City Engineer Directive regarding Utility Trench Paving Triggers
The City Engineer released a directive on November 8th, 2023 for the purpose of providing clarification and guidance regarding ADA curb ramps triggers when performing utility trench paving.
DIRECTIVE:
Paving associated with utility trench work as depicted in Standard Drawings P-505 and P-518 triggers construction of an ADA compliant curb ramp on the side of the street where the utility trench related paving occurs, when:
- the work is 2’ or less from the curb face at a sidewalk,
- or 2’ or less from the lip of gutter where one exists.
This is necessary to meet the federal requirement that when the utility work impacts the curb at a pedestrian street crossing where no curb ramp exists, or where there is a curb ramp but it doesn’t comply with current ADA standards, the work affecting the curb falls within the definition of “alteration,” and an ADA-compliant curb ramp must be constructed rather than simply replacing the curb. See 28 CFR 35.151(b) and 35.151(i);
https://archive.ada.gov/doj-fhwa-ta-supplement-2015.html
For additional information and guidance, consult with a PBOT ADA Technical Advisor.
References
• https://www.portland.gov/transportation/engineering/documents/p-505/download
• https://www.portland.gov/transportation/engineering/documents/p-518/download
Please see the full directive here:
If you have questions, please reach out to pbotutilitypermits@portlandoregon.gov