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Citation
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Schroeder B, Rodegerdts L, Jenior P, Myers E, Cunningham C, Salamati K, Searcy S, O'Brien S, Barlow J, Bentzen BLB. NCHRP Res Rep. 2017; (834): 1-119. |
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Abstract
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NCHRP Research Report 834 presents guidance for the application of crossing solutions at roundabouts and channelized turn lanes (CTLs) at signalized intersections for pedestrians with vision disabilities, including individuals with total blindness. The guidebook provides an accessibility assessment framework and a methodology for evaluating treatment alternatives for a proposed crossing, as well as wayfinding accommodations. Guidance is provided based on the feasible range of geometric and traffic operational conditions under which similar treatments have been demonstrated to enhance accessibility.
The guidebook and final report are targeted to an audience of practicing professionals who in some cases may have little or no background in design for accessibility. The guidelines are therefore written in a way that is consistent with other engineering guidebooks, and they are consistent with existing guidance on accessible design of pedestrian facilities and public rights of way. The audience for these products extends well beyond the engineer tasked with designing a particular site, including planners and decision makers at the municipal and state government levels; FHWA; and the U.S. Access Board, which is tasked with writing technical specifications for implementing the American with Disabilities Act, and which has published proposed guidelines in the form of the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Accessible Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way. This project also has a broad public interest component, including professionals and researchers in the field of orientation and mobility, as well as private citizens with and without vision impairments.
Accessibility of modern roundabouts and channelized turn lanes to pedestrians with vision disabilities has been a focus of recent and ongoing research. Initial research results documenting the crossing challenges for pedestrians with vision disabilities at these facility types motivated the original NCHRP Project 03-78A research effort (published as NCHRP Report 674) and had an influence on language in the Proposed Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right-of-Way (draft PROWAG) published by the U.S. Access Board in 2011. With the impending publication of the final PROWAG and its expected adoption by the U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of Transportation, municipalities and state DOTs need more specific guidance on what may constitute equivalent facilitation to pedestrians with vision disabilities at these facility types.
NCHRP Research Report 834 is supplemented by NCHRP Web-Only Document 222, which includes additional documentation and background information on project research. The research presented in NCHRP Web-Only 222 and NCHRP Research Report 834 builds on previous work on crossing challenges for pedestrians with vision disabilities presented in NCHRP Report 674.
Language: en |