ADA accessible routes of travel

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all new public, commercial and institutional developments meet ADA standards. Furthermore, existing public buildings, public outdoor facilities, and public rights-of-way shall be retrofitted to achieve accessibility. An accessible route of travel is designated to accommodate the needs of many different people, including those who are blind, using wheelchairs, pushing a stroller or cart, or injured. The law requires that municipalities have a transition plan in place to address ADA issues. The City of Auburn details the ADA design specifications, for new routes and retrofitted routes, in the Auburn Design Standards manual.

ADA standards

The ADA has several requirements to help ensure ease of access for all non-motorized travelers, including those in wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Some of these requirements are as follows.

In most cases, a minimum 3-foot wide clear zone must be provided along a route with obstacles.

Railings should be between 34” and 38”. If children are the primary users of a facility, a 2nd set of handrails, no taller than 28”, should be installed.

Generally, grades along an accessible route walking path should not exceed 1:20 or 5%. Ramp slopes should not exceed 1:12 or 8.33% in new facilities.

If a designated accessible route has a grade greater than 5%, it is considered a ramp and must have handrails and landings.

Source: ADA and Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Guidelines, http://www.access-board.gov, 2004.

*Note these standards change regularly and should be confirmed before applying them to a site design.

If you are aware of an ADA access issue or of an intersection that could be made safer for the visually impaired, please contact Pablo Para at 253-876-1958 or ppara@auburnwa.gov.