Pedestrian Ramps in NYC

A pedestrian ramp is the sloped corner where the sidewalk meets the crossing. Corner properties usually need the ramp rebuilt when the sidewalk around it is replaced.

The corner where the sidewalk meets the crossing

• Slope set to current accessibility requirements
• Detectable warning surface laid at the correct position and orientation
• Transition to the roadway finished flush
• Curb line and drainage rebuilt around the ramp
• Permit filed and the finished ramp presented for inspection

Why a ramp is measured apart from the flat walk

Ramps are measured separately from flat sidewalk because the forming, the slope control and the detectable warning panels are all extra work. Corner properties usually need two ramps, not one.

Slope first, concrete second

1. Slopes calculated first. Running slope, cross slope and the landing all have limits. They are worked out on paper before anything is dug.
2. Existing ramp and curb removed. Ramp and curb come out together because they have to be rebuilt as one piece.
3. Formed to the slope. This is precision work. A ramp that is a fraction over on cross slope fails inspection.
4. Warning panels set. Detectable warning surfaces set at the right position and orientation, flush with the finished concrete.

Ramp questions from corner properties

What gets rebuilt around a ramp

• Curbs & Edging Concrete curb · Reset or replace · Curb line to code
• New Sidewalk Installation Residential & commercial · Graded to drain
• Sidewalk Replacement Full flag removal · DOT thickness · Sub-base re-graded
• Granite & Steel-Faced Curbs Granite · Steel-faced · Reset or replace