Whether you are building a new facility or revamping an older one, proper installation of an ADA ramp access for the public is essential. It’s required by law in the U.S. for facilities serving the public, but there is no reason to be intimidated by it. All you need is to be informed with the right information. Here’s a good place to get started.
1. Know Where Ramps are Required
Handicap ramp access is required in any public place along an accessible route with an elevation that’s greater than one half inch. Any accessibility route must also follow all ADA guidelines if the elevation incline is more than five percent. Several types of ramps are available, so be sure to do some research about each type, and where and how you can install them.
2. Find Out if Side Flares are Necessary
By themselves, side flares are nor required for an ADA ramp. But they’re indispensable in the case when there’s not enough room for a top landing in a ramp. A wheelchair pedestrian can hold onto the side flares while maneuvering with ease in this case. Or, a parallel type ramp can be installed instead as a substitute option. If you do install a side flair, be sure to meet all the ADA measurement requirements. You don’t want the side flares to cause the ramp to be smaller than the minimum width allows.
3. Learn About ADA Ramp Requirements for Islands and Intersections
All curb ramps at both sides of a road island are required to be separated by 48 inches. If it is not feasible to achieve this with the island, a level cut through pass can be used instead. For intersections, all curb ramps must be withing the crosswalk’s allowed space. While these crossings do not have to be marked, there are a number of ADA requirements regarding the sharpness of the curve for the ramp in this circumstance. Be sure to read through the latest local, state and federal laws regarding this before installing this type of ramp, as these laws get updated often.
4. Understand How Built Up Ramps are Used
This ADA approved ramp design is added to a curb to enable access. It can be used as a substitute for a different ramp design in areas like parking lots. It’s important to note, however, that they cannot directly project into parking spaces, bus lanes, or traffic roads. The requirements needed for using a built up ramp is that it needs to run parallel to the sidewalk.
These four basic tips about ADA ramps are a good place to springboard your own research. Feel free to contact ADA Solutions if you have additional questions.
