New Design Guidelines for Rights-of-Way

August 22, 2023
The U.S. Access Board issued a final rule on accessibility guidelines for pedestrian facilities in the public right-of-way. As leaders in designing public spaces for persons of all abilities, it is imperative that landscape architects are versed in these new guidelines.

The new U.S. Access Board guidelines cover the minimum scoping and technical requirements for various spaces and elements in the public right-of-way, such as pedestrian access routes. Other highlights in the requirements include accessible pedestrian signals, curb ramps and blended transitions, detectable warning surfaces, crosswalks at roundabouts, on-street parking, transit stops, and street furniture. In addition, the guidelines address shared use paths, which are designed primarily for use by bicyclists, pedestrians and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users.  

The Access Board provides free technical assistance specifically on accessibility of public right-of-way, including sidewalks, street crossings, and other pedestrian used features. Email: [email protected] for more information.