Implementation of Accessible Temporary and Alternate Pedestrian Access Routes in the Public Right-of-Way

Research on temporary and accessible alternate pedestrian access routes for people with disabilities is limited, with a primary focus on people with vision impairments. Qualitative studies highlight that inaccessible routes disproportionately impact people with disabilities. National guidance is minimal, largely limited to standards from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and the Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG). State and local guidance on temporary traffic controls varies significantly; while some states adhere strictly to national guidelines, others have developed more comprehensive protocols. Challenges in achieving accessibility compliance under existing guidance remain inadequately addressed with current research. Without defined parameters or sufficient engagement with people with disabilities, implementation often relies heavily on engineering judgment. Furthermore, common and emerging design solutions offer limited evaluation for accessibility and user experience, leading to inconsistency and uncertainty among practitioners. Research is needed to create user-centered accessible design for temporary and alternate pedestrian routes, ensuring safe and effective mobility for people with disabilities. The objective of this project is to develop a guide for state and local transportation agencies, contractors, and permittees on implementing temporary and accessible alternate pedestrian access routes in public rights-of-way in a variety of design and land use contexts, considering the diverse needs of pedestrians with disabilities (e.g., mobility, visual and hearing impairments, intellectual/developmental).

• Record URL:
  • http://apps.trb.org/cmsfeed/TRBNetProjectDisplay.asp?ProjectID=5661
• Supplemental Notes:
  • Contract to a Performing Organization has not yet been awarded.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Proposed
• Funding: $750,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  Project 08-193

• Sponsor Organizations:

  National Cooperative Highway Research Program

  Transportation Research Board
  500 Fifth Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO)

  444 North Capitol Street, NW
  Washington, DC  United States  20001

  Federal Highway Administration

  1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Project Managers:

  Nasri, Arefeh

• Start Date: 20250120
• Expected Completion Date: 0
• Actual Completion Date: 0

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Accessibility; Construction projects; Pedestrian traffic; Persons with disabilities; Right of way (Land)
• Subject Areas: Highways; Operations and Traffic Management; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Planning and Forecasting; Safety and Human Factors;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01919149
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Transportation Research Board
• Contract Numbers: Project 08-193
• Files: TRB, RIP
• Created Date: May 20 2024 9:22PM