1. When do the new ADA Regulations go into effect?
Compliance with the 2010 Standards for Accessible Design is permitted as of September 15, 2010, but not required until March 15, 2012. The Department has prepared fact sheets identifying the major changes in the rules.”
2. Can you help me understand the Curb Ramps Administrative Rule?
Question:
We are a little confused on Technical Memorandum TM 08-01.
We understand the requirement for the use of truncated domes in the curb ramps in the public right-of-way. We are confused on the requirements for the use of the domes on curb ramps not in the public right-of-way.
Answer:
As of the last academy we attended the TDLR has softened their position on truncated dome requirement.
ADA does require truncated domes at vehicular hazards. That is why TxDOT added them to their curb ramp details and the TDLR amended the rules to allow those in a public ROW to adhere to TxDOT.
TM08-01 discussed those in a public ROW and the TDLR indicates that because of the language still in the curb ramp requirements that the truncate domes are allowed but must be the full length and width as stated. The landing location at parallel ramps is a deviation and that has always been confusing to others and myself.
The TDLR indicated in the last academy that truncated domes are not a requirement of TAS but they are the only surface that meets ADA and therefore “strongly recommends” that they be used.
JKA also thinks that is a good Idea because the groove spec technical memo has been withdrawn, and therefore the texture is somewhat subjective as to what is detectable under foot. However we sometimes will approve in an inspection, grooves if they are detectable under foot.
The following is my understanding of what the TDLR would like to see to meet both the ADA requirements and TAS:
The TDLR has indicated the application of TM 08-01 requires the following locations for truncated dome surface.
The TDLR has indicated TM08-01 applies to all curb ramps built or renovated after June 2008. http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/info/TM08-01.pdf
At private onsite curb ramps with returned curbs or side flairs, the truncated dome texture should be the full length and width of the ramp surface only.
See page 2 of TM 08-01.
At curb ramps with returned curbs or side flairs in Public ROW projects only the truncated dome surface is allowed to be only at the lower 24″ of the ramp surface.
For private onsite parallel curb ramps the truncated dome texture should be the full length and width of the lower landing only.
See page 2 of TM 08-01, attached.
At parallel type curb ramps in Public ROW projects only the truncated dome surface is allowed to be only at the front 24″ of the landing.
Keep in mind per TM 99-11 if the slope of a parallel type curb ramp is 5% or less than no special texture is required on the ramp or landing.
http://www.license.state.tx.us/ab/info/Technical%20Memorandum%2011%20-%204.7.5%20(%20parallel%20curb%20ramps).pdf
I hope this helps your firm decide how to proceed.
Please call or email Jeff Kelley 972-422-5384 x1869 – Direct: 972-346-1869 or jkelley@johnsonkelley.com