Section 1114A Exterior Ramps and Landings on Accessible Routes

Handrails may project into the required clear width of the ramp at each side 3 1 /₂ inches (89 mm) maximum at the handrail height. Curbs, wheel guides and/or appurtenances shall not project into the required clear width of ramps.

Exception: The clear width of ramps serving accessible entrances to covered multifamily dwellings with an occupant load of 10 or less may be 36 inches (914 mm) minimum between handrails.

The maximum slope of ramps on an accessible route shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 12 units horizontal (8.33-percent slope). Transitions from ramps to walks, gutters or streets shall be flush and free of abrupt changes.

The cross slope of ramp surfaces shall be no greater than 1 unit vertical in 48 units horizontal (2.083-percent slope).

Outdoor ramps, ramp landings and their approaches shall be designed so that water will not accumulate on the walking surface.

Landings shall be provided at the top and bottom of each ramp. Intermediate landings shall be provided at intervals not exceeding 30 inches (762 mm) of vertical rise and at each change of direction. Landings are not considered in determining the maximum horizontal distance of each ramp.

Top landings shall not be less than 60 inches (1524 mm) wide. Top landings shall have a minimum length of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm) in the direction of the ramp run. See Section 1126A.3 for maneuvering clearances at doors.

Intermediate landings shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 60 inches (1524 mm). Bottom landings shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm).

Doors in any position shall not reduce the minimum dimension of the landing to less than 42 inches (1067 mm) and shall not reduce the required width by more than 3 inches (76.2 mm) when fully open. (See Figure 11A-6D).

The width of the landing shall comply with Section 1126A.3 for strike edge extension and maneuvering clearance at doors.

Where doorways are located adjacent to a ramp landing, maneuvering clearance required by Section 1126A.3 shall be permitted to overlap the required landing area.

Intermediate landings at a change of direction shall be sized to provide 60 inches turning space complying with Section 1138A.1.3. Intermediate landings at a change of direction in excess of 30 degrees shall have a length in the direction of ramp run of not less than 72 inches (1829 mm). (See Figures 11A-6C and 11A-6D.)

Ramps more than 30 inches (762 mm) above the adjacent floor or ground and open on one or both sides shall be provided with guardrails as required by Section 1013. Guardrails shall be continuous from the top of the ramp to the bottom of the ramp.

Handrails shall be provided at each side of ramps when the slope exceeds 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal (5-percent slope).

1. Curb ramps.
2. Ramps that serve an individual dwelling unit may have one handrail, except that ramps open on one or both sides shall have handrails provided on the open side or sides.
3. Ramps at exterior door landings with less than 6 inches (152 mm) rise or less than 72 inches (1829 mm) in length.

Handrails on all ramps shall be continuous within the full length of each ramp run. Inside handrails on switchback or dogleg ramps shall be continuous between ramp runs.

Handrails shall extend a minimum of 12 inches (305 mm) horizontally above landings, beyond the top and bottom of the ramp runs. Extensions shall return to a wall, guard or the walking surface, or shall be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent ramp run. Handrail extensions shall be in the same direction as the ramp runs. (See Figure 11A-5A.)

Handrails projecting from a wall shall have a space of 1 1 /₂ inches (38.1 mm) minimum between the wall and the handrail.

Handrails may be located in a recess if the recess is a maximum of 3 inches (76.2 mm) deep and extends at least 18 inches (457 mm) above the top of the rail. Any wall or other surface adjacent to the handrail shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements. (See Figure 11A-6B.)

Handrail gripping surfaces shall be continuous along their length, and shall not be obstructed along their tops or sides. The bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall not be obstructed for more than 20 percent of their length. When provided, horizontal projections shall occur 1 1 /₂ inches (38 mm) minimum below the bottom of the handrail gripping surface. The distance between horizontal projections and the bottom of the gripping surface shall be permitted to be reduced by 1 /₈ inch (3.2 mm) for each 1 /₂ inch (12.7 mm) of additional handrail perimeter dimension that exceeds 4 inches (102 mm).

Handrail gripping surfaces and any surfaces adjacent to them shall be free of sharp or abrasive elements, and shall have rounded edges.

Exception: Where handrails are provided along walking surfaces with slopes not steeper than 1 unit vertical in 20 units horizontal, the bottoms of handrail gripping surfaces shall be permitted to be obstructed along their entire length where they are integral to crash rails or bumper guards.

Handrail gripping surfaces shall comply with this section, or the shape shall provide equivalent gripping surface.

1. Circular cross section. The handrail gripping surfaces with a circular cross section shall not be less than 1 1 /₄ inches (31.75 mm) nor more than 2 inches (50.8 mm) in cross-sectional dimension.
2. Noncircular cross section. Handrail gripping surfaces with a noncircular cross section shall have a perimeter dimension of 4 inches (102 mm) minimum and 6 1 /₄ inches (159 mm) maximum, and a cross-section dimension of 2 1 /₄inches (57 mm) maximum.