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ST9302-CS020207Kirnley-Horn and Associates, Inc. February 7, 2002 Ken Griffin, P.E. Director of Engineering City of Coppell 255 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 Bamers 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 regarding the cited cases of nonconformance. We have the following comments: 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 5%. 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. TDLR was unable to verify that the ground surfaces of the accessible 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 hazard. 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 801Cher~ Streel 76102-6803 TEL 817 335 65H MET 817 654 4266 FAX 017 335 5070 Kimley-Hom Ken Griffin, February 7, 2002, Page 2 and Associates, Inc, each side of the ramp, and the straight segment must be within the marked crossing. It appears that the City ofCoppell Bamer-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 ofjudgement, 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. 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:jlc Enclosures View of acceptable curb ramp (no straight segment required). Far curb ramp is diagonal but has no straight curb segments within marked crosswalk. Diagonal curb ramp without straight curb segments. Fire hydrant obstructing pedestrian access. Note power pole across street obstructing pedestrian access. Pedestrian crosswalk controls mounted at proper height. Power pole obstructing pedestrian access. Curb ramp without contrasting color. Questionable clear floor space centered on pedestrian crosswalk controls. Texas Accessibility Standards, Section 4.2 to 4.9 - the Texas Department of Licensing and Regula... Page ! 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 [_.ig. 12 (a)). Curb ramps with returned curbs may be used where pedestrians would not normally walk across the ramp (see Fig. 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 Fig. 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 Fig. 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 Eiq, 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 Fig. 151c) 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 Fig. 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 Fiq. 15(a) and 15(~). wfler~ X t~. h~d ~ X 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 Fig. 12 Sides Curb Ramps Fig. 13 Built-Up Curb Ramp segment of lb) httD://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 3 of 3 Fig. 15 Curb Ramps at Marked Crossings http ://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/abtas4a.htm 02/07/2002