The Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) play a crucial role in ensuring that sidewalks, street crossings, signals, and other pedestrian facilities meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Issued as a final rule by the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, this regulation became effective on September 7, 2023.
Understanding PROWAG
PROWAG establishes the minimum criteria for essential accessible features in pedestrian facilities within public rights of way, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA). Key accessible features include:
Pedestrian Access Routes: Sidewalks, multi-use paths, and pedestrian paths must be accessible and navigable, accommodating mobility devices with reasonable width, cross slopes, and running slopes.
Alternate Pedestrian Access Routes: Temporary alternate routes with basic accessible features must be provided when pedestrian access routes are closed for construction.
Accessible Pedestrian Signals: New and altered pedestrian signal heads must include “accessible pedestrian signals” (APS) with audio and vibrational features for individuals with visual impairments.
Crosswalks: Curb ramps and detectable warning surfaces are required where a pedestrian path meets a vehicular way, and additional treatments may be needed at certain intersections.
Transit Stops: Boarding areas and platforms must be designed for accessibility, connecting to pedestrian facilities, and providing clear space for mobility tool users at transit shelters.
On-Street Parking: Non-residential on-street parking must have designated accessible spaces near existing crosswalks with curb ramps.
Impact on Stakeholders
While PROWAG has been the preferred standard for many agencies, compliance will officially begin on September 7, 2023. Although there is no specific timeline for full compliance, municipalities and agencies overseeing public rights of way must ensure new construction adheres to the PROWAG standard.
A Self Evaluation and Transition Plan, identifying deficiencies and recommending remediation, is mandatory for public entities with 50 or more employees.
Pathfinder’s Role
- Pathfinder is committed to enhancing communities for all individuals, including those with physical or cognitive disabilities. Our team, with decades of experience, specializes in:
- GIS-based inventories, covering sidewalks, curb ramps, signals, parking, and other relevant assets.
- GIS-based ADA compliance assessments.
- ADA self-evaluations and transition plan development.
- Planning and design of ADA improvements, such as sidewalks, curb cuts, pedestrian crossings, and signals.
