Officials Discuss ADA Compliance for Curb Ramps as Part of Boulevard Streetscape Project

Although the Boulevard Streetscape Project is on track, a revised state policy regarding ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliance in regards to barrier free handicap curb ramps will now make the design process for the next two phases more extensive.

Ken Job, borough engineer, told the mayor and council Tuesday night that since the project has begun the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration have adopted a zero tolerance policy on barrier free handicap ramps.

Jobs believes that the ramps to phases one and two – the improvements and upgrades to both sides of the Boulevard from Washington to Kipp and Kipp to Jefferson should be compliable as the design is close enough.  However they will need a better design for phases three and four –  both sides of the Boulevard from Jefferson to Franklin to Hamilton – in order to make them compliable.

The reason this is so crucial, Jobs said, is that non-compliance with this policy could mean that the state may not honor the grant that has given towards the project. The borough has received four grants in the amount of $150,000 each towards the four phases of the Boulevard project. Each grant funds 75 percent of the construction to improve one block of the Boulevard on both sides. Improvements include new brick pavers, curbs and lighting designed to complement the municipal complex.

To make the curb ramps compliable the slopes must be reduced and the landing area on the sidewalk must be extended which takes up more space, Job explained.

Mayor Rose Heck asked if this affects cost to which Job said it would likely increase the cost by 50 to 60 percent as the sidewalk may need to be extended which makes the design more extensive and therefore the project more expensive.

Council President Pamela Link asked if this will affect the road paving project for the Boulevard which the county is expected to do this year. Jobs said that the county has put the road resurfacing project on hold. Mayor Heck pointed out they have already waited two years for the county to repave the Boulevard and parts of it are beginning to look pretty sad. As parts of the road are brittle and already oxidizing Jobs said that the county will likely have to do some emergency road repair in order to save the road.

Job said the project is on track and they expect to go to bid for phases three and four in June or July as planned.