A New Jersey Transit Authority policy requires elevators where grade changes at
overpasses and underpasses exceed 60 inches (1525 mm). New pedestrian bridges in Las
Vegas, New York City, and San Juan, PR incorporate elevator access at each end.
A decade ago, Seattle pioneered a network of accessible through-block pedestrian routes
that make use of elevators in existing buildings to travel from one street elevation to
another.
In La Jolla, CA, a pedestrian route on the campus of the Scripps Oceanographic Institute
begins at grade, extends in a bridge over a roadway, and connects to two four-stop
hydraulic elevators that step down the coastal cliff to a research station on the waterfront.
ADAAG 4.2.4 Clear Floor or Ground Space for Wheelchairs.
The minimum clear floor or ground space required to accommodate a single stationary
wheelchair and occupant is 30 in by 48 in (760 mm by 1220 mm). The minimum clear
floor or ground space for wheelchairs may be positioned for forward or parallel approach
to an object. Clear floor or ground space may be part of the knee space required under
some objects.
Street Furniture
30" x 48" (915 x 1220 mm) clear ground area at the element
unobstructed reach range to highest operable part:
forward (48" [1220mm] high maximum/15" [380 mm] minimum)
or
side (54" [1370 mm] high maximum/9" [230 mm] minimum)
operating force no greater than 5# (22.2N)
hardware operable with one hand without tight grasping, pinching, or twisting of the
wrist
knee room 27" (685 mm) high, 30" (760 mm) wide, 19" (485 mm) deep where
necessary for use