R203 — Pedestrian Access Routes

R203.1 General. Where provided, the pedestrian facilities addressed in R203 shall contain or connect a pedestrian access route, and shall comply with these guidelines. R203.2 Connection to Accessible Facilities. Pedestrian access routes shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities in accordance with R203.2. R203.2.1 Connection to Accessible Facilities subject to the ADA. Pedestrian access routes subject to the ADA shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities required to be accessible and connect to accessible routes required by section 206.2.1 of appendix B to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) that connect building and facility entrances to public streets and sidewalks. Exception: Where elements are altered, on or adjacent to an existing pedestrian circulation path, the existing pedestrian circulation path need not be altered to provide a pedestrian access route complying with R202.2. R203.2.2 Connection to Accessible Facilities subject to the ABA. Pedestrian access routes subject to the ABA shall connect accessible elements, spaces, and pedestrian facilities required to be accessible and connect to accessible routes required by section F206.2.1 of appendix C to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) that connect building and facility entrances to public streets and sidewalks. Exception: Where elements are altered, on or adjacent to an existing pedestrian circulation path, the existing pedestrian circulation path need not be altered to provide a pedestrian access route complying with R202.2. R203.3 Pedestrian Circulation Paths. Pedestrian access routes complying with R302 shall be provided within pedestrian circulation paths, including sidewalks and shared use paths. Transitional segments may be used to connect new or altered pedestrian access routes to existing pedestrian circulation paths, and the differences between adjacent surface characteristics shall be minimized to provide a smooth transition. R203.4 Crosswalks. A pedestrian access route complying with R302 shall be provided within and for the full length of a crosswalk, including medians and pedestrian refuge islands. Crosswalks shall comply with R306. R203.5 Pedestrian At-Grade Rail Crossing. Where a pedestrian circulation path crosses at-grade rail tracks, a pedestrian access route complying with R302 shall be included within the pedestrian at-grade rail crossing. Pedestrian at-grade rail crossings shall comply with R306. R203.6 Curb Ramps and Blended Transitions. A curb ramp, blended transition, or a combination of curb ramps and blended transitions shall be provided in accordance with R203.6 and shall comply with R304. R203.6.1 Placement. Placement of curb ramps and blended transitions shall comply with R203.6.1. R203.6.1.1 Crosswalks at an Intersection. At an intersection corner, one curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided for each crosswalk, or a single blended transition that spans all crosswalks at the intersection corner may be provided. Where pedestrian crossing is prohibited, curb ramps or blended transitions shall not be provided, and the pedestrian circulation path shall be either (a) separated from the roadway with landscaping or other non-prepared surface or (b) separated from the roadway by a detectable vertical edge treatment with a bottom edge 15 inches maximum above the pedestrian circulation path. Exception: In alterations, where existing physical constraints make compliance with R203.6.1.1 technically infeasible, a single curb ramp complying with R304 shall be permitted at the apex of the intersection corner. R203.6.1.2 Mid-Block and Roundabout Crosswalks. At a mid-block or roundabout crosswalk, curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided on both ends of the crosswalk. Where pedestrian crossing is not intended, curb ramps or blended transitions shall not be provided, and the pedestrian circulation path shall be either (a) separated from the roadway with landscaping or other non-prepared surface or (b) separated from the roadway by a detectable vertical edge treatment with a bottom edge 15 inches maximum above the pedestrian circulation path. R203.6.1.3 Parallel On-Street Parking. At parallel on-street parking spaces complying with the dimensions specified in R310.2.1, a curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided at either end of the parking space if needed to connect the parking space to a pedestrian access route. R203.6.1.4 Perpendicular and Angled On-Street Parking and Passenger Loading Zones. At perpendicular and angled on-street parking spaces, and at passenger loading zones, a curb ramp or blended transition shall be provided if needed to connect the access aisle to a pedestrian access route. R203.6.2 Alterations to Crosswalks. When alterations are made to crosswalks, curb ramps or blended transitions shall be provided on both ends of the crosswalk where the pedestrian access route crosses a curb. R203.7 Pedestrian Overpasses and Underpasses. Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses shall contain a pedestrian access route complying with R302. Where an overpass, underpass, bridge, or similar structure is designed for pedestrian use only, or pedestrian and bicycle use only, and the approach slope to the structure exceeds 1:20 (5.0%), a ramp complying with R407, or an elevator or limited use/limited application elevator complying with sections 407 or 408 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines), shall be provided. Elevators and limited use/limited application elevators shall be unlocked and independently usable during the operating hours of the pedestrian facility served. Exception: In alterations, where existing physical constraints make compliance with R203.7 technically infeasible, a platform lift complying with section 410 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines) shall be permitted. R203.8 Ramps. Where provided, ramps shall comply with R407. R203.9. Elevators and Limited Use/Limited Application Elevators. Where provided, elevators and limited use/limited application elevators shall comply with sections 407 or 408 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). R203.10 Platform Lifts. In alterations, where the use of elevators or limited use elevators is not technically feasible, platform lifts may be used and shall comply with section 410 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines). R203.11 Doors, Doorways, and Gates. Doors, doorways, and gates that are part of a pedestrian access route shall comply with section 404 of Appendix D to 36 CFR part 1191 (ADA & ABA Accessibility Guidelines).