Beaver State News

Access and mobility improvements in Oregon have been reported by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) with the release of their 2024 ADA Settlement Agreement Annual Report. The report reveals that ODOT made 2,442 curb ramps ADA compliant last year, bringing the total number to 11,188 since 2017.

The ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility are part of a larger initiative aimed at creating an inclusive transportation system. Recent advancements include updating the agency's ADA Transition Plan, consolidating contracts for efficiency and cost savings, and implementing mandatory online training for work zone designers and inspectors on temporary pedestrian access routes.

Curb ramp compliance involves several steps: designing ramps according to national best practices, removing existing barriers, adjusting slopes for ease of use, verifying location information, and securing contractors for construction. These upgrades benefit all users but are particularly crucial for those using wheelchairs, strollers, mobility devices, or those who are visually impaired.

In some cases where crossings remain inaccessible due to safety concerns such as missing signals or barriers, closures may occur. As part of broader projects or stand-alone improvements across the state, ODOT integrates ADA upgrades while striving to minimize community disruptions like closures and detours.

Since entering a settlement agreement with the Association of Oregon Centers for Independent Living in 2017, ODOT has brought a total of 25,899 curb ramps into current ADA compliance standards. Statewide Capital Program Engineer Tova Peltz stated: "Implementing the ADA Delivery Program is important to ODOT and reflects our strategic goals of an equitable and modern transportation system." She emphasized ODOT's commitment to maintaining accessibility for people with disabilities.

For more information on ODOT’s ADA initiatives or local projects, individuals can refer to the full annual report available on their website.