Unit 5 Lesson 1 - Introduction to Pedestrian Access Route & Curb Ramp System

Oct 29, 2026

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Lesson 16 of 95 focuses on Unit 5 Lesson 1, introducing the Pedestrian Access Route (PAR) and the curb ramp system used to create accessible pedestrian transitions. It explains why the full route must be accessible to all pedestrians, outlines ADA and ODOT-related requirements for accessible slopes, surfaces, and dimensions, and defines key terms such as pedestrian circulation area, clear width, and proximity limits for inspections. The lesson also reviews curb ramp purposes, essential components, and how inspections and measurement are guided by standard drawings.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages70

Reading Time2 h 56 min

AccessFree to download

Unit 5 Lesson 1: Introduction to Pedestrian Access Route & Curb Ramp System

Pedestrian Access Route (PAR)

Pedestrian Circulation Area

Proximity Limits

Curb Ramp System

Key Components and Terms

Lesson 16 of 95 Unit 5 Lesson 1 : Introduction to Pedestrian Access Route & Curb Ramp System Course Navigation Tips: To complete each lesson, you must interact with the audio narration at the top of each section. You may drag the toggle on the playback bar to the last 5 seconds and let it play. This will allow the system to note it as complete. You are encouraged to complete the entire unit before closing incase your progress is not saved. 03:58 Start Audio Narration You must click on all images before moving onto next Lesson. Pedestrian Access Route (PAR) The entire pedestrian access route needs to be accessible to ensure that it is usable by all pedestrians. Pedestrian access routes must comply with the accessible route slopes, surface , dimensions, and other requirements adopted by the agency. The pedestrian access route under the ADA has requirements for construction to ensure that pedestrian facility’s constructed are accessible to the disabled population. Accessible routes are provided to allow pedestrians to get from their origin point to their destination point or public service in the public right of way. The pedestrian access route is defined in the Oregon Standard Specifications for Construction, Sec. 00759.02 as: “An area for the use of pedestrians to navigate along sidewalks, driveways, curb ramps, crossings, and pedestrian facilities ” 00759.00 Scope- “This Work consists of furnishing, placing and finishing Commercial Grade Concrete curbs, concrete curb ramps with curbs, islands, tra fic separators, driveways, sidewalks, monolithic curb and sidewalks, miscellaneous surfaces, and stairs inclose conformity to the lines, grades and dimensions shown or established.ˮ Pedestrian Access Route. It is the Surface that is Accessible and Contiguous to Reach a Destination Pedestrian Circulation Area The traversable walkway area outside of and including the pedestrian access route is considered the pedestrian circulation area. The pedestrian circulation area is any area on the walkway that a pedestrian could use. Flared side treatments, for example , are a part of the pedestrian circulation area but are not in the pedestrian access route. All areas of the pedestrian circulation area should be inspected but are not necessarily recorded on the curb ramp system inspection forms. These areas shall meet the contract plan and specification requirements. Highlighted Pedestrian Circulation Area. Surface for Pedestrians ' Use An important concept related to the available pedestrian accessible route is clear width. This is discussed later in the units and lessons. The clear width recorded is determined by the applicable maximum allowable cross slope on the finished surface and the vertical clearance requirements for pedestrian to walk around or under. Proximity Limits Unless otherwise shown on the contract plans, proximity limit is the boundary including all curb ramp system components and the sidewalk transition panels. The proximity limit extends around all new concrete and at least two feet beyond the new concrete. Proximity limits are the boundary for curb ramp system inspections. This is the area that will be measured for ADA compliance and is based on ODOT requirements. The figure below shows a curb ramp system with an outline of the proximity limits that includes two curb ramps system and the area beyond the new concrete. Within the proximity limits, conduct a general inspection looking for lips where the new work ties into existing work and record any other features, such as utilities or furniture within the proximity limits. Also verify that there are no slopes within the proximity limits that are worse than what is allowed in the contract plans. Illustration of Proximity Area that Extends Around all New Concrete and Two Feet Beyond 01:55 Continue Audio Narration Curb Ramp System A curb ramp system provides an accessible pedestrian transition between the sidewalk and

FAQs

What is the Pedestrian Access Route (PAR) and why must it be accessible?

PAR is the continuous surface area pedestrians use to navigate along sidewalks, driveways, curb ramps, crossings, and pedestrian facilities. It must be accessible so all pedestrians can use it, including people with disabilities, by meeting required slopes, surface conditions, and dimensions.

What does the proximity limit mean for curb ramp system inspections?

Proximity limits are the inspection boundary that includes curb ramp system components and sidewalk transition panels, extending around new concrete and at least two feet beyond it. This is the area measured to verify ADA compliance based on ODOT requirements.

What is a curb ramp system and what does it enable?

A curb ramp system provides an accessible transition between the sidewalk and the street by cutting through or being built up to the curb. It allows pedestrians with varying abilities to enter and exit the sidewalk and other pedestrian facilities using components with slope and dimensional requirements.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by SANS