self-evaluations and transition plans€¦ · –design your self-evaluation to lead your...

1

Section 3

Self-Evaluations and

Transition Plans

Fall, 2017

Ann Johnson, PE Services

Brady Rutman, SRF Consulting Group

Self-Evaluations and Transition Plans

Overview

• Agency Requirements

• Self-Evaluations

– What is a Self-Evaluation?

– What, When and How to Document

– Projecting Time and Cost

– Best Practices and Examples

• Transition Plans

– What’s Included in a Transition Plan?

– Timing of Improvements

– Examples & Resources2

Agency Requirements

Legal Language (§28 CFR Part 35)

• Self Evaluation (§28 CFR 35.105)– Evaluate current services, policies, and practices and make necessary

modifications to meet requirements

– Provide an opportunity to interested persons to participate in self-

evaluation process by submitting comments

– Maintain on file and make available for public inspection for at least 3

years following self-evaluation:

• A list of interested persons consulted

• A description of areas examined and any problem(s) identified

• A description of any modifications made

– These requirements do not need to duplicate compliance required by

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

3

Agency Requirements


• Self Evaluation (§28 CFR 35.105) – Evaluate current services, policies, and practices and make necessary

modifications to meet requirements

– Provide an opportunity to interested persons to participate in self-

evaluation process by submitting comments

– Maintain on file and make available for public inspection for at least 3

years following self-evaluation:

• A list of interested persons consulted

• A description of areas examined and any problem(s) identified

• A description of any modifications made

– These requirements do not need to duplicate compliance required by

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

4

Only required for public entities that employ 50 or more persons

2

Agency Requirements

Legal Language

(§28 CFR Part 35)

• Notice (§28 CFR 35.106)– Make information of this part

available to applicants,

participants, beneficiaries, and

other interested persons

5

Agency Requirements


• Notice (§28 CFR 35.106)– Make information of this part available to applicants, participants,

beneficiaries, and other interested persons

• Designation of Responsible Employee and Adoption

of Grievance Procedures (§28 CFR 35.107)– Designate at least one employee to coordinate these efforts and carry

out responsibilities, including investigation of any complaint

• Name

• Office Address

• Telephone Number

– Adopt and publish grievance procedures

6


Agency Requirements


• Existing Facilities (§28 CFR 35.150 subpart d)– Develop a Transition Plan setting forth the steps necessary to

complete changes required to achieve program accessibility

– Provide an opportunity to interested persons to participate in the

development of a transition plan by submitting comments

– Make available a copy of the transition plan for public inspection

7


Self-Evaluations

Overview

• What is a Self-Evaluation?

• What to Document

• How to Document

• Projecting Time and Cost

• Best Practices and Advice

8

3

Self-Evaluations & Scoping

What to evaluate:

• Consider the needs of your City/County

– What information will help you meet those needs?

– Design your Self-Evaluation to lead your Transition Plan

– Think about your “business” needsF. What will help your

business be successful?

• Evaluation = This is what we have

• Transition Plan = This is how we’re making progress

9

Self-Evaluations

What is a Self-Evaluation?

• Required of all public entities– Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973

• §49 CFR 27 (USDOT)

– Title II, ADA

• §28 CFR 35 (DOJ)

10

• Purpose: – To identify barriers in

programs and activities that

prevent persons with

disabilities from access

Self-Evaluations

What to evaluate:

• All programs and facilities that require public access

– Public right-of-way

– Rest Areas, Parks, Trails

– Access to Public Buildings

• Barriers to Accessibility

• Critical Areas

11

Self-Evaluations

• End Product– Inventory of facilities where structural modifications are

needed to make them accessible

• Unspecified Format

• Enough detail to form foundation of Transition Plan

• Presentation Options:

– Aerial Photos

– Database/Spreadsheet

– Marked-up Drawings

– Geographic Information System (GIS)

12

4

Self-Evaluations

• End Product: Summary Table

13

Self-Evaluations

• End Product: Detailed Spreadsheet

14

Self-Evaluations

• End Product:

Images

15

Self-Evaluations

• End Product: GIS Maps

16

5

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document– Presence of Communication Devices and Services

17

Self-Evaluations

What to Document

• Barriers to Access

18

Self-Evaluations

• Barriers to Access

19

Self-Evaluations

• Identify Barriers to Access within:– Sidewalks

– Shared-Use Trails

– Pedestrian Crossings

– Curbs (Curb Ramps)

– Pedestrian Signals

– Parking Lots

– Bus Stops

– Construction Zones

20

6

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Sidewalks and Trails– Running Slope

– Cross-Slope

– Geometry

• Width

• Turning Space

– Condition

• Vertical Discontinuities

• Cracking/Crumbling

21

Self-Evaluations

22

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Ramps and Stairs– Running Slope & Cross Slope

– Landings & Turning Space

– Geometry

• Width

• Tread/Riser Design

– Handrails

– Edge Protection

– Condition


• Cracking/Crumbling

• Surface Characteristics23

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Ramps and Stairs

24

7

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Pedestrian Signals – Presence

– Location

– Ease of Activation

25

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Parking Lots– Number and Location of Accessible Stalls

– Signage/Marking

– Slope

– Location and Connection to Ped Access Route

26

Self-Evaluations

27

• What to Document: Parking Lots– Number & Location of

Accessible Stalls

– Signage/Marking

– Slope

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Parking Lots

28

8

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Bus and Transit Stops

– Accessible Route to Waiting Pad or Shelter

– Landing

– Detectable Warnings

– Seating

– Wheel Chair Space

– Auditory and Tactile Travel Information

29

Self-Evaluations


30

Self-Evaluations


31

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Construction Sites

– Temporary Pedestrian Accessible Route

• Smooth Surfaces

• Width

• Grades

• Landings and Turning Spaces

• Detectable Edging

• Edge Protection

– Tripping Hazards or Obstacles

– Handrails

– Audible Message Devices 32

9

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Curb Ramps– Running Slope

– Cross-Slope

– Geometry

• Type of Ramp

• Width

• Landing

– Detectable Warnings

– Ramp Flares

– Condition


• Cracking/Crumbling33

Self-Evaluations

• What to Document: Curb Ramps

– In general, compliance can be achieved by

meeting 12 requirements:1. Ramp Width – 4’ min or match incoming sidewalk/trail

2. Ramp Running Slope – Less than or equal to 8.3%

3. Ramp meets Spec 2521.3 (Construction Requirements for Concrete Walk)

4. Ramp Cross Slope – Less than or equal to 2%

5. Gutter Flow Line Slope – If the gutter flow line slope is greater than 2%, then the ramp cross slope will also exceed

34

Self-Evaluations

35

• What to Document: Curb Ramps6. Landing Slope – Can not exceed 2% in any direction

7. Landing Dimensions – 4 ft. by 4 ft. minimum

8. Landing Location – At the top of the ramp and/or change in PAR direction

9. Truncated Domes – Properly oriented and covering the entire curb opening

10.Proper drainage – Not holding water, especially in PAR

11.Vertical Discontinuities – None greater than ¼ inch

12.Walkable Surface Flare Slope – Must be 10% max

13.(Bonus)F Ramp Location – Maintain PAR continuity

Self-Evaluations


36

10

Self-Evaluations


37

Self-Evaluations


38

Self-Evaluations


39

Self-Evaluations


40

11

Self-Evaluations


41

Self-Evaluations


42

Self-Evaluations


43

Self-Evaluations


44

12

Self-Evaluations


45

Self-Evaluations


46

Self-Evaluations


47

Self-Evaluations


48

13

Self-Evaluations


49

Self-Evaluations


50

Self-Evaluations


51

Self-Evaluations

How to Document:

• Optimal: On-ground Surveys

• Additional Methods:

– Windshield Surveys

– Aerial Photo Studies

– Record Drawing Reviews

52

14

Self-Evaluations

• On-ground Surveys

53

Self-Evaluations

• Windshield Surveys

54

Self-Evaluations

• Aerial Photos

55

Self-Evaluations

• Record Drawing Reviews

56

15

Self-Evaluations

• Documentation & Organization

57

Self-Evaluations

• Documentation &

Organization

58

Self-Evaluations

• Documentation & Organization

59

Self-Evaluations

• How to Document

– Brooklyn Park Instructional Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1rbzZ66FpM&feature=youtu.be

60

16

Self-Evaluations

Projecting Time and Cost

• Your agency’s commitment will vary depending on:

– The size/area of your City/County

– The type of pedestrian infrastructure featured

– The density of pedestrian infrastructure (rural/urban)

– Your method and approach to the inventory

• How many staff?

• What technology?

– The depth of data you seek

61

Self-Evaluations


• MnDOT Guidelines (State Average)

– Sidewalks: ~1 hour/1 mile

– Curb Ramps: ~20 mins/intersection

– Signalized Intersection (with APS and Curb Ramps):

~1 hour/intersection

62

Self-Evaluations


• Example from the City of Hopkins (2017)

– Data Collection: ~30-40 data points per hour, team of 2

– Including Data Analysis: ~25 data points per hour

• Sidewalks: One data point per driveway location (or 1

point per block with no driveways)

• Curb Ramps: 1 data point per ramp

• APS Push Button: 1 data point each

• Urban intersection: ~45 minutes

• Residential intersection: ~20 minutes

63

Self-Evaluations


• Example from Clay County (2014)

– Sidewalks: 2-3 miles per day

– Curb Ramps: 15 mins/quadrant, 45-60 mins/intersection

64

17

Self-Evaluations


• Example from Hennepin County (2012-15)

– Sidewalks: 368 miles over 2 summers with 2 interns

– Curb Ramps: 13,000 ramps over ~1 year with 1 vehicle

– GIS software program, Trimble GPS device used

• Linked photos and checklist with locations

65

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• National Cooperative Highway Research

Program (NCHRP)

– ADA Transition Plans: A Guide to Best

Management Practiceshttp://onlinepubs.trb.org/onlinepubs/nchrp/docs/NCHRP20-07(232)_FR.pdf

• MnDOT

• Local Agencies

66

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• NCHRP: Common Areas of Non-Compliance

67

Self-Evaluations

68

18

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• US DOJ: Common Problems for Local Agencieshttps://www.ada.gov/comprob.htm

– City governments believe existing programs and facilities are

protected by “grandfather” clause

• City governments must provide program access for people with

disabilities to the whole range of city services and programsF

unless “undue burden”

– Small municipalities believe they are exempt from complying with Title

II of ADA due to size

• All public entities, regardless of size, must comply with Title II

requirements (§28 CFR 35.104)

• If less than 50 employees, compliance not required with sections

of DOJ regulations69

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• US DOJ: Common Problems for Local

Agencies– City governments often fail to ensure the whole range of the city’s

services, municipal buildings, and programs are accessible (Public

meetings, City functions, etc.)

• Accessibility can be achieved in a variety of ways:

– Structural changes

– Move public meetings to accessible buildings

– Relocate services for individuals with disabilities to accessible

levels or parts of buildings

70

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• US DOJ: Common Problems for Local Agencies– City governments often do not provide enough curb ramps

– City governments often fail to provide qualified interpreters or assistive

listening devices at public events/meetings

– City governments often fail to provide materials in alternate formats

(Braille, large print, audio cassettes, etc.)

– City governments often fail to consider reasonable modifications in

local laws/ordinances/regulations that would avoid discrimination

against individuals with disabilities

– City governments do not provide direct and equal access to 9-1-1

systems

– Law enforcement agencies often fail to modify policies, practices, or

procedures in citizen interaction, detention, and arrest procedures71

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• MnDOT GPS DATA Fields (See Handout)

72

19

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• MnDOT GPS DATA Fields (See Handout)

73

Self-Evaluations

74

Best Practices

• MnDOT GPS

DATA Fields (See Handout)

– Condition Rating

Guides

1. Excellent

2. Good

3. Fair

4. Poor

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• Lessons from Local Agencies

– Identify Priority Areas based on:

• Citizen requests/complaints

• Population density

• Pedestrian level of service

• Incidence of disabilities

• Cost

– Be strategic with first steps; get the most out of

your effort considering limited time/budget

75

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• Lessons from Local Agencies

– Concentrate effort at High-Priority Areas

• Gather information from the public and advocacy

groups to identify inaccessible areas

– Use summer interns

– Store data with GIS

• Geolocation not required, but helpful

• Makes for easier ongoing assessment updates

76

20

Self-Evaluations

Best Practices

• Lessons from Local Agencies– Avoid “reinventing the wheel”

• Look at other plans online

• Use consultant experience

– Adopt a two-pronged approach to deal with rights-of-way

separate from buildings

– Consider separating pedestrian infrastructure into

categories to help funding decisions:

• Excellent-Good-Average-Fair-Poor-Failing

77

Self Evaluations

Example: City of Baxter, MN

78

Self Evaluations

Example: City of Baxter

79

Self Evaluations

Example:

City of Baxter

80

21

Self Evaluations

81

Self Evaluations

Example: Sibley County

82

Self Evaluations

Example: Clay County

83

Self Evaluations


84

22

Self Evaluations

85

Example: Hennepin County

Self Evaluations

86

Self Evaluations

87

Self Evaluations

88

Example:

Hennepin County

23

Self Evaluations

89

Example:

Hennepin

County

Self Evaluations

90

Example:

Hennepin County

Transition Plans

Overview

• What’s included in a Transition Plan?

• Timing of Improvements

• Tips and Resources

91

Transition Plans & Scoping

Linking Self-Evaluation to Transition Plan

• Consider the needs of your City/County

– What information will help you meet those needs?

– Design your Self-Evaluation to lead your Transition Plan

– Think about your “business” needsF. What will help your

business be successful?

• Evaluation = This is what we have

• Transition Plan = This is how we’re making progress

92

24

Transition Plans

What is a Transition Plan?

• Required of public entities that employ at least 50

persons (§ 28 CFR 35.150(d))

93

• Purpose:– To set forth steps

necessary to complete

modifications identified

through self-evaluation

(those areas not covered

by a previous plan)

– Provide a schedule for

completing the

modifications

Transition Plans

What’s included in a Transition Plan?

• Minimum Agency Requirements:– Identify physical obstacles in the public entity that limit

accessibility

– Describe in detail the methods to make facilities

accessible

– Specify the schedule for achieving compliance

• If longer than one year, identify steps for each year

– Indicate an official responsible for plan implementation

– Input from interested individuals and organizations

94

Transition Plans

What’s included in a Transition Plan?• For those public entities with responsibility for streets, roads,

or walkwaysF

– Transition plan shall include a schedule for providing curb ramps

95

Transition Plans

What’s included in a Transition Plan?• No requirements for format of the Transition Plan

• Sample Outline:

96

25

Transition Plans

What’s included in a Transition Plan?• No requirements for format of the Transition Plan

• Sample Outline:

97

Transition Plans

98

Timing of Improvements• Evaluation is ongoing; Transition Plan is a “living document”

• Transition Plan to be utilized in yearly planning of projects

and funding decisions

• Periodic review for compliance and validity

– No specific requirement for frequency of updates

– Best Practices are different from minimum requirements

• Always look for opportunities

• Coordination

– Other Agencies

– Transit Agencies

– Contractors, Designers

– Advocacy Groups

Transition Plans

99

Timing of Improvements• Curb Ramps to be installed/replaced in conjunction with

ROW Alterations (FHWA/DOJ Joint Technical Assistance)

Transition Plans

100

Timing of Improvements• Curb Ramps to receive special consideration with a separate

schedule for remediation

• Example: Prioritization

(Based on Self-Evaluation Results)

Highest Priority: Existing Curb Ramp with Running Slope >12% (or No

Curb Ramp) near Hospital, School, Govt Building, Senior Housing, Etc.

Lowest Priority: Pedestrian Push Button not Accessible from Sidewalk or

Ramp; Existing Curb Ramp without Truncated Domes

26

Transition Plans

Example: City of Baxter

101

Transition Plans


102

Transition Plans


103

Transition Plans


104

27

Transition Plans


105

Transition Plans


106

Transition Plans

107

Transition Plans

108


28

Transition Plans

Lessons Learned from Local Agencies

• Getting Started

• Staff and Funding

• Public Involvement

• Coordination

109

Transition Plans

Lessons Learned - Getting Started:• Working with a Consultant

– Assistance with approach and organization

– Assistance with drafting the Transition Plan

– Assistance with interpreting requirements

– Community Outreach and Coordination

• Staffing – Hire Interns!

• Identify Critical or Priority Areas

• Others

110

Transition Plans

Lessons Learned - Possible Funding Sources:• Incorporate accessibility improvements into existing programmed work

– Remediation, Signalization, or Maintenance Projects

• Develop a stand alone Accessibility Improvement Program

– Through the Transportation Improvement Program

• Other Funding:

– Highway Safety Improvement Program

– Railway-Highway Crossing Program

– Recreational Trail Program

– Safe Routes to School Program

– State and Community Traffic Safety Program

– Surface Transportation Program

– Transportation Enhancement Activities Program

111

Transition Plans

112

29

Transition Plans

113

Transition Plans

Lessons Learned - Public Involvement:

• Disseminate Transition Plan and relevant

information on websites– For the general public

– Targeted distribution to advisory groups and participants of the

process

• Seek early involvement of Advocacy groups and the

disabled public– Valuable information for prioritization

114

Transition Plans

Lessons Learned - Coordination with Other

Agencies and Departments

• Creation of a regional working group for ADA

compliance issues– Forum for ideas and best management practices

– Discussion format for resolving issues of jurisdiction

• Develop relationships with other local governments– Contact list of ADA Coordinators

115

Transition Plans

Resources• US Department of Justice – ADA Information and Technical Assistance http://www.ada.gov·

• ADA BEST PRACTICES TOOLKIT FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS http://www.ada.gov/pcatoolkit/toolkitmain.htm

• THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, TITLE II TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE MANUAL, COVERING STATE AND LOCAL

GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AND SERVICES http://www.ada.gov/taman2.html

• MnDOT http://www.dot.state.mn.us/ada

• Federal Highway Administration – Accessibility Resource Library

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/accessibility

• DESIGNING SIDEWALKS AND TRAILS FOR ACCESS PART 2. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/sidewalk2 .• OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT ADA AND SECTION 504

http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/civilrights/ada_qa.htm

• United States Access Board – A Federal Agency Committed to Accessible Design

http://www.access-board.gov/gs.htm• PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY ACCESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE and ITE Publication Special Report: ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC

RIGHTS-OF-WAY, PLANNING AND DESIGNING FOR ALTERNATIONS http://access-board.gov/prowac/alterations/guide.htm

• REVISED GUIDELINES FOR ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY http://www.access-board.gov/PROWAC/draft.htm

• Great Lakes ADA Center – Resource to increase Awareness and Knowledge of ADA

Compliance http://www.adagreatlakes.org

116

30

Transition Plans

Resources• Local Road Research Board – Transition Plan Template

• http://dotapp7.dot.state.mn.us/projectPages/pages/lrrbProjectDetails.jsf?i

d=3921&type=PROJECT

117

THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES National Academy of Sciences

National Cooperative Highway Research Program

NCHRP PROJECT NUMBER 20-7 (232)

ADA Transition Plans:

A Guide to Best Management Practices

Jacobs Engineering Group Baltimore, MD

SELF EVALUATION CHECKLIST

ISSUE Possible Barriers

Sidewalk and Pathway Clear Width Narrow, Below Guidelines

Sidewalk and Pathway Cross Slope Steepness, Irregularity, Variability, Warping

Landings Along Sidewalks and Pathways

Less Than 4 feet by 4 feet

Sidewalk and Pathway Grade Steepness, Angle Points

Materials and Finishes Deterioration of Surfaces, Deterioration of Markings, Appropriateness of material (ex. Cobblestones)

Gratings Grating Type, Grate Opening Orientation

Discontinuities Missing Sections, Gaps, Drops, Steps

Detectable Warning System Missing, Inappropriate Materials, Inadequate Size, Wrong Location

Obstructions Signs, Mail Boxes, Fire Hydrants, Benches, Telephones, Traffic Signal Poles, Traffic Signal Controller Boxes, Newspaper Boxes, Drainage Structures, Tree Grates, Pole Mounted Objects, Standing Water, Snow or Ice

Traffic Signal Systems Lack of Provision for the Visually Impaired such as APS, Inadequate Time Allowed, Inoperable Buttons, Inaccessible Buttons

Curb Ramp Missing, Doesn’t Fall within Marked Crosswalk, Doesn’t Conform to Guidelines

Curb Ramp Flares Missing Where Required, Too Steep

Standards set for each of these issues can be found in the US Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board’s Accessible Rights-of-Way: A Design Guide, Chapter 3 “Best Practices in Accessible Rights-of-Way Design and Construction”. Refer to their website at http://www.access-board.gov/prowac/guide/PROWGuide.htm for more information. The information developed through the inventory process has to be quantified and presented as a baseline so that progress can be monitored and measured. The inventory information can be presented in a variety of ways including Aerial Photos, a Database or Spreadsheet, Marked Up Drawings, or a Geographic Information System (GIS).

PRIORITY Situation

Highest

1A

Existing Curb Ramp with Running Slope Greater than 12% and Location near a Hospital, School, Transit Stop, Government Building, or Similar Facility

1B No Curb Ramp where Sidewalk or Pedestrian Path Exists and Location near a Hospital, School, Transit Stop, Government Building, or Similar Facility

2A An Existing Curb Ramp with a Running Slope Greater than 12% (Not Located near a Hospital or Similar Facility)

2B No curb ramp where a Sidewalk or Pedestrian Path Exists (Not Located near a Hospital or Similar Facility)

3 No Curb Ramp where a Striped Crosswalk exists

4 One Curb Ramp per Corner and Another is Needed to Serve the Other Crossing Direction

5A An Existing Curb Ramp with either a Running Slope Greater than 1 to 12 or an Insufficient Landing

5B An Existing Curb Ramp with Obstructions in the Ramp or the Landing

5C An Existing Curb Ramp with any of the Following Conditions:

o A Cross Slope Greater than 3%

o A Width Less Than 36 Inches

o No Flush Transition or a Median or Island Crossings that are Inaccessible

5D An Existing Curb Ramp with Returned Curbs where Pedestrian Travel Across the Curb is not Permitted

5E An Existing Diagonal Curb Ramp without the 48 Inch Extension in the Crosswalk

5F An Existing Curb Ramp without Truncated Dome Texture Contrast or without Color Contrast

Lowest The Pedestrian Push Button is not Accessible from the Sidewalk or from the Ramp

The following is a sample of one possible outline for Transition Plans.

SECTION contents

I SELF EVALUATION : A list of physical barriers in the department’s facilities that limit accessibility of individuals with disabilities. This may take the form of an Excel spreadsheet or GIS files incorporated by reference, or can be worked into a narrative list to be embedded in the text of the Transition Plan.

II CORRECTION PROGRAM: A detailed description of the methods to remove these barriers and make the facilities accessible.

III IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE: A schedule for taking the necessary steps.

IV PROGRAM RESPONSIBIL ITY: The name of the official responsible for implementation. This should include the name of the department ADA coordinator, as well as a transition plan team (if there is one), or the regional coordinators, if the inventory and transition plans area is divided by region or district.

V CURB RAMP CORRECTION PROGRAM: A schedule for providing curb ramps.

VI PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT RECORD: Record of the opportunity given to the disability community and other interested parties to participate in the development of the Plan.

ATTACHMENTS

PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT

The Department is required to provide an opportunity for people outside of the agency, people with disabilities, and other interested individuals and organizations to review and comment on the Transition Plan. This section presents some of the approaches agencies have used to provide this opportunity.

The Dissemination of Information: Although all Departments now have websites, very few have the Transition Plan available for public review. This represents a missed opportunity as an avenue for information dissemination. In addition to providing information for the public at large, the targeted distribution of information should also be undertaken. Advisory groups that may have worked with the Department during the development of the Plan and the prioritization of the upgrades would receive the information. Advocacy groups that work with the disabled community, as well as any individuals with disabilities that may have participated in Plan development in some way (ex. through grievance filings, through hotlines or through previous public meetings), would also be interested in reviewing the plan.

1

NATIONAL COOPERATIVE HIGHWAY RESEARCH PROGRAM (NCHRP)

ADA TRANSITION PLANS:

A GUIDE TO BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES

A compilation of all the “Keys to Success” from the original 47-page document

� Providing dedicated, trained staff within the Department for ADA compliance has a high correlation with successful drafting and implementation of Transition Plans, Self-Evaluations, and Transition Plan updates.

� Provide a website with links to the various components of the ADA Transition Plan such

as policies, compliance planning for construction and retrofits, opportunities for public

participation, links to the ADA advisory committee, grievance procedures, and the

schedule for implementation of the program.

� One state found that public meetings on the newly completed inventory were better

attended when they were coupled with another meeting geared toward the disabled

community – such as linking the meeting with a regularly scheduled meeting of the

Statewide or Local Commission on Disabilities.

� Making the grievance procedure as straightforward as possible for the public can

facilitate information exchange regarding non-compliant sites, and can help the

Department avoid escalation of grievance issues. By allowing the public to choose any

method of filing a grievance, from writing a formal complain to the ombudsman, filing a

complaint electronically through the website, contacting any Department business

office, or calling a toll-free number, the Department ensures a better exchange of

information.

� When staffing or funding for inventory efforts is a challenge many Departments get

creative – several states have reported using summer interns for self-evaluation

activities on public rights-of-way. Others prioritize the inventory process by looking at

high pedestrian areas first. In this way, even if a complete inventory cannot be

undertaken, those areas that will be most utilized (such as urban intersections) are

addressed.

� A very detailed approach for setting priorities for dealing with curb ramps (or other non

conformities) can help with successful implementation of the Plan. Criteria can include

both physical characteristics and location considerations. Making use of such specific

criteria presupposes that sufficient detail has been gathered in the self-evaluation phase

so that the curb ramps can be accurately characterized.

� One state’s approach to prioritization uses a GIS database that contains information

regarding compliant and non-compliant elements. This GIS information is then

2

displayed along with locations of pedestrian incidents, feedback from the community or

local jurisdiction, locations of government facilities, locations of public facilities and

mass transit stops. Each of these elements were assigned a value and ranked for

priority.

� Working closely with advocacy groups to set the schedule for implementation and

prioritization can be extremely beneficial. These groups can help bring information from

the public to the Departments so that money can be best spent on those areas that will

serve to benefit the most people.

� Beyond simply designating an ADA Coordinator, many Departments have a designated

Transition Plan manger, as well. While the ADA Coordinator may be involved in public

outreach and oversight of ADA compliance, the Transition Plan manager may be better

equipped to handle the technical aspects related to the self-evaluation activities and

Transition Plan updates.

� Length and level of detail of Transition Plans varies greatly among the states. For

example, one state provides a succinct one and a half page of narrative on rights-of-

way and the prioritization criteria, incorporating the inventory by reference. Other states

have a Transition Plan that provides pages and pages of actual inventory with priorities

and proposals for each individual site. At the outset of the process, a Department

should make a determination as to what level of detail will be included in the Plan and

the content that will be the most beneficial to them in implementing ADA

� Seeking the involvement of Advocacy groups and the disabled public early in the

process can lead to better success in dealing with non-compliance areas. This early

coordination can provide valuable information to the Department from people who most

use the pedestrian facilities and provides and opportunity for the concerns that are most

important to the advocacy groups and the public to be addressed more effectively.

These groups know best where problem areas are and their input can provide valuable

insight to Departments that are trying to set priorities for upgrades.

� Creation of a regional working group for ADA compliance issues was cited by several

states in the east as being a helpful practice in completing tasks related to the

Transition Plan. These interstate groups are made up of an ADA coordinator as well as

other members of Departments and FHWA. The meetings provide a forum for

exchange of ideas and any Best Management practices. The groups exchange ideas in

their approach to developing inventories and updating Transition Plans. Regional

grouping also enables common challenges among the states to be more effectively

addressed. Densely urbanized areas in the Northeast, with miles of urban sidewalks

interspersed with public transit have different pedestrian issues than newer cities in the

Southwest. For example, Washington State deals with an entirely different pedestrian

issue in managing the nations’ largest ferry system. Creating regional work groups

can facilitate discussion of common regional problems.

Compliant

Measure

Intersection ID Type in the cross street

Residential

Church

School

Public Building: Post Office, City Hall, Museum, etc

Retail: Restaurant, Shops, Gas station, grocery, etc.

Business – Other: Dentist, office buildings, etc

Recreation: Parks, etc

Vacant

Other

None

Diagonal: A single curb ramp that is located at the apex of

the corner at an intersection. It is aligned so that a straight

path of travel down the ramp will lead diagonally into the

center of the intersection, the ramp is diagonal to the

user’s path of travel, and users will be traveling diagonal to

the vehicular traffic when they enter the street at the

bottom of the ramp. Perpendicular: A curb ramp that is aligned so that the

ramp is generally perpendicular to the curb, and users will

generally be traveling perpendicular to vehicular traffic

when they enter the street at the bottom of the ramp

Depressed Corner: Depressed corners gradually lower the

level of the sidewalk, through an almost undetectable

change in slope, to meet the grade of the street.

Depressed corners are often designed as an expanded

diagonal curb ramp that extends around the entire corner

at the intersection.

Fan: Fan type quadrants are a variation of a Depressed

Corner with the main difference being that the first 3 ft. to

4 ft. of the ramp is sloped up to 8.3% through the

detectable warning portion with a flat 4 ft. x 4 ft. landing at

the top.

Pedestrian Activity:

Type of Activity

occurring at the corner

the point is being taken

Ramp Type

Curb Ramp Inventory Data Fields

Pedestrian Ramp, Pedestrian Landing, and Curb and Gutter are collected using one GPS

Pedestrian Ramp

Tiered: A combination of ramps of either the same type or

different types. All secondary ramps can be classifed as a

parallel ramp whether it rises out of a depress corner, rises

out of a combined perpendicuar, transitions curb and

gutter or transitions of a standard ramp when there is

insufficient sidewalk width (usually less than 10 ft.)

Parallel: A parallel curb ramp has two ramps leading down

towards a center level landing at the bottom between

both ramps with a level landing at the top of each ramp. A

parallel curb ramp is one that is oriented so that the path

of travel on the ramp is parallel to the vehicular path of

travel on the adjacent street; and the user’s path of travel

on the sidewalk.

One-Way Directional: A directional ramp is used when

there is only one pedestrian access route approaching the

intersection and only one direction to cross the

intersection.

Flat landing

Other

None: If there is a sidewalk or trail leading up to the

intersection but no curb ramp

Location Intersection Corner

Median: The area between two divided roadways

measured from edge of traveled way to edge of traveled

way

Mid-block: Crossing that does not occur at a road

intersection

Pork Chop: Raised concrete refuge usually found between

right turns and through-fare travel lanes

Bump-out: An extension of the curb line in a bulb-like

rounding radius that incorporates curb ramps

Other

Yes

No

Landing Area: A level

area of walkway at the

top or bottom of a

ramp that allows

wheelchair users

space to orient their

direction before and

after using a ramp.

None

4'x4'

Less than 4'x4'

Greater than 5'x5'

4' x 4' or

greater

Landing Slope

Perpendicular to

Ramp

Running slope taken perpendicular to the curb ramp at the mid-

point

2% or less

Landing Slope Parallel

to Ramp Cross slope taken parallel to the curb ramp at the mid-point. 2% or less

Ramp Width: (inches

to the nearest inch)

Measure the ramp width from one flare to the other

48" min

Truncated Domes: A

surface feature built

in or applied to the

walking surface to

indicate an upcoming

change from

pedestrian to

vehicular way. Does

the curb ramp have

compliant truncated

domes?

Yes: Domes span the entire width of the ramp, are intact,

and are within 2 feet of the curb cut.

No: If more than 25 % of the domes have failed or if the

orientation or width is wrong or domes are missing

Running Slope (% to

nearest tenth): The

grade that is parallel

to the direction of

accessible pedestrian

travel

Measure the running slope at the midpoint of the curb

ramp

8.3% or less

Cross slope (% to

nearest tenth): The

grade that is

perpendicular to the

direction of accessible

pedestrian travel

Measure the cross slope at the midpoint of the curb ramp

2% or less

Running Slope 2

(% to nearest tenth):

The grade that is

parallel to the


pedestrian travel

For Tiered and Parallel Ramps

8.3% or less

Cross slope 2 (% to

nearest tenth): The

grade that is



pedestrian travel

For Tiered and Parallel Ramps

2% or less

Running Slope 3

(% to nearest tenth):

The grade that is

parallel to the


pedestrian travel

For Tiered Ramps

8.3% or less

4' Pedestrian Access

Route (PAR) Maintained

Cross slope 3 (% to

nearest tenth): The

grade that is



pedestrian travel

For Tiered Ramps

2% or less

Condition Rating1: No cracks, no obstacles, less than 1/4" lip at curb line

2: No cracks, no obstacles, lip at curb line between 1/4" & 1/2"

3: Cracks create unlevel ramp surface, weeds may be present in

cracks

4: Ramp has multiple cracks creating rough terrain, concrete

chunks missing or surface is spalling, obstacles create difficult

navigation, curb lip is more than 1/2"

Condition

Rating of 1

or 2

Gutter Inslope (% to

nearest tenth)

What is the slope of the gutter measured perpendicular to the

middle of the curb cut from the flow line towards the street? 5% or less

Gutter Flow Line (%

to nearest tenth )

What is the slope of the gutter flow line measured from one

flare to the other flare of the curb ramp? 2% or less

Condition Rating 1: Uniform slopes, no noticeable cracks, no vertical

discontinuities, no spalling, joints intact

2: Uniform slopes, some cracks, vertical discontinuities less

than 1/4", no spalling, joints intact

3: Gutter slope beyond flare flows back towards curb ramp at <

1.5%, some large cracks and minor spalling, noticeable vertical

discontinuities, joints beginning to deteriorate

4: Gutter slope beyond flare flows back towards curb ramp at >

1.5%, many cracks, multi-directional, excessive spalling,

excessive vertical discontinuities, joints badly deteriorated, >

1/2" vertical discontinuities

Condition

Rating of 1

or 2

Surface Utilities

Loadbearing Structure

Geography

Underground Utilities

Contract Error

Other

Comments

Photo

Marked Crosswalk:

Is there a painted

crosswalk across this

leg of the

intersection?

Yes

No

Pedestrian Ramp

within Crosswalk

Yes

No

N/A - Check if there is no marked crosswalk

None

2 Parallel Stripes

Zebra

Diagonal

Other

Crosswalk Leg: What

type of road does the

crosswalk cross?

Mn/DOT Road: This includes Trunk Highways (TH) and US

highways

Non - Mn/DOT road: This includes city, county, township;

and forest roads

Crosswalk : Take the GPS point for the crosswalk in the middle of the intersection if crossing is permitted.

Types of Marking

Why is ramp not

compliant (For

inspectors)

Width (ft to nearest

foot)

What is the width of the marked crosswalk from paint

edge to paint edge? Record 0 if there is no marked

crosswalk

Pavement Condition

Rating

1: Smooth pavement within crosswalk

2: Minimal cracking within crosswalk

3: > 1/4" vertical discontinuity at gutter/pavement joint

4: Pavement patching needed due to 1/2" horizontal cracks or

potholes

Comments

Intersection Description Type in the cross street

Residential

Church

School

Public Building: Post Office, City Hall, Museum, etc

Retail: Restaurant, Shops, Gas station, grocery, etc.

Business – Other: Dentist, office buildings, etc

Recreation: Parks, etc

Vacant

Other

None

Connect to

Pedestrian Access

Route (PAR)

Yes

No

N/A

APS (Accessible

Pedestrian Signal:

Signal that

communicates

information about the

WALK phase in

audible and

vibrotactile formats.

Yes

No

N/A - Check if there is no pedestrian signal head

Walk Signal: Does the

signal have a

pedestrian signal

head?

Yes

No

N/A Check if there is no pedestrian signal head

Countdown: Does the

pedestrian signal head

display the number of

seconds to cross

street?

Yes

No

N/A - Check if there is no pedestrian signal head

Pedestrian Phase: Do

you need to push the

pedestrian button to

make the WALK phase

begin or does it

automatically change

to walk when the light

turns green?

Automatic

Activation required

N/A: Check if there is no button

None

Traffic signal pole

Pedestal station

Other

Outside edge of crosswalk

Inside edge of crosswalk

Button Landing Area:

Is the paved surface 2-

1/2' x 4'?

Yes

No - Check if any of the conditions are untrue

N/A - Check if there is no button

Signal: If this is a signalized intersection, record a GPS point for each direction of travel. If the intersection is not signalized, there is no

need to open this attribute. If there are push buttons, record the point at the button and if there are not push buttons, record the

point at the signal pole.

Button Location:

Where is the

pedestrian push

button located?

Pedestrian Activity:

Type of Activity

occurring at the corner

the point is being taken

Pole Location

Button Landing Slope:

Does the landing area

have a slope of 2% or

less in each direction

Yes



Button With Ramp:

Button Location

coincides with ramp -

is the button on the

same side of the pole

as the ramp

Yes

No


Button Height What is

the height of the

button from the

ground to the middle

of the button? (inches

to nearest 1/2")

Button Reach: Is the

paved landing area

within a 10" reach

Yes



Button Back of Curb:

Is the button between

18" and 10 feet from

the back of the curb

Yes



Button Horizontal

Location: Is the

button no more than

5' from the outside

edge of crosswalk

Yes



Buttons Min 10'

Apart: If there are two

push buttons, are they

at least 10 feet apart?

Is the button 6' from

the back of the curb?

Is the button 5'

horizontally from the

curb ramp

Yes

No

N/A - Check if there are not two buttons or if the signal is

not APS

Comments

Photo

Intersection ID Type in the two streets it is between

No

Yes-continuous - Are the light continuously flashing?

Yes-activated - Do you need to push a button to make the lights

flash?

Comments

Sign: Record a GPS point only if there is a midblock crossing, otherwise there is no need to open this attribute

Flashing Yellow Lights

at Midblock Crossings

Condition Rating: Curb Ramp

1: Excellent – No cracks, no obstacles, less than ¼” lip at curb line

2: Good- No cracks, no obstacles, lip at curb line between ¼” and ½”

3: Fair – Cracks create unlevel ramp surface, weeds may be present in cracks

4: Poor – Ramp has multiple cracks creating rough terrain, concrete chunks missing or surface is spalling,

obstacles create difficult navigation, curb lip is more than 1/2”

Condition Rating: Curb and Gutter

1: Excellent - Uniform slopes, no noticeable cracks, no vertical discontinuities, no spalling, joints intact

2: Good - Uniform slopes, some cracks, vertical discontinuities less than 1/4", no spalling, joints intact

3: Fair - Gutter slope beyond flare flows back towards curb ramp at < 1.5%, some large cracks and minor

spalling, noticeable vertical discontinuities, joints beginning to deteriorate

4: Poor - Gutter slope beyond flare flows back towards curb ramp at > 1.5%, many cracks, multi-directional,

excessive spalling, excessive vertical discontinuities, joints badly deteriorated

Condition Rating: Crosswalk

1: Smooth pavement within crosswalk

2: Minimal cracking within crosswalk

3: > 1/4" vertical discontinuity at gutter/pavement joint

4: Pavement patching needed due to 1/2" horizontal cracks or potholes

General Sidewalk Condition

1: Sidewalk is smooth with no vertical deflections.

Deflections Surface

Contraction joints Cracks Smooth – No Spalling

No deflection None

2: Sidewalk has vertical discontinuities less than ¼ inch, and a passable surface

Deflections Surface

Contraction joints Cracks Slightly irregular – light

spalling Less than ¼”

Can be ground down or sawed out

Hairline with no separation

3: Sidewalk has vertical deflections no more than 1/4 inch

Deflections Surface

Contraction joints Cracks Fairly irregular surface with

medium spalling Greater than ¼”, but less than ½” Some separation beginning

4: Sidewalk is crumbling, has many cracks, and is unpassable for wheelchairs in many spots

Deflections Surface

Contraction joints Cracks Very irregular – heavy spalling

Greater than ½” - Faulting Greater than ½” separation

Sidewalk narrowing to less than 4 feet.

Boulevard Examples

self-evaluations and transition plans€¦ · –design your self-evaluation to lead your...

Documents