DOTFinal Rule

Transportation for Individuals with Disabilities: Adoption of Accessibility Standards for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way

TransportationHealthcare

Summary

The Department of Transportation is establishing new accessibility standards for sidewalks, curb ramps, and other pedestrian pathways to ensure people with disabilities can safely navigate public streets and walkways. These standards set requirements for things like ramp slopes, surface textures, and obstacle clearance that communities must follow when building or improving their pedestrian infrastructure.

Key Points

  • 1Sets specific technical requirements for sidewalks, curb ramps, crossing signals, and other pedestrian features to make them accessible for people with disabilities including wheelchair users and those who are blind or have low vision
  • 2Applies to state and local governments that must follow these standards when constructing or altering pedestrian facilities in public rights-of-way (the areas alongside public roads)
  • 3Addresses common accessibility barriers like steep ramps, uneven surfaces, missing tactile warnings, and inadequate clear space for wheelchairs and service animals
  • 4Gives communities time to plan and budget for improvements to bring existing infrastructure into compliance with the new standards
  • 5Helps ensure people with disabilities have equal access to public streets, sidewalks, and pedestrian crossing areas for independent mobility and participation in community life

Key Dates

Published

February 19, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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