Sidewalks, street crossings,

bout this Rulemaking

Sidewalks, street crossings, and other elements of the public rights-of-ways present unique challenges to accessibility for which specific guidance is considered essential. The Board is developing new guidelines for public rights-of-way that will address various issues, including access for blind pedestrians at street crossings, wheelchair access to on-street parking, and various constraints posed by space limitations, roadway design practices, slope, and terrain. The new guidelines will cover pedestrian access to sidewalks and streets, including crosswalks, curb ramps, street furnishings, pedestrian signals, parking, and other components of public rights-of-way. On July 26, 2011, the Board released proposed guidelines for public comment. This proposal incorporates feedback from the public on previous drafts of the guidelines.

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Proposed Guidelines

Proposed Guidelines for Public Rights-of-Way (available for comment through www.regulations.gov until 11/23/11) PDF Version
Overview of the Guidelines PDF Version
Press Release
Public Briefing
Regulatory Assessment
Supplementary document: State DOT Curb Ramp Standard Drawings with Detectable Warnings Details
Webinar (August 9)
Related Information

Revised Draft Guidelines (2005) PDF Version
Notice of Availability of Revised Draft Guidelines About this Notice
Draft Guidelines (2002)
Public Comments to the Draft Guidelines (2002)
Background
How the Board Develops Guidelines
Guidance Material

The Board has developed information to provide a source of guidance on various aspects of accessible public rights-of-way until its guidelines are completed. This information includes:

Accessible Public Rights-of-Way: Planning and Designing for Alterations PDF Version
Accessible Rights-of-Way: A Design Guide
Accessible Sidewalks (DVD)
Detectable Warnings Update
Manufacturers of Detectable Warning Products
Research:

Accessible Pedestrian Signals
Common Problems Arising in the Installation of Accessible Pedestrian Signals PDF Version
Detectable Warnings: Synthesis of U.S. and International Practice
Interfacing Audible Pedestrian Signals and Traffic Signal Controllers
Pedestrian Access to Modern Roundabouts
Synthesis of Literature Relevant to Roundabout Signalization to Provide Pedestrian Access
Synthesis of Maintenance and Durability Information for Detectable Warnings on Sidewalks
Visual Detection of Detectable Warning Materials by Pedestrians with Visual Impairments Technical Brief
Information on detectable warnings and accessible pedestrian signals is also available from Accessible Design for the Blind and www.walkinginfo.org
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Policy and Guidance

Questions and Answers About ADA and Section 504
Memorandum Clarifying FHWA Oversight Role in Accessibility (9/12/06)
Memorandum on Use of the Revised Draft Guidelines (1/23/06)
Memorandum on Detectable Warning Requirements (5/6/02)
Coverage of Non-Federally Funded Facilities (Civil Rights Restoration Act) (9/2/92)
For Further Information Contact:

phone: 202-272-0025 (voice) or 202-272-0082 (TTY)
e-mail: row@access-board.gov
fax: 202-272-0081

Other Resources

Accessible Design for the Blind
Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access (Federal Highway Administration guide)
Institute of Transportation Engineers (resources for accessible intersections are available)
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices
www.walkinginfo.org


Guidelines and