1. Detectable Warnings X Correct Placement if X < 5 feet
PROWAG
(R ) X
Explanation of 5’ rule in PROWAG.
GRADE BREAK
Correct Placement if X < 5 feet
Correct Placement if X > 5 feet

2. Detectable Warnings
PROWAG
(Advisory R )
If radial detectable warning pattern at left cannot be constructed, the detectable warning plates can be constructed like the red blocks (they’re not aligned well on the slide – but you get the idea – keep triangle gaps between plates to a minimum)
“… the vertical rows of truncated domes in a detectable warning surface should be aligned to perpendicular or radial to the grade break…”

3. Detectable Warnings Avoid gaps in detectable warnings PROWAG (R304)
ADAAG
(4.29)
Gaps in detectable warnings like the yellow image are not preferred but acceptable. Anything larger needs treatment like the gray detectable warnings.
Avoid gaps in
detectable warnings

4. Detectable Warnings
PROWAG
(R304)
ADAAG
(4.29)
Contrast is an important part of detectable warnings (light on dark or dark on light).
“Detectable warning surfaces shall contrast visually with adjacent… walkway surfaces, either light-on-dark or dark-on-light.”

5. Detectable Warnings Detectable warnings are not wayfinding devices.
PROWAG
(R304)
ADAAG
(4.29)
If there’s no curb, there must be a detectable warning.
Detectable warnings are not wayfinding devices.
This application has a gap.

6. Detectable Warnings Does this meet ADA? PROWAG (R304) ADAAG (4.29)
This is why we have standard plans!
Does this meet ADA?

7. Detectable Warnings
PROWAG
(R221)
ADAAG
(4.29)
This is what happens when ADA is misunderstood.
“The overuse of detectable warning surfaces should be avoided in the interests of message clarity. However, where commercial driveways are provided with traffic control devices or otherwise are permitted to operate like public streets, detectable warnings should be provided at the junction between the pedestrian route and the street.”

8. MDOT Special Provision 03SP803(A)
Detectable Warnings
No more stamped detectable warnings due to MDOT special provision.
MDOT Special Provision 03SP803(A)
“Do not construct detectable warnings by forming or stamping in newly cast concrete.”

9. Changes in Level PROWAG (R301.5.2) ADAAG (4.5.2)
Explains changes in level requirements.

10. Changes in Level PROWAG (R301.5.2) ADAAG (4.5.2)
Changes is level can come from faulted sidewalk or as seen here, even during new construction.

11. Gaps and Grates
PROWAG
(R301.7)
ADAAG
(4.5.4)
“Gratings… shall have spaces no greater than ½” wide in one direction.”
“Gratings… shall be placed so that the long dimension is perpendicular to the dominant direction of travel .”

12. Bridge Joints “Openings shall not permit passage of a sphere
PROWAG
(R )
ADAAG
(4.5.4)
Sidewalk can be overlooked during expansion joint installation.
“Openings shall not permit passage of a sphere
more than ½” in diameter.”

13. A properly installed bridge expansion device covers the gap
Bridge Joints
PROWAG
(R )
ADAAG
(4.5.4)
This is an expansion joint cover for bridges.
A properly installed bridge expansion device covers the gap

14. Protruding Objects
PROWAG
(R401)
ADAAG
(4.4.1)

15. Bus Pads PROWAG (R410) ADAAG (10.2.1)
Bus pads should be connected to sidewalk, when in place.
***ADAAG states that, “where new bus stop pads are constructed at bus stops… they shall have a firm, stable surface; a minimum clear length of 96 inches… and a minimum clear width of 60 inches…”

16. Buses often need additional room for loading
Bus Pads
PROWAG
(R410)
ADAAG
(10.2.1)
Chairlift takes room and time
Buses often need additional room for loading

17. Parking On-Street Parking
PROWAG
(R216, R308)
On-Street Parking
ADAAG does not specifically address on-street parking. Local jurisdictions should look to the PROWAG to provide accessible on-street parking.
PROWAG: Where on-street parking is marked or metered, accessible parking spaces complying with R308 shall be provided on the block perimeter…

18. Accessible Ped Signals (APS)
PROWAG
(R306.2)
WHAT ARE ACCESSIBLE PEDESTRIAN SIGNALS?
All pedestrian signals need to be accessible, but that doesn’t make them “accessible pedestrian signals” (APS).
Explain the difference and the importance of the change in PROWAG.
Section 4E.06 of the MUTCD:
“A device that communicates information about pedestrian timing in non-visual format such as audible tones, verbal messages, and/or vibrating surfaces.”
PROWAC R306.2:
“Each crosswalk with pedestrian signal indication shall have an accessible pedestrian signal which includes audible and vibrotactile indications of the WALK interval.”

19. Accessible Ped Signals (APS)
PROWAG
(R306.2)
Explain how audible requirements in MUTCD and PROWAG affect pushbutton placement 10’ apart so that each of the pushbuttons can be distinguished. This figure is from the MUTCD.
Also found in MUTCD 4E.09

20. Pushbutton Placement This is not accessible! PROWAG (R306.2)
Must be accessible!

21. Pushbuttons must have a level landing
Pushbutton Placement
PROWAG
(R404)
This pushbutton is located on a sidewalk ramp. There is no level landing for the pushbutton.
Pushbuttons must have a level landing

22. Pushbutton Placement Not behind clutter! PROWAG (R404)
This is out of the traffic signal designer’s control; it’s a matter of enforcing local ordinances regarding the placement of newspaper boxes, which can't be banned from the public right-of-way (1st amendment right to a free press).
Not behind clutter!

23. Pushbutton placement: not behind grass
PROWAG
(R404)
This push button is on the wrong side of the pole, this pedestrian must reach around the pole, which is difficult to do from a wheelchair.
Pushbutton placement: not behind grass

24. Where are we sending pedestrians?
Pushbutton Placement
PROWAG
(R306.2)
40 feet
The pushbutton is below the ped head in this photo, which is about 40’ away from marked ped crossing.
Where are we sending pedestrians?

25. Pushbutton Placement PROWAG (R404)
Level surface dimensions for pushbutton actuation.

26. Countdown Ped Signals
PROWAG
R306
Animated. This pedestrian crosses at this light every day, and knows exactly when he can start crossing, with how much time left to make it to the curb.
Pedestrian count-down signal tells pedestrians how much crossing time is left …

27. FHWA ADA Toolkit Desk Reference:
Pedestrian Detour Route
PROWAG
(R205)
PROWAC R205
“When an existing pedestrian access route is blocked by construction, alteration, maintenance, or other temporary conditions, an alternate pedestrian access route complying to the maximum extent feasible shall be provided.”
FHWA ADA Toolkit Desk Reference:
“A smooth, continuous, hard surface should be provided throughout the entire length of the temporary pedestrian facility. There should be no curbs or abrupt changes in grade or terrain that could cause tripping or be a barrier to wheelchair use. The geometry and alignment of the facility should meet the applicable requirements of the "Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibly Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)" (see Section 1A.11).”
Pedestrian detour routes must be ramped (but don’t necessary need to meet all of ADA).
The circled ramps must not be curbed. Also correct any changes in level through the pedestrian detour route to ensure that the path is accessible.

28. Pedestrian Detour Route
PROWAG
(R302)
“Where the alternate circulation path is exposed to adjacent construction, excavation drop-offs, traffic, or other hazards, it shall be protected with a pedestrian barricade or channelizing device…”
ADA requires pedestrian protection for closed sidewalks and ramps.
A continuous bottom edge 6” max above the ground upper rail 36” minimum above ground

29. Pedestrian route should be easy to travel
Pedestrian Detour Route
Pedestrian route should be easy to travel

30. It is possible to meet ADA and still have an unsafe condition.
Safe and Accessible
Ped safety must be considered when sidewalk and sidewalk ramps are altered.
It is possible to meet ADA and still have an unsafe condition.