ADA RequirementsWell-designed sidewalks meet ADA requirements:Well-designed sidewalks meet ADA requirements:

Sidewalks should be wide & clear of obstructions (4’ Sidewalks should be wide & clear of obstructions (4’ minimum clearance);minimum clearance);

Sidewalk surface should be smooth;Sidewalk surface should be smooth; Sidewalk surface should be at 2% max cross-slope;Sidewalk surface should be at 2% max cross-slope; Sidewalk surface should be level and continue across Sidewalk surface should be level and continue across

driveways.driveways.

Separating sidewalks from traffic creates a Separating sidewalks from traffic creates a safer and more pleasant place to walk; safer and more pleasant place to walk; and and makes it easier to meet all ADA requirements.makes it easier to meet all ADA requirements.

Maximum Cross Slope Maximum Ramp Slope

2.0% 8.3%

PROWAG (R303)

ADAAG(4.8)Sidewalk Slopes

Sidewalk Grade

• 5% maximum grade away from roadways• Away from roadways, facilities with grades greater than 5% must be treated as a ramp as outlined in ADAAG:• 8.3% max for maximum rise of 30” with 5’ by 5’ level landings between segments• At 8.3% grade, 30” of rise = 30’ long

Sidewalks adjacent to an existing roadway may follow the running grade of the roadway

PROWAG (R301)

ADAAG(4.3.7)

Sidewalk GradeReducing the impacts of steep or long grades

• Provide signs that indicate:– grade and length– alternative routes with lesser grades• Provide handrails where possible– A “handrail” for use along a grade can have large openings, unlike a pedestrian rail on a bridge or retaining wall

Sidewalk GradeChasing Grade

"R303.2.1.1 Running Slope. The running slope shall be 5 percent minimum and 8.3 percent maximum but shall not require the ramp length to exceed4.5 m (15.0 ft)."

When chasing a grade, a ramp slope greater than 8.3% is allowable if 8.3% does not meet the existing sidewalk grade in 15 feet or less. The ramp will be at whatever running grade gets you from the street gutter grade at the curb to the existing sidewalk 15 feet away.

PROWAG (R303)

Cross Slope

Steep cross slopes are more slippery when wet, icy, or snowy

PROWAG (R303)

ADAAG(4.8)

Good Design: Concrete in the pedestrian zone, textured surface in the furniture zone

This provides a visual contrast of surfaces

Watch for bus stops if you use this design so assure ADA standards are still met

Cross Slope

Elevation change occurs in the furniture zone

PROWAG (R303)

ADAAG(4.8)

Sidewalk Slopes

Sidewalk Slopes

BEST PRACTICEADASidewalk Slopes

PROWAG(R301.4.1)

ADAAG(4.8)Driveway Crossings

Sidewalk continues at level, at full width, through drivewaySidewalk continues at level, at full width, through driveway

Driveway Crossings PROWAG(R301.4.1)

ADAAG(4.8)

Easiest way to maintain level passage

With separated sidewalks

Driveway Crossings

Driveways built like intersections encourage Driveways built like intersections encourage high-speed turnshigh-speed turns

Driveway Crossings

Driveways built like driveways encourage Driveways built like driveways encourage slow-speed turnsslow-speed turns

Driveway Crossings

PROWAG(R301.4.1)

ADAAG(4.8)Driveway Crossings

2% maximum cross slope• 5% maximum running grade• 6’ minimum (MUTCD)

CrosswalksCrosswalks are part of the accessible route; normal ADAAG provisions apply (except at mid-block crossings):

ADA does not require the use of pavement markings.

PROWAG(R301.4.2)

ADAAG(4.8)

Crosswalks

5% max

2% max

PROWAG(R301.4.2)

ADAAG(4.8)

PROWAG(R303.2.1.4)

ADAAG(4.7.5)Side Flares

Side Flares PROWAG(R303.2.1.4)

ADAAG(4.7.5)

10%

Side Flares PROWAG(R303.2.1.4)

ADAAG(4.7.5)

Side Flares PROWAG(R303.2.1.4)

ADAAG(4.7.5)

PROWAG(R303.3.4)Ramp Alignment

Ramp Alignment PROWAG(R303.3.4)

Ramp Alignment PROWAG(R303.3.4)

Ramp Alignment PROWAG(R303.3.4)

Level Landing

All turning movements should be at 2% max

PROWAG(R303.3.6)

ADAAG(4.7.10)Clear Space

4 ft

PROWAG(R303.3.6)

ADAAG(4.7.10)Clear Space