As an urban planner, builder, or caregiver, you might ask yourself: Are curb ramps legal and allowed under current regulations? Well, we all know that for people with disabilities, small curb ramps have big advantages in their daily lives.
So, if you are someone who cares about public safety, then you need to know about all required compliance. For example: what makes a curb ramp legal, where it’s required & how to get it right. That’s why we prepared a complete guide for you in this article.
Are Curb Ramps Required By ADA?
You might see people on the roads with disabilities and falling from a wheelchair, tripping with a cane or walker. For such accidents, ADA rules were made to make roads safer and easier to use.
So if you are a business owner, building manager, work with a construction team, or are planning a project. It is legally necessary for you to ensure access for all, wherever a sidewalk or path crosses a curb (e.g, parking lots and building entrances). In addition, it’s very important for you to follow these ADA curb ramp requirements to avoid injuries.
For Public Locations
In a public place, you must include curb ramps wherever there is a path that crosses a curb. These ramps should be wide enough but not too steep. Plus, they are easy to use for someone in a wheelchair or with a walker. Moreover, you need to place curb ramps at proper spots to stay within the law.
Landing Slopes
If you are going to place the curb ramps, then you must also think about the landing slopes. These are the flat spots at the top or bottom of the ramp. Therefore, ADA says the slope here should not be steeper than a 1:48 ratio. In this way, it keeps the area safe and easy for you to stop, turn, or rest too (especially if you are using a wheelchair or walker). Additionally, it helps you stay balanced and safe while walking.
Gutter Flow Line
Before placing curb ramps, you should check the gutter flow line. The reason is that if you don’t assess it, the ramp might end up with a sharp bump or dip where it joins the pathway. So, the street edges should not be too steep where your ramp meets the road. The benefit will be that you can cross the road safely without getting stuck or falling.
Roadway Cross Slope
According to ADA standards, the cross slope of the roadway should be as flat as possible, which really helps people who have disabilities. Therefore, the maximum cross slope allowed is 2%. That means, for every foot of horizontal distance, you should not rise or drop the slope more than 2%.
Transition Zone
The transition zone is something that you should really consider when placing curb ramps. Because it is an area where the curb ramp connects to the sidewalk or road. So, ADA guidelines require this zone to be smooth and free of obstacles, too.
In such a way, a well-designed shift area helps prevent any sudden drops or bumps that could cause difficulty. For example, if you are using mobility aids, you may have trouble.
Surface Texture
Well, the surface of the ramp should be stable, firm, and slip-resistant too. Because this will help you maintain grip and balance when using the ramp, even if you face conditions that are wet or slippery. In addition, the Americans with Disabilities Act demands that the surface of curb ramps should have a texture that provides traction while allowing for smooth movement.
Regulations for Steep Walkways
If we talk about the particular standard of footpaths for curb ramps, ADA rules say walkways should not be too steep to prevent accidents and difficulty in movement. We recommend that you keep at least 12 inches of horizontal distance for every inch of rise. It provides you with protection and minimizes the risk of injury and dangerous accidents.
Required Measurements For Curb Ramps
Ramp Width
You should ensure that the ramp is at least 36 inches (3 feet) wide, which can be measured between the handrails. However, it is all about the horizontal dimension of a ramp from one side to the other. This gives you enough space for wheelchairs and walkers to pass through safely.
Ramp Height
Each ramp run can go up to 30 inches (2.5 feet) high. But, if you need more height, you can add multiple ramp runs with level landings in between. Moreover, the ADA suggests you have a 1:12 slope ratio, which means, for every 1 inch of height, you should extend the ramp 12 inches horizontally.
Ramp Slope
If we talk about ramp slope, it should not be steeper than a 1:12 ratio. This means for every 12 feet in length, you should rise only 1 foot. This gentle slope makes it easier and safer for you to climb. You will be safe on the ramp no matter if you are in a wheelchair, using a walker, or walking by yourself.
Side Slope
As people know, side slope refers to the slope along the sides of the ramp. Well, the side angle of the ramp (cross slope) is never more than a 1:48 ratio. The reason is that this keeps the ramp level from side to side, which prevents tipping or sliding. Hence, transitions became easier for cars, wheelchairs, and strollers.
When Space is Limited (Alterations)
However, in tight spaces, ADA suggests slightly steeper ramps but only for short rises.
- You can adjust a 1:10 slope when the rise is up to 6 inches.
- If the rise is up to 3 inches, then you can use a 1:8 slope. Furthermore, you should never have a slope steeper than one inch of rise for every twelve inches of horizontal distance.
Stop Points
When you build a curb ramp, you need to leave some clear space on either side of the ramp. At the top, you should have 36 inches of open space so people can walk around the ramp if they want.
Plus, at the bottom, make sure there is a 48-inch by 48-inch area that is not in the way of cars. This space helps you turn or get ready before crossing the street.
Are Detectable Warnings Required At Curb Ramps?
Yes, definitely, detectable warnings are required at curb ramps according to the rules of the ADA. This is because you can keep people safe from dangers like cars and public transportation accidents. So we can say detectable warnings are needed at transit facilities, and are also compulsory for curb ramps and train station platforms. It becomes more important when the area is covered by the DOT’s ADA.
If we talk about a detachable warning system for curb ramps, these rules apply to places owned or used by local or state governments for public transport. It says that the warning surface should cover the entire width of the ramp but not include the angled sides. You also need to make it at least 24 inches deep or as deep as the ramp itself.
Major Applications of Curb Ramps
Curb ramps may look small and simple in design, but they are used in many different places for different purposes. Here we will discuss all of them one by one.
Sidewalk: Curb ramps provide a secure bridge between sidewalks and streets. With their help, wheelchair users, strollers, and walking persons enjoy a smooth movement.
Public Transport Areas: Construction managers use curb ramps at public transport areas like bus stops, train stations, parking zones, and airports. Because it helps disabled persons, such as senior citizens who use walkers.
Commercial and Residential properties: Many businesses and homeowners also install curb ramps. The main purpose is to facilitate visitors with health issues like temporary leg injury or foot damage.
Commuter Security: Road officers use these types of tools to reduce the accident ratio. Furthermore, the road with highly curved and slippery spaces utilizes curb ramps to avoid any unintentional accidents.
Why Curb Ramps Matter For Sidewalks Worldwide
You may notice that different countries use different terms for the same thing, such as sidewalks. For example, in countries like Australia, Ireland, India, and New Zealand, sidewalks are known as ‘footpaths’.
But in the UK, it’s called a ‘pavement’. Moreover, in Canada and the US, it’s referred to as a ‘sidewalk’ respectively. Regardless of the different names, the purpose is always the same. Some of them are:
- Accessible Movement for All: The addition of curb ramps to sidewalks creates safer and more inclusive public spaces for all. Additionally, it is a plus point for people who use mobility devices such as strollers, crutches, and canes.
- Barrier Free Design: Curb ramps play a vital role in creating a barrier-free structure by eliminating obstacles. It helps you and others, including people with mobility aids, to move smoothly between sidewalks and streets.
- Safe Streets for All Pedestrians: By installing curb ramps at footpaths, we can reduce the risk of accidents. The reason is that this step makes the path smooth and disabled people will be safe from collisions with other objects like cars, motor bikes, or other vehicles.
- A Small Feature with Big Impact: As it seems like a small addition, they have a huge impact on the promotion of independence. We can say that this simple feature opens up the streets to people with different needs and abilities.
- Compliance with Accessibility Standards: When we don’t follow the rules, it can create hurdles for everyone. Therefore, putting the street ramps is not only a matter of regulations but also to ensure a comfortable environment for all. So, you should place curb ramps at all costs to meet the standard set by ADA and other road safety authorities.
How To Build a Concrete Curb Ramp?
If you are always struggling to roll things over a high curb, then building a concrete curb ramp can make a big difference. However, you need some basic tools and things before establishing concrete curb ramps. These include: gloves, mixing tub, frame, and concrete.
- Select the location: You should select a spot where the ramp will be most useful. For example, near driveways or walkways will be the best option. Make sure the location is safe, level, and does not block water flow or traffic.
- Local regulations: Before you start, you must confirm that the ramp meets local building codes and accessibility standards (like the ADA in the U.S). If you are elsewhere, check local legal standards related to slope and its width requirements.
- Prepare the area: Now, begin by cleaning the curb and the surrounding zone. You should also remove any dirt, loose stones, grass, and debris for better and durable results.
- Mix and pour concrete: Then you have to construct a frame to give shape (wooden, metal). After that, in a mixing tub, combine cement, sand, grave,l and water until the mixture becomes thick and smooth. Once ready, pour the concrete into the prepared area or frame. You should also remove the air pockets by pressing them down.
- Level and slope: You can use a trowel to smooth the surface of the wet concrete. Plus, make sure it’s even and well-shaped too. You also need to create a gentle slope from the road to the sidewalk so wheels can move up and down easily. Finally, let the concrete cure for 24 to 48 hours.
- Make final adjustments: Well, assessment is a very important step to maintain things properly. You should check the ramps for any uneven surfaces or sharp edges. If an adjustment is required, then you should do it. Additionally, ensure that the ramp connects well with both the curb and the ground.
Final Thoughts
In the end, we can say that curb ramps do more than create safe public spaces for everyone. But, they are also a human right (especially for those with mobility challenges). And these ramps are required by law as well.
With ADA regulations, you should implement them correctly. As a result, you can prevent accidents and create a safer environment. Plus, you can make a positive impact on accessibility by proper installation and meeting all mandatory rules.
