John Dempsey
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October 23, 2002 |
I support the installation of detectable warnings (truncated domes) at curb
ramps and increased access to accessible pedestrian signals. It is my
understanding that the current ruling on this only covers new construction and
alterations. I feel that although this is an important step in the right
direction, it does not address existing curb ramps and signals. Does this mean
that any city in the US that had a curb ramp on a busy street is not required to
put in the domes because it was a "preexisting curb ramp"? I hope this is not
the case. I know that the Access-Board has recommended to the States to put in
the Warning Systems regardless, and some states have taken a proactive approach
to this, but the majority have not. I currently reside in the state of Alabama
and also spend a great deal of time in Mississippi. I contacted the Alabama DOT
who was very helpful. They gave good answers to my questions, were knowledgeable
about the ruling and seemed to be genuine in their concerns. Mississippi on the
other hand was a different story. I talked to a Jimmy Brumfield, he is the
Director of Materials Division Miss. DOT. Mr. Brumfield was very defensive and
uncooperative, basically telling me that the state had no plans to follow the
guidelines and probably wouldn't. I guess he is a great example of why
Mississippi is consistently rated the worst state in the US in almost every
category. Mr. Windley you have your work cut out for you if you have to deal
with people like him. I just hope to G-D that no one gets killed in Jackson, MS
because of their backward mentality. The bottom line is if preexisting ramps are
not retrofitted with the detectable warnings then why do it at all. Thanks and
good luck.
John Dempsey