ADA initiative creating safer access for all

More than 1.5 million Illinois residents — about one in eight people statewide — live with a disability, according to the 2024 U.S. Census. The Americans with Disabilities Act helps ensure they have equal access to public services. For IDOT, that means designing transportation systems that are safe and accessible for all people, including those with mobility, vision, hearing, cognitive and other disabilities.

In 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation adopted the Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right of Way, also known as PROWAG, as part of its ADA regulations. Developed by the independent U.S. Access Board in collaboration with transportation agencies, accessibility advocates and other stakeholders, PROWAG establishes national design standards for accessible sidewalks, curb ramps, crosswalks, pedestrian signals, on-street parking and shared-use paths.

As with most federal rules, the guidelines underwent a public review process before being adopted and now provide a consistent framework for designing transportation facilities that are accessible to everyone. 

To help implement these requirements, IDOT launched an ADA initiative and formed a statewide ADA coordinator group that has met every other month since last July. The group is focused on education, outreach and developing tools to help local public agencies improve accessibility.

“This year, the group’s focus is on education, agency outreach and the development of tools to support local public agencies,” said Local Studies and Plans Engineer and ADA Contact Stephen Letsky. “More than 300 representatives from approximately 140 public, nonprofit and private organizations across Illinois and several other state DOTs have actively participated in these meetings. Moving forward, IDOT anticipates doubling this group to absorb Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning’s similar northeastern Illinois ADA coordinators group.” 

Key accessibility improvements that make crossings safer and easier for everyone include:

• Curb ramps that provide smooth transitions between sidewalks and streets. 

• Curb extensions that shorten crossing distances and improve pedestrian visibility. 

• Accessible Pedestrian Signals that use audible and tactile cues to assist pedestrians with vision impairments. (Learn more about APS.) 

• Warning surfaces that alert pedestrians to street edges while improving traction in wet conditions. 

• Automated pedestrian detection systems that adjust traffic signals based on pedestrian presence. 

• Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons that increase driver awareness at crosswalks. (Learn more about RRFBs.) 

• Enhanced crosswalk markings, lighting and raised pedestrian crossings that improve visibility and safety for all users. 

• Transit platform access at bus stops and passenger light rail systems.

 “All newly constructed and altered facilities are built to comply with PROWAG. We also address noncompliant curb ramps, crosswalks and pedestrian signals through resurfacing, signal and other improvement projects whenever possible. Our goal is a fully accessible transportation system, and we are tracking progress every year,” said District 4’s ADA Coordinator Neil Slowinski.