Construction Bulletin Number 7
 
Subject: Installation and Location of Wheelchair Ramps
Category: Roadway 
Issued: October 15, 2001
Contact Person: Jimmy Travis
Phone Number: (919) 733-2210 Ext. 221
E-mail Address: jtravis@dot.state.nc.us 
Issue Details:  
The placement of wheelchair ramps, as required by ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act), governs the placement of crosswalks, and in turn the location of the crosswalk governs the stopbar location. This total distance directly affects the "red clearance interval" in the signal timing and the signal design. This makes the placement of the wheelchair ramps critical in the signal design and its function. 

Please see the attached Wheelchair Ramp Placement Drawing in reference to the location of wheelchair ramps. The following applies:

  1. The stopbar must be a minimum of four (4) feet behind the crosswalk.
  2. The MUTCD requires that stopbars be placed no further than 30 feet from the nearest edge of the intersection.
  3. The location of all wheelchair ramps is stationed on the Traffic Signal Plans.
Since the Signals and Geometrics Section began stationing the location of the wheelchair ramps on Traffic Signal Plans, limited success has been achieved due to Contractors installing the ramps without referencing the plans. In addition, locations not signalized under the current project may be signalized at a later date. 

This is a reminder to please reference the Traffic Signal Plans when installing the wheelchair ramps in order to properly place the wheelchair ramps at intersections.

The following design guidelines have also been proposed to help facilitate installation of the wheelchair ramps:

  1. Place wheelchair ramps as close to the intersection as possible.
  2. The centerline of the wheelchair ramp should be no greater than 23 feet from the nearest edge of the intersection. (See attached drawing.)
  3. In some cases, due to the size of the radius, the use of one wheelchair ramp in a quadrant may be required. (See attached drawing.)
  4. Station the placement of wheelchair ramps on roadway plans for all locations on TIP projects.
Additional information will be provided as available.
References: 1995 Standard Specifications for Roads and Structures (Section 848) and the 2002 Standards Specifications for Roads and Structures (Section 848), NCDOT Construction Manual (Section 848), 1998 Roadway Standard Drawings (Section 848.05), and the 2002 Roadway Standard Drawings (Section 848.05).
Illustrations:  Wheelchair Ramp Placement Drawing 

This Construction Bulletin has been issued by the NCDOT Construction Unit to clarify, discuss, interpret and provide guidance for contract administration issues related to NCDOT construction contracts.