Paul Vraney Bureau of Project Development 02/11/2016
ADA background & alterations definition Design considerations Provide sufficient layout data Curb ramp selection Maximum curb ramp and gutter slopes Technically infeasible Construction components DWF placement Curb cut, landing considerations and ancillary considerations Curb ramp field challenges 3
A civil rights law Prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in all aspects of life, including transportation Compliance not dependent on funding source Covers State and Local Governments and their agencies whenever streets, roadways, or highways are altered to provide curb ramps where street level pedestrian walkways cross curbs
DOJ & DOT Joint Technical Assistance www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/programs/doj_fhwa_ta.cfm Alteration vs Maintenance Adding or replacing asphalt vs coating the asphalt surface and not adding asphalt material Alteration projects must include curb ramps within the scope of the project
Combination of maintenance activities can equal an alteration plus Chip Seals Fog Seals Scrub Sealing Crack Filling and Sealing Joint Crack Seals Slurry Seals Diamond Grinding Joint repairs Spot High-Friction Treatments Dowel Bar Retrofit Pavement Patching Surface Sealing Addition of New Layer of Asphalt Cape Seals Hot In-Place Recycling Microsurfacing / Thin-Lift Overlay Mill & Fill / Mill & Overlay New Construction Open-graded Surface Course Rehabilitation and Reconstruction
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1. Curb ramp type selection 2. Grades in wheelchair path 3. 12:1 (8.33%) absolute max curb ramp slope per ADA WisDOT max 7% at curb opening Updated SDDs 4. 11% max slope differential between ramp and gutter 5. Application of curb behind sidewalk 6. 12:1 (8.33%) max flare slopes for Type 1-A Ramp types and effect to curb tapers
7. Alignment of detectable warning fields (DWF) 8. Landing at top of ramp with no more than 2% slope in any direction 9. Laying out curb ramp cuts prior to ramp installation 10. Median/pork-chop island pedestrian refuge construction 11. Push button placement in relation to curb ramp 12. Review for conflicts with signal, light pole bases, manholes, gas valves, etc.
FDM 16-5-1 Curb Ramp Type Identified on Plans Doesn t Work in the Field Field Adjustments often required to bridge the gap
Often rely only on the SDD s instead of actual field conditions May lead to non ADAcompliance in constrained urban environments Need to design curb ramps More emphasis in design Detail sufficiently to construct
Shifts design work Inefficient contractor and field engineer Increase risk of being improperly constructed Additional construction staff time
Should be included in construction plans: Curb ramp layout type for reference (i.e. Type 2, Type 1) Detectable warning field alignment Intended ADA slopes not to be exceeded (i.e. 2%, 5%, 8.33%) Curb head height variations between curb ramps Intended direction for drainage Low points identified Elevations
Design Sufficient Layout Information Curb Identified Sidewalk Lowered Intended Slopes Plan Detail Points Lowering of Curb Height Noted
Use Perpendicular Two ramps per corner Ramp aligned with crosswalk Straight path of travel 5 x 5 landing shared Parallel Two ramps both parallel to the direction of travel Design with 1.5% running slope through ramp
Diagonal ramp not recommended CONFLICTS Directs people into path of through-motorists or turning motorists Visually impaired - not aligned in travel path Wheelchairs use street as landing to change directions
Not Acceptable Acceptable
Note: Updated curb ramp SDDs effective Nov 2015 PS & E (March 2016 lets) 7% Max Example Type 2 Curb Ramp FDM 16-5-1
If the terrace is less than 6 feet wide then it is likely that the ramp slope will exceed 7% unless the sidewalk is lowered 7% max. slope <6
Often requires lowering curb height between ramps
Lowering of sidewalk near curb ramp may require curb behind sidewalk Good application of 12:1 (8.33%) max flare slopes with walkable surface abutting back of curb
11% Max Note: 1.5% sidewalk cross slope required But 6.25%+8.3%= 14.55% > 11%
Option 1: Lower Sidewalk 4 4.75% Gutter To achieve the 11% max slope differential, the ramp slope must be substantially below the 12:1 (8.33%) max ramp slope 5 Sidewalk Lower Additional 1.7 Inches 6.25%+4.75%= 11% OK
Option 2: Modify Gutter Slope (less than 6.25%) Current FDM & SDD requirements: max 4% + max 7% = max 11% (gutter) (ramp)
Technically infeasible: existing physical constraints limit ability to meet the current ADA standards then upgrades must be done to provide access to the maximum extent feasible (practicable within the scope and final design)
Existing physical constraints may include: Underlying terrain Right-of-way availability Underground structures Adjacent developed facilities Drainage Presence of a notable natural or historic feature Determined by designer and documented Plan intersection design details are imperative
Curb ramps Detectable warnings required on curb ramps at all legal crossings, sidewalk and shared-use paths Detectable warning fields = truncated domes (no wire mesh) CORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT INCORRECT
INCORRECT
CORRECT
Typically at larger intersection radius with wide directional curb ramp and narrow terrace Non-standard DWF panel sizes should be noted in plans Row panel overlap required 5 max between back of curb and last panel (updated SDD) Alternative ramp designs may be preferred 30
The curb ramp layout must occur prior to curb installation. Curb is installed prior to curb ramp installation Note: Space adjacent to DWF is excessive (zero offset req d per updated SDDs)
Provide 5 x 5 flat landing at top of the ramps Construct max 1.5% cross slope at intersecting sidewalks Landing with less than 2% slope in any direction Lower curb head
Desirable vertical edge Undesirable sloped edge Potential tripping hazard May cause twisted ankles
Improper Placement Improper Placement
Adjacent to level landing, all weather surface Face of push button parallel to crosswalk to be used Mount push button 3.5 ft above the sidewalk, no more than 4 ft. No further than 5 ft from crosswalk Two signals, two poles separated by at least 10 ft. MUTCD 4E.08 (06)
Provide appropriate lateral clearance to utility poles, hydrants, streetscape elements, signing, and exposed bases - out of the pedestrian access route Install utility covers, rims, etc. to correct slope Improper Placement Proper Placement
Recommendations: Discuss curb ramp layouts during the scheduled weekly construction meetings Hold on-site meeting with construction project leader prior to laying out curb ramps Proposed curb ramp layout details Anticipated challenges or layout questions
Resolving Challenges in the Field 1. Follow contract language and pre-construction established protocol 2. Notify construction project leader of the issue/discrepancy lack of layout information, field conditions 3. Review the SDD and plan detail drawings with construction project leader 4. If necessary, construction leader contacts designer clarify design, alternatives to address issues. 5. Critique at end of project
WisDOT FDM Pedestrian Facilities Chapter 11-46-5 http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/index.htm WisDOT FDM Curb Ramps Chapter 11-46-10 http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/index.htm WisDOT FDM Bicycle Facilities Chapter 11-46-15 http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/index.htm Wisconsin Guide to Pedestrian Best Practices http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/projects/state/ped-guide.htm WisDOT FDM http://roadwaystandards.dot.wi.gov/standards/fdm/index.htm
Brian Sippel Bureau of Traffic Operations 02/11/2016
Pedestrian planning considerations Pedestrian accommodation alternatives Temporary pedestrian facilities Safety considerations 42
Transportation benefits Economic benefits Environmental benefits Safety benefits It s the Law ADA standards MUTCD 43
Affected sidewalks maintain characteristics of existing sidewalks Alternate route if necessary Avoid conflicts with construction operations Avoid conflicts with mainline traffic 44
Acceptable Not acceptable 45
Acceptable Not Acceptable 46
Acceptable Not Acceptable 47
Staged sidewalk repair with sidewalk detour Sidewalk detour on parallel route Sidewalk diversion Construct temporary ramps and surfaces 48
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Considerations: Advance warning Nighttime lighting Deactivating pedestrian signals Complete closure 50
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Provide continuous positive guidance Detectable bottom 2 max above walkway, top surface 32 min Smooth top surface for hand-trailing Close Entire width of sidewalk 52
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Protect pedestrians from trenches, steep dropoffs, material, and equipment Close off unsafe access across work zone Provide a smooth, firm, stable, slip-resistant and continuous hard surface Minimize the length of detours and diversions routes Consider adequacy of pedestrian crossings 58
Consider Bus Stop locations and access Impacts to properties fronting the work zone Consider the needs of children, particularly if schools or play areas are nearby Arrangements for those with restricted mobility and other special needs 59
ADA Design/Construction Jill Mrotek-Glenzinski WisDOT State Bike/Ped Coordinator 608.267.7757 Jill.MrotekGlenzinski@dot.wi.gov Paul Vraney WisDOT Roadway Standards Engineer 608.266.8486 Paul.Vraney@dot.wi.gov Work Zone Pedestrian Accommodations Brian Sippel WisDOT Bureau of Traffic Operations Work Zone Engineer Cell (414) 531-9279 brian.sippel@dot.wi.gov Peter Amakobe Atepe, P.E. WisDOT State Work Zone Traffic Safety Engineer Phone: 608-261-0138 Mobile: 608-206-4751 peter.amakobe@dot.wi.gov 60
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