ODOT ADA Program Spring Update

Even during a climate of uncertainty, the Oregon Department of Transportation is moving forward with 2020 curb ramp projects. The ADA program is preparing for a strong construction season after years of planning and developing the program.

In 2019, we identified 3,227 curb ramps around the state that were good candidates for replacement. After scoping these locations, 2,700 are advancing for construction this season. Attrition was due to errors in the inventory (duplicate entries), signalized intersections where major construction would be necessary, and combining some locations with other projects to be delivered later.

We have also begun design on 4,000 curb ramps that will be constructed in 2021 and 2022. Combined with the ADA curb ramps already replaced, this plan allows us to meet or exceed the settlement agreement requirements of 7,970 curb ramps remediated by 2022.

“We set some ambitious goals for the ADA program in 2019 and at times the path has been difficult and uncertain, but at this point we appear to be on track,” said Dick Upton, ADA Program manager.

Upton goes on to note “From our consulting teams to FHWA (Federal Highway Administration), our partners have really stepped up and helped us shoe-horn a year of work into a five month window. At the center of it, our region project delivery and technical staff have driven these projects through streamlined delivery processes, new design approaches, and ever-changing rules of engagement.”

Peer Exchange Dec. 17, 18 and 19 in Portland

The peer exchange with Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) and Caltrans, held in Portland Dec. 17-19, went very well. Because MNDOT has a mature ADA program they were able to offer lessons learned to us.

“We learned that MNDOT does all of its curb ramp remediation in conjunction with paving projects,” said Upton. Similarly, when ODOT paving projects trigger curb ramp replacements, we are required to bring all ramps within the project up to current ADA standards using paving project funding. However, this represents less than 20 percent of what we need to replace. Minnesota Department of Transportation’s ADA program has a limited budget of $10 million per year and with those funds they try to augment different ADA features other than curb ramps.

During the exchange, MNDOT explained how they have had success working with contractors in the field using minimal design. “We’ve used this same model in our ADA curb ramp pilot program and saw great results,” said Upton. “We hope to establish this model into our regular production mode in the future.”

Training

Late last summer we discovered that 40% of the recently built curb ramps failed inspection. Although disappointing, it inspired us to review the content of our inspection training. To help retool the training, Jaime Viramontes, an engineer in our Construction Section, stepped up along with our consultants to update the content of the training and solve some of the inconsistencies that were present. “Revamping the training was a heroic effort and Jaime did extremely well at it,” said Upton.

The new training, which became available on Jan. 6, was planned to be an in-person training. However due to COVID-19, we had to move it to online sessions. The first one began on Wednesday, Apr. 22. We will award interim certifications until participants can take the exam in the fall.

To learn more about ODOT's ADA Program, visit the website. 

Information is available in alternative formats upon request. Call TTY 800-735-2900 or 7-1-1.