HIKE AND BIKE SYSTEM MASTER PLAN
Design Criteria :
• Refer to Thoroughfare Development Plan for the minimum sidewalk / pedestrian realm standards .
• All new construction of sidewalks shall meet ADA accessibility requirements .
• Frontage zone dimensions vary from 0-3 feet depending on the street and land-use classification .
• A minimum 4-foot parking lot buffer shall be provided when cars are parked perpendicular or diagonally to sidewalks .
• Pedestrian buffer / furnishing zone width ranges from 6 to 8 feet , depending on the street and land-use classification .
• Sidewalks are typically required on all streets , and shall be located on each side of the street within the existing right-of-way . Sidewalks are not required on local rural streets or cul-de-sac streets , or otherwise as determined by the City of Arlington .
• Should permanent obstructions occur in the sidewalk path , a minimum of 3 feet of clearance shall be provided . All obstructions that can be relocated should be located outside of the sidewalk zone .
• A minimum of 7 feet is required for vertical clearance on sidewalks .
• Objects mounted on a pole or to a wall shall not protrude more than 4 inches into the sidewalk throughway zone .
• Sidewalk surfaces shall be smooth concrete or paved surfaces .
• The standard width for sidewalks on bridges is 7 feet . Sidewalks on bridges next to high-speed travel lanes require a vehicle barrier at the curb line . Bridge pedestrian rails must be ADA compliant ( Figure 7.4.8 ).
• The maximum slope of a sidewalk is 5 percent .
• Handrails are to be provided if slopes in excess of 5 percent are encountered .
• The maximum grade of 12:1 ( 8.33 percent ) is acceptable for a rise of no more than 2.5 feet . A level landing area at least 5 feet long and 5 feet wide at 2 percent grade shall be provided at each end ( Figure 7.4.9 ).
• Changes in level surface from . 25 to . 5 inches shall be beveled . Changes greater than . 5 inches shall be removed or a ramp with a maximum grade of 8.3 percent shall be installed .
• Gaps and grate openings should not allow passage of a . 5 inch sphere or the long dimension of the opening should be perpendicular or diagonal to the dominant direction of travel .
• The maximum cross-slope for a walkway is 2 percent .
Figure 7.4.8 . Sidewalk on bridge .
Figure 7.4.9 . Maximum allowable grades . Chapter 7 : Design Guidelines |
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