Key Features of Accessible Sidewalks and Street Crossings
Technical assistance from the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board (the Access Board)

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that new and altered public sidewalks and street crossings be accessible so that people with disabilities can use the pedestrian routes that connect buildings, facilities, and transportation modes. Title II of the ADA covers new sidewalks and streets constructed by or on behalf of a state or local government. In general, it applies the same provisions that govern the accessible route required on a building site or within a building, as specified in the ADA Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG, sections 1-10) adopted under title III of the ADA for private sector facilities. Curb ramps are specifically required in Department of Justice title II regulation at 35.151 New construction and alterations. Additional requirements for existing pedestrian networks not otherwise being altered are also included (see 35.150 Existing facilities). The Department recommends that sidewalks and curb ramps covered by title II comply with ADAAG, UFAS (the 1984 standard for Federal construction), or other accessibility code in effect in a jurisdiction.

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 ramp is required wherever a new or altered street intersects a pedestrian walkway. A curb ramp may be perpendicular to the curbing it cuts, or a length of the sidewalk itself ramped down to meet the street. Other designs may also comply with ADAAG criteria.

The running slope of a new curb ramp may not exceed 1 in 12. Curb ramps in alteration where it is technically infeasible to meet the new construction requirements may have a maximum slope of 1 in 10.

A landing is required at the top of a perpendicular curb ramp. A curb ramp must connect to a travel route that is at least 36 inches wide and has cross slope of no more than 2%. The side flares of a curb ramp do not meet these criteria (the slope of a side flare is limited so that it will no present a tripping hazard to pedestrians).

The transition from curb ramp to gutter must be flush. Lips are not permitted. Adjacent counterslopes in the line of travel should not exceed 1 in 20 and should connect smoothly with other elements of the pedestrian network.

The foot of a curb ramp must be contained within the crosswalk, where one is marked. Pedestrians who use wheelchairs on curb ramps should not be directed into an active travel lane in order to cross stopped traffic. A minimum four-foot-long bottom landing must be provided outside the through-travel lanes is diagonal ramps are used.

A new sidewalk must provide more than the minimum accessible travel width of 36 inches. 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 minimum width is recommended for sidewalks adjacent to the curb; if a setback from the curb can be provided, a 48-inch-wide walkway may be adequate.

The cross slope of a sidewalk must not exceed 2%. Excessive cross slope tends to direct sidewalk users into the street. This is a particular problem at a driveway aprons if the sidewalk is narrow and at curbside. Where the running slope of one walkway becomes the cross slope of an intersecting one, the surface must be 'level' -- or no greater than 2% -- in each direction of travel.

More comprehensive information on sidewalk design is published in the Access Board's Bulletin #7: Accessible Rights-of-Way and its companion video, Design Issues for Pedestrians with Disabilities. To obtain a copy of these or other publications, including the ADA Accessibility Guidelines, contact the Board's technical assistance line at 800/872-2253 (voice) or 800/993-2822 (TTY). Information on proposed design guidelines under development for recreation facilities, including the Report of the Recreation Access Advisory Committee, can also be obtained through the technical assistance service or by accessing its website at www.access-board.gov . The board may also be consulted via the DOJ website at www.usdoj.gov/crt/ada/adahom1.htm.