Klayton Eckles

October 14, 2002

I have reviewed the Draft guidelines and find issue with one aspect. In the section pertaining to crosswalk design the following language is included:
The cross slope is limited to 1:48, except at mid-block crossings. The cross slope of the crosswalk is the running grade of the roadway. It is not uncommon for streets to be constructed with constant profile grades up to 9 or 10 percent. This specification would require reduction of these profile grades to 2 percent at intersection crosswalks, thus forming "tabled areas" at intersections so that the 1:48 slope is achieved at crosswalks. The specified running slope for crosswalks is 1:20. Such design requirements are not practical or appropriate. Constructing "tabled areas" at intersections would create the following undesirable results:
1) Defacto speed bumps would jostle drivers and emergency vehicles causing a hazardous discontinuity in the roadway.
2) Intersection design and sight development would be driven by Cross walk design, rather than the existing topography, yielding greater disruption of the environment.
3) Drainage would be impaired. Intersections already have too much happening in them, and water flow is always a challenge. "Tables" would introduce a major impediment to water flow and storm sewer design and installation.
4) Tables would be difficult to plow, and would tend to trap snow and ice right at the intersection (not a good place for ice). Also plows would damage the Tables.

Improving the grade on crosswalks is a laudable objective. Unfortunately it introduces too many challenges into the design of intersections, streets, and developments. New and good development recognizes the topography and environment that exists. Adding this crosswalk requirement would have the tail wagging the dog. First we need to design safe roads and quality developments. I recommend the same language be used for sidewalk design along roadways, i.e. cross grades on cross walks may be that of the street.

Thank you for considering my comments,
Klayton Eckles
Director of Public Works