The process of building ADA-compliant building access ramps for a school in New York City might seem challenging, as you’ll need to create a ramp that works alongside the district standard of an eight-foot minimum right of way for pedestrians on sidewalks and other outside paths. But it is possible to create a suitable ramp for your NYC school, and our staff at REDD Team can help you find a plan that works for your space.
Managing an Entrance Above a Sidewalk
The ADA standards for a ramp in NYC will vary over where the floor level of the entry door is versus the sidewalk:
When the Floor Level Is 6 Inches or Less Above the Sidewalk
For cases where the floor level is short, you can create a ramp with a maximum slope of 1:10. The measurement means the ramp is 10 times as long as the rise. The ramp doesn’t require any rails or edge protection, but the door should be recessed well enough to create a good space for the ramp to work.
When the Floor Level Is At Least 6 Inches Above the Sidewalk
The ramp will have a 1:12 slope in this situation, which means there’s more room for a ramp that isn’t as steep. Handrails and edge protection features are also necessary here.
Part of the ramp should be built indoors to allow for enough room for sidewalk clearance. A short ramp might appear on the outside, while a longer 1:12 ramp is on the interior.
Other Measurements For a Ramp
Regardless of how high the floor level is versus the sidewalk, you’ll have to look at the other measurements necessary for getting your ramp ready:
- The opening for the wheelchair should be at least 50 inches wide.
- An inward-swinging door that is 36 inches wide can work at the end of the ramp.
- The landing at the end should be about 60 inches long. The distance is necessary for allowing enough of a turning radius for cases where the wheelchair user has to move.
What About a Removable Ramp?
A removable ramp in NYC isn’t considered ADA-compliant. The ramp has to be secured well to where it would be hard to clear off. REDD Team can help you install a permanent ramp in your school to meet ADA compliance.
What Material Is Necessary?
There are no specific rules in NYC for what material is necessary for your school ramp. But the material should be something strong enough to keep it intact. Aluminum is ideal for how it can handle many times its weight and will not warp or weaken from weather conditions or excess use.
ADA standards state that the ramp should be capable of handling at least 1,000 pounds of weight. But the optimal capacity should be about five times the anticipated weight your ramp will handle at any moment. The measurement should be enough to ensure the surface is good enough for most uses.
REDD Team is ready to support your plans for building ADA-compliant ramps for your NYC school. You can reach us on our website for assistance, or call us at (800) 648-3696 if you have further questions about how we can serve you.
