STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
MICHAEL F. EASLEY
GOVERNOR
LYNDO TIPPETT
SECRETARY
The North Carolina Department of Transportation embraces the concept of
improving the accessibility on our transportation system for disabled persons
throughout North Carolina and the country. Through the proposed guidelines, we
will continue to provide the citizens the mobility to enjoy the privilege and
right to an active role in society.
After our review of the Draft Guidelines for Accessible Public Rights-of-Way, we
support the
issues and concerns raised by
AASHTO in their October 2002 resolution. We have noted in the past and during
this phase of development that extremely specific requirements have been set
forth that provide no allowance for engineering judgment to be exercised in the
design and construction of these facilities. There appears to be very little
room for developing alternate engineering solutions to ensure the safety and
welfare of the public for specific situations.
We, along with many other states, are experiencing a shortfall in funds. Many of
the proposed accessibility guidelines, if implemented, could have major impacts
on the state and local jurisdictions to meet the proposed mandates. Locating
additional funding sources for these projects, as opposed to using existing
highway funding, would help in getting the accessible features on our highway
system.
The North Carolina Department of Transportation recommends that the above issues
need to be appropriately addressed before the release of a proposed rule.
Len A. Sanderson, P.E.
State Highway Administrator