ADA Compliance for Sidewalks: Illustrations and Standards

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The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design lay out clear guidelines to ensure ADA compliance for sidewalks and curb ramps meet accessibility standards. Below, we’ve organized visual guides that illustrate each requirement from Chapter 4, Section 406, providing a set of easy-to-read diagrams and the necessary specifications for designing ADA-compliant curb ramps.

The diagrams below are free to download for non-commercial use.

ADA Sidewalk Requirements – 406.1 General:

Diagram showing the slope and cross slope angles for an ADA-compliant curb ramp, indicating a 1:12 maximum running slope and a 1:48 maximum cross slope. — ^{ADA specifies a maximum running slope of 1:12 and a cross slope not steeper than 1:48 for curb ramps to ensure safe, manageable navigation for wheelchair users.}

Curb ramps on accessible routes shall comply with 406, 405.2 through 405.5, and 405.10.

405.2 Slope. Ramp runs shall have a running slope not steeper than 1:12.

405.3 Cross Slope. Cross slope of ramp runs shall not be steeper than 1:48.

405.4 Floor or Ground Surfaces. Floor or ground surfaces of ramp runs shall comply with 302. Changes in level other than the running slope and cross slope are not permitted on ramp runs.

405.5 Clear Width. The clear width of a ramp run and, where handrails are provided, the clear width between handrails shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum.

405.10 Wet Conditions. Landings subject to wet conditions shall be designed to prevent the accumulation of water.

EXCEPTION:

In existing sites, buildings, and facilities, ramps shall be permitted to have running slopes steeper than 1:12 complying with Table 405.2 where such slopes are necessary due to space limitations.

Slope (A slope steeper > than 1:8 is prohibited.)	Maximum Rise
Steeper than 1:10 but not steeper than 1:8	3 inches (75 mm)
Steeper than 1:12 but not steeper than 1:10	6 inches (150 mm)

ADA Sidewalk Requirements – 406.2 Counter Slope

This is a diagram showing the counter slope of the gutter at the base of a curb ramp, with a maximum slope of 1:20. — ^{To prevent tipping, the counter slope of the gutter or road where it meets the curb ramp should not exceed 1:20.}

Counter slopes of adjoining gutters and road surfaces immediately adjacent to the curb ramp shall not be steeper than 1:20. The adjacent surfaces at transitions at curb ramps to walks, gutters, and streets shall be at the same level.

ADA Compliance for Sidewalks – 406.3 Sides of Curb Ramps

Where provided, curb ramp flares shall not be steeper than 1:10.

ADA Compliance for Sidewalks – 406.4 Landings

Landings shall be provided at the tops of curb ramps. The landing clear length shall be 36 inches (915 mm) minimum. The landing clear width shall be at least as wide as the curb ramp, excluding flared sides, leading to the landing.

ADA Compliance for Sidewalks – 406.5 Location

Curb ramps and the flared sides of curb ramps shall be located so that they do not project into vehicular traffic lanes, parking spaces, or parking access aisles. Curb ramps at marked crossings shall be wholly contained within the markings, excluding any flared sides.

Diagram showing a 36-inch clear space at the top of a curb ramp, along with flared sides featuring a maximum slope of 1:10 to allow for safe access from the sides. — ^{A 36-inch clear space at the top of the ramp allows users to stop, align, or turn safely. When curb ramps are in pedestrian areas, flared sides with a slope up to 1:10 offer secure access for those approaching from the sides.}

ADA Sidewalk Requirements – 406.6 Diagonal Curb Ramps

Diagram of a diagonal curb ramp positioned at the corner of an intersection, with detectable warning surfaces at the base and clear space for safe navigation. — ^{Diagonal curb ramps are positioned at intersections. These ramps should also provide sufficient clear space at the bottom to avoid directing users into the center of the intersection.}

Diagonal or corner type curb ramps with returned curbs or other well-defined edges shall have the edges parallel to the direction of pedestrian flow. The bottom of diagonal curb ramps shall have a clear space 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum outside active traffic lanes of the roadway. Diagonal curb ramps provided at marked crossings shall provide the 48 inches (1220 mm) minimum clear space within the markings. Diagonal curb ramps with flared sides shall have a segment of curb 24 inches (610 mm) long minimum located on each side of the curb ramp and within the marked crossing.

ADA Sidewalk Requirements – 406.7 Islands

Diagram of an island curb ramp located at a pedestrian refuge in the middle of a street. — ^{Island curb ramps are placed in pedestrian refuge areas and should include a 48-inch clear space between ramps.}

Raised islands in crossings shall be cut through level with the street or have curb ramps at both sides. Each curb ramp shall have a level area 48 inches (1220 mm) long minimum by 36 inches (915 mm) wide minimum at the top of the curb ramp in the part of the island intersected by the crossings. Each 48 inch (1220 mm) minimum by 36 inch (915 mm) minimum area shall be oriented so that the 48 inch (1220 mm) minimum length is in the direction of the running slope of the curb ramp it serves. The 48 inch (1220 mm) minimum by 36 inch (915 mm) minimum areas and the accessible route shall be permitted to overlap.

Author

Yen-Chieh Pu

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