Engineering process | Planning
Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility (ADA)
Purpose
As a public entity, MnDOT must meet the accessibility requirements of the Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) (1968), the Rehabilitation Act (1973), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990). Title II of the ADA is a companion legislation to the ABA and the Rehabilitation Act. The purpose the ADA accessibility tasks is to ensure that MnDOT projects comply with these requirements.
When to use this subject
You must consider ADA accessibility on all projects. State or local laws that meet or exceed the federal requirements, they will supersede those federal requirements. See the ADA Accessibility website for specific documents to guide you through the steps of the process.
How this subject fits into the overall project development process
In general, you will want to start looking at accessibility early in the process and include any accessibility needs in the early project document(s). Document your consideration with:
- One of the applicable prepared statements below
- A “not applicable” check mark if you are using a checklist format
- A special discussion when appropriate
You must incorporate accessibility requirements when working with the facilities below.
Pedestrian facilities
Pedestrian facilities include sidewalks, curb ramps, and accessible pedestrian signals (APS).
All new pedestrian facilities must follow MnDOT’s standards for pedestrian facilities, which exceed ADA requirements.
All project managers must scope sidewalk improvement needs as part of their projects, and all pedestrian facilities on those projects must follow MnDOT standards in order to meet ADA obligations. At a minimum, all pavement projects meeting the alterations threshold will include curb ramp improvements. You must document any deviation from MnDOT standards that do not meet ADA requirements and have the ADA Section approve them.
Transit facilities
- All bus stops and transit shelters must follow the 2010 ADA Standards Section 810, Transportation Facilities
- All transit stations, including their buildings and platforms, must be accessible
- Follow the Minnesota Building Code for accessibility to buildings, which incorporates the 2010 ADA Standards by reference
- All transit provider offices, including their buildings and sites, must be accessible
- Follow the Minnesota Building Code, which incorporates the 2010 ADA Standards by reference
Rest areas
All rest areas, including their parking lots, buildings, and site amenities, must comply with the Minnesota Building Code. Minnesota Building Code is compatible with, but more stringent than, the 2010 ADA Standards.
Outdoor developed areas
All outdoor developed areas on MnDOT right of way must be accessible, including rest area site amenities. The Architectural Barriers Act (ABA) Final Guidelines for Outdoor Developed Areas provide direction for designing these areas.
Historic sites
The Cultural Resource Unit must review all new construction, reconstruction, and alterations that may directly or indirectly affect a qualified historic facility or district to determine if the proposed work adversely impacts the property’s historic significance. After making a determination, the unit will recommend accessible feature locations and design solutions that will preserve the property’s historic significance.
Organizations involved
- MnDOT:
- Site Development Unit
- Cultural Resource Unit
- Office of Transit and Active Transportation
- ADA Section
- Project Managers
- District Design
- District Construction
- FHWA
- Municipalities and counties
Permits and approvals
- None