Vincent M. Llorin, P.E.

October 4, 2002

I am submitting comments to the Draft Guidelines on Accessible Public Rights-of-Way.

I suggest that the Draft Guidelines include standards/guidelines on how measurements (particulary slope readings) are to be taken in the field during construction. Some items that need clarification include:

What type of level instrument should be used?
Should the level instrument be 2 feet long or 4 feet long?
What is the tolerance for level instrument readings?
Where do you place the level instrument?
Do you apply averages to the readings?

On a related subject, I suggest to have notation of slopes in percentage
(%) and not V:H (i.e. 1:48). This is for one simple reason: the level instruments read in percentage (%) and not V:H.

I suggest to include a section on construction tolerances.

I have one question regarding surfaces of pedestrian access routes: how do you determine if a surface meets the requirement of being "firm, stable, and slip-resistant"? The Guidelines should provide procedures to answer that question.

I also concur with comments and recommendations that will be forthcoming from AASHTO.

Aloha,
Vincent M. Llorin, P.E.
Hawaii State DOT
Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator
(Highways Division ADA Coordinator)