ADA regulations for public rights-of-way

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act, also known as "ADA."

The landmark law requires that new construction and renovated facilities be "accessible to and usable by" for millions of Americans with disabilities.

State and federal agencies are paying increased attention to sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks and driveway approaches and requiring full compliance with ADA.

Professional engineers should carefully check their designs for sidewalks and other public rights-of-way to ensure they meet ADA regulations.

• Technical guidance is available on the Washington State Department of Transportation's website.
• WSDOT also provides an ADA Field Guide for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way (PDF) with useful design information.
• Additional information is available from the Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Committee's report and recommendations (large document).