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HomeMy WebLinkAboutinformation on sidewalksNONPOINT EDUCATION F O R M U N I C I P A L O F F I C I A L S TECHNICAL PAPER NUMBER 7 Sidewalks By Jim Gibbons, UConn Extension Land Use Educator, 1999 Introduction Sidewalks are a common feature in most communities. In addition to providing a pedestrian network, sidewalks serve as meeting places for friends and neighbors; play areas for children, retail display areas and settings for special events. As sidewalk surfaces need to be stable, firm, smooth and slip resistant, they are often constructed of continuous swaths of impervious materials, such as asphalt or concrete. While their imperviousness can have adverse impacts on water resources, the fact that sidewalks are not used by large gas driven vehicles and often drain to landscaped areas, means they usually generate less contaminants than streets, parking lots and driveways. Sidewalk Systems If people are to choose walking over driving, the walking experience must be pleasant, safe and efficient. To this end, the sidewalk system should be structurally and visually continuous. Sidewalks must flow together forming an unbroken coordinated network. The only instances where a break or gap in the sidewalk system is acceptable, is when the dead-end walk is scheduled to connect with a planned walk in the near future or the sidewalk serves a special land use area, such as a central business district. The sidewalk system should present a continuous visual edge of building facades, trees, public spaces, lawns and open space. Where sidewalks cross streets, the continuity of the walk should be preserved by a change of the texture or color of the street pavement. In commercial areas, buildings often constitute one edge of the sidewalk while a landscaped border often forms the other edge. Sidewalk Location Many communities require all new developments be served with sidewalks, even where they will not connect to existing walks. As few communities have prepared comprehensive sidewalk plans, they do not know if the new sidewalks will ever join with others in a logical pattern. Technical Paper 7 Sidewalks Sidewalks should only be required where there are enough people to use them, where they link homes with schools, commercial centers, community facilities, jobs and mass transit stops or where they serve a well defined, high use area such as a downtown. In low-density residential areas, the walking distance to schools is often so great that school buses are used. There may be no need for sidewalks in these low-density areas. The road edge, particularly those designed as filter strips, can serve as a walkway. Some communities only require sidewalks next to streets with traffic flowsgreater tliari 2Q,average damtri, A repork entitled ^' --firc Improvement Specifications," prepared by the Northeastern Connecticut Regional Planning Agency, recommends sidewalks be provided on one side of the street, only in areas where there is residential development of 3 or more dwelling units per acre,_' commercial uses, or public buildings within 1500 feet. Guilford, Connecticut may require sidewalks where they are deemed necessary for public safety and one of the following conditions exist: lots with an area of 10,000 sq. ft. or less, roads classified as collectors, (road extends to an existing road which has sidewalks), within 1,000 sq. ft. of a school, public facility, park or playground where pedestrian easements are provided, and cul-de-sac residential roads where children must walk to school bus stops. Public sidewalks should always be placed within the public right-of- way while private sidewalks should be placed on private land. Some communities require that all sidewalks be located along private property lines or one foot from the right-of-way line. Placing_ sidewalks at the maximum practical distance from the curb provides pedestrians with: safety from street traffic, reduced conflict with trash and plowed snow stored in the border and protection from being splashed by passing vehicles. While most sidewalks are located along front yards and streets, some are located within the lot, such as pedestrian walkways at shopping plazas and malls, while others are placed along the rear lot lines, often designed as multi-purpose trails. page 1 Sidewalk Width Many communities have one standard design for all sidewalks. In some communities sidewalk width depends upon road width. As is true with road width, sidewalk width should be in direct proportion to the projected volume of users, with attention given to those with special needs. Anton Nelessen in his book, "Visions For A New American Dream," presents a sliding scale of sidewalk widths based on the number of people who might travel it walking side-by-side. Nelessen recommends a width of three feet for a single pedestrian 5'6" for two people walking side by side, 7'6" for three, 9'6" for four, 11'6" for five and 13' walks to be used by six people walking abreast. DeChiara and Koppleman in their "Time Saver Standards for Site Planning," recommend a minimum sidewalk width of 4' with 6' preferred for moderate two-way traffic and handicapped accessibility. Walks should be uninterrupted by any grade changes, blending to a common level with building entrances, driveways, parking lots, curbs and other walks. Changes in grade from street to sidewalk and sidewalk to building entrance create the most problems for wheelchair users, so care should be taken to install curb ramps in these locations. The "Americans with Disabilities Act," suggest 36" wide sidewalks to allow passage of one wheelchair and 60" for two wheelchairs. The minimum width for a person walking past a person in a wheelchair is 44." In the Design Guide for Rural Roads," prepared by the Dutchess Land Conservancy, Inc., sidewalk width varies based on the size and use of the lot it abuts. For residential uses, the Conservancy recommends 3' sidewalks for 1 -acre lots, 4' for half -acre development and 5' walks for homes on quarter acre sites. Sidewalk widths are broader in retail areas with the sidewalk extending from the edge of the street curb to the edge of the building. A minimum width of 6' is suggested for commercial areas with widths of 10' to 16' preferred to provide space for trees, lights, outside displays and benches, Sidewalk Border Strips Pedestrians feel safer on sidewalks that are separated from traffic by some kind of visual or physical barrier. A lane of parallel parking at the road's edge can create such a barrier. Landscaped borders separate sidewalks from curbs and street traffic. Borders of grass, trees, brick or paver stone can range from four to twenty five feet wide, depending on the street and sidewalk traffic, The heavier the traffic, the wider the strip. Border strips are commonly used to store garbage cans and trash waiting to be picked up. Borders are also used to store snow plowed and removed from the paved street. In residential areas landscaped planting strips usually separate walks and road, while lawns, hedges or fences define the other edge. To reduce the adverse impacts of impervious sidewalk surfaces, the sidewalk should be graded to drain to border strips Technical Paper 7 Sidewalks and adjacent lawns designed as filter strips capable of receiving, cleansing and infiltrating sidewalk runoff. Sidewalk Length Zoning regulations have a direct impact on the length of sidewalks associated with various land uses. Most zoning regulations contain front yard setback requirements, If, for instance, zoning required a 50' front yard setback for residential uses in 1 -acre zones, the chances are very high that 50' sidewalks will connect front doors to the street. Zoning also establishes minimum lot sizes that also influence sidewalk length. For example, a typical 1 -acre lot measures 200' by 200'. If sidewalks are required, they will be at least 200' long. If 4' wide sidewalks are constructed in the front yard and along the (- acre lot described above, 1000 square feet of impervious surface will be generated. Sidewalk Surface Materials The sidewalk surface should be stable and relatively smooth yet not slippery, so as to provide proper traction. Sidewalks should have grades of 3 percent or less; however grades of up to 5 percent are permissible in short lengths. Maximum grade standards are particularly important in areas subject to icing. Minimum lateral drainage grades of 1/9 to % inch per foot are suggested where impervious surface materials are used. Many sidewalks are constructed of concrete which has the ability of being brushed, textured, scored, inlaid or stamped to provide textural variety and improve pedestrian safety. The Town of Durham, Connecticut stipulates that when sidewalks are installed in front of commercial properties, places of assembly or other places, which generate large amounts of pedestrian traffic, they shall be constructed of 5" cement concrete slab on an 8" gravel base. In all other areas requiring sidewalks, they shall be constructed of 2'W bituminous concrete on an 8" gravel base. Many planners feel a varied sidewalk texture enhances the walking experience, as pedestrians tend to pay attention to the ground in front of them. Many sidewalks are blacktop or macadam, a material that not only repels water but also generally offers little textural variety. Alternative sidewalk surfaces such as brick and paver stone offer a variety of shapes, sizes and colors and can be laid with spaces between the stone permitting storm water infiltration. Asphalt can be mixed with large aggregate, creating voids that increase the sidewalk's porosity. Concrete or plastic grids filled with crushed stone or topsoil and grass can also be used to construct porous sidewalks. NEMO Recommendations Regarding Sidewalks • Local land use regulations should require sidewalks only where they will connect to existing walks or in areas designated in the comprehensive sidewalk plan. page 2 • The plan of conservation and development should include a comprehensive sidewalk plan showing areas served by existing sidewalks and areas where sidewalks will be needed, • In most low density residential areas sidewalks are not needed. Where they are deemed necessary, use roadside bio -retention swales as sidewalks rather than impervious surfaced walks. ■ Where sidewalks are required, construct them of porous materials. • Where impervious sidewalks are deemed necessary, construct them on only one side of residential streets. • Sidewalk width should vary based on the number of pedestrians projected to use it, as opposed to a "one design fits all occasions," approaches. • For most low and medium density residential areas, sidewalks of only 3' or 4' width are usually adequate. • Where impervious sidewalks are installed crown them and have them drain to adjacent lawns or planted boarder strips designed to accept and filter runoff from the walk, • Review your zoning regulations for required minimum lot width and front yard setbacks as these provisions directly impact sidewalk lengths. • In residential areas, use the lip of driveways as the front yard sidewalk rather than building two separate impervious areas. Contact Information University of Connecticut, CES Box 70,1066 Saybrook Road Haddam, CT 06438 Phone: (860) 345-4511 Email: nemo@canr.uconn.edu Web Address: nemo.uconn.edu +� Ulf iversiiry of Connecticut COOPi:WAFill Ek11114511311 �5Y"r�sd r.+ .fvrrr re:+•,;;J.mwN N. . NEMO is an educational pro/ec1 of the Ummrslry of Connecticut, Cooperative ExOW" System, GavMC&W Sea Grant Cofte Program and Natural Resource Management and Engineering Department. In dVivn to support from !/Conn, NEMO is funded by grants from the CT DEP Afor*% nt Source Program and the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program. NEMO Is a program of the Center for Land use Education And Research (CLEAR). For more lnformalion about CLEAR, visit www. clear. uconn.edu. The Connecticut Cooperative Extension System is an equal opportunity eflpko w.. © 2002 [N++Wm7y ofConnecticul 11-02 ISSUU - Chapter 2 Sidewalk Width Chart by utile design tD issuu mczxmc� Preferred Width for Sidewalk Zones = 111. = = -- =.-. I= utile design 2 years ago f" Flag Related publications 43111581 20000CAT -2—A—EN vvexoe /VS Pagel of Upload publicacion About Create A(rount Sign In Frontage rw Radastrtvn al_ 1Z 10* WA_ Chapter 2 Sidewalk Width Chart Sidewalk width NORTHEAST SuBURBM LjFE 7 are Ihan Fdddy nights 0% — 3.5 northeast -suburban -life - 082411 Enquirer Media GrwengCaW L Curb Furnishing WA Swansea grand theatre brochure autumn winter 2013 City and County of Swansea Grate, Pair- Share. wi,sconsiriClieese Pizza on the grill, cheese and cocktail paiiings, swruner salads and dessarta Made with Wisconsin.-. http://issuu.conilbostontransportationdepartmentldocsl2-2—sidewalk—width—chart 7/31/2013 N.Ighb-h—d M.In 2- Nelyhbor wd Cm—Im WA N.Ighb.rtl—d R-W.AW WA hd..1,1.1 SI—I N/A Sh.,W St—f 2' Radastrtvn al_ 1Z 10* WA_ Chapter 2 Sidewalk Width Chart Sidewalk width NORTHEAST SuBURBM LjFE 7 are Ihan Fdddy nights 0% — 3.5 northeast -suburban -life - 082411 Enquirer Media GrwengCaW L Curb Furnishing WA Swansea grand theatre brochure autumn winter 2013 City and County of Swansea Grate, Pair- Share. wi,sconsiriClieese Pizza on the grill, cheese and cocktail paiiings, swruner salads and dessarta Made with Wisconsin.-. http://issuu.conilbostontransportationdepartmentldocsl2-2—sidewalk—width—chart 7/31/2013 Sidewalk Width I SF Better Streets Page 1 of 2 WHY BETTER STREETS LEARN THE PROCESS FIND PROJECT TYPES DESIGN GUIDELINES Sidewalkwidth DESIGN GUIDELINES buildings. Building Sidewalk width has significant implications for streetscape design and the quality of the pedestrian Neighborhood environment. Support Sidewalks that are too narrow prevent pedestrians from moving safely and comfortably. Narrow sidewalks work with your also make if difficult or impossible to provide important additional streetscape elements and pedestrian neighbors to r f amenities. make street - a Roadway characteristics: Pedestrians are typically more comfortable on sidewalks that are buffered improvements ■� A wide sidewalk offers pedestrians enough space to walk at their chosen pace, stand, sit, socialize, or happen Read more merely enjoy their surroundings. Wider sidewalks also offer more space for landscaping and amenities, Need Help? Go to 311 making the streetscape more useful and attractive and also acting as a buffer between traffic and 311 is San Francisco's pedestrians. Merchant's Corner The following variables should be considered in determining appropriate sidewalk width: Local businesses MINIMUM SIDEWALK WIDTH have a strong ` ■ Street types: Sidewalk width and function varies based on street types and levels of activity. stale In well cat ed—_J d -for streets. I �� ■ Adjacent land use: High-intensity uses attract more pedestrians, generally necessitating greater _ Read more..,. sidewalk widths. r Adjacent building form: Taller buildings create greater shadow and scale; wider sidewalks can Developer create greater separation from the buildings, and allow more sun to reach sidewalks opposite tall Requirements buildings. Prwalr davalWmi lr • Adjacent ground floor use: Office and residential uses are often slightly set back to allow a transition is a signilicanl from public to private spaces. In contrast, buildings with active ground floor uses typically front more contributor of ;«eel' directly onto the street and often spill out into the sidewalk with seating or merchandise displays. improvements Read mora._ These features may constrain clear sidewalk width. a Roadway characteristics: Pedestrians are typically more comfortable on sidewalks that are buffered from moving vehicles. Faster, higher volumes of cars and trucks require a wider buffer to create a comfortable walking environment. On -street parking and bicycle lanes can serve as buffers; where Need Help? Go to 311 they are not present, additional sidewalk width and landscaping may be necessary. 311 is San Francisco's 24x7 Customer Service ® Center MINIMUM SIDEWALK WIDTH All sidewalks should meet the minimum widths shown here, as measured Irom the face of the curb. Existing sidewalks may be narrower than the minimum widths for a variety of reasons, from physical constraints to historical context. Sidewalks that are below these widths should be considered deficient; when funding allows or the street is otherwise being reconstructed, they should be considered for widening as feasible given right-of-way constraints. Where it is not possible to achieve minimum widths within existing rights-of-way, requiring consistent building setbacks may be considered as away to provide extra space. RECOMMENDED SIDEWALK WIDTH http://www. sfbetterstreets.org/design-guidelines/sidewalk-width/ 7/31/2013 Sidewalk Width I SF Better Streets Sidewalks should strive to meet or exceed the recommended sidewalk widths, as measured from the face of the curb, shown here. These widths allow for the provision of all desired streetscape elements on the sidewalk. Major new development or redevelopment areas that create new streets must meet or exceed recommended sidewalk widths per Planning Code Section 138.1. On new streets, where continuous building setbacks are proposed, minimum sidewalk width may be narrowed by the width of the applicable frontage zone, as determined on a case-by-case basis. Streetscape improvement projects should evaluate opportunities to widen sidewalks to the recommended minimums as conditions allow. However, most street improvements in San Francisco take place within existing constrained rights-of-way (as opposed to entirely new streets), and trade-offs among various travel modes are often necessary. Minimum and Recommended Sidewalk Width by Street Type Stredl Tyne lAiNmdm W!dln COMMERCIAL Downlown commercial Per Downlown Slreelscape Plan Commercial throughway 12' Neighborhood commercial 12' RESIDENTIAL Downlown reWdenHal Reslcicntlel Ihi oughway 1+➢elghlan hilod 1(midenlial OTHER tndusloni tYAxed-um SPECIAL Parkway Park edge Multi -way boulevard Ceremonial Alley Shared public way Paseo Sidewalk and Median Width 12' 12' 1P 6' 1 z' 12' 12' 12' Varies 6' NA Varies Recommended Widen j 15' 15' 15' 15' 17 10' 15' 17' 24' 15' Varies 9' NA Varies Though medians can add aesthetic value and safety benefits, roadway space is often more valuable to pedestrians as part of sidewalks rather than as part of a median, particularly where sidewalks are less than the recommended sidewalk width for the appropriate street type. On the other hand, due to the difficulty and cost of moving curbs, utilities, driveways, site furnishings and plantings (especially if trees are mature), widening sidewalks by a small amount may be a less cost-effective manner of improving a street than adding median space. This determination should be made on a case-by-case basis. T Top or Page Page 2 of 2 CII'J 8 Co.lnty of •-r:yti. Hama I Why aet6er Streets? I Find Project Types I Loam The Process I Design Guidelines 5 aur�ola, .<rsanea Entail Wrbma M, SAN FRANCISCO 'vYv.ra. tt/frA PI NNING DEPARRAWT -: M,,.tpWn!nx: �:,bnnuwAyvloy ±; �fl-AIMFR n:s •JlSirl:!te is:^tn:n letl an u L'.udl! to lar,:!Itxte Iho n:al,ng of sll�;l :n!provelnun:f 1:: Slln :lanciUro !I i& riot z r=,Pierenlrnl fW the Jorma: pclml: pror.esc Proj.�r,: si+�nuoru :nual u!:II oGl a:n nl: Ir�lr�vnnl Ik::�nulx and ollr;J el o{%o6ris Dl1: '-Ilant!nrAli nrlA Izp:ilaGon?. ti http://www. sfbetterstreets. org/design-guidelines/sidewalk-width/ 7/31/2013 .642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria From Engineering Policy Guide Sidewalk Handrail Detail 4 Lane Major Urban Roadway 4 Lane Minor Urban Roadway 2 Lane Minor Urban Roadway Figures Typical Urban Roadway Sections Additional Resources Access Board Publications (http://www.access-board.gov/pubs.htm) Americans with Disabilities Act Access Guidelines (ADAAG) (http://www.access- board.gov/adaag/htmI/adaag.htm) ADA Checklist FHWA's Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access: Part I (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalks/index.htm) Part II (http://www.thwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalk2/index.htm) Manual on Uniform traffic Control Devices - signals (http://www.mutcd.fhwa,dot.gov/) MoDOT's Internet Website: Page 1 of 9 MoDOT's Bike/Ped webpage (http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_pedB ikepedintro.htm) MoDOT's Bike/Ped Useful links (http://www.modot.mo.gov/othertransportation/bike_ped/bicyclepedprogram.htm) MoDOT's Concrete Curb Ramp Special Sheet (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/documents/ConcreteSidewkCurbRamps l .pdf) Standard Plan 608.10 (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/documents/60810.pdf) Standard Plan 609.00 (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/documents/60900.pdf) Public Right of Way Access Guidelines, PROWAG (Best Practices): Draft Guidelines (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/draft.htm) Special Report: Accessible Public Rights of Way Planning and Designing for Alterations (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/alterations/guide.htm) Technical Assistance Q & A (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/draft.htm#ta) Additional Right of Way Guidance (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/) A sidewalk is designed to meet a variety of characteristics that have a direct impact on usability, such as grade, cross slope, width, surface type, etc. Even mildly difficult features in combination can make a sidewalk hard to access for someone with a disability. Sidewalk design criteria are based on providing access to all pedestrian users to the maximum extent feasible. This policy is in accordance with federal standards set out by the US Department of Justice, based on recommendations of the US Access Board. Refer to Pedestrian Facilities and the Americans with Disablities Act for further discussion. http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1_Sidewalk Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Page 2 of 9 To better understand some of the challenges faced by disabled users, access- board.gov/prowac/video/index.htm (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/video/index.htm) accesses four U.S. Access Board videos showing design issues for pedestrians with disabilities. The videos cover: 1. Design issues for pedestrians who use wheelchairs (10:00). 2. Design issues for pedestrians with ambulatory impairments (7:51). 3. Design issues for pedestrians with low vision (11:24). 4. Design issues for pedestrians who are blind (11:19). When sidewalks are constructed the following basic items will be considered (detailed design information follows later on in this article): ■ Sidewalks or pedestrian paths will be accessible to the maximum extent feasible to all people according to the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). m Barrier curb. Refer to Standard Plan 609.00 (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/documents/60900.pdf) . When sidewalks are constructed, a barrier curb is sufficient to separate pedestrians from vehicular traffic on low -speed roadways (posted speed of 45 mph or less). At higher speeds, a vehicle can mount a barrier curb at a relatively flat impact angle. In the event a sidewalk located adjacent to a high- speed roadway is necessary, another type of physical separation between the vehicle and the pedestrian will be considered. Guardrail and concrete traffic barriers are two of the options that may be considered. ■ In rural areas where it is necessary to accommodate pedestrian movements, a paved shoulder at least 6 ft. wide may be used. The cross slope must be 1.0% (minimum) to 2.0%. ■ A sidewalk located at least 2 ft. from a curb should be a minimum of 5 ft. wide. Exceptions may be made for local conditions, but ADA requirements must be met. ■ A sidewalk proposed within 2 ft. of a curb will be placed adjacent to the curb and be a minimum of 6 ft. wide. Exceptions may be made, but ADA requirements must be met. ■ For sidewalk widths less than 5 ft., a 5 ft. by 5 ft. passing space is to be provided at intervals no greater than 200 ft. ■ The cross slope on all accessible routes must be 1.0% minimum to 2.0% maximum. ■ The running slope should be as flat as possible, up to a maximum of 5%. However, sidewalks may follow the slope of the adjacent roadway if less than 5% is technically infeasible. w Sidewalks across private and commercial approaches will be the same thickness as the paved approach and will maintain less than 2.0% cross slope. Accessible routes across side streets and alleys will be less than 2.0% on new construction and reconstruction projects. Less than 2.0% cross slope will be maintained across streets and alleys where feasible on all alteration projects. ■ A clear airspace of 80 in. above the sidewalk will be maintained free of tree limbs, signs, fountains, poles or planters. Protrusions into the area of the sidewalk must not exceed 4 in. Where http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1—Sidewalk—Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Page 3 of 9 the curb is separated from the parallel sidewalk by a parkway (border), all house walks will be extended across the parkway (see Standard Plan 608.10 (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_and_specs/documents/60810.pdf) ). Housewalks will be 4 in. thick and at least 3 ft. wide. ■ Steps to a house will be at least 3 ft. wide. Steps and housewalks will match the width of the existing housewalk. Steps other than house steps will be of sufficient width to fit a particular situation. Stairs located on MHTC right of way will be replaced with ADA -compliant curb ramps, where technically feasible, or an alternate route may be provided. ■ Additional guidance regarding sidewalk design can be found in the AASHTO publication Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, the FHWA publication Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access (http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalkso , or Access Board's Accessible Public Rights -of -Way Planning and Designing for Alterations (http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/alterations/guide.htm) . Contents ■ 1 642. 1.1 Sidewalk Location and Width ■ 2 642.1.2 Clearances and Obstructions ■ 3 642.1.3 Sidewalk Surfaces a 4 642.1.4 Running Slope, or Grade ■ 5 642.1.5 Cross Slopes ■ 6 642.1.6 Landings 642.1.1 Sidewalk Location and Width In developed areas on low -speed roadways (posted speed of 45 mph or less), sidewalks are to be separated from the travelway by a barrier curb (see Standard Plan 609.00 (http://www.modot.mo.gov/business/standards_ and_ specs/documents/60900.pdf) ). At higher speeds, a vehicle can mount a barrier curb at a relatively flat impact angle. In the event a sidewalk is located adjacent to a high-speed roadway, another type of physical separation between the vehicle and the pedestrian such as a guardrail or concrete traffic barrier will be considered. Sidewalks are not to be designated on paved shoulders located behind a mountable curb; nor shall paved shoulders be designated or striped as a pedestrian pathway, however if pedestrian use is anticipated, efforts should be made to meet ADA standards wherever possible, such as a 2% cross slope. http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1—Sidewalk—Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Sidewalks are to be at least 5 ft. wide. However, if necessary due to geometric constraints, the width of the sidewalk may be reduced to 4 ft. A 2 ft. grass strip or planting area should separate the sidewalk from the curb. A sidewalk proposed within 2 ft. of a curb will be placed adjacent to the curb and be at least 6 ft. wide. There are exceptions: sidewalk width may be reduced to meet site constraints; however, ADA requires at least 3 ft. for passage of a wheelchair. In an alteration to an existing facility, to provide passage around an obstacle, 32 in. is acceptable for a distance of 24 in. Page 4 of 9 "...stable, firm and slip resistant..." "...minimize surface discontinuities..." For sidewalk widths less than 5 ft., a 5 ft. x 5 ft. passing space needs to be provided at intervals no greater than 200 ft.. Such features as driveways, building entrances, parking lots and sidewalk intersections are considered acceptable passing spaces if they are 5 ft. x 5 ft. Figure 642.1.2 Clearances and obstructions for pedestrian access routes http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1 —Sidewalk—Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 • ��•iahl asiR�t?l� i 12 MAX C.tS,t1 FTF.,--TA� Figure 642.1.2 Clearances and obstructions for pedestrian access routes http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1 —Sidewalk—Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Page 5 of 9 642.1.2 Clearances and Obstructions The width of the accessible sidewalk route should meet the requirements above. Obstructions are objects within the pedestrian access route that reduce the clearance width, protrude into the circulation route, or limit the vertical passage space or of a sidewalk. These guidelines apply to permanent and temporary objects. The full width of the circulation path should be free of protruding objects, if possible. Permanent, stationary objects are not to project into the pedestrian access route more than 4 in. from 27 in. to 80 in. above the ground. Freestanding objects mounted on posts, pylons, etc., may overhang a maximum of 12 in. from 27 in. and 80 in. above the ground, although this situation should be avoided whenever possible. Figure 642.1.2 illustrates this protected zone. Obstacles below 27 in. are not to reduce the sidewalk width to less than 3 ft. Obstacles reducing the sidewalk circulation path (width) below 5 ft., but not less than 3 ft., should be corrected, but if not, documented why the sidewalk width was reduced and the obstacle was not moved or corrected at that location 642.1.3 Sidewalk Surfaces Surfaces of sidewalks and all parts of the pedestrain network must be stable, firm at'v"''fta- and slip -resistant. Care must be taken to provide an even and level surface. Highly textured surfaces such as cobblestones may cause discomfort for a disabled person with a spinal injury. Changes in levels up to '/4 in. may be vertical and without edge treatment. Changes in levels between'/4 in. and V2 in. will be beveled with a slope no greater than 1 V:2H (2:1). Level differences greater than '/Z in. need to be removed or ramped. Over time, sidewalks may settle, become worn, or fall victim to people or nature. Maintaining a safe surface for everyone is very important. When the sidewalk is not owned or maintained by MoDOT, but may be adjacent to one that is, it is important to notify the proper authority that maintenance is needed. Some examples of sidewalks distresses/deficiencies requiring correction are: http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1_Sidewalk Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Page 6 of 9 ■ Step separation. A vertical displacement of 1/2 in. or greater at any point on the walkway that could cause pedestrians to trip or prevent the wheels of a wheelchair or stroller from rolling smoothly. ■ Badly cracked concrete. Holes and rough spots ranging from hairline cracks to indentations wider than '/2 in. ■ Spalled areas. Fragments of concrete or other building material detached from larger structures. ■ Settled areas that trap water. Sidewalk segments with depressions, reverse cross slopes, or other indentations that make the sidewalk path lower than the curb. These depressions trap silt and water on the sidewalk and reduce the slip resistant nature of the surface. ■ Tree root damage. Roots from trees growing in adjacent landscaping that cause the walkway surface to buckle and crack. ■ Vegetation overgrowth. Groundcover, trees, or shrubs on properties or setbacks adjacent to the path that have not been pruned can encroach onto the path and create obstacles. Cracked concrete Drainagelvegetation 4M Step separation Protruding Branches http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1—Sidewalk—Design Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Utility covers, such as for manholes, drainage or water meters, need to have a slip resistant top, as much as possible, and meet changes in level criteria. Lifting holes on covers need to be less than %Z inch in diameter or be satisfactorily plugged so a cane cannot get lodged in the hole. If grates are located in the sidewalk or other Page 7 of 9 walkways paths, the grates will have spacing no greater than '/z in. wide in one direction. If grates have elongated openings, then the grates will be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel. Refer to Figure 642.1.3. � predamli�an[ dliecllan *-rte ►n" 13 FTP--P-W. 7�F!1�17FF1 Figure 642.1.3 642.1.4 Running Slope, or Grade The running slope, or grade is defined as the slope parallel to the direction of travel, with the running grade defined as the average grade along a continuous grade. The grade of a sidewalk should be as level as possible allowing easy use by travelers. For pedestrian facilities on public access routes, the running grade of sidewalks will be a maximum of 5%. If this is technically infeasible, the sidewalk may be consistent with the running grade of the adjacent roadway. If the sidewalk cannot be kept at the same grade as the adjacent roadway and the grade is greater than 5%, the sidewalk may be considered a ramp and designed in accordance with EPG 642.2 Sidewalk Ramp and Curb Ramp Design Criteria. The rate of change in grade, the algebraic difference, measured over 2 ft. intervals, is not to exceed 13%. An example of a 13% change in grade is shown in Figure 642.1.4.1. Figure 642.1.4.2 illustrate how excessive slopes impact wheelchairs. http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642. I—Sidewalk—Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide 511'o co€utter slope 8% slope (_uttel) (culls rands) Figure 642.1.4.1. The gutter slopes counter to the slope of the curb ramp to promote drainage. Excessive slope differences between a gutter and a ramp can cause wheelchairs to flip over backward 642.1.5 Cross Slopes Page 8 of 9 Excessive slope differences between gutter and ramp can cause wheelchairs to tip forward Figure 642.1.4.2 Cross slope is defined as the slope measured perpendicular to the direction of travel. A minimum slope of 1% should be provided to allow proper drainage. When necessary the maximum 2% cross slope allowed by ADA standards may be used. Cross slopes of less than 2% are desirable to provide easier passage and to allow for some construction tolerance and settlement. Sidewalks with a cross slope greater than 2% are noncompliant and must be made compliant by whatever means necessary and including replacement. Cross slopes are very difficult for some people with mobility impairments to negotiate because it is harder to travel across sloped surfaces than horizontal surfaces. People with mobility impairments who are ambulatory or use manual wheelchairs must exert significantly more energy than other pedestrians to traverse sloped surfaces. Both powered and manual wheelchairs can become unstable and/or difficult to control on sloped surfaces. Whenever possible, slopes are minimized to improve access for people with mobility impairments. 642.1.6 Landings http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1_Sidewalk Design—Criteria 7/31/2013 642.1 Sidewalk Design Criteria - Engineering Policy Guide Page 9 of 9 Landings are level areas built to provide pedestrians with a place to rest or make turning maneuvers, or where it is necessary to have a level, stable area to allow access to another feature such as a pedestrian pushbutton. The slope of a landing should allow for drainage and be designed and built with a minimum 1% slope and may not exceed a slope of 2.0% in any direction. For more information on the use of landings in ramp design refer to EPG 642.2.1 Slope and Rise of Sidewalk Ramps. For more information on the use of landings with regard to curb ramps, refer to EPG 642.2.2 Curb Ramps. Retrieved from "http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1_Sidewalk_Design_Criteria" Cateaorv: 642 Pedestrian Facilities ■ This page was last modified on 4 September 2012, at 14:58. http://epg.modot.org/index.php?title=642.1_Sidewalk_Design_Criteria 7/31/2013