ST9302-CS020207Gi~~ Kimley-Horn
~ and Associates, Inc.
February 7, 2002
Ken Griffin, P.E.
Director of Engineering
City of Coppell
2SS Parkway Blvd.
Coppell, TX 75019-4409
Re: Sandy Lake Road Reconstruction -Architectural Barriers Compliance
KHA No. 061087000
Dear Ken:
We have reviewed the attached letter from the Texas Department of Licensing
and Regulation (TDLR) regarding compliance of the referenced project with the
Architectural Barriers Act. The review cited several areas of nonconformance.
We have reviewed the construction plans and City Standard Details, visited the
job site, and contacted the TDLR regazding the cited cases of nonconformance.
We have the following comments:
1. TDLR noted that portions of the sidewalks adjacent to the roadway exceed
5% slope in the direction of travel. The TDLR was mistaken in their
evaluation of the sidewalk slope being greater than S%. In no location on the
project is this true. The cited sheet of the plans (Sheet 54) indicates a
maximum back of curb slope of 0.69%. This item requires no further action.
2. TDLR was unable to verify that the ground surfaces of the accessib]e routes
crossing streets are in compliance with the Act. The Act requires that such
routes be free of cobblestone and other irregular surfaces having a texture
that constitutes a hazazd. The ground surface of the accessible routes
crossing streets consists of regular concrete pavement, pavestones, or
stamped concrete. It is our opinion that this surface does not constitute an
obstacle or hazard based on our understanding of the regulations; however,
this evaluation will be the task of the TDLR inspector.
TDLR was unable to verify that the curb ramps are in compliance with the
Act. The Act requires that the slope of the adjoining gutters and road surface
directly adjacent to the ramps is no more than 2%. The Act also requires that
the ramps have a texture that does not accumulate water and is detectable
under foot. The curb ramps must also be of a color that significantly
contrasts with the adjoining sidewalk and streets. In addition, the ramps
must be provided with a 24" long (or longer) segment of straight curb on
^
Suite 1100
601 Cherry Street
Fotl Worlh, Texas
76102-6603
TEL 617 335 6511
MET 817 654 4266
FAX 817 335 5070
G ~„ Kimley-Horn
~ and Associates, Inc.
Ken Griffin, Pebmary 7, 2002, Page 2
each side of the ramp, and the straight segment must be within the marked
crossing. It appears that the City of Coppell Barrier-Free Ramp Details and
Typical Intersection Detail do not meet the requirements for contrasting
color, straight curb segments for diagonal ramps, and marked crossings.
Several different types of curb ramps were installed on this project (see
attached example photographs). Many of the ramps lack the required
contrasting color, and a number of diagonal ramps lack the required 24-inch
straight curb segment. In addition, two curb ramps have power poles
impeding access and one curb ramp has a fire hydrant impeding access (see
attached photographs). We recommend that the City have the non-
contrasting color ramps painted. This could be accomplished as part of this
contract, or whatever means are acceptable to the City. We recommend that
the power poles be relocated if possible, or that sidewalk be constructed
around the poles to allow proper access. We recommend that the fire hydrant
impeding access to the curb ramp at Moore Rd. be relocated to behind the
curb ramp. With regard to the diagonal curb ramps lacking the 24-inch
straight segment of curb, we recommend waiting for the TDLR inspection to
occur and responding as required at that time.
4. TDLR was unable to verify that at least 30" x 48" of clear and level "floor"
space is provided and centered on pedestrian crosswalk controls. We
recommend waiting on the TDLR inspector to verify that at least 30" x 48"
of clear and level "floor" space is provided and centered on pedestrian
crosswalk controls. It would appear that the required space is not available at
a number of crosswalks. This is somewhat an issue of judgement, and no
easy solution appears to exist at this time. The TDLR inspector will be able
to provide more specific guidance concerning which crosswalks, if any, need
to be addressed.
5. TDLR was unable to verify that the pedestrian crosswalk controls are
mounted no higher than 54" above finished floor. We verified that the
pedestrian crosswalk controls are mounted no higher than 54" above finished
floor. This item requires no further action.
We contacted the TDLR and verified that no written response to their review
letter is required; however, we would be pleased to respond to the review in
writing if you so desire. Please let me know how I can be of further assistance.
Very truly yours,
KIMLEY-HORN AND ASSOCIATES, INC.
~~~~~~
Jeff James, P.E.
RJJ/MGD:jIc
Enclosures
P\Ofi10H~ OOUV4dlrteview doe
Faz curb ramp is diagonal but has no straight curb segments within marked crosswalk.
View of acceptable curb ramp (no straight segment required).
Diagonal curb ramp without straight curb segments.
Fire hydrant obstructing pedestrian access.
Pedestrian crosswalk controls mounted at proper height.
Note power pole across street obstructing pedestrian access.
Curb ramp without contrasting color.
Power pole obstructing pedestrian access.
Questionable clear floor space centered on pedestrian crosswalk controls.
Texas Accessibility Standards, Section 4.2 to 4.9 -the Texas Department of Licensing and Regina... Page 1 of 3
4.7 Curb Ramps.
4.7.1 Location. Curb ramps complying with 4.7 shall be provided wherever an accessible route crosses a curb.
4.7.2 Slope. Slopes of curb ramps shall comply with 4,8.2. The slope shall be measured as shown in Fig. 11.
Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters, or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes. Maximum slopes of
adjoining gutters, road surface immediately adjacent to the curb ramp, or accessible route shall not exceed 1:20.
4.7.3 Width. The minimum width of a curb ramp shall be 36 in (915 mm), exclusive of flared sides.
4.7.4 Surface. Surfaces of curb ramps shall comply with 4_5.
(1) Textures shall consist of exposed crushed stone aggregate, roughened concrete, rubber, raised abrasive strips, or
grooves extending the full width and depth of the curb ramp. Surfaces that are raised, etched, or grooved in a way that
would allow water to accumulate are prohibited.
(2) For purposes of warning, the full width and depth of curb ramps shall have a light reflective value and texture that
significantly contrasts with that of adjoining pedestrian routes.
4.7.5 Sides of Curb Ramps. If a curb ramp is located where pedestrians must walk across the ramp, or where it is not
protected by handrails or guardrails, it shall have flared sides; the maximum slope of the flare shall be 1:10 (see FicL 12
(a)). Curb ramps with returned curbs may be used where pedestrians would not normally walk across the ramp (see
Fio. 12(b)).
4.7.6 Built-up Curb Ramps. Built-up curb ramps shall be located so that they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes
or into spaces that would interfere with persons entering or exiting parked or standing vehicles (see Fio. 13).
4.7.7 Detectable Warnings. (Reserved)
4.7.8 Obstructions. Curb ramps shall be located or protected to prevent their obstruction by parked vehicles.
4.7.9 Location at Marked Crossings. Curb ramps at marked crossings shall be wholly contained within the markings,
excluding any flared sides (see Fio. 15).
4.7.10 Diagonal Curb Ramps. If diagonal (or corner type) curb ramps have returned curbs or other well-defined edges,
such edges shall be parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have 48 in
(1220 mm) minimum clear space as shown in Fi . 15 c and 15 d . If diagonal curb ramps are provided at marked
crossings, the 48 in (1220 mm) clear space shall be within the markings (see Fi . 15 c and 15 d ). If diagonal curb
ramps have flared sides, they shall also have at least a 24 in (610 mm) long segment of straight curb located on each
side of the curb ramp and within the marked crossing (see Fi . 15 c ).
4.7.11 Islands. Any raised islands in crossings shall be cut through level with the street or have curb ramps at both
sides and a level area at least 48 in (1220 mm) long between the curb ramps in the part of the island intersected by the
crossings (see Fi . 15 a and 15 b ).
alopa + Y:X
wAertr X b • [roar Ptene
x
Atljeirtinp atoOtr aheq ~""^~-~ Y
nor exeaed 1:20 Adpinp Maya ahes
cwt exeead 1:20
walk atrsat
Fig. 11
Measurement of Curb Ramp Slopes
http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas4a.htm 02/07/2002
Texas Accessibility Standards, Section 4.2 to 4.9 -the Texas Department of Licensing and Regula... Page 2 of 3
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If % r Mee Nwp e& 4 tMn
cM elope of dr hued elde
ehW ref ercpd 1;42.
Fig. 12
Sides Curb Ramps
Fig. 13
Built-Up Curb Ramp
ta)
http://www.license. state.tx.us/ab/abtas4a.htm
(b1
02/07/2002
tei
FiOred Sides
{6)
Retwned Curiss
Texas Accessibility Standards, Section 4.2 to 4.9 -the Texas Department of Licensing and Regula... Page 3 of 3
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Fig. 15
Curb Ramps at Marked Crossings
http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas4a.htm
I61
02/07/2002
G_~ Kimley-Horn
~ and Associates, Inc.
sane t too
601 Cherry Street
Forl Worth, Tezas 76102-6803
TEL B17 335 6511
MET B17 654 4266
Transmittal// FAX B17 335 5070
Date: ~ / l °' ° ~ Job No: O G l 08'l o 0 0
To: b1 R- . l~ N 6iQw FG r r.1 , P. E.
CrTY et C~NEtt.
25s PAtt-LCwAy 6w1~.
Re: SA..t~Y LAKE Rasa
We are sending you
~-Attached ^ Under separate cover via
the following items:
^ Shop drawings ^ Prints/Plans ^ Samples ^ Specifications ^ Change order
~ ~f~,Por1SE Lt'tCeit Fc.r~ ~-D~
These are transmitted as checked below:
p4For your use ^ Approved as submitted ^ Resubmit copies for approval
^ As requested ^ Approved as noted ^ Submit copies for distribution
^ For review and comment ^ Returned for corrections C Return corrected prints
Remarks
Copy to -- - Signed -