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What is an ADA Compliant Sidewalk?

What is an ADA Compliant Sidewalk?

08 November 2021 By Admin

ADA stands for the Americans with Disabilities Act. The ADA is legislation that requires buildings to be compliant with certain standards to ensure that environments, facilities, premises, and other resources are accessible to individuals with disabilities.

The ADA Act was passed in the United States to make public facilities accessible to those who use a scooter, wheelchair, and other mobility devices. It also makes provision for those who are partially sighted, hearing impaired or living with any other disabilities.

Some of the places that are required to comply with the ADA Standards include:

  • Facilities of the state and local government
  • Commercial premises of businesses
  • Places of public accommodation

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has certain guidelines defined for specific structures both indoors and outside the property. These guidelines are not just limited to doors, entrances, restrooms, elevators, and other elements of a premise. The ADA Act also covers concrete areas such as parking lots, sidewalks and curb ramps as well.

ADA Compliant Sidewalks

Sidewalks are the most commonly used area by individuals who visit a private or government facility. If the sidewalks are not ADA compliant, it may serve as a threat for the differently-abled, those using a wheelchair, crutches, or even those visually impaired.

If the sidewalk does not comply with the ADA Standards, a qualified ADA Concrete Contractor needs to be consulted immediately to repair or resurface the sidewalk.

Here are some of the ADA requirements applicable to sidewalks.

Sidewalk Slope

Complying with the ADA Standards for the slope requirements of sidewalks ensures a safe and easy passage for pedestrians. In order to be ADA compliant, the slope of the sidewalk needs to have a ratio of less than 1:12. This means for every vertical rise of one inch; there needs to be a corresponding horizontal rise of 12 inches.

Sidewalk Width

The width of the sidewalk is important for those individuals who use a wheelchair. For ADA compliance, the width of the sidewalk needs to be 36 inches. However, sidewalks can be more comprehensive than this as well. The ADA also mentions a limit of 30 inches for a rise in sidewalk ramps. If there is a change in the direction of the ramp at the landings, then there must be a passing space of 60 inches on all sides.

Sidewalk Surface Texture

The surface texture of the sidewalk needs to be such that the differently-abled can safely walk on it. It should be slip-resistant and stable. The ADA Concrete Contractor must ensure that there should be no cracks or uneven slabs in the sidewalk, leading to a hazard.

Curb Ramps

A curb ramp is needed whenever a sidewalk crosses a street intersection. Curb ramps are important and need to have a width of at least 36 inches. When it comes to steepness, they need to be less than 1:12.

If you own a commercial premise or a place of public accommodation, you must ensure that the place and most importantly, the sidewalk complies with the ADA guidelines. If you are not sure, it is best to hire an ADA Concrete Contractor.

An ADA Concrete Contractor has the expertise and experience in repairing and replacing the existing concrete sidewalks and curb ramps if they do not comply with the ADA Standards

ADA compliance is indispensable for the safety of all pedestrians using the sidewalks and curb ramps. Hiring an ADA Concrete Contractor is a wise decision.

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Why Wait to be "Forced" into ADA Compliance. If you are a public business or public property owner, save money, lawsuits, time and headaches by being prepared and avoiding it all in the first place. It’s time to call in the ADA pros. Use Protrk, an ADA construction expert, to Get it Done Right Prior to Forced Compliance. 

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