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ACCESSIBLE
ROUTE
ADAAG 4.3
This Tech Sheet is part of a series of jJUbliCIJtions
on the design requirements of the ADA Accessibility
Guidelines (ADAAG). This issue provides scope tmd
design informlltion on the requirements for accessible
routes. Although btlSed on the ADAAG requirements,
the inftrmtition provided on the folluwing pages is advisury
and should be crmsidered tIS supplementll! to the ADAAG.
The ADAAG must be amsulted when designing new or
modifYing existing buildingr and facilities.
The AmeriaJns with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines Tech Sheet Series
copyright @ 1994 .
Banier Free Environments, Inc.
CONTENTS
Introduction 1
Stairs Are Never Part of An Accessible Route 3
ADAAG Scoping Requirements
for Accessible Routes 4
. Accessible Routes in New Construction
. Accessible Routes in Alterations
. Meeting the Accessible Path of Travel
Requirement in Alterations and Additions
. Accessible Routes in Historic Properties
. Accessible Routes At Work Areas
. Accessible Routes At Dwelling Units
Design Specifications for Accessible Routes 11
. Width and Height
. Protruding Objects
. Surface Textures
. Slope
. Changes in levels
. Doors
. Edge Protection
. Egress and Areas of Rescue Assistance
ADAAG Reference Index 23
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infomuJtion, presented here is intended solely as informal
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or responsibilities under the Act, nor binding on any agency
with enftrcement responsibility under the ADA.
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Introduction
The Americans with Disability Act (ADA) and the ADA
Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG) use several terms to describe
different types of pedestrian routes or paths through a given
facility. These include circulation path, accessible route, path
of travel, and accessible path of travel. Overlapping and often
similar, these terms are not interchangeable. Even though the
subject of the Tech Sheet is accessible routes, it is important
to highlight the differences in the terms used to describe these
pedestrian routes.
A circulation path is any route through a building and a
building site. Circulation paths are used by everyone and are
located wherever people walk. They may include stairs and steps.
Accessible routes, on the other hand, are circulation paths
minus steps; which makes them usable by people who are in a
wheelchair or scooter or who may have difficulty climbing stairs.
An accessible route is a continuous, unobstructed pedestrian path
with no abrupt changes in level.
It is important to note that an accessible route is always
a circulation path but a circulation path may not always be an
accessible route. All circulation paths, including accessible routes
and stairs, must be free of hazardous protruding objects that may
be dangerous to a person with a visual impairment, see page 13
of this Tech Sheet.
The term path of travel is used in the Department of
Justice's ADA Title III Final Rule exclusively when alterations
are being made to existing buildings and facilities. A path of
travel is required to an altered area; this path of travel includes
an accessible route. See page 7 for a more detailed discussion
of accessible path of travel.
Because an accessible route links all accessible elements and
features within a building with all other accessible buildings and
accessible site amenities it is thus possible for people with a wide
range of disabilities, to maneuver safely and to use a facility
successfully. Exterior accessible routes may include parking
access aisles, curb ramps, crosswalks at vehicular ways, walks,
ramps, and lifts. As the accessible route continues into a building,
it may include corridors, doorways, floors, ramps, elevators, lifts,
and clear floor space at fixtures. Accessible routes may also
include sky walks, tunnels, and parts of many public and common
use spaces. Characteristics and features along accessible routes
that must be given careful attention are: width of route, ground
and floor surfaces, headroom, protruding objects, detectable
warnings, doors, slope of route, cross slope, and changes in levels
accomplished with curb ramps, ramps, lifts, elevators.
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The Americans with Disabilities Act
Accessibility Guidelines (ADAAG)
was published as the Standards for
Accessible Design in Appendix A in
the Department of Justice's Final
Rule, 28 CFR Part 361N0ndiscrimi-
nation by Public Accommodations
and in Commercial Facilities. Copies
of the Final Rule may be obtained
by calling the Department of Justice
at 1-800-514-0301 or the Access
Board at 1-800-USA-ABLE
(1-800-872-2253).
Sidebars contain quotations from
ADAAG and from other federal
tWcuments.
ADAAG 3.5 Definitions.
Circulation Path. An exterior or
interior way of passage from one
place to another for pedestrians,
including, but not limited to, walks,
hallways, courtyards, stairways,
and stair landings.
1
stairwell with an area
of rescue assistance
complying with
ADAAG 4.3.11 on
an accessible route
wheelchair passing spaces
comply with ADAAG 4.3.4
Passing Space
surface of walks and
corridors comply
with ADAAG 4.3.6
Surface Textures
level change
at curb accom-
plished by a
curb ramp
complying with
ADAAG 4.7
Curb Ramps
accessible route
in reta il store
must connect with
accessible route for
the entire building
~.
~ I ' . 1?P;
.,' ~'~ ' level change at entrance
..'~ accomplished with a
ramp that complies
with ADAAG 4.8 Ramps
accessible parking
connects to an
accessible route
bus stop and accessible
elevator to subway are
publ;.; transportation
stops located within the
boundary of the site and
connected to the building
by an accessible route
accessible route must
connect building with
exterior spaces and
elements that are public
and common use spaces
Typical Elements and Features Connected by an Accessible Route
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Stairs Are Never Part
of An Accessible Route
Curbs, steps, stairs, escalators, and some thresholds can never
be part of or interrupt an accessible route. Any vertical change in
level greater than 1/4 inch may prevent use of a route by people
in wheelchairs and others who cannot climb stairs. The ADAAG
specifications for stairs make stairs safer for everyone and more
usable by people with mobility impairments who can climb stairs.
It is recommended that all stairs meet the requirements of 4.9 Stairs.
Where stairs are installed between floors and! or ground
surfaces that are required to be accessible, there must be an
accessible route connecting the levels (except in buildings that
meet the criteria for the elevator exemption, see page 5 of this
Tech Sheet). If a ramp, elevator, or lift is the means to get
between levels, the stairs connecting those levels need not
comply with ADAAG 4.9 Stairs.
The opposite is true, if stairs are the only way to get between
floors, they must comply with the ADAAG stair requirements.
When stairs are provided along with ramps, elevators, or lifts,
it is best that they be located in close proximity to each other so
people who must use one or the other need not travel an unrea-
sonable additional distance.
handrail must
be continuous
continuous
handrail
recommended
handrails
(ADAAG
4.9.4)
12- minimum
level extension
11. minimum
tread depth
(ADAAG 4.9.2)
one tread width
12" minimum
level extension
'/
ADAAG Complying Stair
extensions
required
(ADAAG
4.9.4)
ADAAG 3.5 Definitiom.
Accessible Route. A continuous
unobstructed path connecting all
accessible elements and spaces of
a building or facility. Interior
accessible routes may include
corridors, floors, ramps, elevators,
lifts, and clear floor space at fixtures.
Exterior accessible routes may
include parking access aisles, curb
ramps, crosswalks at vehicular
ways, walks, ramps, and lifts.
BFE Note:
Circulation paths must be safe for
people with vision impairments even
though they may not be usable by
people with mobility impairments.
Notes ;n italic type
are recommendations.
stairs must comply
with ADAAG 4.9 Stairs
because floor levels
are not connected by
an accessible route
(no ramp, lift, or elevator)
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3
The ADAAG primary
scoping references:
.4.1 Mininrum Requirements
.4.1.1 Applicatian
.4.1.2 Accessible 8iM and
Exterior Facilities:
New Construction
.4.1.3 Accessible Buildin!,,,:
New Construction
. 4.1.5 Acmsible Buildings:
AdditilJ/lS
.4.1.6 Accersible Buildings:
AlteratilJ/lS
.4.1.7 Accessible Buildings:
HistlJric Preservatian
ADAAG4.1.1(5)(b) General
Exceptions. Neither accessibility
nor an accessible route is ... required
to (i) observation galleries used
primarily for security purposes; or
(ii) in non-occupiable spaces accessed
only by ladders, catwalks, crawl
spaces, very narrow passageways, or
freigbt (non-passenger) elevators,
and frequented only by service
personnel for repair purposes; sucb
spaces include, but are not limited to,
elevator pits, elevator penthouses,
piping or equipment carJlalks.
4
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
ADAAG Scoping Requirements
for Accessible Routes
In any facility thcrc may be several "routes" to any given
feature. At least one of the "routes" must meet the criteria for an
accessible route and adjoin the clear floor space at all clements,
features, and spaces required to be accessible. All new buildings
must be designed and built with at least one accessible route
mee6ng the ADAAG requirements.
The requirements for accessible routes are found in two
sec60ns of the ADAAG: (1) 4.1 Minimum Requirements and
(2) 4.3 Accessible Route. Sec60n 4.1, known as the "scoping"
provision, states whieh and how many elements, features, and
spaces must be accessible and must therefore be on an accessible
route. Sec60n 4.3 provides the technical requirements for the
design of the accessible route. The other remaining technical
requirements of 4.2 through 4.3 5 provide design informa60n on
bow building features, clements, and spaces should be designed
and installed to be accessible.
Accessible Routes in New Construction
ADAAG 4.1.2 and 4.1.3
At least one accessible route complying with 4.3 Accessible
Route must connect all accessible clements that are used for
get6ng onto the site such as parking spaces, bus stops, passenger
loading zones, public transporta60n stops, and public streets and
sidewalks within the boundary of the site to an accessible build-
ing entrance. The route must also connect other accessible
buildin6'S and accessible site ameni6es such as picnic areas, pools,
restrooms, and outdoor telephones with each other and link all
accessible spaces and elements within the building or facility to
accessible entrances.
In addi60n to newly constructed buildings and facili6es
that must have an accessible route linking all accessible features
and elements, temporary structures must also comply with the
ADAAG and be provided with an accessible route. "Temporary
buildings and facili6es are not permanent construc6on but are
extensively used or arc essen6al for public use for a short period
of6me" (ADAAG 4.1.1(4) Temporary Structures).
Temporary building and facili6es that are covered by the
ADAAG include, but are not limited to: reviewing stands,
temporary classrooms, bleacher areas, exhibit areas, temporary
banking facili6es, temporary health screening services, or tempo-
rary safe pedestrian passageways around a construc60n site.
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
However, under Title III, no accessible route is required to
structures, site, and equipment directly associated with the
actual processes of construction such as construction trailers,
scaffolding, and bridging.
Multistory Buildings With No Elevator. Even buildings
that utilize the elevator exemption must have an accessible route
on each floor and must provide all accessible elements and
features as required by the ADAAG. See BFE note regarding
elevator exemption in the sidebar.
By providing accessible routes on floors not currently served
by an elevator, people with mobility impairments can still work
on a building's second floor if they can climb stairs (such stairs
must meet the design requirements of ADAAG 4.9 Stairs).
Once on the upper level, the person may then use a wheelchair,
scooter, or other mobility device that is kept on that level. If
an elevator is installed at a later date or an addition or a second
building with an elevator is added and connected to the original
building, an accessible route is already provided throughout the
entire facility.
accessible
toilet room
Accessible Routes Must be Provided on All
Floors, Even Those Not Served by an Elevator
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BFE note:
Buildings of two stories or those of
more than two stories but less than
3,000 square feet per story are not
required to have an elevator unless
the building or facility is: (J) a
shopping center or mall, (2) the
professional office of a health care
provider, or (3) a terminal, depot,
or airport passenger terminal. This
exemption "does not obviate or limit
in any way the obligation to comply
with the other accessibility require-
ments established in Section 4.1.3
[Accessible Buildings: New Con-
struction}. For example, floors above
or below the accessible ground floor
must meet the requirements of this
seetio:'l except for elevator service. "
ADAAG 4.1.3 (5) Elevator ExceptimI
5
ADAAG 4.1.6 (1)(;):
Technically Infeasible - Means,
with respect to an alteration of a
building or a facility, that it has
little likelihood of being accomplished
because existing structural conditions
would require removing or altering
a load-bearing member which is an
essential part of the structural
frame; or because other existing
physical or site constraints prohibit
modification or addition of elements,
spaces, or features which are in full
and strict compliance with minimum
requirements for new construction
and wbich are necessary to provide
accessibility.
ADAAG 4.1.6 Accessible
Buildings: Alterations. (a) No
alteration shall be undertaken which
decreases or has the effect of decreasing
accessibility or usability of a building or
facility below the requirements for new
construction at the time of alteration.
6
ACCESSIBLE RO UTE
Accessible Routes in Alterations
ADAAG 4.1.5, ADAAG 4.1.6, and ADAAG 4.1.7
Additions, modifications, and renovations to all buildings and
facilities, including historic buildings and facilities, are consid-
ered alterations under the ADMG. Each time an element, space,
or common area is added or modified it must comply with the
new construction standard of the ADAAG. Unless "technically
infeasible" (see sidebar), the altered elements and spaces must
comply with new construction requirements as they are altered
until the new construction scoping requirements are met. Like
the term "path of travel," "technically infeasible" is only appli-
cable to alterations.
If drinking fountains, for example, are being replaced in
a building, they must meet the technical design requirements
of the ADMG. However, modifying or replacing a single or
individual element does not trigger the requirement that the
element be on an accessible route.
On the other hand, "if alterations of single elements, when
considered together, amount to an alteration of a room or space
in a building or facility, the entire space [must] be made acces-
sible," see ADMG 4.1.6 (l)(c). There may be occasions when it
is "technically infeasible" (see sidebar, page 6) to fully comply
with the new construction requirements for accessible routes. In
such instances, the special technical provisions in ADMG for
alterations may be used. Spaces and elements addressed include
ramp slope, elevator cab size, door width, door threshold height,
types of toilet rooms, access to performing areas, and the use of
platform lifts, see ADMG 4.1.6 Accessible Buildings: Alter-
ations. If the altered room or space contains a "primary function"
area additional requirements for an accessible "path of travel"
are triggered. See the next section for additional discussion of
"pa th of travel."
Meeting the Accessible Path of Travel
Requirement in Alterations and Additions
ADMG distinguishes between alterations to areas where
major activities occur and alterations to secondary or support
spaces. When a significant modification is made to an area
containing a major activity for which a building or facility is
intended (the "primary function" space) such as the dining room
in a cafeteria, the meeting rooms in a conference center, or the
lobby of a bank, then an accessible path of travel to the altered
area must be provided. The path of travel may pass through
portions of adjacent existing buildings that are not being
modified as well as through those areas where the additions
or alterations are being made.
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
An "accessible path of travel" may include both exterior
and interior elements and is made up of: (I) an accessible route
from an accessible entrance to the altered area and (2) accessible
restrooms, telephones, and drinking fountains serving the altered
area. If the entrance, route to the altered area, existing rest-
rooms, drinking fountains or telephones serving the altered
areas arc not accessible, then such elements must be modified
to be accessible unless the cost is disproportionate.
Section 36.403 of the Title III Final Rule establishes path
of travel requirements, including those applicable when making
modifications to create a fully accessible path of travel may be
too costly. When the cost of providing an accessible path of
travel exceeds 20% of the cost of the alteration to the area of
primary function it is considered disproportionate. However,
even in such cases, changes still must be made to the path of
travel that would provide tile maximum level of accessibility.
When the costs of providing a fully accessible path of travel
are disproportionate, priority should be given to tllose elements
in the order shown in the illustration on page 8 starting with
number onc, an accessible entrance.
For reader reference the complete definition for "path
of travel" found in the Department of Justice Final Rule at
Section 36.403(e) is provided.
(I) A "path of travel" includes a continuous, unob-
structed way of pedestrian passage by means of which
the altered area may be approached, entered, and
exited, and which connects the altered area with an
exterior approach (including sidewalks, street, and
parking areas), an entrance to the facility, and other
parts of the facility. (2) An accessible path of travel
may consist of walks and sidewalks, curb ramps and
other interior or exterior pedestrian ramps; clear floor
paths through lobbies, corridors, rooms, and other
improved areas; parking access aisles; elevators and
lifts; or combination of these elements. (3) For the
purposes of this part, the term "path of travel" also
includes the restrooms, telephones, and drinking
fountains serving the altered area.
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ADAAG 3.5 Definitions.
Addition. An expansion, extension,
or increase in the gross floor area
of a building or facility.
Alteration. An alteration is a
change to a building or jilCility
made by, on behalf of, or for the
use of a public accommodation or
commercial facility, that affects
or could affect the usability of the
building or facility or part thereof
Alterations include, but are not
limited to, rmlOdeling, renovation,
rehabilitation, reconstruction,
bistoric restoration, changes or
rearrangement of the structural
parts or elements, and changes or
rearrangement in the plan configu-
ration of walls and ftll-height
partitions. Norma/maintenance,
reroofing, painting or wallpapering,
or changes to mechanical and
electrical systems are not alterations
unless they affect the usability of
the building or facility.
ADAAG4.1.6Aceessible Buildings:
Alterations. (3) Special Technical
Provisions fir Alterations to
Existing Buildings and Facilities.
7
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Priorities for Providing Accessible Path
of Travel and Accessible Elements When
Disproportionate Costs Exist:
I. an accessible entrance,
2. an accessible route to the altered area,
3. at least one accessible restroom for each sex,
or an accessi ble ,misex restroom
4. accessible telephones,
5. accessible drinking fountains, and
6. additional accessible elements sllch as parking,
storage, and alarms.
alteration to primary function area
triggers the requirement for the
path of travel to be accessible
(includes an accessible route)
accessible entrance
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/ / accessible drinking fountain
I I accessible telephones
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a new accessible ~ -:::
entrance on an
accessible route
may be provided
......
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accessible route
to altered area
\
remodel the existing restrooms serving
the altered area (or create a second set of
accessible restrooms within the altered area)
Accessible Path of Travel To Altered Area
if making entire path of travel accessible
becomes disproportionate then features
1 through 6 along the path must be made
accessible (with 1 being most critical and
progressing toward 6) to the extent that
it is not disproportionate in cost
8
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Accessible Routes in Historic Properties
ADAAG 4.1.7
Even though alterations are being made to a building or
facility that is eligible for listing in the National Register of
Historic Places or is designated as historic under State or local
law, the alteration still must comply with the alterations provi-
sions of the ADAAG. However, when alterations are being made
to historic buildings and sites, a facility may not be required to
provide an exterior and interior accessible route (including ramps
and entrances) to the same degree as required in new construc-
tion. The alternative requirements of 4.1.7(3) may be used only if
the facility has been reviewed by the State Historic Preservation
Officer or a certified local government historic preservation
official and a ruling has been made that full compliance with the
accessibility requirements in 4.1.6, the alterations section, would
threaten or destroy the historical significance of the building or facility.
In cases where it is determined that the historical significance
would be seriously compromised by full compliance with the
alterations standards, alternative minimum requirements must
still be met. At least one accessible route complying with the
ADAAG requirements for Accessible Route 4.3 (with greater
latitude in entrance location and ramp slope) must be provided
from a site access or arrival point, e.g., parking, to an accessible
entrance. This route must continue to all publicly used spaces on
at least the level of the entrance.
In very unusual situations such as cliff dwellings or isolated
lighthouses, it may not be possible to provide an accessible route
to an entrance. In such cases, a videotape or other means may be
the only way to provide "accessibility."
Accessible Routes At Work Areas
ADAAG 4.1.1 (3)
Employee areas are considered non-public areas. In new
construction the ADAAG requires access to these work areas to
the extent that a person with a disability can "approach, enter,
and exit" the work area but does not require that each individual
work station be accessible. Where there are small individual
offices in a typical office building the accessible route must pass
through the office door. The office itself must have sufficient
room to allow a person using a wheelchair to approach, to enter,
and to exit; however, maneuvering space within the work area is
not required.
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ADAAG 4.1.7 (1) (a)
... Alteratiom to a qualified historic
building or fru:ility {must] comply with
ADAAG 4.1.6 Accessible Buildings:
Alteratiom, the applicable technical
{design] specificatiom of 4.2 through
4.35 and the applicable special
application sectiom 5 through 10. ...
BFE note:
For historic buildings or facilities
the required minimum features
and elements that must be linked
by an accessible route are specified
by ADAAG sectiom 4.1.7 Accessible
Buildings: Historic Preservation
and 4.3.2 Accessible Route, Location.
ADAAG 4.2.3 Wbeekhair
Turning Space. The space required
for a wheelchair to make a 180 -
degree turn is a clear space of 60
in (/525mm) diameter or a
T-shaped space.
9
ADAAG 3.5 Definitions.
Dwelling Unit. A single unit which
prllVides a kitchen or food prepara-
tion area, in addition to roams and
spaces for living, bathing, sleeping,
and the like. Dwelling units include
a single family home or a townhouse
used as a transient group bonte; an
apartment building used as a shelter;
guestroo11lS in a hotel that prllVide
sleeping accommodatiom and food
preparation areas; and other similar
facilities used on a tramient basis.
For purposes of these guidelines, use
of the term "Dwelling Unit" does
not imply the unit is used as a residence.
ADAAG 9.5.2 Alteratiom in
Tramient Lodging in Homeless
Shelters, Halfway Houses, Tran-
sient Group Homes, and Other
Social Service Establishments.
10
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
In "landscape" or open office environments, the require-
ments are the same because the use of "systems" furnishings
provides flexibility for modifying individual work stations as a
"reasonable accommodation." (Other local regulations, however,
may stipulate minimum aisle widths that must be provided
between work stations.) Under the "reasonable accommodation"
provisions of Title I of the ADA (Employment), an employer
may be required to provide accessibility of an individual work
area or station to accommodate the needs of an employee with
a disability.
Other work areas such as mechanical or boiler rooms and
restaurant kitchens must be on an accessible route; but equip-
ment need not be accessible. It is recommended that the accessible
route extend into the space or room for a distance of at least 48
inches (the length of a wheelchair parking space, see ADAAG
4.2.4.] Size [of a stationary wheelchair and occupant]).
Areas that are employee "common use" areas and are not
solely used as work stations (e.g., employee lounges, cafeterias,
health units, exercise facilities) in new construction and alter-
ations must comply with all applicable scoping and technical
design requirements of the ADAAG. Citing the above example,
if an employee must pass through the kitchen to get to an em-
ployee toilet room then an accessible route must be provided
though the kitchen to the toilet room.
Accessible Routes At Dwelling Units
ADAAG 4.3.2 (4)
Although the ADAAG, at present, does not provide specifica-
tions for housing, it does contain accessible route requirements
for certain dwelling units. Dwelling units covered by the ADA
and subject to the requirements of the ADAAG are dwelling
units used as transient ]odging.They are generally occupied for
a short period of time and include such facilities as a single family
home or townhouse used as a transient group home, an apart-
ment building used as a shelter, or a guest suite in a hotel.
In new construction there must be an accessible route that
connects at least one accessible entrance of each accessible
dwelling unit with the interior of the unit and all exterior spaces
and facilities that serve that accessible dwelling unit. The alter-
ations provisions of 4.1.6 (Accessib]e Buildings: Alterations) and
9.5.2 (Alterations in Transient Lodging) apply to "common use"
areas and to individual as well as group-use sleeping rooms. Any
area that is being significantly altered may be required to be
brought up to the new construction requirements. If the altered
area is a "primary function" area for which the facility is in-
tended, an accessible route as part of the path of travel, will be
required from the building entrance to the altered area. See page
6 for additional discussion of obligations to provide accessible
routes to altered areas.
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ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Design Specifications
for Accessible Routes
Width and Height
ADAAG 4.3.3, 4.3.4, 4.3.5 (4.4.21
Width. An accessible route must have a minimum clear
(unobstructed) width of 36 inches all along its route, except that
it may be reduced to 32 inches clear where it passes through
doors or walls or where a single piece of cane detectable free-
standing or wall-hung equipment or furniture may encroach.
Twenty four inches is the maximum distance the route can be
reduced to 32 inches in width. Thus if a wall is greater than 24
inches thick, an opening through the wall for an accessible routc
must be 36 inches wide.
. E
c 0
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b-g
0) "
.!:
The accessible route must connect, be part of, and pass
through the larger maneuvering space required at doors. The
width of an accessible route must be enlarged when going around
an obstruction in a V-shaped path to allow clearance for people
using wheelchairs. If the obstruction is less than 48 inches wide
then the width of the route must be enlarged to 48 inches at the
base of the V and 42 inches at the legs of the V.
The minimum clear width of the accessible route (36 inches)
is not wide enough to allow two people using wheelchairs to pass
each other. If an accessible route is less than 60 inches wide, it
must have passing spaces which are a minimum of 60 inches by
60 inches. These passing spaccs must be located at reasonable
intervals and must not have morc than 200 feet between them.
A T-intersection of two complying walks or corridors can be
used as a passing space.
1994 C BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT 'H133Dl0122
BFE note:
ADAAG 4.3 Accessible Route
provides basic technical information
on the design of an accessible route,
while the appendix section A4.3
offers important supplemental
information. Although all appendix
sections are advisory, they are
included in the ADAA G to increase
knowledge of accessibility issues.
....- -.-.-,-.....-...
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~llIiIII~b93~>V
. ~;~ijJj$i>~ b,<O \~.
",~ <"-
Turns Around a
Narrow Obstruction
48'
><3;Q!I'::~',.. -d~!~>
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Turns Around a
Wider Obstruction
11
person
using long
cane detects
warning
barrier and
avoids head
injury
Avoiding Overhead Hazards
.:>
24" (max.) wide
object may overlap
accessible route for
a maximum of 4-
4"
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Height. A minimum of 80 inches of vertical clearance or
headroom must be provided along all accessible routes as
well as at all other circulation paths, including stairs. This
specification protects all building users and helps to elimi-
nate head injuries for people with low or no vision or others
who may be inobservant.
Typical hazardous objects that may encroach on head-
room are signs, the underneath supporting structure of
stairs, sloping ceilings, guy wires, sculptures, and tree limbs.
If the head room of an area adjoining either an accessible
route or a circulation path is less than 80 inches, a warning
barrier such as a planter, railing, wing wall or similar detect-
able object must be positioned so a person who is visually
impaired can detect the object with a cane and avoid the
overhead hazard.
60. x 60.
passing space
..
32" min. at door
maneuvering
space at doors,
see ADAAG 4.13.6
accessible route
T-intersection
can function as
a passing space
Accessible Route: Width, Height, and Passing Spaces
12
1994 e BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
,
Protruding Objects at Accessible Routes
ADAAG 4.4
All accessible routes and circulation paths, including stairs,
must be free of objects that project from walls and posts that
are dangerous to someone who is inobservant or a person with
a visual impairment. Requirements are given in ADAAG 4.4
Protruding Objects for installing wall-mounted objects so
they do not pose a hazard along any circulation path.
Typical protruding objects that may be hazards are signs,
fire extinguishers, light fixtures, drinking fountains, and valve
controls on standpipes. Section 4.4 restrict, protruding objects
mounted from walls or posts from projecting more than 4 inches
into circulation spaces or requires that protruding objects be
installed in such a way that they are not hazards for people
who have low vision or are blind. Protruding objects or any
cane detectable warning barrier must not reduce the width of
an accessible route more than 4 inches for a maximum distance
of 24 inches.
wing walls or
other detectable
warning barrier
must not reduce
accessible route
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Wall-Mounted Objects ~~j~I~!!ll!!!i:il':ill,:I!:jt"
Installed Between
Detectable Wing Walls
1994 <C BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133D10122
bottom edge of
fountain outside
cane detetable range
" .
~ ~
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~ m
"'-5
Hazardous
Protruding Objects
13
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
display case is deeper
than 4" and wider than 24":
. because it is wider than
24-it cannot overlap acces-
sible route by any amount
. because it is at or below
27-itcanoverlapthe
circulation path by
any amount
objects can protrude
a max of 4M into
accessible route
for max of 24'
wider objects at this
location not permit-
ted since accessible
route cannot veer
around object
accessible
route
and
circulation
path
walk widens to
provide minimum
required width for
accessible route
at display window
post-mounted objects with
bottom edge above 2r can
project no more than 12- into
a circulation path; and may
reduce the clear width of an
accessible route by only 4-
Width of Accessible Routes and
Circulation Paths at Protruding Objects
14
1994 <0 BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. .
NIDRR GRANT 'H133Dl0122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Surface Textures ADAAG 4.3.6
Acceptable Types. Accessible routes must always have stable,
firm, and slip-resistant surfaces. These are the easiest and safest
surfaces for people who have difficulty walking or maintaining
balance or who use crutches, canes, walkers or mobility devices
such as wheelchairs or scooters. Soft, loose, slippery or irregular
surfaces may significantly slow down or even prevent travel and
can be dangerous. Such surfaces may pose a tripping hazard and
may cause ambulatory people with mobility and/or balance
impairments to fall.
Rolling over soft loose surfaces such as deep pile carpet, loose
sand, gravel, grass, and some dirt surfaces is difficult or impos-
sible for most manual wheelchair users. People who use electric
wheelchairs or scooters may have difficulty on such surfaces since
extra force is required to travel on them. This may drain batter-
ies quickly and can leave the person stranded.
Irregular surfaces such as cobblestones and similar uneven
brick or concrete pavers are also unacceptable on an accessible
route. All circulation paths and accessible routes should be kept
free of any debris such as waste paper, leaves, and gravel which
can impede travel.
Carpet. ADAAG 4.5.3 specifics that carpet used on circulation
paths and on accessible routes must be securely attached and any
exposed edges must be fastened to the floor surface with trim.
The carpet must have a level or textured loop, or a level cut or
level cut/uncut pile texture with a maximum pile thickness of
1/2 inch. Any cushion, pad, or backing must be firm, or as is
often preferred, the carpet is installed without a pad.
Some people who walk with crutches, walkers, or canes
prefer a carpeted floor surface to a hard smooth floor. However,
carpet may be difficult to travel over for people who use wheel-
chairs, even when the ADAAG requirements for carpets are met.
To make carpet as accessible as possible, designs with weaves
that cause a wheelchair to move in a zigzag pattern should be
avoided. It is important to eliminate any movement between
the floor and the pad and the pad and the carpet to keep the
carpet from humping or warping and interfering with wheel-
chair movement.
1994 Ie BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT 'H133D10122
~'.... .~_.i
loose Sand or Grass
is Not Acceptable
15
ADAAGA4.5 Ground
and Floor Suifaces.
". the static coefficient of friction".
provides a c/ose approximation of the
slip resistance of a suiface. ... some
slippage is necessary for walking,
especially for persons with restricted
gaits; a truly "non-slip" surface
could not be negotiated. ... A static
coefficient of friction of 0.6 is
recommended for accessible routes
and 0.8 for ramps.
16
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Slip-Resistance. Slip-resistance is an essential feature of the
surface of an accessible route and is based upon the frictional
force necessary to keep a shoe heel or crutch tip from slipping
on a walking surface. Many common building materials suitable
for flooring are now labeled with the "static coefficient of fric-
tion" (see sidebar for recommended ratings).
The coefficient of friction may be significantly reduced to
the point of unacceptable performance by water, floor finisbes,
and other contaminant,. Water, ice, or snow can create danger-
ous slippery conditions. Facility maintenance must routinely
address these changing conditions.
Gratings. Drainage gratings can be a hazard when placed in
walking surfaces of circulation paths and accessible routes. If the
openings in the grate are large the front casters of a wheelchair
can slip into them, causing the chair to tip and the occupant
to fall. Similar difficulties are experienced by people who use
crutches, canes, or walkers. All gratings located in walking
surfaces must have spaces with the smaller dimension no greater
than 1/2 inch. Gratings with rectangular openings shall be
installed with the long dimension of the opening perpendicular
to the dominant direction of travel.
Small Changes in Level. Small abrupt changes of level in the
surface of an accessible route pose a tripping hazard for many
people. People who walk wearing braces and/or who have diffi-
culty maintaining balance are particularly susceptible to catching
their toes on small level changes.
Such uneven surfaces frequently occur where there is a
material change, where there is surface damage from weathering,
or where construction practices have not been well monitored.
While it is best to have no changes in level, there can be a verti-
cal change in level up to 1/4 inch. A change in level between 1/4
inch and 1/2 inch must be beveled (at I :2). Changes greater than
1/2 inch require the installation of a ramp, curb ramp, elevator,
or lift (see Changes in Levels, page 19).
Small
Changes
in level
Are a
Tripping
Hazard
1994 to BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133Dl0122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Grating
~
a maximum slope
of 1:2 can be used
for small changes
in level
1/4" max
maximum vertical
change in level
.. '. .'" ",-.. .
. .
(beveled carpet edge
;-1' minimum fO~ 1;~evel
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.
Carpet Pile Thickness
Surface Textures and Small Changes in level Along Accessible Routes
1994@ BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133D10122
17
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Cross Slope. The slope that
Slope ADAAG 4.3.7
Accessible routes can slope up to 5 percent or I :20 (the
maximum slope for a walk) continuously. Other portions of the
route may include ramps with a maximum slope of 8.3 3 percent
or I: 12. Even an 8.3 3 percent ramp may be too steep for many
people with mobility impainnents to use. In cases where space
permits, a longer path with a shallower slope is safer and easier
to negotiate. In alterations and historic preservation projects
somewhat steeper slopes are permitted for very short ramps
where space limitations prohibit the use of a 1: 12 slope. See
ADAAG 4.1.6 and 4.1.7 for clarification.
There should be little or no cross slope on accessible routes.
Steep cross slopes tend to pull people off balance and cause
wheelchairs to go off course. Nowhere along an accessible
route may the cross slope exceed 2 percent or 1:50.
ADAAG 3.5 Definitions.
is perpendicular to the direction
of travel.
Slopes on
Accessible Routes
walk with a
slope up to
5 % or 1:20
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cross slope on walks
causes wheelchairs to
go off course toward
the low side of the
walk and require
constant correction
Accessible Walks Must have Little or No Cross Slope
18
1994@ BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT 'H133Dl0122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Changes in levels ADAAG 4.3.8
Changes in levels are one of the biggest obstacles to traveling
about on a site, to gaining entry to a building, or moving within
a building. Changes in level as small as 1/2 inch can prevent
many people using wheelchairs or scooters from proceeding
along a route.
Street curbs, steps at building entrances, and building floor
level changes along an accessible route must be provided with
a curb ramp, ramp, elevator, or, when permitted by ADAAG
4.1.3 or 4.1.6, a platform lift. Stairs are not considered parr of
accessible routes but must meet the provisions of ADAAG 4.9
Stairs if there is no other means of vertical circulation (i.e. ramp,
lift, or elevator) provided.
Providing Accessible
Routes at Changes in levels
there are significant
limitations on the use
of platform lifts in
new construction,
see ADAAG 4.1.3(5)
Exception 4
D
Platform Lift
1994 C BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT #H133Dl0122
ADAAG 4.7 Curb Ramps
ADAAG 4.8 Ramps
ADAAG 4.10 Ekvators
ADAAG 4.11 Platform Lifts
(Wbeekbair Lifts)
Ramp
Elevator
19
clear opening
is smaller than
siJe of door
face J
of
door
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Doors ADAAG 4.3.9
All doors along an accessible route must comply with Section
4.13 Doors. This ADAAG section addresses clear width and
maneuvering clearances at doors (shown in Fig. 25), thresholds,
hardware, closer timing, opening force, and automatic and
power-assisted doors.
Doors and doorways are one of the few instances where the
minimum 36 inch wide accessible route can be reduced to as
little as 32 inches. The 32 inch clear opening width of a door
is measured between the face of the door and the opposite stop
with the door open 90 degrees.
Wall thickness at cased openings or doorways may have
a depth no greater than 24 inches if the width of the door or
passage is reduced to the minimum 32 inches clear. Doorways
with a depth greater than 24 inches must be enlarged to provide
the 36 inches minimum clear width for an accessible route. For
further information on accessible doors refer to the ADAAG
Doors Section 4.13 and the Tech Sheet on Doors in this Tech
Sheet Series.
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f
$ 24
> 24
~ X = 32' min.
/
X = 36' min.
Measuring Clear Width
Doorway Depth
20
1994 <Cl BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Edge Protection ADAAG 4.8.7
Edge protection is required by ADAAG only at ramps and
landings with drop-offs. However, the edges of circulation paths
including accessible routes may have abmpt drop-offs or steeply
sloping sides, or such drop-offs may develop over time due to
erosion. A person with either a mobility or visual impairment
could ac<.~dentally travel off the edge of the path and slip or
fall because of an abrupt level change.
Drop-offs may also occur along the edges of balconies,
porches and at other similar building conditions. Although
porches and balconies generally are required to have guard-
rails, the distance between vertical supports may not be narrow
enough to prevent the small casters on wheelchairs and cane or
crutch tips from sliding off the edge. It is recommended that
physical barriers such as curbs, walls, railings, or projecting
surfaces be installed along the edge of a circulation path or
accessible route where drop-offs occur. If curbs are used they
should be a minimum of 2 inches high.
oJ!
tl:::..
...
.....
..
......
...... ....
Curb Detail At Walk
lack of Edge Protection At Walks
with Drop-Offs Can be a Hazard
edge protection prevents
crutch tips and small
caster wheels from
slipping off edge
of surface
ramps, porches,
and balconies
without appropriate
edge protection can
be hazardous for
people who use
wheelchairs,
crutches, or canes
Wheelchairs, Crutches, Canes, and
Strollers Can Pass Under Handrails
1994 iC> BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS. INC. . NIDRR GRANT .H133Dl0122
21
ADAAG 35 Definition:
Egress, Means of - A continuous
and unobstructed way of exit travel
from any point in a building or
facility to a public way. A means
of egress comprises vertical and
horizontal travel and may include
inte17Jening room spaces, doorooys,
hallways, corridors, passageways,
balconies, ramps, stairs, enclosures,
lobbies, horizontal exits, courts, and
yani<. An accessible means of egress
is one that complies with these
guidelines and does not include
stairs, steps, or escalators. Areas
of rescue assistance or evacuation
elevators may be included as part
of accessible means of egress.
22
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
Egress and Areas of Rescue Assistance
ADAAG 4.3.10 and 4.3.11
The accessible route that serves accessible spaces and ele-
ments must also provide egress for emergencies. Accessible
means of egress must be provided in the same number as
required for exits by local building/life safety regulations.
In new construction when the accessible route on floors
above and below the ground floor cannot discharge (open) onto
an accessible route at grade level, then each inaccessible floor
of the building must be provided with areas of rescue assistance
in the same number as the required exits. If each floor is pro-
tected by a monitored sprinkler system or if the building has
an approved horizontal exit then areas of rescue assistance are
not required.
Areas of rescue assistance provide a fire and smoke protected
safe space for people who cannot use stairs to remain for a short
time as they await further instructions and/or assistance during
emergency evacuation. Areas of rescue assistance must have
direct access to exit stairways and should be on an accessible
route that continues out of the building and into the surrounding
site as necessary to insure the safety of building occupants. See
ADAAG Section 4.3.11 for Areas of Rescue Assistance and
the Tech Sheet on Areas of Rescue Assistance in this Tech
Sheet Series.
I
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accessible
route
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Area of Rescue Assistance Must
Be Located on Accessible Route
1994 C BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIDRR GRANT 'H133D10122
ACCESSIBLE ROUTE
ADAAG
Reference Index
for Accessible Route
Scoping Requirements For Accessible Route
.
..
~
o
:i
Q
<(
(Types of Facilities Covered,
Minimum Number, Location,
and Exceptions)
4.1 Minimum Requirements
for New Construction,
Additions, Alterations,
and Historic Preservation 5-14
4.3.1 General
15
4.3.2 location
16
Technical Requirements For Accessible Route
Primary Reference
.
..
~
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<(
Q
<(
Secondary Reference
.
..
~
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<(
<(
Q
<(
4.3.3 Width 16
4.3.4 Passing Space 16
4.3.5 Head Room 16 4.4.2 Head Room 22
4.3.6 Surface Texture 16 4.5 Ground and Floor Surfaces 22
4.3.7 Slope 19 4.8 Ramps 27
4.3.8 Changes in levels 19 4.5.2 Changes in level 22
4.7 Curb Ramps 26
4.8 Ramps 27
4.10 Elevators 30
4.11 Platform lifts 36
4.3.9 Doors 19 4.13 Doors 36
4.3.10 Egress 20 A4.3.10 Egress A4
4.3.11 Areas of Rescue A4.3.11.3 Stairway Width A4
Assistance 20 A4.3.11.4 Two-way
Communication A5
1994 C BARRIER FREE ENVIRONMENTS, INC. . NIORR GRANT .H133Dl0122
23