Curb Ramp Question

[Paul Sweet]

I'm trying to figure what to do about curb ramps on an existing sidewalk with a 10% slope. The sidewalk is along a city road going uphill, so its slope can't be reduced without rebuilding a quarter mile of city road off our property. A standard curb ramp would end up having an 18% slope. It would be possible to put a landing in the sidewalk, and add an ADAAG compliant ramp perpendicular to the sidewalk. However, since the existing sidewalk itself can't be made compliant, is it necessary to even have a curb ramp? There are other ways that meet ADAAG to get up the hill.

 

[mark handler]

You need to build a compliant ramp on your property and a warped transition to the PROW

 

[globe trekker]

Paul,

Agree with Mark H. You need an Accessible Route only on your property, and

some type of compliant transition to the public right of way. BTW,

what codes are you using for this?

.

 

[mark handler]

Accessible Rights-of-Way: A Design Guide Department of Transportation

3.4.4 Running Slope

Curb ramp design requires a balance of run length and slope. Accessibility standards set the maximum slope of a new curb ramp at 1:12 (8.33%) to provide maximum usability for the widest range of people who have mobility impairments. Some pedestrians who use wheelchairs can travel up short runs of steeper slope if the tipping angle of the chair is not exceeded (SEE FIGURE 27). Others will choose to travel with assistance on extreme slopes.

In existing developed rights-of-way, it may be necessary to install a steeper ramp to provide access to street crossings. In an alteration, slopes as steep as 1:10 (10%) are permitted for the distance of a 6-inch (150-mm) rise if it is not technically feasible to provide a ramp at 1:12 (8.33%). For a 3-inch (75-mm) rise, the maximum slope may be as steep as 1:8 (12.5%) where necessary. (In historic facilities, a 1:6 (16.67%) ramp with a maximum run of 24 inches (610 mm) is permitted if a lesser slope is infeasible and if the historic significance of the facility would be threatened or destroyed through the use of complying ramps).

In developed areas with existing sidewalks at steep running slopes, a switchback curb ramp serving the perpendicular crossing may provide a more usable connection to the street.