, or subject to, the design standards of a public jurisdiction, must be accessible to pedestrians who have disabilities.* This means that all sidewalks, curb ramps, street crossings, and other pedestrian features at the intersection must be made fully compliant with current ADA requirements.
Building these ADA-compliant features may require right-of-way beyond what is needed solely for the intersection or roadway improvement. For example, on parallel ramps, landings must be at least 60 inches (1525 mm) long to avoid trapping the footrest of a wheelchair between opposing upslopes. Landings are considered “level” when their slopes in the two perpendicular directions of travel do not exceed 1:48 (2%).* If the existing landing area is less than the required 60 inches, additional right-of-way could be necessary to construct a compliant ramp.
It’s important to fully evaluate the impact of ADA compliance on right-of-way during project planning. Having to secure additional right-of-way after a project has been designed can create the painful penalties of delay and cost increases.
* http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/guide/PROWGuide.htm
Learn more about ADA compliance at intersections: click here for Q&A from OHM's Lunch & Learn, Access for All. http://www.ohm-advisors.com/web_files/ADA_Event_Documents.pdf
