The Iowa DOT values accessibility of our transportation system for all customers. This includes the need to have sidewalks and driveways next to state highways accessible to people with disabilities. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires each public entity to plan and construct sidewalks that are accessible.
As part of the ADA mandate, government entities must plan and update pedestrian access or risk losing federal funding. The Iowa DOT shares responsibility with cities for state highways and supports smaller communities (under 5,000 residents) that may lack resources. Larger cities typically fund these projects through their own plans.
In February 2012, the Iowa DOT adopted a plan to address ADA compliance along state highways in smaller cities. The purpose of the plan is to identify the steps the Iowa DOT will take to achieve ADA compliance for sidewalks and multiuse paths. All Iowa DOT-designed projects will be built using state funds.
The Iowa DOT’s Approach to Meeting Federal Standards
Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guideline (PROWAG)
The Iowa DOT, working with staff from the Statewide Urban Design and Specifications (SUDAS) and Federal Highway Administration, developed design guidance that can be used by all government agencies in Iowa. Local groups may choose to use their own standards, but those would require review and approval by the FHWA and/or the United States Department of Justice. The public right-of-way accessibility guidelines (Chapter 12) developed by the Iowa DOT and SUDAS have been approved by the FHWA as this section was developed in accordance with federal regulations (23 CFR § 652 and 28 CFR § 35).
The Code of Federal Regulations (28 CFR § 35.150) requires the Iowa DOT to have a transition plan for all ADA features within our jurisdiction and within the public rights-of-way. Consequences of not developing or following the plan could result in the Iowa DOT losing a significant percentage of federal money received (28 CFR § 35).
Sidewalks and paths that do not meet guidelines established by the United States Access Board need to be replaced. Most sidewalks do not meet the guideline that only allows for a 2.0 percent maximum cross slope, which means with a sidewalk that is 5 feet wide, the difference from one side of the sidewalk to the other is only 1.25 inches.
Nothing, but if you have any special needs please let the inspector or contractor know. Contact information can be found with the project details. If there is personal property in the area, it may need to be moved until the project is complete.
Federal regulations require agencies to have plans to update access to sidewalks and paths along roads. (This may impact a driveway if a sidewalk crosses it.)
The Iowa DOT plans to work in each town for a maximum of one construction season. The contractor will work to the best of their ability to get the work done in a timely manner.
The Iowa DOT is required to complete the ADA project. If you choose to not sign an easement, we will complete the work inside existing Iowa DOT property.If access to your property is critical to the project, legal action may be needed.
The on-site project inspector should be available to take care of any issues. This contact information can be found with the project details. If you have issues the inspector can’t address, he or she will be able to provide additional contact information.
Nothing. These accessibility projects are funded with state highway funds. You will not be charged for anything that pertains to this project.
No.
Each project is a little bit different. If temporary easement is needed, you will be able to look at a detailed sheet that shows your property and the area that will be affected. This sheet will be similar to what is on the projects web page.
The contractor will seed the area before the project is complete.
The Iowa DOT’s Office of Contracts will set a tentative start date and the schedule will be made by the contractor. When the project is scheduled, the inspector is expected to contact the resident of the property.
You may lose full access to your driveway during the project. The contractor or inspector will work with you to set a schedule. The contractor will work as quickly as possible to get the sidewalk and driveway completed with the appropriate amount of cure time for the concrete before opening that area.
There is a possibility that the access may be affected. The contractor will be asked to minimize the length of time your access will be affected.
