When pedestrian facilities are to be constructed or reconstructed as part of project
plans, the facilities should be designed to accommodate the disabled. Guidance in
design of pedestrian facilities with access for the disabled is available (Ref. 11).
Walks. Walks should be provided in urban areas where pedestrian traffic currently
exists or is planned in the future. Walks may be provided in rural areas where they will
have sufficient use in relation to cost and safety. Walks are usually made of concrete,
although asphalt or gravel may be used under special circumstances. Concrete walks
are usually 4 in (100 mm) thick. At drive locations, the thickness is increased to 6 in
(150 mm), or the drive thickness, whichever is greater. Asphalt or gravel walks are
mostly used in parks, rest areas, etc., where there is low usage. Asphalt walks consist of
2 in (50 mm) of asphalt and 5 in (250 mm) aggregate base, while gravel walks are constructed
of 4 in (100 mm) compacted aggregate base.
Walk Design. The normal width of walks is 4 ft (1.2 m) for residential areas and 6 ft
(1.8 m) for commercial areas or major school routes. In downtown areas, the walk
width normally extends from the curb to the right-of-way or building line. Transverse
slopes should be 1/4 in/ft (21 mm/m). The grade of the walk is normally parallel to the
curb or pavement grade, but may be independent. The walk and the “tree lawn” (see next
section) normally slope toward the pavement. Care should be taken in setting the
pavement curb grade so that the sidewalk and the curb will not trap water or otherwise
preclude usability of the adjoining property. The back edge of the walk should be located
2 ft (0.6 m) inside the right-of-way line, unless grading, utilities, or other considerations
require a greater dimension.