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I am trying to understand how the detectable warning requirements impact the overall width of a parallel curb ramp. 406.3.2 indicates a minimum 48" x 48" turning space.
The code section pertaining to detectable warnings shows a minimum 72" wide ramp and turning space. 36" detectable's and 36" clear for walking. exception to go to 60" wide.
This would seem to require all new parallel ramps be 72" minimum unless technically infeasible.
How does that align with the 48" minimum parallel ramp width indicated in 406.3.2?
11B-406.3: ... A parallel curb ramp may be provided with one sloping segment or two opposing sloping segments.
If you take the above at face value while ignoring the figures, then you can have a parallel curb ramp with a ramp on one side. In my opinion, that could eliminate the 36" clear space needed beyond the detectable warning since there wouldn't be pedestrian travel going up and down the ramp. That would at least get you closer to the 406.3.2 diagram.
Probably easier if I just draw this out...
If you can create a condition like the condition on the right drawing, I would argue that the 36" space isn't needed. I've seen that argument work before.
Otherwise, yeah, you probably need a 72" (or 60" with exception 1) turning space for most new parallel curb ramps.
There's probably a way to make a curb ramp with a 72" turning space but with a ramp that's 48" wide. The figures aren't enforceable and can lead to people believing in constraints that don't actually exist.
