U.S.

ACCESS BO ARD TECHNICAL GUIDE

Ramps and Curb Ramps

This guide explains requirements in the ADA Standards for ramps and
curb ramps.

Where Ramps and Curb Ramps are Required [§303.4]

Ramps and curb ramps are required along accessible routes to span changes in level
greater than ½”. Elevators and, under certain specified conditions, platform lifts, can be
used as an alternative. Portions of accessible routes with running slopes steeper than
5% also must be treated as ramps.

Ramp Requirements [§405]

Clear Width (§405.5)

36” min. (between leading
edge of handrails)

Handrails (§405.8)
on both sides if rise
greater than 6”
Running Slope
(§405.2)
1:12 max

Rise (§405.6) Cross Slope

30” max per run (§405.3)
1:48 max
Surfaces (§405.4)
firm, stable, and slip-resistant
(run and landing surfaces) Level Landings
(§405.7)
Edge Protection (§405.9) at top and bottom
along ramp run and landings

Wet Conditions (§405.10)

Alterations (§405.2) Landings must be designed to
Permitted running slopes where space is limited: prevent the accumulation of water.
1:10 max (6” max rise) or 1:8 max (3” max rise)
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Slope [§405.2] and Cross Slope [§405.3]

Slope represents the proportion of

vertical rise to horizontal length and is
specified in the Standards as a ratio
(e.g., 1:12). It also can be expressed
as a percentage, pitch, or in degrees.
The running slope is to be uniform
along a run, although slight variations may occur with certain materials such as
concrete. No other changes in level other than the running slope (1:12 max.) and cross
slope (1:48 max.) are permitted. Variations in slope, such as grade breaks within runs,
can disrupt wheelchair travel.

Recommendations: Providing the least possible slope below the 1:12 (8.33%)
maximum offers better usability for a wider range of users. Specifying a running
slope of 7.5% maximum and a cross slope of 1.5% maximum for exterior ramps
will accommodate most irregularities or variances due to construction methods
or materials according to a study sponsored by the Board (“Dimensional
Tolerances in Construction and for Surface Accessibility” by David Kent Ballast.)

Clear Width [§405.5]

Ramp runs must have a clear width of 36” minimum (measured between handrails
where provided). The width of ramps that are part of a means of egress may further be
determined by applicable life safety codes and requirements for minimum exit widths
greater than 36”.

Employee Work Areas

Common use circulation paths must be
accessible in work areas 1,000 sq. ft. or more in
size. Ramps on these circulation paths must
comply except that:

• the clear width can be reduced below 36” by

work area equipment where it is essential to
the work being performed (§405.5); and
• handrails can be installed after construction,
as needed (ramps must be sized so that the
minimum clear width is maintained) (§405.8).

Rise [§405.6]

The height of runs is limited (30” max.), but there is no limit on the number of runs a
ramp may have. Long ramps with many runs can be strenuous for people using manual
wheelchairs. While intermediate landings offer resting points, they do not reduce the
amount of effort that must be exerted to negotiate multiple runs.

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Landings [§405.7]

Level landings are required at the top and bottom of each run. Changes in level greater
than 1:48 are not permitted at landings. Landings must be designed to prevent the
accumulation of water.

Grade breaks (i.e., where the

change in slope occurs) must
be perpendicular to the
direction of ramp runs to
prevent cross-slope issues
and uneven surfaces.
No change in level is
permitted within landings
other than slopes 1:48 max.

Intermediate landings between runs must be at least 60” wide clear and 60” long clear
where ramps change direction (any change from linear). Handrails, edge protection,
vertical posts and other elements cannot obstruct or overlap the minimum 60” by 60”
clearance. The 12” minimum handrail extensions required at the top and bottom of
ramp runs must be in the same direction of the run, but they can turn or wrap where
handrails are continuous at the inside turn of dogleg or switchback ramps.

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Intermediate Landings Where Ramps Change Direction

Handrails
Extensions must be linear, but
can turn or wrap where handrails
are continuous at the inside turn
of dogleg or switchback ramps

Configuration
Recommendation: Align runs less
than 60” wide to the outer edge of
landings for easier wheelchair
maneuvering between runs

Doorways at Landings [§405.7.5]

Required door maneuvering clearances can overlap ramp landings (it is advisable to
locate the swing of doors outside ramp landings for greater safety).

Doorways at Ramp Landings

Ramp landing can

overlap door
maneuvering clearance

Recommendation: Locate door

swing outside ramp landing

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Handrails [§405.8, §505]

Handrails are required on both sides of ramps with a rise greater than 6”. The
Standards do not require lower handrails serving children except at ramps serving play
areas, but include a recommended height (28” max.) and separation (9” min.) from the
required handrail to minimize entrapment hazards.

Handrail Height and Clearance

Handrail Continuity and Extensions

Extensions 12” long min. in the same direction of travel are required
at the top and bottom of runs (except for inside rail of switchback
ramps) to provide support before entering or exiting ramps.
The 12” min. is
Handrails must be continuous measured to
Bottom gripping surface the full length of run and tops the start of the
can be obstructed up to and sides of gripping surface return radius.
20% of the length. cannot be obstructed.

Extensions must
return to guard,
wall, or floor.

Extensions with a leading edge 27” high max. can extend any amount from posts. Those with a
leading edge higher than 27” are limited to a 12” protrusion from posts (§307.3). The sloping
portion of handrails are not required to comply with requirements for protruding objects.
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Surface requirements and clearances facilitate a power grip along the length of
handrails. Handrails can have circular or non-circular cross-sections, but must have
rounded edges. The gripping surface and adjacent surfaces must be free of abrasive or
sharp elements.
Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Specifications for handrails also

address the diameter of circular
cross sections and required
knuckle clearance.

Non-Circular Cross Section and Clearance (§505.5, §505.7)

Non-circular cross sections must have rounded edges and meet perimeter and
cross-section dimensions. Other profiles meeting these criteria are permitted.

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Aisle Ramps in Assembly Areas

In assembly areas, aisle ramps required to be accessible are exempt from

some handrail requirements. Aisle ramps (or portions of them) adjacent to
seating that are not part of a required accessible route to accessible seating
or to other accessible elements do not have to comply with any ramp or
handrail requirements.

Aisle Ramps in Assembly Areas

Aisle ramps that are

part of a required
accessible route can
have handrails on at
least one side or within
the aisle width instead
of on both sides as
required for other types
of ramps. (§505.2)

Handrails on assembly
area ramps can be
discontinuous and lack
extensions to allow
access to seating and
to permit crossovers
within aisles.
(§505.3, §505.10)

Other handrails
specifications,
including those for
height, clearance,
gripping surface, and
cross section, apply.

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Edge Protection [§405.9]

Edge protection along ramp runs and landings keep wheelchair casters and crutch tips
on the surface and can be provided by curbs, barriers, or extended surfaces.

Edge Protection Alternatives

Curbs if used must be at least 4” high. Rails or other barriers must prevent
passage of a 4” diameter sphere.

Vertical pickets used for edge protection must Run and landing surfaces that extend at least
prevent passage of a 4” diameter sphere. 12” beyond the inside face of handrails will
provide adequate edge protection by
preventing wheelchair casters and crutch tips
Edge protection is not required at: from slipping off the edge.

 ramps no higher than 6” that have side flares

 ramp landings serving an adjoining run or stairway
 sides of ramp landings with vertical drop-offs not exceeding ½” within 10” of the
minimum landing area

Wet Conditions [§405.10]

Landings subject to wet conditions must be designed to prevent the accumulation of

water. Landings are permitted slopes not steeper than 1:48 to allow for drainage.

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Curb Ramps [§406]

Requirements for curb ramps apply to ramps that cut through curbs or are built up to
them. New guidelines the Board is developing for public rights-of-way will further
address curb ramps located along public streets and sidewalks, but they are not
discussed in this guide. DOJ’s 2010 ADA Standards require curb ramps at newly
constructed or altered streets, highways, and street-level pedestrian walkways to
provide an accessible route for pedestrians at intersections (28 CFR 35.151(i)).

Curb Ramp Requirements [§406]

Top Landing (§406.4)

facilitates maneuvering to and from Grade Breaks
ramp without travel across side flares At top and bottom must be
perpendicular to the direction of ramp
runs to prevent cross-slope issues
and uneven surfaces
90°
Side Flares (where
provided) (§406.3)
Running Slope 1:10 max slope
(§406.1)
Alterations (§406.1)
1:12 max
Permitted running slopes
where space is limited:
Cross Slope (§406.1)
1:10 max (6” max rise) or
1:48 max
1:8 max (3” max rise)

Location (§406.5)
Cannot project into vehicular traffic
lanes, parking spaces, or access
aisles. Wet Conditions (§406.1)
Curb ramps must be designed to
prevent accumulation of water

Transition to Street [§406.2]

Smooth Transition
at grade break (no lips or
other changes in level)
Ramp Running Slope
1:12 max Counter Slope
1:20 max

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Top Landing [§406.4]

The required landing at the top of curb ramps allows an accessible route to connect to
the ramp opening. Side flares, where provided, are intended primarily to prevent
tripping hazards, not to accommodate wheelchair maneuvering at ramps (except in
alterations where sufficient landing space is unavailable). Side flare slopes cannot
exceed 1:10 max. (or 1:12 max. in alterations where a top landing is unavailable).

Alterations: Ramp without Top Landing

In alterations where sufficient landing space is not available, side flares must be
provided and cannot slope more than 1:12 to facilitate wheelchair maneuvering.
Parallel curb ramps (page 12) provide an alternative in such conditions.

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Top Landing Slope

The maximum slope of the top landing is determined by the configuration of connecting
accessible routes.

Perpendicular Accessible Route Parallel Accessible Route

The cross slope of perpendicular connecting If the only connecting accessible route runs
routes limit the slope of the ramp top landing to parallel to the ramp run, the top landing can
1:48 (measured parallel to the running slope). slope 1:20 max.

Sides of Curb Ramps [§406.3]

Curb ramps can have returned sides, but a top landing is required under all conditions
to allow maneuvering to and from the run.

Recommendation: To prevent tripping hazards, curb ramps with returned sides

should be used only where foot traffic across ramps is prevented or discouraged.

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Built-Up Curb Ramps

Built-up curb ramps are permitted, but they cannot project in parking spaces, access
aisles, or vehicle traffic lanes. A top landing at least 36” deep is required at all built-up
curb ramps.
Built-Up Curb Ramp with Side Flares
Side flares can be provided
to prevent tripping hazards.
Edge protection is not
specified for curb ramps.

Recommendation:
Provide edge protection
along the sides of built-
up curb ramps to
prevent tipping hazards.
Otherwise, consider a
wider ramp width (48”
min.) so that
maneuvering does not
occur near drop-offs.

Parallel Curb Ramps

Curb ramps can be oriented parallel to sidewalks. This design provides an option
where limited space precludes a top landing. A level landing 48” long minimum (60”
preferred) accommodates maneuvering between runs and right-angle turns to
connecting routes, such as parking access aisles and crossings.

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Curb Ramps at Intersections

Curb ramps at marked crossings must be wholly contained within the crosswalk,
excluding side flares. The Standards do not require crossings to be marked or address
how they are to be marked, but public street crossings are addressed by the Manual on
Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) for Streets and Highways.

Ramp opening within

Top marked crossing
Landing (excluding side flares)

Curb ramps must be oriented so that the grade break is perpendicular to the curb ramp
run to ensure a smooth transition to streets, including at corners with a wide radius.
The curb ramp opening can be aligned with the curb line (left) or more directionally
oriented to the crosswalk (right).

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Diagonal Curb Ramps [§406.6]

If curb ramps are placed diagonally

at an intersection, it is important that
clear space 48” long min. is
available at the bottom that is
outside active vehicle traffic lanes
and is located within marked
crossings, where provided. A
segment of curb at least 24” long
beyond flares must be provided on
both sides of curb ramps with side
flares within marked crossings. This
curb segment provides an orienting
cue at crossings for people with
vision impairments.

Recommendation: Perpendicular curb ramps are preferred over diagonal

curb ramps. Unless the radius is large enough, it can be difficult to locate
the clear space at the bottom of diagonal curb ramps that is outside
active traffic lanes. The orientation also can mislead people with vision
impairments who use curb slopes as a cue to crossings.

Raised Crossings

Raised crossings, where provided,

eliminate the need for curb ramps
while serving to reduce traffic
speeds. Consult local Standards for
application requirements, including
slope for vehicle traffic, height, and
markings.

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Islands [§406.7]

A 48” min. long separation is necessary between curb ramps so that people using
wheelchairs can clear one ramp before negotiating the next. Level cut-throughs provide
an effective alternative, especially at narrow islands that will not accommodate opposing
curb ramps with a 48” separation.
Island with Curb Ramps

Island with Cut-through

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Detectable Warnings [§406.8 (DOT’s Standards), §705]

Detectable warnings are required on curb ramps at transit facilities covered

by DOT’s Standards (facilities used by state and local governments to
provide designated public transportation services, such as rail stations and
bus stations). They are not required at non-transit facilities subject to DOJ’s
Standards. DOT also requires detectable warnings on curb ramps in
projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration. New guidelines the
Board is developing for public rights-of-way will address requirements for
detectable warnings at curb ramps and other transitions along public streets
and sidewalks where hazards to people with vision impairments are greater.
Where detectable warnings are required (or provided anyway) they must meet
specifications for size, spacing, and contrast. These detailed criteria provide a
distinctive texture intended to have a uniform meaning in alerting persons to the
approach to vehicular areas (as well as drop-offs along rail station platforms).
Detectable Warnings on Curb Ramps

light-on-dark or dark-on-light contrast with

adjacent walking surface (color not specified)

Dome Spacing Dome Size

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Common Questions
Ramps

Is there a limit on the total length (number of runs) a ramp may have?

No, the Standards limit the rise of each run (30” max.), but not the overall length of
ramps comprised of multiple runs. Since the usability of ramps decreases with length,
considerably long ramp systems should be avoided where possible. (Ramps in play
areas are limited to a 12” max. rise).

Are curved or circular ramps allowed?

Ramps without level landings at changes in direction typically will not meet the
Standards due to resulting compound slopes. This includes most circular or curved
ramps, unless the radius is large enough so that the cross slope is compliant and
compound slopes are avoided. Otherwise, the curvature and slope result in uneven
surfaces that makes wheelchair maneuvering difficult because not all wheels rest evenly
on the surface.

Can ramps be portable or provided after construction as an adaptation?

All required ramps and curb ramps must be permanent and installed at the time of
construction or alteration with few exceptions. Ramps can be provided after
construction only to provide access to raised work stations in courtrooms (sufficient
space must be provided in design to facilitate installation). Only ramps serving
temporary structures can be temporary or portable.

Is there a maximum distance between ramp handrails?

No, only a minimum (36”) is required between handrails. The Standards do not require
center or intermediate handrails on wide ramps.

Can handrails overlap ramp landings?

Along runs and landings, the minimum clear width must be measured between the
leading edge of handrails. This also applies to landings required to be at least 60” by
60” where ramps change directions so that the minimum landing area remains clear.

Can handrail extensions wrap or turn?

Extensions are not required for continuous handrails along switchback or dogleg ramps
or at aisle ramps serving seating in assembly areas. In alterations where the required
extension would project hazardously into circulation paths, they can turn, be shorter, or
avoided. Otherwise, handrail extensions must be in same direction as the ramp run.

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Can handrails be mounted to guard rails?

Yes, handrails can be installed on guard rails if all applicable requirements are met.

Curb Ramps

Why is a top landing required at curb ramps if side flares are provided?

A landing at least 36” long at the top of curb ramps provides room to approach or exit
ramps and turn without encountering compound slopes of flared sides. Side flares are
intended mainly to prevent tripping hazards. They are not designed to accommodate
wheelchair maneuvering except in alterations where space constraints preclude a
compliant top landing.

Are side flares required at curb ramps?

The ADA Standards do not require that curb ramps have side flares, but limit the slope
(1:10 max.) where they are provided. Side flares are advisable where pedestrian traffic
may cross runs to prevent tripping hazards. Side flares are essential in alterations
when space for a top landing (36” deep min.) is not available; in this instance, side
flares (1:12 max. slope) are necessary to accommodate wheelchair maneuvering that
will partially occur at flares in the absence of full landing space at the top unless a
parallel-type curb ramp is provided.

Are detectable warnings required on curb ramps or at hazardous vehicular areas?

Under the ADA Standards, which apply primarily to facilities located on sites, detectable
warnings are required at transit facilities (at curb ramps and along open drop-offs of rail
station boarding platforms). Specifically, the curb ramp requirements apply only to
public transportation facilities covered by DOT’s ADA Standards. Curb ramps at all
other facilities are not required to have detectable warnings. New guidelines for public
rights-of-ways issued by the Board will address detectable warnings on curb ramps and
other transitions along public streets and sidewalks. In addition, DOT requires
detectable warnings on curb ramps in projects funded by the Federal Highway
Administration.

What types of facilities are covered by DOT’s ADA Standards (and are required to have
detectable warnings on curb ramps)?

DOT’s ADA Standards apply to facilities used to provide “designated public

transportation.” This includes transportation services state or local governments
provide the general public on a regular and continuing basis by bus, rail, or other
conveyance (excluding aircraft and public school transportation). DOT’s ADA
Standards also apply to intercity and commuter rail stations. Curb ramp detectable
warnings are required only at these facilities. Detectable warnings are required at rail

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station boarding platforms with open drop-offs at any transit facility, including private
sector transit facilities subject to DOJ’s ADA Standards.

Why are detectable warnings no longer required for all curb ramps or at hazardous
vehicular areas?

In the last update, the ADA Standards were revised to focus more clearly on facilities
located on sites in recognition of separate criteria the Access Board is developing for
public rights-of-ways. The public rights-of-way guidelines will address requirements for
detectable warnings due to hazards to people with vision impairments along public
streets and sidewalks. At facilities located on sites, various measures can help reduce
hazards, including reduced traffic speeds, marked crossings with pedestrian right-of-
way, and speed-bumps, and other optional traffic calming measures.

U N I T E D S T A T E S A C C E S S B O A R D
Advancing Full Access and Inclusion for All
1331 F Street, NW ▪ Suite 1000 ▪ Washington, DC 20004-1111
(202) 272-0080 (v) ▪ (202) 272-0082 (TTY) ▪ www.access-board.gov

July 2015

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