Transpo Industries

HEADNOTE

Step-Safe helps New York City become ADA compliant

After almost a decade long moratorium, detectable warning surfaces alerting visually impaired pedestrians to approaching hazards are again required by law.

The

federal government has published guidelines that set the new standards. Under these guidelines, construction work at a street intersection, crosswalk and all adjacent pedestrian areas (whether it involves the sidewalk or not), must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act under the same contract. Compliance means that the surface of the pedestrian approach to a street requires a ramp with a detectable warning surface. This may require retrofitting or replacing newly constructed noncompliant locations.

New York City is a prime example of a large city that has an aggressive ADA program, spending millions of dollars over the next several years. Most of the crosswalks near the World Trade Center Path Station have been completed, while other contracts are ongoing throughout the city.

Step-Safe tiles are constructed of a special precast polymer concrete matrix, making them high-strength, resistant to wear, weather and corrosion, assuring a long life. The exposed coarse angular sand on the back side of each tile creates a strong bond when placed in fresh concrete or exterior grade tile mortars.

Step-Safe tiles have been used for street corner ramps, crosswalks, train/subway station platforms and commercial locations since 1993. StepSafe was designed to meet the requirements of the Public Rights-of-Way Access Advisory Report.

Step-Safe skid-resistant tiles are available in 300mm squares (12'' x 12'' installed). They are easy to install and require no maintenance.

Step-Safe is manufactured by Castek, Inc., a Transpo Industries Company.