A person who is blind has a walking disability, uses a wheelchair, or crutches is at a higher risk of getting injured on poorly constructed sidewalks. A sidewalk in NYC must be compliant with ADA guidelines to ensure the maximum safety of pedestrians on the road.

The ADA ( Americans with Disabilities Act) ensures that a sidewalk is constructed according to pre-defined length, width, height, and slope. As a property owner in NYC, you are responsible for ensuring ADA compliance.

You can hire a professional contractor like Sidewalk Repairs Bronx to help you with this. The professional contractors strictly follow the ADA guidelines. Let us discuss the ADA rules followed by professional contractors to construct your sidewalks. We will also explore the benefits of constructing ADA-compliant sidewalks.

ADA Rules for Sidewalk Construction

The following are the most relevant regulations and guidelines to assist the disabled:

Width of Sidewalk

The minimum width of the sidewalks must be 36 inches (3 feet). This width is suitable for the wheelchair to move along easily. The width can be reduced to a minimum of 32 inches for a maximum length of 24 inches.

Minimum Width at the Turn

The width of the sidewalk when approaching and leaving the turn must be at least 42 inches. The clear width of the turn must be at least 48 inches. If the clear width of the turn is 60 inches, the minimum width requirement of 42 inches is not necessary.

Slopes and Elevation 

The slope is maintained both in the running direction (length-wise) and the crossing direction (width-wise). Maximum running and crossing slopes must be 5% and 2%, respectively.

The running slope is in the ratio 1:20, i.e., 1-inch slope for every 20 inches of horizontal distance. Similarly, the crossing slope must be maintained at 1:48.

Curb Ramps

Curb ramps act as an intersection between the road and sidewalks. The sloping curb makes it easier for people in wheelchairs, especially to move from the sidewalk to the road. The recommended slope of the ramp must be 1:12. The maximum slope can be up to 1:48. Moreover, contrasting colors and a warning device must be applied to make the ramps prominent.

Passing Spaces 

The passing spaces allow people from opposite directions to pass by without hitting. Passing spaces must be constructed if the sidewalk’s length is less than 60 inches (5 feet). They are made after each 200-foot interval. 

Tidy and Even Path 

Sidewalks must be free from any hurdles or obstructions. There must be no litter, snow, water pooling, broken paves uneven slabs, or plantations on the sidewalks. These obstacles will hinder the smooth movement of disabled people. 

Slip-Resistant Path 

The polished pathways are slippery, which are not suitable for people with crutches or wheelchairs. Hence, the sidewalks must not be polished and should not have a very steep slope to prevent any slipping accidents. 

Tactile Symbols

The walking symbols are used to assist the disabled in walking easily. Special yellow tiles with textures and bumps are installed at the curbs and edges. These tiles are used to alarm visually impaired individuals. 

Benefits of Installing ADA Sidewalks

If you construct the sidewalks according to ADA guidelines, you will have the following benefits:

  • The disabled and injured people and kids in the strollers can move easily and safely.
  • The owners of the properties who have properly maintained sidewalks according to ADA compliance stay protected from any legal penalties. 
  • The value and beauty of your property will be enhanced if you have sidewalks. 
  • You will stay protected from paying heavy fines and charges.

Conclusion

ADA guidelines are not optional but are compulsory to follow. Any violation of these rules can harm the people walking on them and can also harm the property owners through a legal case against them. The property owners must make sure that they hire a professional contractor like Sidewalk Repairs Bronx to ensure that their sidewalks are built according to ADA compliance.