The U.S. Access Board has released for public comment proposed guidelines for accessible public rights-of-way.  The guidelines provide design criteria for public streets and sidewalks, including pedestrian access routes, street crossings, curb ramps and blended transitions, on-street parking, transit stops/shelters, street furniture, and other elements.  The specifications comprehensively address access that accommodates all types of disabilities, including mobility and vision impairments, while taking into account conditions and constraints that may impact compliance, such as space limitations and terrain, as indicated in an overview of the rule.

The deadline for public comments is November 23, 2011.  The proposed guidelines can be accessed, and comments submitted or viewed, through the Federal government's rulemaking portal.  Instructions for submitting comments are included in the proposal and on the Federal Register webpage.

As mentioned in an earlier blog post, the Access Board will conduct a public webinarto review the proposal on August 9, 2011.