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HomeMy WebLinkAbout26-72 Resolution No. 26-72 RESOLUTION ADOPTING THE CITY OF ELGIN ADA TRANSITION PLAN WHEREAS, the City of Elgin (hereinafter referred to as the "City") is a home rule unit pursuant to subsection(a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and WHEREAS, the City of Elgin as a home rule unit, may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the City of Elgin cannot discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities in its services, programs, or activities; and WHEREAS, the ADA requires public entities such as the City of Elgin to periodically update an ADA Transition Plan to identify accessibility barriers in its public rights-of-way and to develop a schedule for addressing them; and WHEREAS,the City began developing an ADA Transition Plan(titled Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks) in January 2025, in partnership with Vitruvian Planning and funded by a grant from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning(CMAP); and WHEREAS, the plan's development was led by a steering committee of community stakeholders and representatives from CMAP,and City staff,with public input from approximately 400 residents who participated in surveys and meetings; and WHEREAS, the City Council has reviewed the Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks and finds that adopting the plan for its ADA Transition Plan is in the best interest of the City and its residents and will serve as a guide for future accessibility projects that enhance walkability throughout the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ELGIN, ILLINOIS: Section 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby incorporated into and made a part of this Resolution as though fully set forth herein. Section 2. The City Council hereby adopts the Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks as its ADA Transition Plan, along with notices, policies, and procedures required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Section 3. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect from after its passage, approval and publication as provided by law. s/David J. Kaptain David J. Kaptain, Mayor Presented: April 22, 2026 Adopted: April 22, 2026 Vote: Yeas: 9 Nays: 0 Attest: s/Kimberly Dewis Kimberly Dewis, City Clerk - 2 - D "o n Zm D -< D D T z r „, 1/'1/1 ,-c n03 m-0 DADN ZD m �N � � � m� D liNWn Q D -i G., - m rX1Dr li tnr xm m ulm in •- . . PA, 4.5. ''(\* .,' 1 , Via.V ® c� G r 'i -7:.A:\—lit I g% iy:0 *-- 7i . t �' r A a ti >' c.a '• is ,�,(y, y 101 r .fit g, $ ! 4 \\:• }} :I.:11..4. • a.n m ih. �� t.:-�yy, tt. `t .4- 'O(i, a 0 610s, fyr' �fp ^�, �d Vol, iF ' - • • „ir,;.4,• ..4 , . • Ao d ^ray`* ,A�.r, • , r '� r ,l yrt c r^ ' ' s.. • i . - • I y_ �. ,\d; ,' \.i . ••••••• , 1 • - - jt' r x!`W 1 ii f ... j Y/ ,, '" • •,, A I t 1 ! i . `„ ' lac c . ii'll ' / ,A a Table of Contents Chapter Page 1. Introduction and purpose 4 ' _ 2. ADA policies and responsibilities 9 E LG I N THE CITY IN THE SUBURBS- 3. The people and plans of Elgin 14 4. Public input and access to information 20 City of Elgin ADA Coordinator 5. Self-evaluation 25 Tim Bennett, Director, Human Resources Department 6. Transition plan 45 (847)931-6076, rn.bennettOelginil.gov 7. Schedule and implementation 56 Public Rights-of-Way Contact 8. Best practice guide 65 Mike Pubentz, Director, Public Services (847)931-5698,rnike.pubentz(a�elginil.gov 9. Appendix 77 __ 11 II E Chicago Metropolitan M{ Agency for Planning ��� E,�L ( .a,� �I - ,. _ Funding for this plan provided through a grant from the Chicago '"G3` ~�h �i ' ` d■ . ^'a ' -_it ; ; ' ' 1 Metropolitan Agency for Planning(CMAP)with :it, +'� r - — r r ■ ' ' __ support from the City of Elgin, Illinois. � a _ ri 1 ■� *\ :,r This is the first self-evaluation and transition plan developed for tlltts I , 1 _ . . t il 9 Elgin's streets and sidewalks. iFI;71.7 LI: -- TF 1 fig - ; .�; ,, , Acknowledgments Chicago Metropolitan Thank you to the following people and organizations who provided support for this Agency for Planning plan through participation on the steering committee. promoting public input. and engaging in stakeholder interviews. Accessibility is vital to creating an inclusive and thriving region. Everyone in City of Elgin & Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning northeastern Illinois, including people with disabilities, needs to be able to get to work or school,visit family and friends, access the goods and services I. Mike Pubentz-City Public Services Director they need,and enjoy all the region has to offer, such as dining,shopping, arts, ► John Whalen-City Parks Planner sports, and recreation. ► Jaemi Jackson-CMAP Principal Planner and Regional ADA Coordinator Of the 8.6 million people in northeastem Illinois, over 800,000 have a ► Borja Gonzalez-CMAP Planner and Elgin Project Manager disability.The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning(CMAP)is working to ► Jack Ringness-CMAP ADA Program Consultant improve accessibility across the region. not only because it benefits those with disabilities, but because it benefits everyone. Steering committee members ► Accessibility creates opportunity. ► Jennifer Fukala-Downtown Neighborhood Association Executive Director Po. Accessibility creates economic benefits. Ir. Brian Pinon-Downtown Neighborhood Association Board President ► Many people have,or will have,disabilities. ► John Ashcraft-The Judson Bike Shop ► Everyone benefits from accessibility improvements. ► Gail Cohen-Northeast Neighborhood Association Compliance with ADA is required and ensures the region continues to receive P. Katie Thompson-PADS of Elgin millions of dollars in annual transportation funding. Stakeholders who participated in project interviews ► Elgin Community College Student Access and Disability Services ► Elgin Hispanic Network Project Consultants ► Elgin Cares ► Downtown Neighborhood Association ► Northern Illinois Special Recreation District Vitruvian E P S T E I N I. Pace Suburban Bus cyclomedia • • I-,, '-,,,i .),. xv IV :: y'.. . I . 1. 1 . Introduction and purpose 'outtk - :,� y� �- ; y ,..14-,:,,';1 •, 6,1„ , iiiiiiiii.„4:1 itit", - .. •-•.., ..., i • _. w. iti;\ i 1 ! Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks meets the requirements of the Americans ✓ 1.>!'� with Disabilities Act(ADA)for public rights-of-way.This law, established in 1990, requires -�4,,' �/� ►�✓ • Pjr public entities to identify and address barriers to accessibility on their streets and sidewalks. >• - a'+ W-.' '''A�•�' 9 y ' _,Aillitit i l� Specifically,the ADA also requires public entities with 50 or more employees to develop �''�y,. 3 y?► f w;x .�._. a self-evaluation and transition plan to show how they will improve streets and sidewalks .,✓,iy. ` ��'� _ y for people with disabilities. Such an effort results in a schedule for how a community will • '� • + ',:py I I ,.''� _• tI address its barriers to accessibility,over time and in consideration of other municipal needs. 44.q!'�..,; `'�• '� ;; r• It' Beyond helping Elgin comply with federal law,this Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks ‘" 14' . :�' r fulfills several goals established by the city through its various plans. Most notable is a vision �r' 4 � .•��„ . t;' ly. 4 ` - for Elgin established in its 2018 Comprehensive Plan:,,41: , 4.i= ' •' '} ► "Ensure that residents can safely walk or bike through their neighborhoods `' �, ' , r '4 > '�� �r a �'';•� and have convenient access to local commercial areas, parks,and community / ;>� facilities." --jnit : �.xct•. `".% ;..r,:chrtio.).:,:.. �- Some of these themes are being addressed through an Active Mobility Plan for Elgin.which I ;t;. ,,., was developed concurrently with this plan.The Active Mobility Plan addresses the needs V > /.... '.' L. -++f ' .'�'" :' i Tr'k,.,.• ', ofpedestrians and bicyclists beyond ADA-related features of streets and sidewalks.This y: ^� t 1�7� . 0,6; r ,'_ Y Y �h • ••3e. j►►.,. includes infrastructure needs such as constructing new sidewalks, pathways/sidepaths, and --4/ •".( - ':-�" `• dedicated bicycling infrastructure on streets and in parks that currently lack such facilities. I . . -` . I. r N.j Although they are separate efforts,the two consulting teams working on these plans ` �` �+ `, . :�', coordinated their findings and data.This allowed each plan to better align with the city's •4. .�- ' A goals and reflect public input pertaining to the purpose of each plan. r., r.,.V �. 4 4 0 • I. • 1 '' `' -` ' TO Some priority streets identified in the Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks align with * S to _ i i _ ; �w._ those identified in the Active Mobility Plan.The city is encouraged to utilize the identification f` '� �" 1 1 of these routes in each plan to bolster its chances for grant funding for these improvements. �1 ' so o . s , Tv I . Beyond the subject matter of this plan for public rights-of-way,the city is recommended to11 • ,� , '' ;:f '� `_j E_ _ ow` ii, . adopt ADA related policies and formally assign ADA Coordinator duties to the appropriate — _ city staff.The city is also recommended to conduct a self-evaluation and develop a i `i ____ - '1 .--. transition plan for its public buildings, parks, and communication methods. Fulfilling this _ t recommendation allows the city to fully comply with all requirements under the ADA. 10111 : _ - —. - ------- ---- - 1.11.: -- ' _ �. The city applied for and received funding support for this plan through the Chicago For streets managed by the city,this plan identifies the highest priorities to address over Metropolitan Agency for Planning(CMAP),the regional planning agency for the the next 10 to 20 years.This does not include every barrier to accessibility on every northeastern Illinois region.The plan was presented to the Elgin City Council on street in the city due to financial constraints. January 28,2026,and the city's Human Relations Commission on February 3,2026. Therefore, it is important for Elgin to monitor and report on progress made toward Purr ose making streets and sidewalks accessible.While the city focuses on its priority routes, other streets may receive upgrades through other improvements.This includes street The Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks identifies existing accessibility barriers repaving projects that are not on priority routes. but must incorporate accessibility along streets within Elgin, including recommendations for removing the highest feature upgrades when repaving occurs. priority barriers. Street features addressed in the plan include sidewalks,curb ramps, driveways, pedestrian signals, and on-street parking spaces. The initial round of public input for this plan revealed the following themes as areas of concern for the people of Elgin. Some of these concerns are directly related to ADA These are the elements of a transportation network that help make travel easier for requirements.while others pertain to overall pedestrian safety. people with disabilities.as well as many others.This includes older adults. parents with strollers,and people who rely on sidewalks that are easy to use. ► Sidewalk and pathway conditions, notably broken and uneven surfaces,and sidewalk or pathway gaps. Streets within the city limits of Elgin include city.county, and state roads.This plan focuses on the streets the city manages,since the city must ensure they are accessible. I. Improved street crossings, including alignment of curb ramps,short crossing times. and poor visibility of crosswalks. The Illinois Department of Transportation(IDOT),as well as Kane and Cook Counties, ► Pedestrian push button placement,such as buttons placed too high or far manage other streets in Elgin, such as Route 20, State Street and Randall Road. from the curb or surrounded by obstacles. Portions of Summit Street, Chicago Street, and Dundee Avenue are also managed I. Access to key destinations like bus stops, parks, schools,and public by agencies other than the city.The map on the next page shows which agency is buildings.These included comments on the lack of sidewalk access and curb responsible for managing the various streets in Elgin. ramps,as well as lighting conditions. it---'-' '�. .,-• -- A M , to v �-c- ♦ rt. . if It''':,- ads 4 , _* ;•�'`� . .ter ? I. Winter conditions and blocked routes where snow and ice accumulation limit 1.-1 --'�+y,--isdh ...r ;Y „� access to sidewalks and crosswalks, notably near bus stops and commercial '' 7' ., I i,. areas. i — � a. To fully address the requirements of a transition plan,this input was combined with iy • -1 _, ']t ''al technical analysis to identify how Elgin can improve accessibility along these key routes o 7 Yrr :: , .♦ R t . a.. ,,� � ,{r� ;i��, , � �.:;, • over the next 10 to 20 years. l"�" • tl While individual projects and redevelopment policies improve accessibility, other 4... ` j ,;,, program-based efforts also have an impact.This includes programs that promote I sidewalk maintenance by local organizations or property owners, such as trimming ` ':.' "" 'V landscaping, keeping sidewalks clear of obstructions.and implementing reasonable snow removal policies.Volunteer efforts can help reduce the burden on the city's .- resources. 5 • Streets and traffic signals, IHigginsRdL -lekilt -,t by managing agency ,r 0r i Jti� . T • lit ( -\L-,---- * t/t r 4,90 Pe J"c v nr O -F V • Z • t, , e I F '1 ' IMPL ) -, V-I:. 1: , ,L Congdon Ave i. �l • A n w��gs ^ ����� a .tt:-Summitst (( - 1 44/61 341101 liazo.e 1,1, ._.,1+14, 11:1:16111.4_,v-42,0,- . .,I' a' 21 � INIr • •:: i --:-I-II Elgin �O :1,10„.. C:d� rir•�l:!■■.s•� "iiiii�III ��� /, rlY �� 9, --.Ay. ;f1~.,w1M, ii�� i -.i 1 County/State/Township `s''�/ I� / I�U 1111��1�•`: �_�.�� Fch;� Qrkin•Av ■■�1■■■ t■►�� • i agosl Private Road - let, s •4 I',I�■�■■on■■�_,�L�r y.� 1 so - i • Traffic Signal (owned by Elgin) i 1 Ltl�p. %,v,• w So � t Traffic Signal (owned by others) -����, south St . r`1 .�-..-.. u; iii 111�I 44I. /`it O HashingBeacon (owned byEI in 1 2 Elgin) fig air.:.r` j• Rte 2. City Limits �" ' r `��I� D BluffCrty Blvd l�j;; 9 ill'5t _ _ - ,_ — c , . . 7 2 .,,i \i.: ilioi Bowes Rd Ina' I rift' 7aI Ni o i z mill I-+ + + I i I f i Ill Miles Miles 6 Why is this important? Navigating the plan Implementing this plan's recommendations will enhance the lives of everyone in Elgin.This is because it emphasizes sidewalk upgrades on routes that connect neighborhoods to the This plan meets the requirements for a transition plan under the ADA.Those most popular destinations,amenities.and services. requirements are addressed in Chapter 2.Additionally the plan incorporates People of all ages and abilities benefit from well-designed sidewalks that maintain and summarizes demographic data, past plans,and details from public input. accessibility in all weather conditions and construction environments.The collection of Below is a list of chapters,along with the topics they address.Click on a images on the next page illustrates the diverse range of people who benefit from accessible chapter title to jump to its first page. streets and sidewalks.A sampling of those who benefit from accessibility is illustrated on ► 2.ADA policies and responsibilities:This includes a summary of page 7, key laws,design standards,and city-specific policies. IDOT is responsible for features such as curb ramps and pedestrian signals on state routes. ► 3. People and plans of Eginn:This chapter summarizes key but expects municipalities like Elgin to maintain the sidewalks along its routes. Kane and demographics and city plans related to accessibility. Cook County manage all pedestrian features on streets these agencies control. P. 4. Public input and access to information:This section explains Public input provided for this plan had a heavy emphasis on challenges people face how the consultants collected public input for this plan. It highlights navigating, specifically. and crossingstate and countyroutes.Thepublic input the document's accessible features. walking along P section summarizes these comments,and the city and CMAP can use this public input to ► 5.Self-evaluation:This chapter explains how the consultants guide future coordination with IDOT and the counties to improve accessibility along their reviewed the streets and sidewalks. Identifies barriers to accessibility. routes. ► 6,Transition plan:This includes priorities for Elgin to remove barriers to accessibility and improve access on main routes. P. 7,Schedule and implementation:The schedule shows when the City will upgrade priority routes,change policies,and update programs. "The City should continue to evaluate ► 3._Best practices guide: References to national best practices that accessibility to existing and future park improve accessibility. III A facilities, including accessibility from the ► 9.Appendix:The Appendix contains more detailed information ��. relevant to the plan's development.This includes details such E LG I N street network, sidewalk network, trail as public input results and links to applicable policies and design ..�m�.�.�..�: network, and public transit." guidance. ► City of Elgin Comprehensive Plan (2018), page 110 Everyone benefits from accessible streets and sidewalks Accessible streets benefit everyone who uses sidewalks and pathways. People who use mobility devices or have vision disabilities are reliant upon accessible street features to travel the community safely and independently. Things like smooth transitions from the street to the sidewalk, accessible work zones, and keeping sidewalks and crosswalks clear of snow allow greater independence for everyone. ifts_ mum ..,_.,== t Ali k,7� r - _ ' lirjir, _ itr• 1.1 r 71 1 I .� • rff. , 7" } a l•�1 ' Alm „ - , :// : .. ,, .., , . • , , i... , ''IN;;1 ••____., r_ .1 .A! PEN - - .. Ytt-riffTh ; I 1 = - - • "t_ .14 4 _ ..111. ° Aik'..=- I... - UK --.........--- . _ • , � _ teai1'4.. y I..r.r.44) WI i low.4. ..,I... ' 4,1).1 100....g!1 �, uaririell • ) i ,, \ 'IL,--- .,_._ ,.- - -- .� _— A. — 8 \ • .r• .):.:414412:. ,i \, �� ' i .-. . —1 14 2. ADA policies and III INIMIMMI Ilan MEN=NM --�111111` '_ responsibilities11111•111111 '`-•' •�:j • IM �ARMERs �� --mi SII a AMC I .1p`'Ikt . �� j!'.yRLjII T The core purpose of this plan is to address the requirements of the Americans with ,.\ i Disabilities Act(ADA).The ADA became law on July 26, 1990,to provide strong civil rights ' i protection to people with disabilities. • The law covers various aspects, including employment,government services, public areas, �p transportation,and communication. Five sections of the ADA pertain to multiple aspects of _ � public life. -f- i,) t� ► Title I: Employment m -_ . i ( a i �I _ Title II: Public services -state and local governments _ ► . _ I* Title III: Public accommodations and services operated by private entities ' I KO �: � ► Title IV:Telecommunications �9 ► Ems moms Title V: Miscellaneous provisions ' . ! — , t-. —15 :1 „, NM iii, ,--..,---- , Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks addresses requirements contained in Title o - �1 �,� - '' II of the ADA.That title prohibits state and local governments from discriminating against .�, ir- i I ' people with disabilities. In doing so, public entities must ensure all programs. services, and , l — .;--f r• L i activities are accessible. I I I i r Title II Requirements ' "T - Title II requires agencies with 50 or more employees to evaluate their services. programs. — _ •..:da.t -1,, policies,and practices to identify if they create barriers to accessibility.A municipality must ,`� `, then determine how it will transition its programs and facilities to address these barriers. -' It must adopt policies to provide people with disabilities access to information about how to notify the city of barriers. The plan's consultants reviewed the city's programs and policies to determine how well , ' they comply with Title II requirements.Adopting this plan complies with the self-evaluation, transition plan. and schedule requirements.The city must maintain public access to these ' documents and develop a progress report on the plan's implementation at least every five - ' years. . . Public documents. such as City Council Agendas, include the following statement: Title II policy requirements ► The City of Elgin is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities ' Act of 1990. Individuals with disabilities who plan to attend this meeting and who ADA Coordinator require certain accommodations in order to allow them to observe and/or participate The ADA Coordinator makes sure the city follows and complies with Title in this meeting,or who have questions regarding the accessibility of the meeting or II requirements.The person in this position investigates any complaints or the facilities,are requested to contact the Human Resources Department at(847) grievances related to accessibility within the city.This includes assessing the 931-6076 or TT/TDD(847)931-5616 promptly to allow the City of Elgin to make nature of a complaint and routing it to the appropriate department. reasonable accommodations for those persons. ADA and Illinois law require that people be able to find the name,office address, and phone number of the ADA Coordinator. For example,someone who The review found Elgin needs to adopt additional ADA policies and update the name of the requires auxiliary aids or services,such as a sign language interpreter or Braille current ADA Coordinator. documents,for a city-sponsored event should know how to contact the ADA Coordinator to make this request. ► The city is recommended to adopt new policies and formally designate an ADA Coordinator via city resolution.This should occur concurrent with adoption of ow Elgin's ADA Coordinator is the Human Resources Director,as designated via actions by the City Manager in April 2023. this plan.Template of these policies are provided via CMAP and included in the Appendix. Additional information what these policies mean for the city are shown on the right. Grievance Procedure A Grievance Procedure explains how the city addresses complaints about Requirements addressed in this plan possible discrimination. It establishes a system to handle complaints about disability discrimination efficiently and justly.All city department managers should Beyond recommending adoption of the necessary ADA policies,the Plan for Accessible be aware of the grievance procedure.Copies of the policy should be posted in Streets and Sidewalks addresses Title II requirements for conducting a self-evaluation and public spaces of public buildings and on the municipality's website. transition plan for public rights-of-way. Self-evaluation.To comply with self-evaluation requirements,the plan's consultants Non-Discrimination Notic gathered data on Elgin's streets using data generated in 2022.This data was collected via a Light Detection and Ranging(LiDAR)scan of the city's streets using vehicle-mounted The Non Discrimination Notice aligns with the grievance procedure and ADA Coordinator responsibilities.The policy shows the city's commitment imaging technology.This data was used to evaluate the conditions of sidewalks,curb ramps, to employment,clear communication,and updates to existing policies and pedestrian push buttons,and crosswalks. procedures. It states that Elgin will not charge extra fees to individuals or groups with disabilities.This includes costs for reasonable accommodation or policy Additional efforts led to the evaluation of the marked,on-street parking spaces within Elgin changes. to determine the degree to which they meet ADA requirements for accessible parking within public rights-of-way. ► The city should fully adopt new policies to cover all ADA To complete the self-evaluation.the consultant reviewed Elgin's policies, programs. and requirements and update the information in these policies to services for public streets.This assessment identified the degree to which they comply with include the name of the current Human Resources Director ADA rules. ► Templates for these policies and a sample resolution are located in the Appendix and available through CMAP. The collection and evaluation of this data, along with a review of policies and programs. fulfill requirements to identify barriers to accessibility through a self-evaluation (Chapter 5). Transition Plan and schedule.Title II requirements outline how the city will remove barriers Self-evaluation and to accessibility and the schedule by which this will occur. based on the results of the self- transition plan requirements evaluation. The transition plan component of Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks Self-evaluation includes a list of priority projects,organized by tier.These are described in Chapter 6 A self-evaluation must identify barriers to accessibility for city-owned or managed Transition Plan along with related recommendations for updating policies and programs. facilities, infrastructure, programs,and policies.This includes all city-owned The recommendations outlined in the transition plan section align with what the city believes buildings, parks,and streets. it can achieve over the next 10 to 20 years.A schedule for the city to implement these This plan addresses only streets and sidewalks,along with city-based programs recommendations is included in Chapter 7: Schedule and Implementation. and policies that influence street accessibility.This includes assessment of the design and upkeep of streets and sidewalks. Included in this are features along Other ADA-related laws & requirements sidewalks,curb ramps,crosswalks,and signalized intersections. This section provides an overview of the federal and state laws, guidelines, and design manuals that apply to Elgin's streets and sidewalks. Transition plan Civil Rights Acts The transition plan must identify methods by which the city will address and remove barriers to accessibility identified in the self-evaluation.This step results Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,like Title II of the ADA, bans discrimination. Since in recommended changes necessary to make public streets and sidewalks the ADA is considered a civil rights law,it is, by nature,an extension of the Civil Rights Act. accessible, including a prioritized list of improvements. Changes needed to This act addresses discrimination based on race,color. or national origin. It applies to any ensure policies and programs do not create barriers to accessibility within the program or activity that gets federal funds. public right-of-way accessibility are also addressed through the transition plan. The US Department of Justice(DOJ) states that federal programs must not treat people This transition plan incorporates guidance from the U.S.Access Board,the differently based on race, color,or national origin.This applies to the services,aids, U.S. Department of Justice(DOJ),and the U.S. Department of Transportation or benefits they offer and how they provide them.This prohibition includes intentional (USDOT)to identify priorities for remove barriers to accessibility in Elgin's public rights-of-way. discrimination. It also covers procedures, criteria,or methods that seem neutral but still discriminate against individuals. Organizations must eliminate policies or practices that have these adverse effects.A funding recipient can maintain them if they can prove they serve a Schedule and progress report' legitimate, nondiscriminatory goal. The transition plan's recommendations are incorporated into the required The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987 bolstered the initial Civil Rights Act. It states that schedule to identify when barriers to accessibility are planned for remediation. agencies receiving federal funds must comply with civil rights laws throughout their entire The schedule serves as a guide for the city to address the barriers, considering organization.This means the law applies to other projects, programs,or activities,even if the municipality's capabilities to address them. Development of a progress report federal dollars do not fund them. addressing the plan's implementation is required at least every five years. For example. Elgin may use federal funds from the Community Development Block Grant and Transportation Alternatives Programs.Therefore. in accessing these funds.the law ► The city is recommended to complete a self-evaluation and requires the city to comply with the ADA in all its projects, programs, and policies. If the city transition plan for its buildings,parks,and communication outlets, feels it cannot comply,it should document the reasons why.The law recognizes that there including programs and policies that impact city managed facilities and communication methods. may be situations where fiscal or feasibility-based constraints inhibit full compliance with the law.and that the city should strive to comply to the maximum extent feasible. Design standards and guidance Steps for making streets and ADA only stipulates the requirements for complying with the law.The ADA sidewalks accessible itself does not provide details on how agencies implement the law for aspects such as facility and infrastructure design.A set of standards and guidance provides this: ► 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, previously called ADAAG. Self-evaluation ► Accessibility Guidelines for the Public Rights-of-Way, commonly called PROWAG. ► Identify barriers to accessibility Sidewalks, 2010 ADA Standards for Accessibility curb ramps, and other The ADA Standards. issued by DOJ. apply to facilities under the ADA. Such street features facilities include public buildings. parking lots. and other non-street features. 0- Programs& policies that The ADA standards cover both new construction and alterations to existing 11111 impact accessibility • facilities. Places like City Hall and city parks are examples of facilities subject to the ADA Standards. Update While the ADA Standards include technical details that can apply to Transition plan sidewalks and curb ramps,they are not as detailed or organized as they ► Re-evaluate could be, given the numerous possible applications in public rights-of-way. self-evaluation and I. Priority projects transition plan ► Schedule to remove Public Right-of-Way Accessibility ► Incorporate changes barriers to accessibility Guidelines (PROWAG) as ADA standards are ► Program & policy updated changes PROWAG includes technical details for accessible sidewalks, curb ramps,and other public rights-of-way features. It is not yet adopted as the official federal standard. It remains guidance.The US Department of Implementation Transportation (USDOT)considers it the best practice and acknowledges that state and local governments may incorporate PROWAG into their own standards.The engineering standards adopted by IDOT for use statewide, I. Respond to individual for example. substantially incorporate PROWAG. requests ► Construct improvements The data collection for Elgin's self-evaluation of its street and sidewalks ► Modify programs & is based on PROWAG, not ADA Standards.This is because PROWAG policies is incorporated into existing IDOT standards and is planned to become the federal standard. Portions of PROWAG are integrated into the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices(MUTCD).which is used to design detours for pedestrians when sidewalks are under construction. 12 If the city designs streets that incorporate PROWAG. it means they will substantially Illinois DOT Design Standard` meet the requirements once PROWAG becomes a standard.This is why the city is recommended to meet or exceed the guidelines established in PROWAG. The IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Streets Manual provides local municipalities with consistent standards for street design and construction. Section 8-1 of the Illinois Accessibility Cole manual outlines the requirements for local agencies to develop a Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Transition Plan(see Appendix for links to the manual. The Illinois Accessibility Code(IAC)carries out the state's Environmental Barriers Act. This act was adopted in 1985 and amended in 1996.The Code sets design rules for A key element of Section 8-1 addresses how local public agencies(LPAs)should public facilities and multi-story housing units.This includes all spaces and elements consider pedestrian facilities and ADA compliance: within them. as well as access routes to them from parking lots and adjacent streets. ► A site must contain at least one pedestrian access route within the boundary The IAC acts like a building code.All new buildings and updates to current facilities of the site from public transportation stops,accessible parking,accessible must meet these design standards. IAC sets the minimum requirements for how that is passenger loading zones, and public streets or sidewalks,to the pedestrian done. access route for the building they serve.However, LPAs are not required to install pedestrian facilities on the[public right-of-way)as a requirement under the Any government unit can develop rules that exceed IAC, provided they are intended ADA. to improve conditions. Generally,the IAC mirrors much of what is included in the 2010 ADA Standards. but does not incorporate PROWAG. ► Once a pedestrian facility is constructed.the LPA shall provide an accessible pedestrian access route within the pedestrian facility. On sidewalks, a pedestrian access route should not alternate between one side of a highway and the other unless caused by temporary pedestrian re-routing due to the construction of sidewalks and/or curbs and gutters. Standards vs. Guidance IDOT's standards offer design drawings for different parts of the street network.These have detailed drawings for features like curb ramps. pedestrian crossings, and detours for pedestrians in work zones. The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design are federal standards. Standards are strict requirements, viewed as having limited flexibility in their application. Guidelines are best practices and do not have the same rigorous requirements as standards do. PROWAG, as of summer 2025, is classified as guidance. When the DOJ adopts PROWAG, it will become the standard for street and sidewalk design. The difference in language may be subtle. but understanding it is key. Suppose a municipality follows established guidance, such as PROWAG. In that case, it can ensure facilities built using PROWAG apply the best design available at the time. Even if PROWAG guidelines change before being adopted as a standard, a sidewalk or curb ramp is accessible, even if future upgrades may result in changes in its design. 13 : woorir 3. The people and plans of Elgin �- -- Accessible streets and sidewalks help people of all ages and walks of life navigate the -011.I—' community,whether they have a disability,are pushing a child or pet in a stroller,or simply appreciate not having to step over curbs to access sidewalks. Prioritizing accessibility promotes safe and well-maintained neighborhoods by providing places for people to move along the sidewalks rather than in the street. on walkways that are free of major cracks and / 1J t �1 , other obstructions. 1;1; .1,1 Every one of Elgin's more than 114,000 residents can benefit from accessible streets and sidewalks. Beyond those who live in Elgin.the businesses that choose to operate in the city i , `� fill and visitors to the city also stand to benefit from improved infrastructure. �•• - ,,,+ I j j J 14 -0 m IJ The city's 2018 Comprehensive Plan recognizes this in its values statement: 1 1 ► "The City will also continue to upgrade and expand the sidewalk and trail i - - - network into one of the best in Chicago,so residents can safely travel __ o throughout the community on foot or bike and link to transit.These combined i i investments will help position Elgin as one of the most livable, multi-modal it communities in the Chicago region, improving the quality of life for youth, k , I _ seniors,and others reliant on a well-connected transit network."(page 26) - - The oeoole of Elgin Improving accessibility for everyone,as noted in the Comprehensive Plan, means I understanding Elgin's population. its unique needs,and where residents with varying needs live within the city. Understanding the prevalence of people with disabilities.the proportion of the population _I within different age groups. and the areas where people may lack convenient access to a - -- _ • — vehicle informs project and program recommendations in this plan. Data shown on the next _,,I — page includes select Census data that indicate the number of people in Elgin who may be - - -- - more reliant on an accessible sidewalk system than others. -- ` .,.k Elgin's population grew from slightly more than 108,000 people in 2010 to over 114,000 in 2023, representing a 5%increase. During that same timeframe,the city's population with a - disability increased by 10%, from slightly more than 10.000 people to nearly 11.100 people. Of those Elgin residents reporting a disability, more than 5.000 have more than one disability. . The proportion of Elgin residents with disabilities is roughly the same as Kane County's rate The people of Elgin and the regional rate within CMAP planning area of northeastern Illinois. The information shown at right includes other 2023 data from the US Census Bureau's American Community Survey.While some of these figures may seem small in comparison ����� to the overall population,any barrier for a person with disabilities also affects their family. friends, and coworkers.For example.when accounting for families and caretakers of those with disabilities, having 11 4,1 06 38,846 10%of Elgin residents with a disability means the accessibility of the city's streets and residents households sidewalks directly impacts at least 20%of its population. Older adults are a population group that is also reliant upon an arrpssible street and • 5 075 sidewalk system.The number of people aged 65 and over increased from 9,300 in 2010 to approximately 15,000 in 2023—a rise of 56%. residents with more than one disability (4%) As a population ages.accessible streets allow greater options for people to age in place in 11 ,075 3.945 their own neighborhood and remain physically active and independent. One in three Elgin residents who report having a disability is aged 65 and over. residents with residents aged 65 and over a disability (10%) with a disability (3%) Additional Census data shown on the right includes details on the types of disabilities reported by residents of Elgin. Residents, by disability type ► Nearly 5.000 people report an ambulatory difficulty. meaning they use a mobility ► 4.945- ambulatory difficulty device. ► 4.133- cognitive difficulty ► 3,906- independent living difficulty ► About 3.900 people struggle with independent living.This means they can't do many P. 2,774-vision difficulty errands by themselves. ► 2,390- hearing difficulty ► Almost 2,800 people report vision difficulties.They may be blind, have low vision, or ► 2,066- self-care difficulty have another type of vision impairment. The map on the next page illustrates the percentage of the population, by Census tract.who report having a disability.Additional Census tract maps that include data on other population factors in Elgin are included in the Appendix. ► 13.62C I. 8.38c households with access work from home, take transit, to no vehicle or one vehicle and walk or bike to work 15 111 Population with a disability 1 V ' 8507.07 h . — 1 tit , ----, - - 8506 1 PO I [ — .....Sji: ----.01 hig . or-- *.____4..................., . ' 8507.11 II 18043.13 i 85110 ,�.miir. • , —1-1__ \ N. 85�1,9.10 MI68508N: awl �� ` „�ti uour 8044.03 -rL / tij-i\l).0.. U 99 - 8%3.02 — City LimitsElf ��,) o ! 8541.02 8546 851.►3f01 • 80 ' ' 04 Census Tract XXXX.XX c ' A -� r p -� �� I f IP`'- . 8519.04 854 .oil :o' ' i Population /o With a Disability ,� .sni, p if _ 5/o L l r_1 -7 85�16 8514' - 5.1% - 9.0% 9.11 -��l�1 85�15 L 11� 8044.06 0 - ° ��,1 - 0 ^o — r Cam:' 9.1/015/0 �� 8045.12; > 15% �� 851�9�8 - 8549 A 4854 .13 I h7 8045.13 } 89.07 ._,J e,_—_,N-V. :Al 8519..d,,, s 4 fri" 8507.09 C s► ,,_ 4.4 NA 8045.14 US Census, American 0 2 4 Community Survey 2023, I t t t I t I I I Miles Table S1810, Disability _._ _ ____ 11111111161111:411 Characteristics .. - 16 I The plans of Elgin Sidewalk Gap & Transit Other plans developed by the City of Elgin. since at least 2014, have indicated a need for Stop Study more accessible streets to help people safely reach parks. bus stops and train stations. and other community destinations. The Sidewalk Gap This and the following pages include summaries of existing city planning documents and and Transit Stop Study the accessibility themes they contain.The reports reviewed for Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks include: inventoried and analyzed SIDEWALK GAP&. I. Sidewalk Gap and Transit Stop Study(2014) the existing sidewalk and TRANSIT STOPS _ r. I. Comprehensive Plan(2018) transit network in Elgin and P. Parks and Recreation Master Plan Update(2023) defined priority areas for ► Strategic Plan (2025) implementation. As noted in Chapter 1,the city is developing an Active Mobility Plan concurrent with this plan. It is not complete at the time of this publication and therefore not summarized as part of this effort. It is expected that this plan and the Active Mobility Plan will reflect similar ► This study determined that, as of 2013, approximately findings in terms of routes or areas of Elgin that are priorities for improving accessibility and 27% of the roads in Elgin lacked sidewalks or walking pedestrian/bicyclist safety. paths, and many intersections on main roads lacked crosswalks or curb ramps on all legs. City of Choice: Elgin will be known as a top city for people to live, ► These locations should be improved with highly create opportunities, grow their families and businesses and enjoy visible crosswalks, pedestrian countdown signage, visiting year-round. pork chop islands, mid-crossing refuge islands and Safe and Healthy Community: Elgin will provide a clean, healthy other improvements that are appropriate on a case- community where people are safe and enjoy access to amenities by-case basis. (page 94) that support a high quality of life. High Performing, Financially Stable Government: Elgin will deliver high quality City services with the greatest value for its residents and businesses. ► Elgin Strategic Plan statements that promote a city that is accessible to everyone. 17 Comprehensive Plan it . _ . pi Elgin will endeavor to gain prominence inriii_, ��`""'9 �. the Chicago region through its affordable aiiii21.,Wire Mi.._�Pika and high-quality of life, making it an Iiii mim.F. -4 2. increasingly desirableplace for alltypes g y of residents to live. (page 26) Comprehensive PlanCity of Elgin ® i ® Ensure that residents can safely walk 44i -=- ' or bike through their neighborhoods .:N -' ,, ' ® and have convenient access to local l commercial areas, parks, and ® community facilities. (page 28) Villa Street — _ -wr ' i-_-- `~` -�� '�r ' - Promote a "complete /tri - - 0 streets" approach to ---- -- roadway design that 1111111111111111= accommodates a range Improve problematic of users including vehicular intersections and improve Pedestrian access is an issue throughout Elgin's pedestrian safety by traffic, bicycles, pedestrians, regional corridors and improvements such as implementing traffic calming and transit. (page 32) enhanced pedestrian crossings and internal measures at necessary sidewalk networks should be provided to increase locations in Downtown and overall safety of non-motorized access. (page 50) 14111 along Elgin's high traffic corridors. (page 32) - - 18 Parks & Recreation . � � : � . � Strategic Plan Master Plan U date ; :_4 ',.� " z ��' r{ -�.z. � "The process used �._.1� * ., - . .� "The city has made " ''°c to develop the plan Ivy _ N tremendous strides increasing •ARKS&RfGREATION .+ ° ' was designed to 2025 Strategic Plan park space and updating ��_ ` --. _ ensure...a shared City or Elgin its parks and public facilities -_ -- = vision of the to fit the changing needs of outcomes that City sought to create. its population. Seventy two percent of residents live within a Organizations driven by clear purposes and shared 10-minute walk to a park." values have a greater capacity to succeed than those Other goals established in the plan related to accessibility include: that are not." (page 8) ► Ensure parks and services are physically accessible to all. (page 4) ► Increase accessible features within parks. (page 4) ► Improve street and transportation options: TRAIL SYSTEM ► Conduct Complete Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Transition • Improvemilesafparktrailaerresidentirom0.11 A an updated Plan for Public Rights of Way (page 113) miles of trail per 1.000 residents to 0.40 mites of trail. ADA Ensure pork trills connect with city sidewalks and ► Complete the online accessibility audit: Determining ether non-motevized bike routes in Elgin. �' assessment the accessibility of the PDF's posted online. Partnered at all parks. with accessibility company [to implement] accessibility ACCESS TO PARKS .0 (page 18) enhancements/configurations...for users. (page 41) • Provide internal pork bus stops at Festival Pork, lards Park,Wing Pork Sports Complex,and Trout 1� - ► Vibrant Community: Elgin creates and supports inviting�rllj • Ensurenon-motorizedtrailandbikeeutes and accessible venues including outdoor spaces for connect to oll Community and Special Use Parks. recreation and entertainment, supported by lively ACCESSIBILITY • commercial hubs. (page 149) • Conduct on updated AU and pedestrian and bicycle safety assessment at all parks. -1 • Prioritize Improvement projects at festival Park, Lords Park ping Pork,Sports Complex,and lack O&\ Cook Pork. 0 19 4. Public input and access to information ADA public input requirements Public input is essential for developing ADA Transition Plans. People with disabilities must ► Title II,Section 35.105,Self Evaluation:"A public entity have equal access to public input opportunities.The plan should allow access to continue shall provide an opportunity to interested persons, including even after its adoption. Nearly 1,100 people participated in the process using various individuals with disabilities or organizations representing outreach methods.The information on the right provides more details about the methods to individuals with disabilities,to participate in the self-evaluation promote involvement. process by submitting comments." ► More than 1,100 connections were made with the people of Elgin In addition to public input being the backbone of an effective Transition Plan, it is required via various methods. under Title II of the ADA,as shown at right.This chapter explains how input was generated. It also summarizes how to make information easy to access and provides suggestions for the city to maintain accessibility to the plan and its progress after adoption. • Input overview 1 1 20 Public input shaped Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks. It highlighted key Total Connections areas needing accessibility upgrades.The team offered several ways to get involved during the process.This included: ► A project website.with more than 700 site visits. 725 Website views ► Two online surveys.with more than 300 completed. ► Three weeks that included public input events,with 48 total engagements. 31 Surveys completed ► An online map.with 25 pins containing public comments. ► Six stakeholder interviews. 48 Public meeting attendees ► Four steering committee meetings. The approach to public input aimed for"authentic input."This method ensures that those 25 who need a voice can be heard, not just counted. Online map pins Authentic participation can be achieved through meetings and surveys, but those efforts are supplemented by outreach to organizations that work with and represent people with 6 Organization/agency interviews varying accessibility needs and interests.The sections below summarize the public outreach methods. Stakeholder Interviews The December 2025 event focused on gathering input on the list of priority sidewalk routes identified for implementation. The city,CMAP staff, and project consultants identified public agencies, non-profit organizations. and business groups that serve the people of Elgin. Interviewers spoke Online input opportunities with representatives of those organizations.The goal was to gather input from groups that help people with disabilities,as well as anyone who needs accessible streets and Online sites allowed people to learn about the plan and share their thoughts. sidewalks. ► Engage Website:The City provided a dedicated website for posting information The consultant conducted six in-person and online interviews,each lasting 30 to 60 on the plan.This was done through its own engagement website and included a minutes.The organizers asked the interview participants if they wanted to join the map that allowed people to pinpoint specific areas of concern or interest. steering committee. ► Social Media and Newsletter:The city promoted the plan's input opportunities via twelve posts on its Facebook page and through its summer 2025 city " Steering committee newsletter. A steering committee of eight people met four times from summer 2025 to winter ► Two Online Surveys: In spring 2025, a general survey allowed people to 2026.The steering committee met in person for its first meeting,and the Downtown provide input on their priority destinations and identify the types of improvements Neighborhood Association hosted virtual meetings for the other three. they felt were necessary(e.g.,sidewalks,curb ramps, pathways.etc.).A winter 2025 survey sought input on priority projects. The surveys were available in The Steering Committee included two city staff members,several area organizations English and Spanish. and business interests, and CMAP. It reviewed the plan and gave feedback on different aspects as it developed.This included public input results, project identification,and �,;, -- ; .ram. recommendations. ,:,g�'_.�- �,> �, Il 1154A1111 Public Input Meetings.The planning process included three separate public outreach '-.------- ` - `;4;,a' efforts.There was a total of 45 engagements with people who attended advertised , l/f ', s 7►.' .?. meetings or stopped at information tables.Translation services were provided at each ..- i . Or event to gather input from Spanish-speaking participants. r r.- r • NII40# P. May 2025:Table at the entryway of the Borden Public Library. VI‘i ir. s +4t `-- , . , _ , II. September 2025:Three separate events were held: Rakow Branch Public ' r Ili <_ +w Library.The Centre in downtown Elgin,and at the Downtown Market on Hispanic N.I� Heritage Night. $ ' ,. , ► December 2025: Public input event at The Centre in downtown Elgin. r The May and September 2025 events sought input on the goals of the Plan for .. Accessible Streets and Sidewalks.They included questions about places people tr: �,- frequented and the routes they used to access those places. . ` s'``j -_- Surveys Survey #1 topics Two public-facing surveys were conducted as part of the self-evaluation process.The first survey was conducted Top puhlir- , rcenficn iSSueF in the summer of 2025 and received 156 responses. ► Inaccessible sidewalks: Residents described ► Pathways/Trails maintenance. Shared-use The second survey was conducted from November to broken, uneven,or missing sidewalks.There were paths were cited as disconnected or needing December 2025 and had 158 responses(21 in Spanish). mentions of trip hazards, narrow paths,and surface maintenance. Surface issues, debris,overgrown deterioration. vegetation,and gaps between neighborhoods and Survey #1 destinations were mentioned. ► Street crossings.Comments identified The first survey was used to gauge residents'baseline intersections and crosswalks as high-risk for ► Barriers to key destinations.Residents identified sentiment and concerns in Elgin.The first survey covered people with disabilities and children. Issues include bus stops, parks,schools,and public buildings as many topics.The topics include problematic sidewalk misaligned ramps with crosswalks, short crossing hard to reach safely.Common problems include conditions and gaps,street crossings perceived as times,and poor visibility due to faded striping or no sidewalk access, missing curb ramps,and poor difficult and even unsafe, hard-to-reach push buttons missing signage. lighting. at intersections, inaccessible curb ramps,winter-time ► Hard-to-reach push buttons.Button placement ► Winter conditions and blocked routes.Snow maintenance concerns about snow and ice accumulation, was cited as too far from or too high above curb and ice accumulation on sidewalks and ramps and general areas of high demand where accessibility ramps, or surrounded by obstacles, and buttons was mentioned. Residents report inconsistent should be the highest priority. Key takeaways from the first malfunction or are unresponsive. Lack of audible/ enforcement of snow removal near bus stops survey included: tactile signals were cited. and commercial areas. Construction and parked ► Perception Issues:A broad, open-ended question vehicles cam limit passage. was asked regarding the general perception those surveyed have about the public right- Hardest destinations to reach Summary of top destinations/areas of-way.Answers varied considerably,though ► Park and Recreation Areas: Lords Park,Wing commonalities amongreplies provide clearer ► Bus Stops and transit corridors p Park, Rollings Knolls,and Elgin Sports Complex. insight into conditions. 0- Lords Park,Trinity Park,and Ryerson Park ► Public Buildings and Institutions: Mental P. Schools such as Elgin High, Hilltop Elementary, ► Priority Areas:The highest-priority areas for Health Center, Museum, Library, City Hall. and the Rolling Knolls Elgin residents include bus stops,community Hemmens Cultural Centre. parks, and specific corridors. Other answers,such ► Business and Shopping Areas:Al's Cafe, Big ► Key corridors such as Kimball Ave. South McLean, as specific school sites.downtown,and various Timber, Larkin Jewel,Walgreens,and downtown and Lyle Avenue neighborhoods,were also listed by participants as businesses were mentioned. P. Shopping destinations like Clock Tower Plaza and priorities. ► Transit and Bus Stops: Bus stops along Randall downtown ► Difficult Destinations: Elgin has many site- Road, Big Timber, Fletcher Drive,Aldi, specific locations that appeal to residents. Not all and downtown. the destinations are easily accessible.Those listed ► Streets: Randall Road, Bowes Road, Highland as the hardest to access include. Road, Chicago Street, Shales Parkway, Grove Street, Edgewater,and Brook Street. Survey #2 Survey #2 results and comments The second survey focused on specific street segments within geographic areas of the highest priority for residents of Elgin.The project features include r upgrades and repairs to address accessibility and to ensure segments and �+ I i intersections are free of impediments that prohibit mobility. The projects I,". - $, were bunched together: East Elgin and east of the river, Northwest Elgin and west of the river. and Southwest Elgin,also west of the river. Priority areas i ,1 I !a according to the results of 160 survey(7 in Spanish) participants are ranked OW 1G+ ;: a P�, _ as follows: °'" i - ` N. ' Nt. P. East of the river: Downtown area/zone was ranked highest. k " Northwest Elgin: Larkin Avenue.from McLean to Randall Road(via ■ _ , l j I► Foothill Road)was the top-ranked project. 1 •'' : 1'I ► Southwest Elgin: McLean Boulevard. from Larkin Avenue to Spartan ! 1111114 Drive was the highest priority. Active Mobility Plan / A Elgin is serious about its human-powered transportation system. Not only is A , • i t the City addressing its ADA issues, but it is also simultaneously engaging in a Downtown Elgin sidewalks and other accessibility upgrades were the community-wide mobility plan.That plan will address the priorities and needs While there are some overlappinghighest ranked project in the second round of public surveys. of pedestrians and cyclists. concepts regarding maximizing safe,efficient movement by people outside a vehicle, There were several individual comments about downtown sidewalks, including: the two plans complement each other. P. Addressing uneven surfaces where there are brick pavers. The most significant difference between the two plans with respect to ► Improving snow removal practices on sidewalks. pedestrians and system users with disabilities is the focus on the types of infrastructure projects. Other individual comments of note included: ► The Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks focuses on ► I think prioritizing the sidewalks and areas around schools would be smart since there identifying barriers to accessibility on existing sidewalks and are many students who walk/bike to school. identifying priority routes for the city to consider for updates.This ► Adding smooth sidewalks to areas where there aren't any is also important, but there are includes installing features such as directional curb ramps and audible plenty of existing sidewalks that need to be smoothed out or entirely replaced. crosswalk systems,and addressing critical slope or gap issues that ► Make all the sidewalks and streets accessible in Elgin,especially walking to and from can be hazardous for people with mobility limitations. trail areas. O. The Active Mobility Plan focused more on streets without sidewalks ► I like the addition of signs and lights, like the addition to Larkin by the high school. I would or pathways/sidepaths to identify where the city may add this type of like more of this to keep kids safe. infrastructure. 3 Access to information People need to access documents about Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks. ' itaiiii This includes the plan itself and other related materials.The organizers provided potential ID participants with information on how to obtain assistance.They provided details on how to request auxiliary aids,American Sign Language(ASL)interpretation.and virtual one-on-one ft R. meetings for those who couldn't attend. Spanish interpreters were available at every public .,ilinput event. mi Title II of the ADA requires a public entity to maintain access to the transition plan for at — - es . . least three years. Given the ease of online access, it is recommended that the city maintain access via its website for longer than the required three years,at least until the transition • '� plan is updated.The city is recommended to provide ADA-specific::: Spanish • ,- ; The city created a public engagement website to serve as a portal s • 'l development.The city should create a separate website to house the final plan, related _- reports. and future updates on progress and plans. This site may serve as a portal for the 4 city's ADA policies,with links to the ADA Coordinator's contact information. litegl_,1 0 The city may develop guidelines to enhance the accessibility of online documents.This '` might include Board meeting materials,the city budget,and key plans, such as the Strategic •1� ,, 0 41 Plan and the Comprehensive Plan.Chapter 8: Best Practices provides details on this topic v �t G and identifies other ways to enhance accessibility. 1/2:......Nim, 11.4114- le.,,.Inh a"Lap tr 4'eltiV9-1.10,i0 awl moo.•, vay•r:,..S,Nama FYLq.P fy„a r,ya�r�5m..ynn,ir.M wltilicit' D//Y.0 ..w \»//i .y,•/ i/. A w ■ ./tea • .c cs...a 24 � �,tR ai flNw r 5. Self-evaluation ', ��AF , _ - _ _ _ - The first step in creating an ADA Transition Plan is to identify the physical barriers to ,,, T �� �`'+®,.� 11 accessibility within the city's public rights-of-way.This self-evaluation process meets federal T--- . rules by identifying barriers that limit accessibility,which includes design features that do not - align with PROWAG. '� __ This plan addresses only the facilities that are part of streets and sidewalks managed by the city. It does not cover public buildings, parks,or private streets within the city limits,or pedestrian facilities on streets managed by the counties. Additional self-evaluation steps involve reviewing policies and programs that impact theIr accessibility of streets and sidewalks.These actions include work zone practices. snow managementpolicies,and operations that impactpedestrian routes.Theyalso include -- - 7 9 P P - , development-specific rules for the sidewalk system. The self evaluation of streets includes an inventory of: - ' ' -•-n,. :y �� 3 ► Sidewalks and any shared-use pathways within the street right-of-way i4,:::;- •\ .,�;• ► Curb ramps = ► Driveway crossings -- • 1 f ► Movable and immovable obstructions l / . ► Blocks with marked,on-street parking stalls i i • -I . The data for the city's streets utilizes the Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines -�'. ___ -- • - _ (PROWAG).These guidelines are federal guidance, not standards. PROWAG is nearing {` - . adoption by the DOJ as the federal ADA standards for streets. ;: MethodiologN, Elgin has roughly 573 miles of sidewalks along city-managed streets.The consulting team conducted the self-evaluation via the following steps: P. LiDAR imagery:A full scan of city-managed streets was conducted in 2022 using vehicle-based technology to collect imagery of the public rights-of-way.This included determining the PROWAG-based measurements that applied to features of the sidewalk system, including curb ramps, pedestrian push buttons, obstructions, and driveways. ► Field evaluation: Crews conducted an audit of marked,on-street parking spaces within Elgin in summer 2025. Feature Total Evaluated ► Traffic signals:The city's traffic engineering consultant provided a summary of city-managed traffic signal timing plans to indicate how pedestrian signals were Sidewalks 572.6 miles programmed for crossing times. Curb Ramps 11,160 Since the LiDAR imagery was collected in 2022.the consultant team collaborated with the city to identify projects that had resulted in upgraded accessibility features since the imagery Obstructions 2,259 was captured.The consultant team evaluated a selection of these projects and determined that the street and sidewalks constructed during this timeframe substantially incorporated Driveways 25,011 PROWAG guidelines in their design. More details on the assessment method are included in the Appendix. Traffic Signals&Flashing Beacons 48 Assessment results Total Features(sidewalk mile=1 feature) 39,051 The following pages summarize the results of the self-evaluation.They are organized by sidewalk features and street crossing conditions.The table on the right includes a summary of the features assessed in the city's public rights-of-way.This report provides a snapshot of the conditions measured as part of the self-evaluation.These individual features are ?f,V mapped.with summary tables for each feature to show the overall needs. : r ► Based on these results,the estimated cost for the city to fully correct all • o-y •- barriers to accessibility on city-managed streets is approximately$95 million. • This figure represents the estimate to make the system fully accessible at a single point in -- - time. Even if the city invested this much into addressing system needs, new accessibility issues will continue to emerge as infrastructure ages and deteriorates each year. The features from the self-evaluation are combined into one dataset to create the"heat map"on the next page.This map illustrates the relative magnitude of street and sidewalk IL conditions that can limit accessibility. Chapter 6:Transition Plan addresses the priority .y. routes,which were partially derived from this map, along with public input and other factors. ► HIGH accessibility needs mean that many features may limit access in that area of the community. ► LOW accessibility needs means that few features are inaccessible. It may include „ , streets that lack sidewalks since the absence of a sidewalk is not regulated by the # I':��', ADA. 26 Concentration of Accessibility Needs I accessibility, needs -, Low -----------__ High c- ir_l-1 ri,. , , 1 ---, i r1V -\ , [-.S } n , ---, , � 4. J. .......„, -- <fk .. - ,1 ,...,.\_.. _,.. i _, Z Plank R,: Kik . r-/- ZO,..1 r--- •! ._. f 7 ;. . C/���8�o q/ 2.-/ / 4-1 /?( • iJ�5 t i N IPP I ''\ 41k/ # ', ' ' 'IA • _ __ t I i 11 / f--- ___-f-- 0 ,..... _, Rowe� Ei i t ii . ___}17.,.k, i li 1 ,i.[_n 0 " 2 -I.— Miles L______fir, ' li _ i r� - . �_ - ta Sidewalks Prima sidewalk features The sidewalk assessment examined various measurements contained in PROWAG.The table below includes a summary of the sidewalk self-evaluation.The illustration at right := _,-: The six features featured in showcases key sidewalk accessibility features that were the focus of how accessibility needs •«� this diagram represent the were determined.These results are used to help order sidewalk segments in terms of the j `:"+ ' Otz r � , � E �' 're • primary features necessary level of need required to upgrade them to meet PROWAG guidelines.The map on page 23 r F •— ` p ry shows the location of sidewalks based on the degree of accessibility need. _, , for sidewalk accessibility. I. Nearly 200 miles of existing sidewalks may need full reconstruction to meet —A-- They also represent the accessibility needs. most commonly-found ----B—,----B—,► Another roughly 250 miles are shown to need some type of repair, but are not likely to conditions on sidewalk require reconstruction. _ corridors. These factors are The absence of a sidewalk is not considered out of compliance with ADA and PROWAG. used to help determine the A sidewalk gap can be a bigger barrier for residents than the current sidewalk conditions. The city may choose to address these gaps to improve accessibility, in addition to what is11:73 relative accessibility needs contained in this plan. LG along a sidewalk segment. Repair versus reconstruction - The level of accessibility needs identified through the self-evaluation resulted in a determination that sidewalk segments likely require repair or reconstruction to address the A. Width B. Cross Slope issue.A designation of"limited accessibility issues"means conditions are such that the Continuous width must be at least 4 No more than 2.1%cross slope, or city may be able to correct cracks,heaves. and other issues without having to fully replace continuous A wdth of i ft isipreferred.ft,thnIf the side; of atleast 4 ft inwidth, kfrom width is 4 ft,then a 5 ft x to side along the sidewalk the full segment. "Significant accessibility issues"means that a segment's condition likely 5 ft passing space is required at least route. requires full replacement,including trimming of tree roots and correcting notable cross slope every 200 ft. and width issues. C. Grade D. Cracks/Gaps Category Miles % The grade (also called running slope) Changes in surface level via cracking must be 5%or less.Sidewalk grade or heaving of the walkway must No Sidewalk Deficiencies 123.1 21.5% may exceed 5%on streets with be less than %-inch. Gaps between grades greater than 5%, if it is no sidewalk panels or major cracks may Minor Accessibility Issues(likely repair) 203.2 35.5% greater than the grade of the street. be a maximum of'A-inch in width. Limited Accessibility Issues(possible repair) 47.0 8.2% E. Obstructions F. Surface Condition Overhead obstructions provide 80 Firm and stable surface. Full width % inches of clearance above sidewalk. must be in good condition,free of Significant Accessibility Issues(likely reconstruction) 199.3 34.8 Side obstructions must not limit deterioration due to weathering, width to less than 4 ft. sediment, or other factors. Total 572.6 100.0% Sidewalks . . ., k- -,,,,,. LitiLL,...4______„.„7 > 1♦� poi . . .7 .1 . e !pc" ' ' - )1111.." Cdo 011/1 I l 1 I •j r_ - Ai _- - _� �3i Tmbrr Rd .n■rQgnjAv .sin , ./.36...-reess•BIT -.-. ----_ , . s`",^,, '� �', --iik.Sr :� „i� =1-:'r.a..:summitSt. I `rya► M�i1V Ill . "- . - 11 - •� i; �11 ,� II �rrru: ..�--- ems°' 11 No Sidewalk Deficiencies `' Srs- /�1�1 , /�, "C.� Ij�1��1;;;us r: A,`!4 ! =l: ��`- Minor AccessibilityIssues ` ^ N. Z .111'rt111r1111 d l r ►:r I—,)1 ii uo9, - 4 �I ---i / Lii �n Ils.nn�tr�,• ������ '►n ' „„ 1 : 'ii::ues �� :1III Si IIII1.m.wip°, 4►; I It o ms, :::r1 1). .... Ell City Limits �� r '�1� UM NM IMP II �_--`�fll it1�11l! ♦°. . 4 kc tY it c J J 1 Adams. 3 g/s "r.• -- r: • ( '40617. ' ..0' lbaill > .. . rs;:i 1 : I N -A .I [ 1 ... •i U Z — -I\ 1 1 Miles 29 Curb rampsCurb ramp features The curb ramp inventory includes more than 11.000 curb ramps and identifies 24 locations where ramps should be installed where they currently do not exist. A scoring method was used to sort curb ramp needs based on conditions.The illustration on the right showcases some of these key measures. ► It is estimated that more than 2.800 existing ramps on Elgin streets likely require full A1,111117: - ✓ reconstruction due to their conditions related to accessibility. ► The 24 locations that lacked curb ramps are primarily where streets create a T-intersection,creating what is legally defined as unmarked crosswalks on each of the three legs. iF Addressing the locations that likely require reconstruction or addition of new ramps is estimated to cost approximately$14 million,with curb ramps identified as"possible repair'. A.Cross Slope estimated to cost an additional$1.5 million to make them fully accessible. . No more than 2.1%cross slope,or"tilt,"of at least 4 ft in width,from side to side along the run of the ramp. The maps on the following two pages show the locations of curb ramps based on the criteria identified in the table below. B.Grade The grade(also called running slope)must be 8.3%or less. Since curb ramp design can be very complex,the conditions of an individual street corner C. Landing often mean that making a ramp fully compliant with PROWAG guidance is infeasible.The The landing is used as a turning space. It must be at least city should document reasons why ramps are not fully compliant when constraints exist. 4 ft.wide by 4 ft long and,generally,have a cross slope of no more than 2.1%. D. Detectable Warning Surface(DWS) The DWS must extend at least 2 ft in the direction of Category Frequency % pedestrian travel from the street edge of the ramp and cover the full width of the ramp. DWS color must contrast with No Major Issues Identified 1,913 17.1% the pavement and meet other ADA requirements. E.Gutter Slope Possible Repair 6,410 57.4% At gutters and streets where a change of grade occurs at the transition to curb ramps,the change of grade shall not exceed 13.3%.This is calculated through adding the maximum Likely Reconstruction 2,813 25.2% grade of 8.3%of the ramp and a maximum grade of 5%of the gutter,sloping toward the ramp. Missing Curb Ramp Location 24 0.2% F.Transition to Street and Sidewalks Changes in surface level via cracking or heaving of the walkway must be Total 11,160 100% less than 1/4-inch.Gaps between sidewalk panels or major cracks may be a maximum of'A-inch in width. • 30 [rho _ 'I Curb ramps, map 1 r > 1ErI O O �it I IIll E o f!r■ —MI i7�1 nil imalli. rill U I� _ L9:1 1 Mg am - MI.by, 3ig- nnberRdCoif:Atm-A e mil i■ jl■1 ■ir■ 1114111111.6.71 ��.� _ �; ■■ P SVssi `■■g ■ '/ ■ ? _■"■I -ter* s� r1�r w P •, �t'ng.S ' ■J ■ •■ Sunam t-. L a ■._� ■ III l rill . ,. -,214 i; ■ ■i ■.• witIII ■ ■alI ■ �r .1. 7101:11.7.111111: =-f/�{ ,"Jr ■ ■ r■ q■In ■il■'I■ ■J*■1■ ■S— A �O Likel Reconstruction �, 1 ■it.IjJ- � '� �� Ills�.L i� ��■ .�; V C-- ��0 Missing Curb Ramp ■1■�� ■ �r�:5ti �`':• Tip_ ,. r _ . •y, ■.� �,, s ii Y City Limits Oai■ii7 a j.I. j!! - Q■�■L■a Walnut St frlr J ` ii III■ • MI ■E _ �L :ldamsst`` III 0 -Aker, t� C A. s r^flf'� t � N i 1 A , - --1 0 2 4 — f } 1 } f 1 i t 1 1 Miles `" A ,22:Al Curb ramps, map 2 kik iti AA1164,,N a AA 6 fv\ -'...4--Hi.'"-------,... A ( .•.,, 4 ri ZA r ' A k ' ,:;-, LL ,_,)n, • a=1* :VI<"c-1 A4, • • --, ,. . _ & ill [1 AA &Ai A.A. = Big-limbo Rd ^- , 14.td6 Ave . A ' hiliwAr , • 4 1. ............... A4AA 147 Att •A wilA•ww•VA" -41t 41A,A,A,A, A A.A4 IA fit `AA''- ...• 4TAW414A4. ,-,-:.• Astife.: -• A At' • -.„14,f ,:rj-X A44e14 • - -/ I L At ...r... AA ,_•111 CNiot yM Laimjoirt sI ssue '. / v, • _.., ,tk.'ta•P •. 4.Ar_AAAl,.VAA-tA-.,1,A•,•.•A 10 A Possible Repair 1 4.• ••*4A41,0/A•A,,•_t,"..,AiI„yl.A,k7-.,&.-y 0ki.i„4i,• .•;;;.4."•_.:J‘.',Ni'er4A,t4:l,1I V:A-tX,_l iAIa,A7Ig e‘',.A.....§„,.v,-.."?e 4.1(:-7,,:,,::,:‘•_iA i,.A,,AUnA MA,2-i(nj r-taS-.Ak1,t r Av4A6nk 4frk7i4,A4i*LArAp,,414:1t, Identied t,.. is4 AtIA . 414 • A ft?, To ,.;,_,;_,_ V.2 Arm/AA , ,t 4. , , ... -4_ • •,. . - . . „;,.. AA t A LI, tw:„,- A, ----•--r: Wiliali. A v • :. ,>-,A..1 A- 4._\/&0 :, m \41'-.-1 i - _iiiiA 1/4,, ver,It* i .• j,.1-1.-.)-4- A ,_3 , A, ,& . Art • , f: 1,4. ,#.• fe; /.4*. -21 ft 4e? ' '' s)V- t....;. ---x ...,.:.. .r_x_, _ rAt 67 • , Ai t ,, -,./ ifit 1 -, ii,thi..a• , . ,9T2.L LN ,L A• = --A - -,,,i't -,_,_,W rv, _ •• 17 ,..,s,c, , . i-- ,.. 0 ;...,--. 421:11:•••`&163; Ak .....---!A,,.,q.,......,,1 Alt.t, '1 A4 CIA 27,21 z Ay, . A '‘ - • , 4. tiAt -NiLek v., AA, ell 44•- v i th N A Miles I 2 Driveways Driveway types For this assessment, driveways are defined as any location where a sidewalk intersects a driveway. One scenario is where the sidewalk continues through the driveway.The other is where the driveway has curb returns with curb ramps on both sides.The illustration on the Sidewalk through the driveway ,'.'`ka�- a tt fir,,' right shows different types of Pedestrian Access Routes(PAR)through a driveway. with buffer from curb : �,_ The driveway crossing features a _ -y, _ The driveway assessment results are shown in the table below and mapped on page 28. combination of transitional slope _ '- - — -- from the street(black arrows)and a ► Minor Accessibility Issues:This applies to locations where the cross-slope relatively flat, but narrow sidewalk exceeds the 2.1%required threshold but does not exceed 4%. Correcting the issue route on the property side of the `� ° sidewalk(shaded area). It is identified .,yx by creating a PAR of at least 4 feet in width and a cross slope of 2.1 /°or less may ) ri not require full reconstruction of the driveway. as Narrow PAR if the shaded area has a _ ____ cross slope 52.1%AND is 3 to 4 ft wide. , I. Significant Accessibility Issues:This applies when the driveway cross-slope While not fully accessible,this shaded exceeds 4%and likely requires full reconstruction to create an accessible PAR. area is passable for most. - • Driveways with sidewalks constructed through them do not have curb ramps on either side Sidewalk through the driveway, - - , F.': ' and may cost less to reconstruct or create an accessible PAR.This is especially true in no buffer i. • - _ 1' '' ' situations where the sidewalk has a buffer from the curb. Locations where the sidewalk lacks The width of the sidewalk at the — — '• '. • a buffer and crosses a driveway can be more complex to correct,as they oftentimes require driveway crossing has a cross slope �� of>2.1%for all or most of its width = cam$ reconstruction of a portion of the driveway beyond the right-of-way on private property. (<3 ft).These will likely require Locations where the driveway includes curb ramps on either side require a standard curb reconstruction to address accessibility ` .- ramp with design features consistent with PROWAG when there is a stop or yield sign needs.Other factors,such as property ` controlling the exit from the driveway. impacts and drainage, may limit _ opportunities for driveway crossing to comply fully with PROWAG. • • Category Frequency % Driveway with curb returns and/or Ali No Major Issues Identified 7,925 31.7% curb ramps ,,These driveways also require a �`.' r.c- = Minor Accessibility Issues compliant PAR through the driveway. �.,c� ° ° 10,766 43.0% PROWAG requires standard curb ramps (cross slope between 2.1/°and 4%) Significant Accessibility Issues when the driveway exit has a stop or = 6,320 25.3% yield sign.Standard curb ramps are not (cross slope greater than 4%) required when no traffic control signs - 1111111 Total 25,011 100% exist on the exit to the driveway. 33 11,_-: - I ,,, •_ Driveways - '----;-/- in i o63 (il,. ,-y I ° . ,• of_i's (9C! '<, • o',---\ 1:3:n, ; Ck A 1;•-• ," ' •)-. in: AC-A ----, (1, s' '' '' ,.F rl`- 4 , I 1 --- -v'i\'",;''f4''-'1 ---_,7 e'Le: ;•t,- ."---..,x- .. ..-4St , _El -----e.,,c44.: :•',,(r-\''-'':' "f • --1,‘ , f: .: ,,,,, , lii! finther Rd t . .,- ectA k.'7. 41p;' (.r-Un'1;---(41(4!;;'21\:',.17.141:'e" - I s'CI A di:*ar,1,71 w ,,,si --, _.-, • , _ 1 , _, n . •.<;,--,-%,11„/„ . -,„ •P l'N-r?'"" '..-'' g 1 irst T, J.-I__ , , — ,. ,,,, --- , . ,,,,,„si , ,;.- , ,,, P •;::-•`•• ,'„" k' 7 .--Z ' ?: -'.: -, -,'- - ".,:.,/' .-r , --,--•"'''- 4,--1,.., A ' ' _ _,''s ftg"-•^:-V-. . .;.'/ . 'f: :-.,..,' .01-k .,.•-, ,- - ; .1 ,._ ; ,. i \ ,' ,, .1 -,.. • h -.., . , ---.,,,n_ . , ,....-, ,/,.., ,, ‘. "...411 le 4/4 ,f.p. -1,/:-:tst-1,1. ,A4A..-, ' '-.,,, -"--j-A -.,' - . • . ' r,;:iik.A.. • -Cirg--;;-..,—::',4_ . Ar.Ar —_ . . ...„IN.) • •-• •,..if va- ., _..-- I' w-,,,,,- or, r , ,-,-,- -,,,,o ? _ Minor Accessibility Issues • Nik d,,,,,o,•.; ffi!''' . 1,arisill_,,,L v ,e ,-, i ,.•• • -In* "I" ,s ''•,_ ''A • -- 4.- --74. • vz•• 1. 10 5.03,01 it Significant Accessibility Issues ;-' Al,,... .-.".p.- -si...,,._,„ ,.._. _. t A rie r, kt.-arTkr - • ..7t. ' City Limits - - A' lout L'-. 6 - • , ' 0 . • V V f .A f'. -,i...,:.0 -- ,,, ,...,.., - .7• • " ' '''• a ___ . .._ , __ (;- -7-ti-,71 .14 t, . • 4 4.- --. t " (.....,- d: , (--;:7 CC - '-..,--.-46e...r ,i',' .-;- 1 • ....,.. (.0.1.0,qt:it - .:-:. (7, '" .•,,_ Y 1-----... •--_-, .-i.---.71 Z::.:1 - c,. - •Lel ' N T-Zn ,• *. , _.. ....00. .., • l.„:• ..7. S' •-"1---Ei A .I I F' .11,,•••)1., . Miles + i I . yty.; .,„ ....e. ,...„,* -- 34 Obstructions Obstructions Sidewalk obstructions vary by type and location. Examples include objects like trees, utility Movable poles, benches,and sandwich board signs that reduce the PAR to less than 4 feet in width. A movable obstruction is typically an object placed on the sidewalk on a temporary basis and is not affixed to the pavement or an There were nearly 2,300 obstructions identified,including nearly 1.600 that are classified adjacent building.These can often be remedied by notifying the as movable,thus easier to address.There were nearly 700 obstructions determined to adjacent property owner or provider of the service related to the be immovable.which likely requires higher costs to move them out of the PAR or adding object.Sample movable obstructions include sandwich board sidewalk width around them to create an accessible PAR. signs, real estate signs, portable toilets,and overgrown trees and landscaping. Different types of obstructions include: ► Movable features include sandwich boards, parked cars,or trash bins. Education • n /' Ii°o and enforcement efforts can help remind people to reduce the presence of movable 7.4.• •1 • 7 MIIM objects. z _ 1 , ► Not movable features include trees, utility poles.and traffic signal boxes, narrow the 1-'c , I . PAR to less than 4 feet. T Category Frequency % Not movable Movable 1,567 69.4% Obstructions categorized as not movable are typically fixed to the sidewalk or adjacent building and result in a PAR that is less than 4 feet in width.Obstructions like this typically require significant Not Movable 692 30.6% investment to either move the obstruction from the sidewalk. Sometimes the sidewalk can be meandered or curved around the Total 2,259 100% obstruction to create a PAR of an accessible width. 4 fir,, iNO ',A or, . ,_ '- •._. )• . 4 j_C h � 3' ' t " 4 �� �\ sr/:. . / / /' _. 35 Obstructions 0 , . 0 O f� f °OpO _,:,. 0 o O O ,- Q 000 c�0 O 1-1 09 O 0 p ©� ° Q O 0 °® •! 8 � (( ongdon A%c o Rig Timber Rd o a , pp 0 o p • p 0 p oO �0 0 �.. 0 0 w t ° 6 r�tr. O 0 O 8 0 0 coo tii,, • ..J, co 00 At .: St'� p�.� �� Summit Si f1 �o —o 1' 0 o O O ,e, j�`?1�,y. o Not Movable ,i,�^ 0 o 0 0 p 0 .,u:It • ®— o p �J o o ° ��C 08 0 ifo.•j�••• O O J9 V��•r�hie.n, t Movable D 1 z11 co o o '.,.,.� ' '.Sr i 0 v O .••• he • _� City Limits p o c� 0 006) 'c. •0.4, .^; ••"( .KM+ m o 0o o� ° c€✓ - oo lThxx0 . walnut St O 0 V 00 00 !• o QC pO o © 8 ���� ,O o°0 S o O o 0° O ..5/ o Cl 00 0 0 .� Adams St ° cb J 0- •.t 0 00 c • • M • p -al c, Sy 0 0•i•0 O0 E. • I �.` lid ''.' (9 0j-Ci-Qe01,; c A tio & �p 8n1‘11! ° ----1 r I OO A I 0 2 4 o F_ I---F — I I � —i Miles Traffic signals & flashina beacons Traffic si nals The features of traffic signals and other controlled pedestrian crossings have various ; — requirements under PROWAG.Traditional traffic signals feature elements such as City-managed traffic signals: 44 pedestrian push buttons, pedestrian signals,or signal heads(walk/don't walk signals with 44 have PROWAG minimum 7-second walk countdowns).These are collectively referred to as pedestrian signals. interval in signal timing program. A summary of the findings of these features is shown on the right, and detailed information 43 require upgrading to Accessible on Elgin-managed traffic signal features is included in the Appendix. Pedestrian Signals(APS). This should The self-evaluation for this plan included the following assessment of Elgin's signals: address height, reach range, and spacing. ► Pedestrian signal heads and timing:The city's traffic engineering consultant ' 21 require adding pedestrian countdown provided detailed signal timing data and information on the presence of pedestrian signals. push buttons and signal heads for all marked crossings at signalized intersections. require adding pedestrian signal heads. ► Push button accessibility:The LiDAR scan of Elgin's street system included measurements for pedestrian push button accessibility, including button location. ► 19 are located in the downtown core. proximity to the curb, presence of a flat landing area adjacent to the button,and the reach range required to access the button. ► RRFB timing: Push button accessibility was captured using LiDAR data,and field crews manually checked the flashing time for the signals to determine if it allowed for Flashing beacons adequate time for people to cross the street. Elgin has 44 traffic signals under its jurisdiction:43 of which have some type of pedestrian City-managed RRFBs: 5 signal component and connecting sidewalks.The one intersection that lacks pedestrian features and connecting sidewalks is at the intersection of Airport Road and Tollgate Road. have PROWAG/MUTCD minimum flashing times Beyond traditional traffic signals and their pedestrian features. Elgin has five pedestrian © '1 crossings equipped with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons(RRFBs).The push ' 3 require upgrades to height and reach • buttons used on RRFBs are subject to the same ADA requirements as those at signalized range to comply with PROWAG. t intersections. ► 5 recommended for upgrade to Additionally.Accessible Pedestrian Signals(APS)are required under PROWAG and should Accessible Pedestrian Signals (APS). ' be installed when new signals or new signal technologies are installed at intersections or other crossings. RRFBs should also have APS when installed.APS provides audible and tactile cues to pedestrians with vision disabilities to alert them to the start of a"walk"signal or that an RRFB is flashing. Elgin current has one APS.which is located at the intersection of Dundee Avenue and Summit Street. It was installed in 2024 with the reconstruction of that intersection. Traffic signal and flashing iI _ r - "" '1: s . V �` beacon locations ,, _ . • -• : , ,,� *` - �_ , , , to IL. ,\ .--------, .7: ! [ . ---K------„),_. ---, , 177, .,.... ,t ,, ,,_ , _...\---,--,„___________L,, ' ifilFulr41_,. "Inlwrin fii° -------- — Rig Timber Rd l'nncdnn A\ c ^�'' l_ -rt— — -7 '� -tit • 11 �_ 1 n .y Q. 1y - ��� 't'n .Si Summit St _ •�` 'i N, r Lir1 O r O C %i —vim O _ i I l o Flashing Beacon ti'a�„ � � oo u • Traffic Signal /, �-��.:,��,„� po ° ° f o ��'����,,sr �� --/ V- S\alnut St • t. _Jr)I . _ it ,„ / • , .v I-7 L)• ,\dam.St i ._ , ' ._ _f �� • • ! \f Iiis: I , i (-l�l iiii N•i I A . I , ..-floc/ i j :1 r0 ilk, Miles IIIIIL lug► Accessible parking PROWAG parking ratios Elgin has roughly 465 on-street, marked parking spaces.These spaces provide parking for adjacent . II commercial properties. primarily in downtown. Of those nearly spaces,the city designates 7 for accessible parking. Total#of Metered Min.Required# or Designated of Accessible PROWAG uses a ratio of total on-street parking spaces to decide how many accessible spots to include. Parking Spaces Parking Spaces The ratio is generally one accessible parking space for every 25 parking spaces, up to a maximum of 200 1 to 25 1 spaces.The table at right shows these ratios. 26 to 50 2 For this analysis, a block face is used to calculate the ratio of accessible parking.The diagram at right is a 51 to 75 3 sample illustration of what PROWAG applies to block faces. In Elgin, defining block perimeters can be tricky. This is because several blocks lack parking on all four sides,and some are triangular. 76 to 100 4 For this plan. a block perimeter includes the sides of a block or block faces with marked on-street parking 101 to 150 5 spaces. In some areas.the block perimeter might be one block long. However, it can accommodate parking on both sides due to land use and nearby railroad tracks. 151 to 200 6 The map on the next page shows the block perimeters in Elgin. It also illustrates the total number of parking 201 and over 4%of total spaces and the number of designated accessible parking spaces.The blocks are color-coded to indicate if accessible parking ratios are met and if the design of the spaces aligns with PROWAG guidance. Identifying block perimeter P. To meet the letter of PROWAG accessible parking ratios on a block perimeter,the city would need Pine Street to add 19 additional spaces(even though it is meeting the overall ratios when a full count of parking •- spaces is considered). y � ���' �13 , ,7"":1/77y///0/Pi; . 1.. No changes are recommended at this time,as most blocks that indicate a need for additional / BuiaingA d accessible spaces have nearby surface parking lots and garages with designated parking.The city Building c 0 should continue to evaluate the need for accessible parking spaces based on business types,citizen 0 requests,and downtown street reconstruction projects. PROWAG does not provide guidance on how to incorporate a combination of surface lots and on-street parking spaces to determine accessible space needs. In most cases. parking in a surface lot can provide N • Building D 0 Building B greater safety for someone using the accessible spaces.Other parking exemptions. PROWAG has rules for OA when accessible on-street parking is not required.They are: ► Spaces designated exclusively as residential parking. ► Spaces designated exclusively for commercial or law enforcement vehicles. 'z ' I. Where on-street parking spaces are altered.the requirements shown in the diagram at right(XX) t "� °�' Block Main Street shall apply only to the affected parking spaces until the minimum number of accessible on-street Perimeter== parking spaces specified is provided. On-street P parking g I tP P Public Parking Lot '� '%jam 'ii Accessible Spaces Needed to Meet Ratio M 0 1 P no . \ P . MED Op p i, i \ P , . il p to, iZ o - \ j 4� I Q- t, /7 P N ® \ A ., 0 500 1,000 2,000 I I I I I I I I I N. o US Feet \ \,, 40 Protruding Obiect Understanding protruding objects Protruding objects are features such as tree limbs. traffic signs, and building elements that protrude into PROWAG defines vertical obstructions as any object Two federally developed manuals regulate the height of the pedestrian space and pose hazards due to their that protrudes into a Pedestrian Circulation Route(PCR) these obstructions. height. For example. a traffic sign or building awning at a height between 27 inches and 80 inches. The PCR ► PROWAG is the source of the 80-inch minimum that is too low can cause an injury to a person with a is defined as the fully prepared area within a sidewalk edge for a vertical feature that protrudes more than vision disability who cannot detect its presence. environment that is usable by a pedestrian.This differs 4 inches from its post, building,or ground-level from the PAR,which is a defined space used as the base.This is a change from the ADA Standards Protruding objects are most common in central minimum standard for accessible routes. g business districts(CBDs),where the Pedestrian and previous versions. Circulation Route(PCR)is wider due to hardscape ► Features below 27 inches are considered ► MUTCD stipulates that traffic signs located above or paved surfaces placed where a landscaped buffer detectable by a person with a vision disability who a sidewalk(also the PCR)must be mounted at a would typically occur in a non-CBD setting. Because uses a white cane as an assistive device to help height of at least 84 inches. buildings are usually located at the edge of the detect hazards. Features above 80 inches are sidewalk,traffic signs and other sidewalk features are considered high enough as not to create a safety usually placed within the paved area. hazard. ► Elgin has 86 vertical obstructions in its downtown area,most of which are folding stop signs where the bottom edge is lower 1 Objectsabove Replacing horizontal folding signs(left)with 4"max(4';'max for handrails) than 80 inches and protrudes more than 4 �— kance�� vertical ones(right)would eliminate many of inches from the post above a PCR. f protrude any the issues with protruding objects in downtown _ °"0 7 Elgin,when the signs are folded. ► Many folding stop signs are located on the same post as the pedestrian pushbutton, arar _ making it harder for people with vision �• disabilities to find the button without comingdth srnormum 11 *�' tlf ' 01 •in contact with the sign. /O1"°0 £-.:a -All that the federal Manual on Uniform Traffic • ' Objects w4h • Control Devices(MUTCD)is more stringent, requiring *WIN edoes w,fh,n cane 84 inches of clearance rather than 80 within PROWAG, y�=—— sweep • protrude any can I applying the 84-inch standard is advised when new ama in: . signs are installed or when signs are replaced.The Mill' � sY. • , . . :' , ;PP ' A�NOiCaneDetection M ' 80-inch clearance can be used for other features. like .4. '` tree limbs.awnings. and exterior building features like . 4 sconces. � -- IhIPIUMMIMP-- -- 41 mummo 1L \ - f____________ 7Pjtru ding objects yr` -- .r�• �� , —, - .1 0,,,,,wmi, ,,i1 .. .I. �� ,_ --c_______ -. - ' 1 p I= 0 1 !, Protruding Objects ---------- ' 111111111rMall r_,-„Iiih .9., Trigene ,��� 1■■1 lm ~� I1 limb iratir ��` Structure Ina IILIfL ! i -' Ilb 116 IIoill :IIII 11nn■.'11113161 414 .11116111k ®4 o 111".1.1 1s1 C..ma ,�'�►' i, i��� s 42 Policies and programs Not requiring new or upgraded sidewalks can save property owners or developers the cost of this infrastructure,which can impact a project's financial viability. However, The city's policies were reviewed to determine their degree of alignment with ADA bypassing the opportunity can also prevent sidewalk gap closures,forcing more of the requirements and whether they have the effect of creating or failing to improve barriers need onto the City's coffers. to accessibility.There are recommendations on the next page for the city to consider when it updates the Municipal Code. Other relevant code sections on sidewalk design include: As noted in Chapter 2.ADA-related policies for ADA Notice,Grievance Procedure, and ► Section 13.04.040:Sidewalk construction standards:"Sidewalks in residential ADA Coordinator are recommended for adoption,as existing policies were not available areas shall be...four(4)or five(5)feet in width as specified by the engineering for review. division.The four(4)foot sidewalk shall be constructed one(1)foot outside the property line." Beyond those policies,this section addresses the Elgin Municipal Code as it pertains to development requirements and the duties of private property owners regarding ► Section 13.04.040:Sidewalk construction standards:"Sidewalk ramps shall maintenance and snow removal. be constructed in conformance with the American Public Works Association Guidelines at all crosswalks, driveway approaches,and any other location as Municipal code directed by the engineering division.All sidewalk ramp locations shall be shown The review identified sections of Elgin's Municipal Code relevant to accessibility in on the plans with a typical detail for construction." public rights-of-way. Some sections of the code with accessibility themes were derived ► Section 13.04.080: Repairs and maintenance: For sidewalk repairs,the code from the International Property Maintenance Code and International Building Code. requires"sidewalks...shall be kept in good repair and shall be maintained in a safe.attractive and unobstructed manner..." The chapters and appendices that were the focus of this review are:Title 13, Streets and Sidewalks:Title 18, Subdivisions:and Title 19,Zoning. The 4-foot width requirement can be problematic for complying with ADA guidance under PROWAG,as four-foot-wide sidewalks require a 5-foot-wide space at least every Sidewalk, Pathways,and Curb Ramp Construction.The construction of new 200 feet.This allows two wheelchair users to pass each other. It is common practice for sidewalks, pathways,and curb ramps is largely required through Title 18: Subdivision, cities to adopt a minimum sidewalk width requirement of five feet to ensure compliance, with other guidance in Title 13: Streets and Sidewalks.The relevant sections are: so that designers and those reviewing development do not have to account for the five- 10. Subdivision 18.28.050—Streets: Concrete sidewalks shall be required on both foot width every 200 feet. sides of streets and shall be installed in accordance with city standard sidewalk specifications and laws governing accessibility for persons with disabilities. Additionally,a four-foot-wide sidewalk is insufficient to allow two people to walk side by Access shall be available to all lots. side.which is a common occurrence.Further,forcing wheelchair users to back track or wait at a 5-foot-wide segment is an inconvenience and something few people are willing ► Subdivision 18.24.030—Pathways: Pedestrian pathways shall have a right-of- to do. way width of at least ten(10)feet and a paved surface of at least six(6)feet with appropriate landscaping and screening alongside boundary lines as determined Sidewalk repairs are not well-defined in terms of if the city or property owner is by the community development department. responsible for paying for repairs. Sidewalks are required in new subdivisions, but are not required by code in infill The"pedestrian pathways"can be changed to"shared-use pathways."This would developments or through a change of use on an existing property. In areas such as reflect the changing paradigm for placing wider pathways alongside busier roadways industrial zones,the code is ambiguous, leaving staff to interpret intent and negotiate to allow for pedestrian and bicyclist use.A pathway that is 6 feet wide is too narrow to with developers. accommodate bi-directional pedestrian and bicyclist use.The Policy & program recommendations minimum width of a shared-use pathway,as per prevailing federal guidance. is 10 feet,with 12 feet being preferred.An 8-foot-wide pathway may be used in a constrained situation. I. Sidewalk and pathway widths: Change the 4-foot-wide sidewalk requirement to a 5-foot minimum throughout the city.Consider adopting requirements for wider sidewalks in areas such as school zones, The city may consider stronger code language that specifies civic areas,and streets with heavier commercial use. Update pedestrian pathways to be shared-use the requirement for developers to reconstruct any non- pathways and specify a minimum width of 10 feet,with a preference for 12 feet. Specify that 8 foot compliant sidewalks,driveways,and curb ramps on the public pathways may be considered under constrained situations. right-of-way frontage of the site. I. Redevelopment policies: Once the Active Mobility Plan is complete,consider prioritizing high-priority Snow removal. Elgin's snow removal policies are limited. pedestrian routes and requiring sidewalk improvements to be made when agreeable triggers are The code prohibits property owners from depositing snow met.Triggers may include,for example, an increase in building size of more than 25%and a reuse or onto sidewalks but does not specify that property owners or rezoning of the property,for example.Additionally,the code could be strengthened by specifying that the city is required to remove snow to maintain a clear travel sidewalks are required around the perimeters of blocks and for internal circulation to facilitate access way for pedestrians.There is an agreement in place between from adjacent streets to the proposed development. the city of Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association ► Curb ramp design preference: Identify PROWAG rather than the American Public Works Association (DNA)that provides funding for the city to remove snow from as the standard for curb ramps.Consider guidance to identify directional curb ramps as the preferred sidewalks in the downtown area. treatment.This means one curb ramp for each direction someone is allowed to cross from a street corner.as opposed to diagonal ramps that include one ramp per comer, pointing toward the middle of State minimums and Municipal Code.There are references the intersection. to various overarching Illinois codes throughout the municipal Directional ramps are ideal for alignment,which helps the vision impaired and wheelchair users, code. Following state laws are required, but they establish only ensures shorter crossing distances, and minimizes potential conflicts with drivers.The code should minimum requirements.They do prohibit a municipality from reflect this treatment as the preferred option and allow developers and designers to employ diagonal enacting policies that require features beyond the established ramps only if recognized hardships are present. minimums to reflect local values,goals.and community context. I. Sidewalk repairs: Specify triggers for when sidewalk repairs are required, identify shared funding mechanisms to aid with repairs, and establish timetables for how soon repairs are made after any Both the ADA Standards and PROWAG allow for public entities complaints or inspections determine required repairs. to develop policies and design standards that either exceed I. Snow management: Overlay the existing emergency service routes and the high-priority active minimum requirements or treatments not specifically identified transportation routes identified in the Active Mobility Plan with a snow removal policy.The policy in the standards and guidelines.Treatments not specifically could require sidewalks, pathways,and curb ramps to be cleared of the natural snow that falls by the identified must be for the purpose of making a facility more adjacent property owner(s).The city should be responsible for snow that is plowed from the streets accessible to people with disabilities. onto sidewalks and pathways,as this is challenging for property owners to remove without heavy equipment. 44 -it • t. r ,a; . rt:,�:s 1tor,r CIS � ,' 6. Transition plan ' i , , _ I, ,. .o ;Ve g i z j 4 tr kc�l ?;� �' �+r f! 1 The transition plan element of Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks is the g "Al' ACM' .g"t� playbook for the city to address the accessibility barriers identified in the self-evaluation. , .. 41,,,c,.,. .,,,, �4r,;•1 While the transition plan focuses on projects that upgrade streets and sidewalks.the city 4 should also pursue policy and program changes to support overall accessibility. What is a "program"? ft: -h,`; �`4v Under Title II of the ADA,a"program"refers to any service,activity,or opportunity offered .;, a f+r, by a state or local government. Physical infrastructure, like sidewalks,curb ramps, r-�`:•-:\ -; e' „\'' pedestrian push buttons.and pathways, is considered a program.This is in addition I. 1 l r� �+ y, �`k • ' to services or activities that impact these facilities, such as snow management and "'�� �,, '"`' 4 i is / '�'" --,' construction detours. Policies that impact these facilities are also a type of program. 1 .-.•._= •.t� , Therefore, implementing the transition plan will require actions in the realm of: — IME.,-�_ . , ► Physical accessibility, notably the design and maintenance of streets and ; ` - _ sidewalks. �,�� -_ ► Programmatic accessibility,such as the services and activities that impact =I - • streets and sidewalks. ► Digital accessibility, including access to information about the transition plan.ADA __ _ policies like a grievance process,and information on physical and programmatic ___ accessibility through public meetings, reports,etc. ii Ai t ' A $ iti■!' ' Using the transition plan "_: F The transition plan is a snapshot in time of what is recommended for Elgin to remove :Tay,: yj' .111 barriers to access.As things change over the next 10 to 20 years,the city should update WAWA, �,,,• {.. ) *; '„ the plan to accommodate changes in the street system, property redevelopment, and '.:f&<' _ — accessibility within Elgin's overall capital improvement needs. . - L.' An annual implementation funding goal incorporated into capital programs and budgets ; . -`- showcases Elgin's commitment to making its streets more accessible.The city is ':�t,,I.:••�► ' '. _ '' recommended to pursue a complete update to this plan in approximately 10 years to — = , , li account for changes. Periodic updates may be provided through a transition plan progress report. as recommended in Chapter 7. - �` r.... •'-�=.,�+1 '' _ - -.c;,._ ' �'. y', ,, III= .. While projects like fixing a sidewalk, improving a pedestrian crossing, or reconstructing a Planning for change curb ramp are evident and garner the most attention, updating addressing other programs and policies can be just as important. Several factors could prompt changes to how priorities are implemented.The city Elgin's accessibility-related programs and policies help ensure funding is available for should document the reasons for changes and incorporate them into the transition projects,that streets are managed in an accessible manner after projects are completed, plan progress report. and that private development contributes to upgrading the street network. ► Individual requests: Responding to requests from residents with disabilities Programs and policies that enhance work zone pedestrian accessibility can significantly is a valid reason to modify the order in which projects are implemented.This improve the freedom and mobility of people with disabilities when sidewalk routes are allows a person with a disability,their caretaker, and/or their family greater disrupted. freedom of mobility.Accommodating such requests is aligned with the spirit of the ADA. Adapting to chance ► Property redevelopment: Redevelopment along a priority route may Many circumstances will prompt changes to the transition plan.The plan and its associated alter how the city invests in a project along that street.The change may schedule are intended to evolve in response to these changes.What is most important in be substantial enough to address the primary accessibility needs, or the adapting to these changes is documenting the reasons why they occurred.This helps shield redevelopment schedule may necessitate a change in the project schedule the city from liability if implementation does not happen according to the schedule. on a priority route. The information on the right highlights situations where the city may need to deviate from the Ili- Other accessibility needs:There are needs unrelated to streets and schedule and its priority projects. sidewalks.The city may find that upgrades are needed to City Hall or the Police Station. Its leaders may determine these upgrades are a higher priority. Ultimately,the goal is to upgrade the system regularly to make it more accessible.This I. Other capital needs:The city may need to divert funds to address other demonstrates to the public how this is being achieved,even as the order in which upgrades needs.Addressing emergency repairs to a water or sewer line could delay occur changes. accessibility projects. 0- Lower priority streets:The city may decide it needs to address non- Programs and policies to remove accessibility needs on a street that is in a lower tier in the transition plan barriers to accessibility (or not identified as a priority project at all).The result is an upgrade to Programs and policies are the foundation of achieving accessibility in public rights-of- accessibility features,which improves the overall system. way. Both help ensure the necessary resources and practices are in place to upgrade the sidewalk system and incorporate program-related practices to mitigate issues such as temporary barriers to accessibility. This section addresses program and policy recommendations.The city should strive to align its policies and programs with these recommendations in the near term to establish a solid foundation for future projects and initiatives. 46 Addressing existing barriers Key Implementation Steps to accessibility inNEF The projects identified in the transition plan involve Establish a 5500,000 annual implementation goal for priority routes retrofitting existing sidewalk networks rather than Showcasing a commitment to implementation is best This allows adjustments for other capital projects or for constructing new facilities where none previously existed. achieved through annual funding goals for priority routes. addressing a priority accessibility project whose cost This is because sidewalks already exist on almost all city- The existing street resurfacing budget and cost estimates exceeds the$500,000 goal. managed streets. for priority routes suggest that a$500,000 yearly goal would allow the city to address these priorities in a The city may pursue funding from different sources and Currently,accessibility upgrades occur when curb ramps reasonable timeframe. apply those funds to its annual goal, allowing its local are reconstructed concurrently with street resurfacing and funds to be used to address other accessibility needs or through sidewalk repairs.These may not always happen This goal can be achieved over multi-year periods so that public work priorities.This goal may be revisited when the on priority routes,as other streets need resurfacing,and a yearly goal of$500,000 would equal$2.5 million over transition plan is updated or once all priority routes are there will always be spot repairs to existing sidewalks. five years.Viewing this as a multi-year effort recognizes addressed. each annual budget may deviate due to other needs. Buildina new infrastructure The ADA requires that all new infrastructure be accessible Develop a progress report to track accessibility investments when constructed. New infrastructure is considered Tracking annual expenditures for accessibility upgrades The report should document upgrades that occur through the addition of sidewalks and curb ramps where they meets ADA requirements to monitor progress in removing the implementation fund,the sidewalk repair program, did not previously exist,as well as the reconstruction barriers. It showcases the city's commitment to the street resurfacing projects that result in upgrades on of existing infrastructure.This occurs either through the public and can help protect Elgin from liability.The city is non-priority routes,and upgrades prompted by the City's city's capital projects or requirements established through required to provide a progress report on its transition plan policies. the City's codes regulating roe development.The at least every five years. tY 9 9 property rtY P These expenditures remove barriers to accessibility,even self-evaluation chapter addresses these recommended Tracking annual expenditures and giving progress reports if they are not along priority routes. Hence,the estimated policy changes. notably updating the code to improve more frequently can reduce the burden of compiling cost or value of the entire suite of accessibility upgrades expectations for property development/redevelopment. large amounts of information once every five years.Any should be reflected in the progress report. expenditure that improves accessibility,even if it is not on Snow management to a priority route or part of the annual implementation goal, improve accessibility should be quantified for the city's progress report. Major snow events create challenges for maintaining Exceed minimum ADA requirements on resurfacing projects an accessible sidewalk system.The variability of snowstorms,as well as the limited resources agencies When the City resurfaces a street, it is encouraged crossings,and reconstructing driveways.The city may have for maintaining streets during winter weather, all to incorporate accessibility improvements beyond the develop its own goals for addressing accessibility beyond impact the sidewalk system. Historically, Elgin averages minimum requirement to ensure curb ramps meet the minimum requirements, as such efforts should not around 33 inches of snow per year,which often takes accessibility requirements.Additional upgrades that can pose a disproportionate financial burden. several days or weeks to melt after a storm. be considered are sidewalk repairs. adding ramps at alley Federal law requires that sidewalk access be maintained under all conditions,except Snow management for temporary disruptions caused by events such as snowstorms.The Federal Highway Administration(FHWA) has stated that to comply with the law,agencies must apply "reasonable" snow removal efforts to their pedestrian system. ► FHWA:A public agency must maintain its walkways in an -. . � r Further,there are additional requirements for sidewalks constructed with federal funds. accessible condition,with icy,,,.-, FHWA stated in a 2008 memorandum that"current maintenance provisions require only isolated or temporary w' a'= pedestrian facilities built with Federal funds to be maintained in the same manner as other interruptions in accessibility. . , roadway assets."This means if a street where sidewalks were constructed with federal funds Part of this maintenance -h �-' is treated with salt and then plowed, then the sidewalks must also be treated with salt and obligation includes reasonable -'' plowed. snow removal efforts. - - . (28 CFR§35.133) p' :' ; When sidewalks are buffered from the street,snow can be plowed into the buffer without Keeping pedestrian access routes open for travel during and after snowfall is impacting the sidewalk. Building buffered sidewalks may not be possible on constrained challenging. Cities can help maintain access with these practices: corridors. Some of Elgin's major routes, like McLean Boulevard and Larkin Avenue, lack ► Avoid plowing snow onto sidewalks from the street. sidewalk buffers. ► Remove snow from the street when it blocks ramp and crosswalk access Plow operators should avoid plowing snow onto sidewalks.This can be mitigated by slowing (above).This may occur after major street plowing operations are complete. plow speeds when the sidewalk is immediately behind the curb. ► Ensuring snow is plowed from sidewalks that front city-owned properties. bridges,and over/underpasses. Beyond sidewalks themselves,crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands(median islands), and curb ramps must be made accessible with reasonable snow removal efforts. Snow that remains in the street, is mounded, and blocks access to a curb ramp and crosswalk, is the Accessible work zones public agency's responsibility to manage. Pedestrian access must be maintained and One approach to providing"reasonable"snow removal along pedestrian routes is to deploy :"-\ - be compliant when construction impacts plows or smaller equipment to clear blocked ramps and crosswalks after primary street .' .44.> sidewalks and pathways.As with street plowing operations are complete or when the storm subsides. • closures,detour routes must be designated 5 - ; :.y and signed for pedestrians.This may require Enhancing work zone practices : ;_--, temporary crossings, ramps, and other Work zone accessibility is a challenging undertaking,given the nature of projects and the , l, r channelizing devices to comply with ADA. constant challenges of managing all modes of travel through a construction zone. Still. MUTCD, Section 6,addresses work zone accessibility requirements: ensuring compliance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices(MUTCD) Section ► If the[work]zone affects the movement of pedestrians, adequate pedestrian 6 on Temporary Traffic Controls helps maintain accessibility. access and walkways shall be provided. MUTCD requires the jurisdiction that controls the streets to ensure work zones are 10. The temporary facilities shall be detectable and include accessibility features accessible,which means it is not solely the responsibility or liability of an individual consistent with the features present in the existing pedestrian facility. contractor. P. A barrier that is detectable by a person with a vision disability traveling with the aid of a long cane shall be placed across the full width of the closed pedestrian facility. PROWAG requires the use of audible signal devices in work zones to alert pedestrians ► Identify preferred work zone materials. Elgin may consider identifying its with vision disabilities in advance of sidewalk closures,designated detour routes, preferred materials for features like sidewalk barricades. audible devices,and and other key work zone information.The messages programmed into Accessible temporary ramps.This creates consistent expectations for contractors working in Pedestrian Signals at traffic signals can be modified to include work zone detour the City's rights-of-way.The city may reference these preferred materials within information. its overall engineering forms and manuals,as well as within bid documents. A simple rule of thumb is that if a sidewalk is blocked by construction. a detour route Projects to remove barriers to accessibility with comparable accessibility features must be designated.This means that if the impacted route has curb ramps with truncated domes,then the detour route should A primary output of the Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks is a list of priority match those features. If such features are not already in place,then temporary materials projects for the city to implement to meet Title II requirements.The self-evaluation may be used to provide comparable accessibility. process and public input helped in identifying these projects. Construction zones are constantly evolving, meaning traffic control plans designed at Addressing these projects shows how the city will transition its sidewalk system to be the onset of the project may no longer be applicable a few weeks in,as construction more accessible by addressing these priorities.This recognizes that creating a fully activities shift.This means routine inspections are critical to managing contractors and accessible sidewalk system is practically impossible due to financial reasons. developers who impact the sidewalk system. ► Elgin has an estimated$95 million worth of infrastructure upgrade needs to provide a fully accessible system on city-managed streets. Considerations for improving work zone accessibility include the following: This estimate is generated from the findings of the self-evaluation,with 75%of that I. Work zone training.City staff are encouraged to engage in online or in-person figure for sidewalks and 14%for curb ramps.Even if every accessibility barrier was training focused on work zone accessibility.These are available through addressed in 10-or 20-year timeframe,other needs will emerge due to infrastructure agencies such as IDOT and FHWA,as well as through the American Road and deterioration. Transportation Builders Association(ARTBA). As a result,there are 20 priority projects along streets under the city's control.The next • i. s �� , page includes a map of these projects,organized by three priority groups or tiers. _ } ,�' Priority projects .4,1 l d1 =-6. To remove barriers to accessibility,the city should first address Tier 1 projects c1«t _ - (described later in this chapter).These five projects are located along streets where --- — !' 1- - = a set of factors helped identify them as the highest priorities.This is recommended to -- , occur in the first five to seven years after the plan's adoption. Within that timeframe,the city should also strive to address two additional needs: �1 .. • _ ► Traffic signs: Modifying traffic and other signs in the downtown area that create - � ty 9 / ._ _ protruding objects. _ ► Pedestrian signals: Upgrading pedestrian pushbuttons at city-controlled traffic +`_ �, ,iiiliw �. signals to include Accessible Pedestrian Signals. �,F • ... •:-.•� Once complete, Elgin is recommended to address projects in other tiers and may '' reorder these projects to align with its street resurfacing schedule. . 3 ' -- 4Pdir . 49 Project ranking ► Tier 2 projects. of which there are six, have a combined estimated cost of$1.8 million and may be addressed once Tier 1 projects are complete. The consultant developed a method to evaluate the projects using a ranking process that incorporated various factors.The ranking criteria were based on technical guidance II* Tier 3 and 4 projects include the remaining 9 routes.They have an estimated from the consultant and the results of the public input process.which identified routes combined cost of$1.75 million. and destinations that would receive higher scores based on their proximity to a specific Accessible on-street parking.The city should evaluate on-street parking needs when route. resurfacing occurs on downtown streets.The city is recommended to examine how to Accompanying each project is a total project score that was used to determine its include an access aisle alongside the space when diagonal parking is used. Upgrading priority ranking.The results of that ranking are included in the Appendix. already designated accessible parking spaces may consist of adding a dedicated ramp from the sidewalk to the access aisle. The criteria used for scoring included: Accessible spaces that require parallel parking may be located at the end of a block I. Population with a disability: By percentage.based on the Census tract data to provide access to the nearest corner curb ramp.Where possible, an access aisle where the project is located. should be considered in combination with a dedicated ramp. ► School, park,or public building access: Estimated distance to one or more of these public facilities. -.44k ► Population over age 65: Bypercentage, based on Census tract data. `J�'4" P 9 P 9 !►,�i ,c; r ► Vehicle access: Households reporting access to no vehicles or one vehicle, / •-�' •" ••r — 4. based on Census tract data. / 71 M• � r• 4. ii► Transit access: Estimated distance from the project to existing transit routes. ^ - • - , '! .. is ► Traffic speed:The posted speed limit on the street. .u.�' ,! a. -. ,, _ .. ff 4 - :~ • f ► Traffic volume: Estimated counts of daily traffic, if available.Count data is `i -I11� +. ' ��' a typically available only for major streets. It is assumed volumes on streets a �^~�7 �`m'� � without data is low due to their function within the street system. l - - ► Public input and intangibles: Results of the winter 2025 survey were used, along with input from city staff on factors that cannot be easily measured. • / ,.`ram- ,, Project tiers r y:. - — '' `~r`iir '• `- ..-T • Three sets of projects,organized in Tiers 1 through 3, are identified for the city to � \ implement over the next 10 to 20 years.The project ranking and tiers are incorporated - � _ into the transition plan schedule to guide these investments(see Chapter 7). r- �'�; 0- " ,.� _As • ► Tier 1 projects are the highestpriorities and recommended for implementation .. ` r - -- P 1 9 p s � T=' in the next five to seven years.These five projects have an estimated combined • ti "� . . .. cost of$1.8 million. The additional projects to address traffic signs and upgrade ,y ` ;f -?5? signals to APS are estimated to cost upto$750,000. 4,?'t t 50 is--, a o Ad • Co Priori pro o osio I Congdon Axe Tier 1 Projects ••• Tier 2 Projects Lil Tier 3 Projects % —• Tier 4 Projects F-1 City Limits 1174 r f i Summit St E -j____6 r cPt • . • .).,„...\\_j p '-- E-F • ..ad • D F t1'Hil,hi;nd Ave I M ' > lli •••• ••I•• � • •• •• . Fchiea'Ci St t St J a i Ric 20 1///a Sr N It, lb.." / \ Te ... _ 1 II v) J A Bowes Rd r r-----...„_... L In ij 0 1 2 ;• I I I ( I I ti 1 Miles I - 7 I Tier 1 Priority Projects Street.from/to Length Cost Description (in miles) Estimate Kimball Street,Crystal Avenue 0.7 $500,000 • Reconstruct pedestrian infrastructure on both sides of this route.This includes sidewalks,curb ramps, to Dundee Avenue driveways,and pedestrian signals. • Widen sidewalks to 5 feet,where possible. • Add a 5-foot-wide passing space every 200 feet where sidewalk widening is not feasible. McLean Boulevard, Big 0.7 $122,500 • Improve the intersection at Big Timber Road to include APS and upgrade the railroad crossings. Timber Road to Wing Street • Enhance the crossing at Mildred Avenue due to sidewalk gaps north of Mildred to Big Timber Road (PHB, pedestrian hybrid beacon preferred). • Upgrade driveways to improve cross slopes and widen sidewalks to 5 feet(or add 5-foot-wide passing spaces every 200 feet). Wing Street,McLean • Consider replacing diagonal ramps with directional ramps where feasible. Boulevard to State Street— 1.0 $275,000 • Enhance crossing at Wing Park Boulevard to a flashing beacon or PHB and examine the need for Route 31 similar upgrades at Crystal Avenue. • Add a paved walkway from the sidewalk to the curb at bus stops with buffered sidewalks. • Upgrade the railroad crossing near State Street. • Upgrade driveways to improve cross slopes and widen sidewalks to 5 feet(or add 5-foot-wide passing spaces every 200 feet). • Consider replacing diagonal ramps with directional ramps where feasible. Upgrade the flashing McLean Boulevard,Wing 1.0 $175,000 beacons at Demmond Street to make the push buttons accessible(consider converting to PHB). Street to Larkin Avenue • Evaluate Lawrence Avenue crossing for crossing upgrades to flashing beacon or PHB. • Add a paved walkway from the sidewalk to the curb at bus stops with buffered sidewalks. • Upgrade signalized intersections to improve curb ramps and add APS. • The city is planning to upgrade the street in 2026 to improve drainage and pavement conditions. McClure Avenue,Wing Street 0.4 $110,000 • If full-scale sidewalk upgrades are not feasible on both sides of the street, prioritize the east side,as it provides the to Goethe Street/Wing Park direct connection to the Wing Park entrance. • Upgrade city traffic signals at 46 locations(42 signals and 4 flashing beacons)to include Accessible Pedestrian Signals. Refer to PROWAG sections R307 and R308, notably at locations where two APS buttons Accessible Pedestrian Signals N/A $500,000 are placed on a signal post due to right-of-way constraints. (APS)upgrade • Consider programming APS audible messages in English and Spanish. • Note: Other projects include APS recommendations in the event the city improves those locations before addressing citywide APS needs. • Replace the horizontal folding stop signs at signalized intersections with vertical ones to eliminate Downtown Signage Upgrade N/A $20,000 protruding objects. • Locations with wayfinding and other signage that protrude will require substantial modification to existing posts to raise the sign's height or to add a new post to accommodate the sign(s)at an appropriate height. Tier 2 Priority Projects Street,from/to Length Cost Description (in miles) Estimate • Sidewalks and curb ramps south of Division Street are substantially compliant, except for need for minor repairs. • Sidewalk infrastructure around municipal buildings and civil uses north of Dexter Street to Kimball Avenue Downtown Elgin Zone— will require reconstruction on several blocks and at several corners. Multiple Streets 3.1 $550,000 • Consider adding signage directing motorists to accessible parking spaces in surface lots and parking garages,given the limited number of on-street spaces. • Address sidewalk cross-slopes at ingress/egress points, such as the garage exit at 50 South Grove Avenue, to provide accessible PAR. • Upgrade driveways to improve cross-slopes.where feasible.Alternative driveway designs may be considered depending on right-of-way constraints. Larkin Avenue, McLean • Upgrade sections of 4-foot-wide sidewalks to be 5 feet wide or add a passing space every 200 feet. Boulevard to Randall Road, 1.6 $800,000 • Improve the Lyle Avenue intersection to include directional ramps(where feasible)and APS.Add sidewalks via Foothill Road and fill gaps west of Second Street(with the north side as priority). • Add a sidewalk to Foothill Road from Airlite Street to Brookside Drive(or Randall Road if pedestrian improvements are made at that intersection). • Repair sidewalks and upgrade curb ramps and driveways along this segment. Improve the Dundee and Dundee Avenue, Kimball 0.3 $55,000 Kimball intersection unless addressed sooner with the Kimball project. Street to Seneca Street • Consider upgrading the crossing at Ann Street to a flashing beacon or PHB to improve access to the Boys& Girls Club of Elgin. • Repair or replace sidewalks and driveways that have deteriorated. • Improve the accessibility of push buttons at the Van Street flashing beacon,and consider upgrading to PHB. McLean Boulevard, Larkin 1 2 $210,000 • Evaluate upgrading Erie Street crossing to a flashing beacon or PHB. Convert diagonal ramps to directional ramps. Avenue to Spartan Drive • Add a paved walkway from the sidewalk to the curb at bus stops. • Add APS at city-managed signals and request IDOT install APS and upgrade ramps/crossings at the U.S. Highway 20 interchange. • Upgrade sidewalks,curb ramps,and driveways to improve accessibility.Add a 5-foot-wide passing space every 200 feet where 4-foot-wide sidewalks are present(and where feasible). Hiawatha Drive,Jefferson 0.3 $75,000 • Evaluate the potential for adding a pedestrian crossing with a flashing beacon or PHB north of Summit at Avenue to Lords Park the main driveway to the grocery store shopping center. • Extend the walkway south of Grand Avenue to the junction with the ring road in Lords Park. • Upgrade railroad and pathway crossings to improve accessibility. National Street,State Street- 0.5 $125,000 • Add APS and upgrade the ramp configuration at Grove Avenue and Raymond Street. Route 31 to Villa Street • Add a sidewalk"wrap around"at the light post on the south side near Villa Avenue.where the post impedes the pedestrian access route. 53 Tier 3 Priority Projects Street,from/to Length Cost Description (in miles) Estimate • Upgrade sidewalks.driveways, and curb ramps for accessibility.The city may need to reconstruct segments of the street to address curb heights and other street surface conditions. Villa Street,Chicago Street to 1.3 $490,000 • Consider crossing upgrades at Prairie Street. Install APS at Gifford Street. NationaUSt. Charles/Channing St, Willard Avenue and Willard Avenue. • Request IDOT to add APS at Liberty Street(Route 25).Add accessible walkways at bus stops to connect the sidewalk to the curb where buffered sidewalks are present. • Upgrade sidewalks,driveways,and curb ramps for accessibility. Villa Street Willard Avenue to • Add accessible walkways at bus stops to connect the sidewalk to the curb where buffered sidewalks are Varsity Drive/Dickie Avenue 0.5 $90,000 present. • Upgrade diagonal ramps to directional ones where feasible.Consider adding a PHB at the Varsity/Dickie intersection. • Improve sidewalks and upgrade curb ramps and driveways.Address signs that impede the pedestrian access route. • The section between Gifford Street and Hill Avenue is substantially compliant,except for minor sidewalk repair needs. Franklin Boulevard, Dundee Avenue to Lords Park 0.7 $90,000 • Work with IDOT to identify upgrades to Liberty Street crossings to improve safety and access from nearby neighborhoods to Lords Park. • Examine the feasibility of adding 5-foot-wide passing spaces on the north side between Liberty Street and the Lords Park entrance. • Add curb ramps at the intersection where the sidewalk currently terminates at the Lords Park ring road. • Fill the sidewalk gap on the west side and examine the feasibility of a sidepath. McLean Boulevard,Spartan 0.8 $140,000 • Upgrade driveways and curb ramps. Improve accessibility of curb ramps and crossings, including APS, at Drive to Bowes Road College Green Drive and Bowes Road. • Evaluate the need for improved crossing or a future traffic signal at Crispin Drive. South Street,Walnut Avenue • Upgrading driveways is the primary need on this project,with some curb ramps and sidewalk segments to Crystal Avenue 0.8 $100,000 requiring repair or minor upgrades. • Evaluate the feasibility of upgrading ramps at the Crescent Street T-intersection. - .. - - Tier 4 Priority Projects Length Cost Street.from/to Description (in miles) Estimate • Most sections are substantially compliant and require only repairs or upgrades to sidewalk panels, ramps, and driveways. • Consider upgrading the school crossing at Jewett Street and Billings Street to a flashing beacon. Walnut Avenue,South Street • Add an accessible walkway from the sidewalk to the curb at bus stops with buffered sidewalks. 0.9 $115,000 to Villa Street—Route 31 • Determine if detectable warning surfaces(DWS.aka truncated domes)require replacement at other accessible curb ramps.This is due to weathering and fading,to the point that the color contrast is degraded. • Request IDOT add APS to the signal at State Street and improve locations where traffic signal poles create inaccessible pedestrian access routes. Lillian Street/South Street •• Upgrade sidewalks,curb ramps,and driveways to improve accessibility. McLean Boulevard to Walnut 0.7 $85,000 • Long, continuous driveway cuts may require additional consideration to create an accessible route by using rolled curbing or narrowing driveway widths. Avenue • Add walkway from sidewalk to curb at bus stops with buffered sidewalks. • Add sidewalk or pathway on west side to provide access from Foothill Road to neighborhoods and the Brookside Drive, Foothill 0.3 $300,000 Hawthorne Hill Nature Center. Road to Knollwood Drive • Consider alternative facility designs with drainage swales or other treatments to avoid more costly drainage infrastructure. • Upgrade sidewalks,curb ramps,and driveways. • Widen sidewalks to 5 feet or add a passing space every 200 feet. • Consider upgrading asphalt sidewalks to concrete. College Green, Randall Road • This project may require additional research on available right-of-way and Homeowner Association to McLean Boulevard 1.2 $450,000 responsibilities. • A portion of the walkway meanders behind housing units and is not adjacent to the street.The city may consider adding sidewalks in segments where the walkway is not adjacent to the street. Request Kane County to upgrade Randall Road signal to include APS. - 55 ` w f . ` '? 7 y t. / ' 1 as. y 7. Schedule andr 'N -4. 1--`$..' i • spo� 643 implementation - - , This chapter outlines a schedule for addressing the recommendations identified in the . ;ti �' • �.; '''6,s-' %\r,,' transition plan. It includes other sections to help the city address requirements established t ~. .\ under Title II of the ADA. r a - +' •:1 ,,. r The recommended timelines for implementing individual items in the schedule are a starting . ''t0 le- 'f` , - point for the city's efforts to transition its system to be more accessible. Some action items. P �� s such as adopting this plan and revising ADA policies,are relatively easy to accomplish 1 `;°';'� _ i 1 '�"�� and can be done within months of the completion of this effort. Other projects may require l - - . _ l several years to complete. `�_— a = — n .ti The officials responsible for the implementation of this schedule are, at the time of this plan's - - —� adoption: ► ADA Coordinator and Human Resources Director Tim Bennett,or his ® START CRDSSIN6 ` Watch For designee. Vehicles la- Public Services Director Mike Pubentz, or his designee. DON'1f ,r finish Crossra9 \ , -: II Started Using the schedule^ II TIME RENAMING �� To FloCrossIr� The schedule serves as a roadmap for implementing this plan. It indicates to the public that - Elgin is committed to transitioning its system to be more accessible.The schedule mayil DON'T CROSS evolve as annual investment programs and project implementation factors influence when a specific barrier is addressed. PUSH BU�TTON� — -— 10�Rp$5 Changes are prompted by numerous influences within the public services budget, such as , addressing other city priorities and adjusting for budget and project cost constraints.The city �'Z• •.to should document why these changes occur. , y,t Projects identified in the priority tiers can be evaluated each year as the city begins its budget process.The city may determine if a project is moved from one tier to another.or if „t,; .t other capital projects are a higher priority than an accessibility-based project f ate!• '_ Other accessibility projects, such as upgrades to a park or shared-use pathway,may be * �.,' evaluated to determine if they serve a greater need for the people of Elgin than a street ��'iy�..,}{y t4 _ 'f.�1 ,yy. project. - . ; . , `'!`, The schedule is on pages 57 and 58. �.• '� ,. . :, 1 i, 4 Transition plan schedule, part 1 Status (complete Action item Timeline Notes as part of progress report) A. Adopt ADA policies and The city should adopt updated ADA Grievance, Notice, and ADA Coordinator update ADA 2026 Designation policies concurrent with this plan.This will supplement the existing Coordinator information grievance procedure and include an update to the personnel named as the ADA Coordinator (current Human Resources Director). B. Adopt this plan. 2026 The city council is scheduled to adopt this plan in March 2026. C. Update the city's Create an ADA-specific page within the city's website to house the ADA website. 2026 policies, this plan, and other accessibility-related items. Ensure the website complies with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). D. Implement Tier 1 priority 2026- Proceed with scheduling Tier 1 projects. If changes occur, document why in projects. 2032 recommended progress report. E. Develop self-evaluation and transition plan The city must conduct a similar self-evaluation and transition plan for other for city parks, buildings 2027/ programs to fully comply with ADA Title II requirements.This includes city-owned and facilities, and other 2028 buildings, parks, other public facilities, and other programs. programs. F. Adopt PROWAG as city's preferred design 2027 Designate PROWAG as the city's standards for accessibility through updates to standards. city code and department manuals. G. Develop annual Affirm commitment to the annual goal of$500,000 during an upcoming budget implementation funding 2027 process.Track expenditures for accessibility upgrades that occur in city- goal. maintained rights-of-way to apply to this goal. 57 Transition plan schedule, part 2 Status(complete Action item Timeline Notes as part of progress report) Consider mapping and providing reason and justification for sidewalk routes H. Document snow subject to city-led snow removal. Evaluate routes to destinations and priority management procedures. 2027/2028 corridors when revising the map. Document where other organizations are responsible for snow management on city streets (e.g.downtown area). I. Update City Code in Work among city departments on the next code update to consider which consideration of policy Next code policy recommendations are most suitable to include in the next update.Track recommendations. update these changes for use in the progress report. If some recommendations are not pursued, then document the reasons why in the next progress report. Document the progress made in implementing the recommendations of this plan, as well as other city-led projects to address accessibility in its buildings, J. Develop progress report. By 2031 parks, and other facilities.This report is recommended to be produced at least every two years, but may be done at least once every five years to comply with ADA requirements. K. Implement Tier 2 Once Tier 1 projects are budgeted for and/or complete, determine the order in priority projects. 2033 - 2037 which Tier 2 efforts are implemented and which funding sources are applied. This plan is recommended to undergo a comprehensive update approximately L. Update self-evaluation every 10 years.This will account for accessibility upgrades already completed, and transition plan. 2036/2037 any changes in the ADA Standards and PROWAG, and the impacts that 10 years of weathering and other factors have on the accessibility of streets and sidewalks. M. Implement Tier 3 & 4 Pursue implementation of additional priority projects once Tier 2 projects are priority projects After 2037 complete.Tier 3 and 4 routes may be re-evaluated and ranked when the transition plan is updated. Project-based schedule modification! This section recommends a process for determining how project modifications should occur when circumstances require the city to adjust a project's scope.This may include modifying the overall schedule of a priority project or altering the project design to accommodate budgetary constraints or feasibility issues. — One instance in which this could occur is upgrading a priority route for accessibility improvements.The city may determine that making the route fully accessible is cost- prohibitive and removing specific barriers is infeasible. • ,,.- Nik dop.,_ The city is not expected to double or triple the cost of a project to accomplish this and ' t'' ', overcome such constraints. Instead, it is expected to make an informed and rational decision 4.11;1 -' - = '�I on which upgrades are most essential and document the reasoning behind it. j r , i r The bullets below outline the priority order for considering modifications. Following this I E ... u' lit process helps serve the people who need the upgrades most and reduces liability. `� i j: ® .. . .. ► Priority 1: Serve areas where a specific accessibility request or need has been 0 . 1 — — '- .M identified by persons with disabilities. _ • 1 ► Priority 2: Serve places such as public service facilities,transportation hubs, -• _ i ' ;';,,;,, .4r 1 i . 1-� hospitals, medical care,schools, public housing, parks, and areas with a high 7 .•'' ' ?;1 i.... ,'.i; A 4 concentration of people with disabilities. .. ' - 1' . ' �- I r `• _. i i ► Priority 3: Serve facilities such as shopping malls, supermarkets, strip retail centers. \`�Mom_ "1 lii major employment sites,and multi-family housing complexes. Q „— ' M ..� _.Ini.• ;,.. 1'1CnHin„il...,I; r' .1. ► Priority 4: Serve industrial areas, single-family residential areas, and other areas not ' ' ■. ,O classified as a higher priority. ,i,i Developing a progress report & documenting i. changes L __ Title II requires a public entity to document progress on its transition plan.The city is recommended to do this at least every two years to more easily track accessibility upgrades. By law,the city must provide this report at least every five years. ..i A progress report enables the city to document its transition to compliance.The report also _ - - serves as a scheduled update or amendment to the transition plan. It is also crucial for the =_ = city to document when an improvement was made in the event of a grievance being filed. This progress report can be compiled by the ADA Coordinator,with each department providing input on its progress since the previous reporting period. It is recommended that Developing the progress report the city council adopt the report since it serves as an update to the transition plan. The progress report should address project. program,and policy changes. Links to two sample progress reports are included in Chapter 9:Appendix. This progress report serves as an update to the transition plan and showcases the city's commitment to its implementation. It can include Project modifications summaries of: Progress made on Elgin's streets includes new and repaired sidewalks,curb ramps,and ► Annual budget allocation by the city from its implementation fund, other accessibility upgrades constructed by developers and the city in public rights-of-way. resurfacing projects,sidewalk repair programs, and other capital Accessibility upgrades to public buildings, parks,and other city-managed facilities should improvement projects. also be tracked. ► Estimates of annual value of upgrades from other projects that include ADA-related upgrades.This may consist of non-public Program modifications investments, such as sidewalks replaced by a new development Program-related modifications could include: due to subdivision or zoning policies. ► Updating work zone and snow management practices. ► Catalog of upgrades by type and amount(e.g.,40 curb ramps, 2 pedestrian buttons, 30 sidewalk segments,2 playgrounds, 1 ► Modifying websites to comply with accessibility guidelines, building access ramp, etc.). P. Changing contract requirements to require consultants and others to produce ► List of projects by location, by table,and/or map,with a short documents in accessible formats. description. ► Any accessibility-related training in which staff participates ► Summary of individual requests or complaints(if applicable) ► Specific outreach to the disabled community on topics such as project designs, bus submitted to the ADA Coordinator or other departments,and how route changes.and the like. they were addressed. Restating the grievance procedure in the progress report,or providing links to it, is a good P. New curb ramps and sidewalk segments added to streets practice if people are accessing it for the first time.A paragraph describing program-related where they did not exist previously.Summarize by table and/or changes should suffice. by map and denote who was responsible for adding them(e.g.,the city,developers,others). Policy modifications Changes to policies and design standards,as recommended in the transition plan, should be documented in the progress report.These may include recommended policy changes included in this transition plan or other actions, such as closed captioning of live-stream Board meetings. 60 Incorporating citizen requests and public input Including accessibility in other planning efforts Addressing individual requests from citizens with disabilities aligns with the spirit of the Once complete.the Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks will become one of the ADA.This includes requests from caretakers and/or organizations that represent the city's many adopted plans. It should be integrated into other plans as they are updated. needs and interests of people with disabilities. These include, but are not limited to: I. Comprehensive plans Even if a request is made informally rather than through a grievance or complaint, Elgin is recommended to determine how it can address the request within its current or upcoming ► Neighborhood. redevelopment,and small area plans budget. O. Strategic plans For example, it is conceivable that a resident notifies the city of specific sections of ► Transportation plans sidewalk or a set of curb ramps that, if upgraded, allow them the freedom of mobility ► Parks, recreation,and open space plans to take part in daily life activities.The city is recommended to view such a request as a P. Trails and pathways plans higher priority than projects identified in the transition plan. ► Corridor plans or studies If the city can demonstrate that it is not only removing barriers to accessibility through the The city should ensure that agencies such as IDOT, Kane County,and Cook County implementation of the transition plan but is also accommodating individual requests, it incorporate the plan's findings and recommendations into their own plans for streets that indicates a clear and reasonable course of action.This also helps reduce liability. bisect Elgin.CMAP should also incorporate and reference this plan in its own studies that Public input include Elgin. ��ee The public should have regular and meaningful input into project implementation. t . ` • = s: r 'Ir •\ s a X f s ��i 7,':` v ; program and policy changes.and updates to the transition plan.The city may determine t pp� , i41.+ % � 4 0', �t�,ii All , the scale of projects that it feels warrant project-specific input from the surrounding [Summit St �.� r�.?� ,1 1 $�� r �� neighborhoods. E i , L 0, a - . Elgin may desire to incorporate public input on transition plan projects into other public ' , � NNS fw`.' outreach events.This could include setting up a booth at a public fair or market to gather ;. ait public feedback on a variety of city-led initiatives. • j : ,,�s s _` r .a Another wayto raise the profile of accessibility-related investments is to add a section to � `P' � f the city's budget documents. Information can include a listing of anticipated accessibility- :fin-. ,�' i related projects pending in that year's budget,as well as an estimated cost and summary �+ e1 sue ` ` Ir. -- ;,K 1 statement on the progress of transition plan implementation. • .�[ •_� -'. • ' 9 � t r The city may add a summary table to its ADA-specific website to highlight recent and -"' = o 'a-i�` `L - 4 planned investments,with links to the progress report and other related documents. - "` 3= ~-= Design guidance and standards Design exceptions form There is no single accessibility guide or standard that can fully address Elgin's accessibility needs and context. ® �m.wrgE.wNamc«neo�weroms Like how IDOT substantially incorporates PROWAG into its own standards,the city nMwt Dwuy,e^Rb • is recommended to adopt PROWAG as its own standard.This may occur through amendments to the city code and changes to any internal procedures and contracts led by the Public Services Department. The Appendix to this plan includes links to several other design guides published by federal aM.. and state organizations. Collectively,they may be used to address Elgin's accessibility needs and context better. _ er.O lCyes.p,ol WV.,4.0x nonet.a of.nM N1MnMe 4 It.61%., t./owlI done Ww.h..Y*s+M1.0ereW.ww4yrW www.Ib Mwta.,er 0..11ew N.tu.tl My room...,*ma wnkalMlnls. Documenting design exceptions '"�'" rwrww"wr.wr.r.rw.uaer.rwortwn.wr...e+.w Design exceptions occur across all facets of street and facility design.Outside the realm of accessibility, it is common that redesigning streets and sidewalks,or remodeling buildings, does not result in a fully compliant outcome. .:.0 tw,mre.w..w,enwnrw w a wnwo..orwarrr+to d....r.rw,w w m. •.+rM wene aa..n.v.r n,e rve..n0 rea.ew The US Department of Justice(DOJ)notes that projects should be constructed to the "maximum extent feasible."and this language is reflected in PROWAG and the ADA Standards.This is especially relevant for projects or redevelopment projects in older areas of the city. Factors such as right-of-way and underground utilities, as well as existing infrastructure such as traffic signals. utility poles,and traffic signal controls,will influence if a project can be fully compliant. It is recommended that the city adopt and incorporate an Accessibility Exceptions Accounting for design exceptions is a common practice when Certification Form into its policies and procedures.A full version of this form is included in the designing for accessibility. Streets and buildings constructed more than Appendix. and a screenshot is shown on the right. 100 years ago did not account for accessible design needs. Even on new streets buildings there may be site constraints or terrain that limits The form documents how the city designed a project to the maximum extent feasible for making the design fully compliant with ADA or PROWAG. streets, public buildings, parks.and other facilities. Completing this form and including it in the project files helps reduce legal liability should the city be subject to a complaint about a This form may be used when the city encounters such constraints and facility that is not fully compliant. cannot achieve full accessibility.The city may utilize this form during the design and construction phase of a project. Contractors can be Attaching relevant project drawings to the form, including design and as-built drawings, encouraged to document changes during the construction engineering shows that a purposeful and informed attempt was made to achieve compliance to the process or when as-built drawings are developed when work is maximum extent feasible. It also helps facilitate discussions among designers to determine complete. the best way to make facilities accessible in challenging environments. 62 Agencies such as IDOT have their own design exception forms and will require their use Grant Opportunities on projects funded through IDOT's programs. . Funding ► Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (IDOT): On—and off-road Financing for implementing this plan may be obtained from local, state,and federal pedestrian and bicycle facilities are eligible for funding under this program, sources.The city should seek state and federal funding whenever possible to help including increasing safety and accessibility for pedestrians. Pedestrian maximize its ability to fulfill the plan's recommendations. crossings do not qualify as standalone projects but may be incorporated into an overall sidewalk or pathway project.A municipality is required to pay 20%of the project cost using local funds; 80%of the project costs are funded by the grant. Annual investment program The recommendation in the transition plan to establish an annual funding goal of ► Safe Routes to School (IDOT): Sidewalks and pathways serving public grade $500,000 serves as the starting point for implementing this plan.This fund should schools, middle,junior high schools, high schools,and grade centers that serve be applied to upgrading accessibility features on priority routes.The city may pursue these ages are eligible.The funding limit is$250,000 per project and covers funding via outside sources to help meet this goal. construction costs only. Design and right-of-way acquisition are not eligible expenses, but no local funds are required for construction.The city may apply Any upgrades to priority routes made through resurfacing, sidewalk repair,or property for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects and should coordinate redevelopment could have the estimated cost of those features applied toward this with the school district to pursue these funds. annual goal. ► Surface Transportation Program Shared Fund (CMAP): Projects eligible for the STP Shared Fund make significant and lasting contributions to regional Grants transportation priorities and are derived from a variety of planning activities.The There are various grant programs administered by IDOT and CMAP that the city may fund intends to encourage collaboration between municipalities and advance consider in implementing priority upgrades and improvements.At right is a summary of projects that local councils cannot readily fund on their own. Eliminating some of the major grant programs,which include specific program language provided by pedestrian barriers is an eligible project under this program. the funding agency. P. Surface Transportation Program Local Program(CMAP): Each local Council of Mayors administers an STP Local Program according to locally This is not a comprehensive list. CMAP. IDOT, and other agencies have additional established methodologies.Communities that wish to participate in the STP information available and provide their own technical support to help guide communities Local Program must do so through their designated subregional council, on applying for grants from these sources. in accordance with that council's methods and deadlines. Every local Fee-in-lieu of sidewalk construction methodology incorporates regional planning factors and must be implemented in accordance with the region's active program management policies. Elgin is A sidewalk fee-in-lieu program allows the city to collect a fee when properties are part of the Kane/Kendall Council. redeveloped, rather than requiring property owners to construct sidewalks.This I. Regional Transportation Authority(RTA)Access to Transit Program: could help address sidewalk gaps on major streets when redevelopment occurs on a The RTA's Access to Transit Program provides grant funding for small capital secondary street without an existing sidewalk connection. projects that improve accessibility for transit riders across the region and that fill This program is unlikely to be a substantial source of funding. but may bolster the city's gaps between transit riders and transit facilities.Through its biannual solicitation required match funds for IDOT and CMAP grants, or help fill small sidewalk gaps on of proposals,Access to Transit prioritizes projects that create safer, more higher-priority routes. efficient connections while also improving the transit rider experience. 63 ,4` .le' ' lir Y - Partnership projects IDOT, Counties, and Transit Agencies ? Several projects in the transition plan recommend requests to IDOT and Kane County to • • / I improve accessibility on their routes. notably upgrades to signalized intersections.Given 4 :' • that these routes are principal arterials that serve as bus routes and provide access to s �{, r �' "�^c t +�K. . , ;� •e �, major destinations,the city can be a voice for accessibility when IDOT or County routes are t � • 4. ,� ";� !Ai, undergoing study, design, and construction. : • tits , ..,i. F, , For projects such as upgrading signalized intersections to include Accessible Pedestrian y t h „�, • 'r Signals(APS),the city may consider a much larger funding initiative to upgrade city. IDOT, . . and county signals to include these features. '- :. Recommended upgrades within the priority routes include Pace bus stops.These upgrades -'" consist of adding a paved.accessible walkway between the sidewalk and curb.This is at i - • . T bus stops where there is a buffer between the sidewalk and the street.These connectors. AOsometimes called-carriage walks.'allow bus riders to board and alight the bus at an _ accessible location.The image on the left is an example of where this connector was added. Sidewalks that cross rail crossings with Metra Service and other railroads would benefit from — accessibility upgrades. Less costly upgrades include adding detectable warning surfaces at rail crossings. More substantial upgrades include adding sidewalk width and addressing rail _ crossing gates that create protruding objects.These improvements may be coordinated with ' ` the proposed changed to create a quiet zone at railroad crossings in Elgin. Accessible documents The city has incorporated the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines into its website.While this ensures the site's static content is accessible to people with disabilities.there may still be PDF documents that are inaccessible to individuals who use screen readers and other assistive technologies. Elgin's Plan for Accessible Streets and Sidewalks includes accessibility features in the PDF version of the report. The city is recommended to add language to its contracts requiring the incorporation of accessibility features into public documents developed by consultants and other vendors. This ensures documents produced for the city are accessible and reduces the burden on city staff. For existing records,the city may identify the most viewed documents and add accessibility features to them. Maps and engineering drawings are challenging to make accessible.Therefore,the city • should offer anyone wishing to access those documents and other reports the option of -- - , having city staff assist them in discussing and summarizing their content. 64 8. Best practices guide amiumposimmilil. ... ., . . _ . ' This chapter includes design-related best practices that go beyond baseline ADA and PROWAG design treatments.Considering these best practices in street management and project design helps achieve a safer and more universally accessible pedestrian network. -i' The human design vehicle and accessibility - ,..7. - ,•_, PROWAG guidelines establish minimum dimensions for sidewalks,curb ramps,and other „„ _ r.�' ` -• ' c, street features.A community that builds a pedestrian network that complies with only these �,. , ;mot r ' '* minimums can limit its legal liabilities if it is subject to a formal complaint under the ADA. ." �` .. � '" •�' r'• �` `"`41 . ,'. - - :.'yr.• w -,. < A.•s However, building infrastructure to meet only those minimums does not guarantee universal -�' .,...,_• y ; r accessibility or safety for everyone. r _• >" • -' ` d ��� : r - Achieving this requires a higher level of design consideration beyond what is recommended ,w_+F. • :•* fit. ,. ., -t y • '%. in PROWAG and the ADA Standards. For example, building a 4-foot-wide wide sidewalk with • t .-►13 y ..i >� i t. --':..\ r .,10. a 5-foot-wide space every 200 feet meets the technical guidance for ADA compliance. • ,' -r , '� .' � '.. - r ,,-'- 6 - However,it is not considerate of the space needed for most sidewalk users, especially f people who desire to travel side by side along the sidewalk.A 4-foot wide sidewalk is not 7''' ' - -1';' ^`'' ',. wide enough for two people to walk side-by-side. It is like building a brand new one-lane I *:n "�' - , :-` • ,_ 't'.•' . . - ''f__, bridge,which is now considered an outdated practice. • • :�a. • ,:w:4, i .- , .- - , Constructing sidewalks of at least 5 feet in width will allow a family, under most conditions,to converse with one another rather than having to walk single file. It means if two people using • _ ;; 'r: •: t ...- a wheelchair or other mobility device pass each other in opposite directions,one will not Or?..'"":". -'y# .-` e�� have to wait for the other or backtrack to the nearest spot where the sidewalk is wider. rg :'' -' 'rj' , ' - g � s• ._' %f' J y •iP� Another design practice analogous to this is the design of streets and highways for motor ! I •,r R, t"-"'� 1 Y 4 -: vehicles. Engineers will oftentimes design streets and highways for what is referred to as the Cscsrwoon 1 • --,. "design vehicle.-The design vehicle is seen as a frequent user of the street,for which the iidrrrhnc..f..; i�T.NT-b7S0 _ � .� � _ minimum street dimensions should accommodate.The diagrams on the next page highlight r,.ainrsrsr9r� - _ `^ the concept of a"human design vehicle." �"�"""' - • j , P -_' YA , rJ s When sidewalk users are considered in the same way, designers recognize that there 'i' .'r.- "' ; ;^' i are a variety of design users who have various dimensional needs when traveling along a sidewalk.The diagrams on the next page are from the American Association of State __ p Highway and Transportation Officials(AASHTO)pedestrian design guide. R 65 I AASHTO: Wheelchair turning space and cane traveler operating space 6 in. 6 in. . ...__ . <%" (150 mm)osisomme (150 mm) Guide for the Planning, \I Design,and Operation ` lt of Pedestrian Facilities 1 Ste-_ A,- IA ��• ram! �F{'w.�`, 'rf'1. I I O/" }�. - ,i cane range pots \ 411 ! c E t ' :1T;;:6in. 6in • • 60 in (1525 mm) _ (150 mm)/ \(150 mm) .. `_ Minimum : _ � 'L _ - ,1 ( clearance width ' r Il 1 • 441 for sidewalk users - f a .- - -= ' - ' • � - a '' — Cane traveler:4 ft • Wheelchair user:5 ft Jogger:5 ft 2 people:7 ft . .. '1. -• •}•BS i � v .r; ., A4 :sc—. —;_-_-__ • _ 1 __ / Wheelchair user+friend:8 ft Cane traveler+friend:8 ft 2 wheelchair users:9 ft 3 people:9 ft ire. .-•- le II iL._..,.,r____,____,,aimr_ _ 66 --- Functional sidewalk width The physical width of a sidewalk does not represent its functional(or effective)width. Motor vehicle travel lanes on Example of reduced functional width the street are designed to account for shy distances from things like bridge railings and people in the adjacent or MIK opposing travel lane.This ensures there is an adequate and safe operating distance between these road users. While the width of a passenger SUV can be between 7 and 8 feet,the lanes on which those vehicles are asked to operate are often 11 or 12 feet wide.The same philosophy should be applied to sidewalk widths. The Federal Highway Administration's guide,The Highway Capacity Manual, addresses functional widths for both 1 I i I j motor vehicles and pedestrians.As shown in the diagram below,factors such as the presence or lack of a buffer from the street,vertical elements like fences and buildings, and other features like trees and landscaping reduce t the functional width of a sidewalk. Most notable are: ► Sidewalks that lack a buffer from the street have a reduced function width of 1.5 feet, as measured from the sidewalk side of the curb. ,, ► The presence of a building, fence,or other vertical feature adjacent to the sidewalk can reduce the 4 ft functional width from 1.5 feet to 3 feet. # , The images on the right show an example of a sidewalk with 4 feet of surface width, lacking a buffer from the , street, and having a bridge railing on the backside of the sidewalk.This sidewalk has a functional width of only 1 foot when accounting for these factors. If this pedestrian came across another pedestrian,especially one using a mobility device like a wheelchair,there would be little or no space to maneuver. f Clearances required to maintain effective walkway width "' ! ,' ' -; Ur. i 0.45m v"'",'47-*."'"'.'41) . . ." + 1.S fug `, t 0.6 m (2.0 ft) 0.15 m i0.5 ft, ii i 3 i•3w 1 s 3 + 1 ft T, + 0.3m11.0fp ♦♦ 0.15m(0.5fu 4 0.9m 0.45 m 4 (3.0 ft) )1.5 ft) Object line Building face 'Building face.ands./display r:is ll/fence) W=Total walkway width WE.Effective walkway width . 67 Why does functional width matter? Walking is a social endeavor.A narrow sidewalk means that walking is not Comparing functional width a viable form of transportation or recreation, as people cannot travel side by side comfortably.Just as motor vehicle lanes are designed for the width of two people sitting side by side in a vehicle,even if someone chooses to drive alone, the same can be a goal for sidewalks. r-- When sidewalks are designed in consideration of minimum widths for ADA These two sidewalks have the same pavement compliance and overlook the functional width,then the value of that sidewalk is width,yet their functional width is very different. • In the image on the left,the functional width is diminished.The sidewalk may be used only by people who must use it, or they ; - may choose to walk in the street if they feel traffic speeds and volumes pose ' reduced due to the lack of a buffer from moving little threat.The images on the right show two different contexts with sidewalks J 'oiriwif �,! ., •,. � traffic and the presence of vertical features on of the same width. - _ , II . the backside of the sidewalk. Most shared-use pathways already have a suitable functional width because While two people walk side by side, it is not a they are designed for bi-directional traffic for two different modes—walking '° .' comfortable environment. In the image below, and bicycling.That same philosophy can be applied in different areas of a the sidewalk's pavement width and functional community based on the expected number of sidewalk or pathway users. = width are the same.This is because there is a , Best practices for sidewalk design,especially when incorporated through • I , �> buffer from the street and no vertical features zoning or subdivision policies, recommend varying widths for different land use that reduce the functional width. contexts.A town center area likely justifies a wider sidewalk. as does a street that connects neighborhoods to a shared-use pathway.A street in an industrial T r�,+' ;e,: r'ti park may not require the same width and may be built on only one side of the q• -, .. ; �a- ti'�lg , . _Y street. - a) 3 '' 41' r ' "� ..-.•-,.,- .:'".fit iF w `---1 .r . Designing for constraints t, .� >�' ��" , 9' e-: ,�, c$a•'. Achieving a desirable functional width is not always feasible when trying to , . �."' *,3 ,$ create better sidewalks along streets that were designed decades ago.The 6 e,- �` . i .- 1, limitations created by available right-of-way, utilities,trees.and other fixed - . ,,, VIar -+, objects will limit what can be built.Therefore,alternative design approaches can Y • - _ be considered. r A sidewalk does not have to be designed as a straight line.As the image on the - ,.... �" +-.• right shows, a sidewalk can be meandered to help preserve a tree. Similarly, , i„ a sidewalk can be extended for a short distance into a parking lane,like a bumpout(or neckdown/curb extension)at a corner,to avoid an obstacle and limit property impacts. It may require removing parking spaces. 68 Additional treatments include creating a pedestrian lane within the street by replacing a parking lane on one ' side.This is possible on some low-speed, low-volume streets.ADA requirements related to cross-slope can be ! : $r�� '`� ( ' challenging to address in this setting,and a community should consider the trade-offs in creating a safer pedestrian •• �' - , route versus not achieving full ADA compliance. ''' �A ,,' • Curb ramps "- ..z " Illinois DOT's Highway Standards and District Specific Standards are utilized by most agencies in the state and .r;, • �'' gx -J �'' include design standards for a variety of curb ramps.These include(with links, current as of December 2025): - $„r ► Perpendicular curb ramps ' t�,;,Ni,„0..,,, ► Corner parallel curb ramps +`v• I. Mid-block curb ramps • - ► Depressed corner curb ramps - • ► Diagonal curb ramps '• \N • These standard drawings are a great starting point to determine which curb ramp is the best fit for a particular intersection or mid-block crossing.A limiting factor in the use of IDOT's standard drawings is that they are best �' ,},•,. •' — used when streets or intersections are widened and there are few constraints to constructing them.These standard .v�`>. 2 • c' ?' fir.•' •j drawings are not as useful to communities trying to retrofit older streets,determine how to achieve an accessible design when buildings are located close to a corner,or when a corner has a tight radius. P.uk'gfln.or.W.,•,,...•a.n..,Co,..:... To assist communities in building more compliant ramps in constrained and atypical settings,the U.S.Access Board developed a special report titled"Accessible Public Rights-of-Way: Planning and Designing for Alterations." ACCESSIBLE• k.,..., It,AO RIGH7S-Of-WAY PUBLICc RIGHTS The IDOT standards require more space to achieve compliance than the US Access Board's example in a more z,Aa.. -- constrained setting. c, - -- r Public works engineers or design consultants should be encouraged to utilize both the IDOT standard drawings and '.'-" • the US Access Board's guide for alterations to address the unique circumstances. If funding for a project comes from -— C'C°"""4 an IDOT grant.they may require a design exception to be granted before using a curb ramp design that is not part of M•, t.,,...1-•• •,,, dos f a.,J l:w,I.yt> their standard drawings. Design exceptions are addressed later in this chapter. may' .,.�'" 1.06 • Access the report,current as of July 30,2025. 69 Avoid using diagonal ramps The diagram and pictures on the right illustrate what is called a diagonal curb ramp.Diagonal curb ramps are Diagonal curb ramps single curb ramps installed at the apex of a comer to serve two street crossings. They are sometimes the _ . preferred treatment because theycost less than providinga separate rampat a street corner to serve each P ';t • l'- crossing direction. ri^ via*.T This design can be problematic since it forces pedestrians attempting to cross the street to proceed into the intersection before turning left or right to cross. This puts them in danger of being hit by turning cars. < -- ,_,,,,�,�,,,,� _ IM- - wows . Because of this. both the US Access Board and FHWA have recommended that they not be used, except as s' _, a last resort when there are major constraints to building other types of curb ramps when streets are subject to alterations(e.g., resurfacing). FHWA noted in Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access that,"Diagonal curb ramps are not desirable in new 0 construction but might be effective in retrofitting if there is not enough space for two accessible perpendicular curb ramps."PROWAG notes that they are to be used only with alterations and only when other ramps are Diagonal ramps require additional design features to be made infeasible. accessible.This includes a 48-inch clear space at the bottom Therefore, municipalities should ensure diagonal ramps are not allowed as part of a development approval of the ramp where it transitions to the street.This is to allow a process when new streets are built and are not included in major corridors or alteration projects. If diagonal person using a mobility device to turn and travel in their desired ramps are determined to be the only option,designers need to recognize that they have design requirements direction.This turning space cannot be placed where it is in beyond what other ramps are subject to when making them accessible. within a bike lane or motor vehicle lane. ► FHWA Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access Making driveways accessible Driveways can be overlooked when upgrading sidewalk routes for accessibility. If a street resurfacing project If diagonal come ramps are installed. addresses only the curb ramps,a person using a mobility device may be able to access a street corner but a 1.220 m(48-in) clefind a drivewayonlya few feet awayinaccessible.This is whya bestpractice recommendation is to include be .spare should ld be provided to allow • driveway upgrades with resurfacing projects. wheelchair users enough room to • maneuver into , That, however, can be easier said than done when there are right-of-way issues, drainage concerns,and a lack the crosswalk. of a buffer between the curb and sidewalk.When a driveway is not fully accessible,designing the Pedestrian Access Route(PAR)through it,achieving a"maximum extent feasible"design, helps people with disabilities navigate the street more safely. • +zzo m(as in)` r min.clear space When a PAR cannot be made fully compliant,then a municipality is recommended to use a design exceptions i form to document the constraints.This may be done on a per-street rather than per-driveway basis if conditions along the street are similar for each driveway cut.This is applicable in many residential settings where the driveways were built the same for each property. 70 There are numerous ways to retrofit a driveway with a design that addresses accessibility needs, notably by ensuring a PAR of at least 4 Retrofitting driveway feet in width and a cross slope of less than 2.1%. - U The diagram on the right shows a few of these examples. If a fully , :; 1k compliant PAR cannot be achieved,a narrower route at least 3 feet -� 3s.'. _ _" wide with a compliant cross-slope may be considered.This can be - Property used to account for right-of-way constraints or to reduce impacts on R Maintain impacts impacts / Drainaie net,:;mum adjacent private property.The design exceptions form should be used �.cepc.m._�� PAa width when a narrower route is applied. Avoiding out-of-direction travel minimum m nimum PAR width 4 * -- \ \ Closing access to crosswalks creates out-of-direction travel for people ' ^ r with disabilities. In the scenario shown below,the installation of a Wrapping the driveway around the back of the Another option is changing the sidewalk grade at grass/unprepared surface or raised concrete barrier does not close sidewalk can help mitigate slope issues when the the driveway.This includes lowering the grade to that crosswalk to a sidewalk user who is able to cross at that location. sidewalk lacks a buffer from the street.This allows street level and using a valley gutter or rolled curb to a compliant PAR to be achieved, but can require address drainage concerns. In the example above, Directing people with disabilities to a nearby,accessible crossing right-of-way acquisition or an easement.This is a the designer was dealing with grade challenges provides comparable access. Only in a situation where a crosswalk design to apply when properties are redeveloped on the adjacent driveway.The result was the closed sign is installed does it make it illegal for anyone to cross at an and are subject to policies requiring upgrades to reconstruction of a portion of the driveway. unmarked crosswalk. street frontage. If an agency desires to channelize pedestrians to a more suitable , ~ ! f-i: ' t t ` i crossing, it should be done in consideration of the time it takes for out { '1'; I 1 � j V . •t*_ _—�dZI of-direction travel.Within a residential area. directing sidewalk users to , , .�.. PraPertY the next block or to the opposite side of a street is not a concern. "`� \ „.u M•i ,mpects .� minimum mM mum - - PAR width -- If the crosswalk is closed and it requires out-of-direction travel of more PAR �- r than 600 feet.then it becomes a concern regarding safety.AASHTO's ''11'. '14k..14‘11'H'-'''''''''' - Guide for the Planning, Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities • provides clear direction: • ► Pedestrians"do not want to go out of their way any more than When the sidewalk width is at least 5 feet, it The example above combines several design necessary to reach their destination...Unlike motor vehicles, is possible, in some situations,to reconfigure options.The sidewalk grade is lowered, but not to pedestrians cannot be expected to go more than half a block the space to allow for vehicle transitions while the street level.There is a transition area between out of their way to take advantage of a controlled intersection." maintaining a PAR.The example above shows the street and sidewalk for vehicles.Adjacent This is defined as 300 feet in urban areas and up to 600 feet in a 2-foot-wide transition area from the street to property impacts are minimized by reducing the other settings. sidewalk level for vehicles.The back side of the grade change in the sidewalk. sidewalk includes the PAR.This is when a 3-foot wide PAR may be considered. IF 211 - Electric Vehicle charging stations Electric vehicle(EV)charging stations are subject to ADA requirements to ensure they are accessible to people Accessible EV charging in a with disabilities. In general,they are covered under the ADA Standards that apply to the general category of streetside setting Operable Parts and requirements for Pedestrian Access Routes(PAR). Operable Parts include items such as elevator buttons,drinking fountains,and gas pumps. Pedestrian pushbuttons are also a type of operable part. --------.. PAR requirements are like sidewalks and access routes to public buildings. The US Access Board provides information on the requirements for accessible EV charging stations(link provided I on the right).The image on the right is a US Access Board illustration for a curbside EV charging station accessed _ i from a parallel parking space.The images below show an EV charging station at the Pace I-90/Barrington Road park-and-ride. It showcases what is considered a best practice in accessible EV charging station design. Accessible EV chargers must be located on an accessible route and provide: II, A vehicle charging space at least 11 feet wide and 20 feet long. �i ► Adjoining access aisle at least 5 feet wide. ), ► Clear floor or ground space at the same level as the vehicle charging space and positioned for an _ unobstructed side reach. ► Accessible operable parts. including those on the charger and connector. US Access Board. Design Recommendations for Accessible These mobility features provide sufficient space for a person using a mobility device to exit and maneuver around Electric Vehicle Charging Stations the vehicle, retrieve the EV connector, and plug the connector into the electric vehicle charging inlet. Since EVs do Link current as of December 2025. not have a uniform vehicle charging inlet location,a larger vehicle charging space is needed to maneuver around all sides of the electric vehicle. Accessible EV charging stations ACCESSIBLE • ;.y EV CHARGING „ • f lit * *•01.000 1°' ti —1/iftW - USE LAST - , _ _. _. ' -- .. : - - : 72 Work zones (Temporary Traffic Controls) The federal MUTCD, Section 6,addresses work zones under"Temporary Traffic Controls(TTCs)." MUTCD and Work Zone Accessibility Common work zone or construction zone applications include signs, signals. pavement markings, barricades, and channelizing devices. MUTCD states: ► The needs and control of all road users(motorists, bicyclists,and pedestrians within MUTCD Section 6C.02 guidance on the highway,or on a site roadwayopen topublic travel(...includingpeople with pedestrian considerations in work zones P p P disabilities)through a TTC zone shall be an essential part of highway construction, utility work, [and] maintenance operations. • Provisions for continuity of accessible paths for pedestrians should be incorporated into the TTC plan. Section 6C.02 addresses pedestrian considerations, notably,"If the TTC zone affects the movement of pedestrians,adequate pedestrian access and walkways shall be provided."This means • Access to transit stops should be maintained. sidewalks and crosswalks cannot be abruptly closed without continuous access provided through the work zone via temporary facilities or on an alternate route. • A smooth,continuous hard surface should be provided throughout the entire length of the temporary pedestrian facility. Regarding accessibility, Section 6C.03 states: There should be no curbs or abrupt changes in grade or terrain ► When existing pedestrian facilities are disrupted,closed,or relocated in a TTC that could cause tripping or be a barrier to pedestrians with zone,the temporary facilities shall be detectable and include accessibility features disabilities. consistent with the features present in the existing pedestrian facility. • The width of the existing pedestrian facility should be provided Further, Section 6N.04 includes: for the temporary facility if practical.Traffic control devices and other construction materials and features should not intrude into ► Pedestrian detours should be avoided since pedestrians rarely observe them,and the usable width of the sidewalk,temporary pathway,or other the cost of providing accessibility and detectability might outweigh the cost of pedestrian facility. maintaining a continuous route.Whenever possible,work should...not create a need to detour pedestrians from existing routes or crossings. • Blocked routes,alternate crossings,and sign and signal information should be communicated to pedestrians with vision The table on the right includes several statements from MUTCD. It is advisable to understand disabilities by providing devices such as audible information MUTCD Section 6 in its entirety to properly address accessibility requirements for work zones.The devices or barriers and channelizing devices that are detectable 11th edition of MUTCD is the latest version and was adopted in 2023 by FHWA. It can be accessed to the pedestrians traveling with the aid of a long cane or who at the link provided below(current as of December 2025): have vision disabilities. ► MUTCD Part 6-Temporary Traffic Control. • When channelization is used to delineate a pedestrian pathway,a IDOT has adopted a supplement of MUTCD that applies within Illinois. It has sections that deviate continuous detectable edging should be provided throughout the length of the facility such that pedestrians using a long cane can from the federal MUTCD, but nothing in the current version deviates from the federal MUTCD follow it. regarding work zone treatments for pedestrians. • Signs and other devices mounted lower than 7 feet above the It is advised that work zone plans be developed during the design phase of a major project rather temporary pedestrian pathway should not project more than 4 than being left up to the contractor to deploy.This helps establish consistent treatments for work inches into accessible pedestrian facilities. zones and requires designers to think through the steps of pedestrian detour routes,just as they do when developing construction plans for motorist detour routes. 73 Getting it right Work zone compliance is a challenging undertaking,given the nature of projects and the constant challenges of managing all modes of travel through a construction zone.Work zones are constantly evolving, meaning plans for pedestrian routes designed at the project's onset may not be applicable a few weeks into the project as activities shift.The table below and on the following pages include several examples. Local disability advocacy organizations and people with disabilities whose routes are affected can serve as sounding boards to help identify priorities and best management practices.There is also a learning curve for contractors who are not accustomed to providing this level of accessibility in work zones. Municipalities should test different treatments to meet local needs and conditions. Identifying a pilot project to try out different applications is one way to do this.Conducting training for staff and local contractors is also advised. Do this Work Zone Treatments Not this t� j-- Detour Routes ;4 7 it"-y, ' • Iri i 1� .. �, 1, q ® Avoid requiring sidewalk users to cross a street, if possible. Detours must have accessible • __ --• ''f. — - Z '� � i4.- features comparable to pre-construction conditions. Direct pedestrians along logical detour routes 1 that require the least amount of out-of-direction travel. Detour routes may have to be altered as oFTnue construction phases change. w-. . ,::,....,:,.,..f _ ... l., iiitior,. . o. k Comparable Access �� --' SIOETALK — ANLi If people are directed along detour routes,then features like pedestrian crossings must be SED CROLO HERE —4-- comparable in accessibility features as the pre-construction route. If ramps were present,then _ ioramps must be included in the detour route.Temporary ramps can be used. ..` 211kit ‘ 1 - allaillar 1 IV f 'Mrr y ,� Mid-block Crossings , . ' •\ A ,:'. If people are directed to cross at mid-block locations,then they must be provided with an accessible., '.,,T.• ,, - • t., _ r . • at ="L." ramp to cross.Adding temporary crossing devices, like Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons '``• e`t; ` _ - _. (RRFBs). alerts drivers to the presence of pedestrians at locations where they are not always - _ expected. ' r - 74 Do this Work Zone Treatments Not this 'a '; Temporary Access Routes +' Temporary routes should have adequate protection from adjacent vehicular traffic.Cones or • - . • _- tubular markers alone do not provide access routes comparable to a sidewalk. Barricades or other s ,,..• • 9- > devices, such as jersey barriers, may be used to designate temporary routes. More substantial • trl�ct�l!' ,4 r ` barriers should be used when the temporary route is placed along higher-speed or higher-volume "0._ ', -- - - - '- '., t streets. - i'i -- r s _ �` Pushbutton Access Ensure push buttons are not blocked by fencing, barriers,or other materials. If buttons must be blocked or removed.then temporary push buttons should be used,or traffic signals should be "` ' �1 placed in recall mode for the duration of construction.Accessible Pedestrian Signals(APS)should s - remain active in work zones. .IAk 'Nit. ' �4 Sidewalk Barricades1=1 �i_ -_. , °.� - i _! .--Ni - " ' Tape or rope strung between cones or other devices is not a detectable barrier.Work zones where J - _ ' - - pedestrians are prohibited should be fully barricaded with cane detectable devices that cover the :lir " i i a a 1 full tread width of the walkway and excavated work areas. Nr,;;f ti I • IIIII i .j ti.._ i 741 ► Sign Placement .....,_ ; ..w� V. t"'• . Construction signage cannot block sidewalks.Signs should be placed in the buffer or at the �- " lig -• • '' !,;- t-` back of the sidewalk.Consider post-mounted signs instead of x-base signs to prevent accidental _ iV. 1t placement in the sidewalk. Even x-base signs placed at the edge of the sidewalk often create J protruding objects at the sign's points that are undetectable to people with vision disabilities. • r • 75 Do this Work Zone Treatments Not this ..:~-1' : Curb Ramp Transition ► '`� � � � . -.�=-�•.L Resurfacing projects often result in the creation of a vertical lip at curb ramp transitions.While the ' - - xr_ ---- work zone is occupied by workers,they may assist someone with a disability through the work _ _ _illlipl— ........- zone. Inaccessible edges cannot remain overnight, and when workers are not present. Requiring Y---- �temporary asphalt transitions helps maintain accessibility. , ::.=«�_ ;-.r-�"".,x Curb Ramp Closures "" ''�`"'i ����irillltllll `-_ Closing more than one curb ramp at an intersection is not allowed if there is no alternative route , i �.,. `` 1111 f`1 to allow access across the intersection.This may mean reconstructing only one ramp at a time to , - =— '!i 1 i i_ maintain accessibility. One treatment is a curb ramp bypass, created by closing part of the street • (such as a parking lane, bike lane, or motorist lane)to maintain an access route. / _ SI LOSER • . Ti Fencing lliilu lld ir: s '41411i „ Fencing placed along a sidewalk for adjacent property development should be free of trip hazards - on the fence supports. Beveled supports at the base reduce this risk.Trip hazards in these ., . locations are especially problematic for people with vision disabilities who tend to travel along the -i _ back side of the sidewalk and seek consistent edges to help them navigate the route. - / ,., '- - "i Edge Treatments s�• ,� N'• W Lateral barriers provided along sidewalks must be cane detectable.This means having hard ' - • 'tea`•- "` materials,like plastic or concrete,to help people recognize the edge and prevent encroachment -= _ into the work zone. Plastic mesh fencing is not an allowable treatment,as a cane may get caught in - _ . v - the mesh,and it does not work as well to prevent encroachment into the work zone. i ad. 76 9. Appendix Section Page A - ADA policy templates 66 B - ADA Coordinators for other agencies in Elgin 69 C - References 70 D - Glossary of terms 71 E - Survey results summary 74 F - Design exceptions form 83 G - Traffic Signals, accessibility features 84 H - Priority projects and ranking method 87 I - Census maps 89 J - Self-evaluation - methodology for data collection 93 1r1�` e w ■ V Mil . C' t EL- - —. mac a-.- — ` - _ .....- .k .-.. — ,mil Y' --, - r- ; `e 'tea.. 7,. , mi . - "—,:. • ,_, 0- ...,,.....---:: INN �' „t i-ice{� -!j _ <3 Vf:-". i - - 1► {1 , P1 mil A " / .. ./_— _t. i 'a4. ... . 77 Appendix A - ADA nolicv templates Policy templates provided by CMAP.Additional information is available at MAP's ADA Templates REF text indicates a footnote or fields to be completed by the city. Notice under the Americans with Disabilities Act In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act Tim Bennett of 1990(ADA).the City of Elgin will not discriminate against qualified individuals with ADA Coordinator and Human Resources Director disabilities on the basis of disability in its services. programs. or activities. tim.bennett@elginil.gov Employment: The City of Elgin does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its (847)931-6076 hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations overseen by the U.S. 150 Dexter Court Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA. 2nd Floor(South) Elgin. IL 60120-5570 Effective communication:The City of Elgin will generally. upon request, provide appropriate aids and services to facilitate effective communication for individuals with Notes. disabilities so they can participate equally in the City's programs,services. and activities, Recommend identifying service providers for accessible communications(sign including qualified sign language interpreters, documents in Braille, and other ways language. Braille.etc.)in advance of making information and communications accessible to people who have speech. hearing, or vision impairments. §35.130 requires public entities to make reasonable modifications in policies, practices,or procedures when the modifications are necessary to avoid Modifications to policies and procedures :The City of Elgin will make all discrimination on the basis of disability. For example, individuals with service animals reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities are welcome in the City of Elgin's offices,even where pets are generally prohibited. have an equal opportunity to participate in its programs. services. and activities. "'Provide budget for these services Anyone who requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication,or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service.or activity ""Although the ADA does not provide a legal timeframe requirement for the of the City of Elgin should contact[insert name and contact information for ADA public to submit requests for policy or procedure modifications, 5 business days is coordinator]as soon as possible but no later than (5 business days""j prior to the recommended to ensure municipalities have sufficient time to prepare for requests scheduled event to ensure sufficient time for acquisition or modification of equipment and procure requested accommodations. Municipalities should ensure programs, or devices.Complaints that a program,service,or activity of the City is not accessible services, programs are in accessible locations and formats far in advance of a to persons with disabilities should be directed to Tim Bennett,ADA Coordinator, or his scheduled event. designee. The City of Elgin will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/ services. reasonable modifications of policy. barrier removal. or alternatives to barrier removal required to ensure individuals can participate in all services and programs. 78 Grievance Procedure under the ADA ADA grievance appeals: If the response by the City does not satisfactorily resolve the The City of Elgin is committed to upholding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 issue,the complainant or their designee may appeal the decision within 15 calendar (ADA)and specifically the Title II regulations which prohibits discrimination against days after receipt of the response to the[city manager/mayor/other appropriate high- individuals with disabilities in accessing public services, programs, and activities. level official!or their designee. Recognizing the importance of ensuring equal access for all,this grievance procedure is Within 15 calendar days after receipt of the appeal,the[city manager/county established to address complaints related to accessibility and public facilities, services. commissioner/other appropriate high-level official]or their designee will meet with the programs. and activities. complainant to discuss the complaint and possible resolutions.Within 15 calendar days after the meeting.the(city manager/mayor/other,,ppropnate high-level official)will Who may file an ADA grievance:Any person who believes that they have been respond in writing. and,where appropriate,in a format accessible to the complainant. excluded participation in.denied the benefits of. or otherwise subjected to discrimination with a final resolution of the complaint."" because of a disability under any City facility. service, program.or activity, may file a grievance.A grievance may also be filed on behalf of another person. [Insert name of city manager/mayor/other appropnate high-level official] How to file an ADA grievance: Grievances should be submitted in writing and contain (Title];[Email address];[Phone number);[Mailing address] information about the alleged discrimination such as name. address. phone number of complainant and location,date.and description of the issue.Grievances can be ADA complaint record retention: The ADA coordinator will keep a record of all submitted through the following options: complaints filed for non-compliance with the ADA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation • In-person: Grievances may be submitted in-person at the following address: Act of 1973 for a minimum of three years following the date of case closure provided all 150 Dexter Court: 2nd Floor(South): Elgin. IL 60120-5570 audits have been completed and no litigation is pending or anticipated. • Email: Grievances may be submitted by filling out the ADA Accessibility Complaint Form and emailing to tim.bennett@elginil.gov Notes • Phone: Grievances may be submitted by calling(847)931-6076 - Providing a variety of grievance submission options is recommended to ease the • Online form: Grievances may be submitted via online,fellable ADA Accessibility burden of submission on the complainant.You may choose to add or subtract from this list based on available submission options for your organization.You may also provide Complaint Form[descriptive link] additional details for each option. such as listing a specific email address or phone • Mail: Grievances may be submitted by filling out the ADA Accessibility Complaint number. Form and mailed to the following address: §35.170 requires grievance submission no later than(180)days after alleged 150 Dexter Court:2nd Floor(South): Elgin. IL 60120-5570 incident, unless the time for filing is extended by the designated agency for good cause • Alternative means of filing complaints—such as someone filling on behalf of the shown. However. many public entities recommend grievance submission no later than complainant, personal interviews. or a tape recording of the complaint—will be 60 days after the incident to ensure timely grievance processing and correction. made available upon request. While the ADA does not explicitly state the number of days required between each The grievance should be submitted by the complainant and/or by their designee as grievance procedure step, public entities are required to specify the time period in which soon as possible. but no later than 160 days**]after the alleged violation to- corrective actions will be taken to address grievances. Per the recommendation of the Tim Bennett. ADA coordinator tim.bennett@elginil.gov: (847)931-6076: Department of Justice. a 15-day interval is strongly recommended between each step of 150 Dexter Court.2nd Floor(South): Elgin. IL 60120-5570 the grievance procedure. §35.172 requires public entities to fully investigate each complete complaint and ADA grievance processing:Within 15 calendar days after receiving the complaint.the attempt informal resolution. If resolution is not achieved, public entities may issue a City of Elgin ADA coordinator,or their designee,will meet with the complainant to Letter of Findings that shall include—(1) Findings of fact and conclusions of law: (2)A discuss the grievance and possible resolution.Within 15 calendar days- of the description of a remedy for each violation found:and(3) Notice of the rights available meeting,the City's ADA coordinator,or their designee,will respond in writing,and where under paragraph (b)of this section. (b)If the designated agency finds noncompliance, appropriate. in a format accessible to the complainant, such as large print, Braille, the procedures in§§35.173 and 35.174 shall be followed.At any time,the complainant or audio tape.The response will explain the position of the City and offer options for may file a private suit pursuant to section 203 of the Act.whether or not the designated substantive resolution of the complaint. agency finds a violation. 79 ADA Coordinator Designation As required by Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act(ADA).all public entities that employ 50 or persons must designate at least one employee,commonly referred to as an ADA coordinator,to coordinate its efforts to comply with and carry out its responsibilities under this act.The ADA coordinator is responsible for ensuring compliance with ADA Title II regulations. facilitating accessibility initiatives,and addressing concerns or grievances related to the ADA within municipal programs and services. This role involves coordinating efforts to promote equal access and indusivity for individuals with disabilities, as mandated by Title II of the ADA.The ADA coordinator acts as a liaison between the City of Elgin and the public,fostering communication and collaboration to enhance accessibility.The appointment of an ADA coordinator underscores the City of Elgin's commitment to upholding the principles of non- discrimination and accessibility outlined in the ADA. Contact information for the City's ADA coordinator is listed below: Tim Bennett ADA Coordinator and Human Resources Director tim.bennett@elginil.gov (847)931-6076 150 Dexter Court 2nd Floor(South) Elgin. IL 60120-5570 80 Aapendix B - ADA Coordinators for other agencies in Elgin Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Elgin Community College 1700 Spartan Drive IDOT Headquarters Erin Emmett Elgin, IL 60123 Bureau of Civil Rights,ADA Coordinator, EEO/AA Officer 2300 S Dirksen For employees and visitors: Springfield,Illinois 62703 Lesia Gemelli,Senior Director of Employee Benefits Phone:217-782-9103 Phone:847-214-7125 Email :erinemmett2@illinois.gov Email:Igemelli@elein.edu IDOT Region 1 For students: Amruta Mate, P.E. Pietrina Probst,Director of ADA and Student Disabilities Services Project Manager/ADA Coordinator Phone:847-214-7417 201 West Center Court Email:pprobst@elgin.edu Schaumburg,IL 60196-1096 Phone:847-705-4330 Email: DOT.DI.ADA@Illinois.gov School District U-46 Website Specialized Student Services 355 E.Chicago St. Elgin, IL 60120 Cook County Department of Transportation & Highways Phone:847-888-5000,x5065 Andrew Werner, P.E. Email:cheryicomokos@u-46.org ADA Coordinator Website Cook County Department of Transportation and Highways 69 W.Washington Street Central Unit School District 301 Chicago, Illinois 60602 Phone:312 603 1598 275 South St./PO Box 396 Email:ADA.Coordin?tor!c ccokrotintyil.Qov Burlington,IL 60109 Website Phone:847-464-6005 vVebsite Kane County Department of Transportation Gretchen Klock ADA Coordinator and Bicycle/Pedestrian Coordinator Kane County Division of Transportation 41W011 Burlington Road St.Charles,IL 60175 Phone:630-444-2957 Email: Kdotaoa@co.kane.il.us Website 81 Appendix C - References (links current as of December 2025) CMAP Resources Planning: Accessibility& the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility compliance resources ADA Training Resources Design stage ADA statement of maximum extent practicable form Federal Policies, Standards, and Resources Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ADA Update:primer for state and local governments Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines(PROWAG) ADA Guide for Small Towns 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (the ADA Standards1 Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices, 11th Edition Questions and answers about ADA/Section 504 FHWA: Memo on snow removal on sidewalks built using federal funds ADA Requirements to Provide Curb Ramps when StreetsRoads,or Highways are Altered ADA National Network: Federal agencies and resources through Resurfac Illinois Policies, Standards, and Guidelines Illinois Accessibility Code IDOT: Local Roads and Streets Manual IDOT:Accessibility in the public right-of-way DOT:Local Roads and Street Manual— Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Transition Plan IDOT:Statement of maximum extent practicable IDOT: PROWAG training slides-2024 Other Design Guides IDOT:Accessible Public Right-of-Way Field Guide FHWA: Pedestrian Accommodations in Work Zones-A Field Guide FHWA:ADA resources FHWA.Small Town and Rural Multimodal Networks FHWA: Designing Sidewalks and Trails for Access,Part1 and Part 7 US Access Board: Planning and Design for Alteration:, FHWA:bicycle and pedestrian program AASHTO Guide for the Planning, Design,and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities, 2nd Edition(for purchase) ADA Transition Plan Progress Report Examples Evanston, Illinois ADA transition plan annual update Lewiston, Idaho ADA transition plan annual report - -- - - 82 Aca ,endix D: Glossary of terms Companion Ramp or Receiving Ramp: A curb ramp or means of access that The definitions used in this Glossary are for use with this Transition Plan and related to serves one end of a crosswalk.to be matched by another ramp at the other end of the street and sidewalk facilities.These definitions may not coincide with definitions found in crosswalk, unless there is no curb or sidewalk at the other end. other documents. Crosswalk*:That part of a roadway located at an intersection included within the Definitions marked with an asterisk(*)are terms found in the formal definitions connections of the lateral lines of the pedestrian circulation paths on opposite sides of established in the 2023 Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public the highway measured from the curbs.Crosswalks at intersections may be marked or Right-of-Way(PROWAG). unmarked. In the absence of curbs,from the edges of the traversable roadway,and Accessibility: Refers to a site,facility.work environment. service,or program that is easy in the absence of a pedestrian circulation path on one side of the roadway,the part of to approach. enter.operate. participate in. and/or use safely and with dignity by a person a roadway included within the extension of the lateral lines of the pedestrian circulation with a disability. path at right angles to the center line:or at any portion of a roadway at an intersection or Accessible*:A pedestrian facility or element in the public right-of-way that complies with elsewhere distinctly indicated as a pedestrian crossing by pavement marking lines on the these guidelines. surface. Accessible Crossing(also referred to as accessible street crossing):The portion Cross Slope*:The slope that is perpendicular to the direction of pedestrian travel. of the pedestrian walkway that provides a connection between the roadway and the Curb*:A raised feature along the side of a street that delineates the edge of pedestrian walkway.This allows people operating wheeled devices to have access the roadway or pedestrian circulation path. between the road and sidewalk. Curb Line*:A line at the face of the curb that marks the transition between the curb and Accessible Pedestrian Signal*:A device that communicates information the gutter or street. about pedestrian signal timing in non-visual formats such as audible tones or speech Curb Ramp*:A sloped connection that is cut through or built up to a curb. Curb messages,and vibrating surfaces. ramps may be perpendicular or parallel to the curb or to the street they serve or be a Alteration or altered*:A change to or an addition of a pedestrian facility in an combination thereof. existing.developed public right-of-way that affects or could affect pedestrian access. Detectable Warning Surface*:A standardized surface feature built in or applied circulation. or usability. to pedestrian circulation paths and other pedestrian facilities to warn of hazards. Blended Transition*:A wraparound connection at a corner, or a flush connection where Sometimes called Truncated Domes.which are used on transit platforms and at the edge there is no curb to cut through. other than a curb ramp. of curb ramps.detectable warning surfaces can be used in other settings and with other Block Perimeter*:The near side of the streets surrounding a block. For example. on a designs to help delineate pedestrian space from other traveled ways. square block bounded by Main Street to the south. Pine Street to the north, 1st Street to Developed*: Containing buildings, pedestrian facilities, roadways, utilities,or elements. the east, and 2nd Street to the west.the block perimeter includes the north side of Main Element*:An architectural or mechanical component of a building, pedestrian facility. Street,the south side of Pine Street.the west side of 1st Street, and the east side of 2nd space, site,or public right-of-way. Street. Facility:All or any portion of buildings,structures, improvements,elements,and Boarding Platform*:A platform raised above standard curb height used for transit pedestrian or vehicular routes located in the public right-of-way. vehicle boarding and alighting. Grade*: See Running slope. Building*:Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy. Grade Break*:The line where two surface planes with different running slopes meet. • 83 - Highway*:A general term denoting a public way for purposes of vehicular travel. Pedestrian Refuge Island*:A defined area 72 inches(1828 mm)long minimum in the including the entire area within the public right-of-way. direction of pedestrian travel located between traffic lanes for pedestrian refuge within Maintenance:Activities intended to preserve existing features or facilities and maintain a median. splitter island,or channelizing island. usability while not altering structural elements. Pedestrian Signal Head*:A device containing the walking person symbol (symbolizing Marked Crosswalk or Crossing:A painted or striped, identified route intended for walk")and the upraised hand symbol(symbolizing"don't walk"),that is installed to pedestrian use in crossing a vehicular way/street. direct pedestrian traffic at a crosswalk. Median*:The area between two roadways of a divided highway measured from edge Perpendicular Curb Ramp*:A curb ramp with a running slope that is perpendicular to of traveled way to edge of traveled way.The median excludes turn lanes.The median the curb or the street it serves. width might be different between intersections. interchanges, and at opposite approaches Public Facility:A facility or portion of a facility constructed by, on behalf of,or for the use of the same intersection. of a public entity subject to Title II of the ADA and 28 C.F.R. part 35 or to Title II of the ADA Operable Part*:A component of an element used to insert or withdraw objects. or to and 49 C.F.R. 37.41 or 37.43. activate. deactivate,or adjust the element.or to interact with the element. Public Right-of-Way*: Public land acquired for or dedicated to transportation purposes. Parallel Curb Ramp*:A curb ramp with a running slope that is parallel to or other land where there is a legally established right for use by the public for the curb or street it serves. transportation purposes. Passenger Loading Zone*:An area that is specifically designed or designated for Push Button*:A button to activate a device or signal timing for pedestrians. bicyclists. or loading and unloading passengers, but that does not primarily serve vehicles on a fixed others crossing a roadway. or scheduled route. Push Button Locator Tone*:A repeating sound that informs Pedestrian*:A person on foot,traveling by wheelchair or other mobility device,on approaching pedestrians that a push button exists to actuate pedestrian timing or receive skates. or on a skateboard. additional information and that enables pedestrians who are blind or have low vision to locate the push button. Pedestrian Access Route*:An accessible.continuous, and unobstructed path of travel for use by pedestrians with disabilities within a pedestrian circulation path. Qualified Historic Building or Facility*:A building or facility that is listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or designated as historic under an Pedestrian Activated Warning Devices*: Devices that are installed in conjunction with a appropriate state or local law. warning sign and are activated to alert vehicle operators to the presence of a pedestrian. such as rectangular rapid flashing beacons. Ramp*:A sloped walking surface with a running slope steeper than 1:20(5.0%)that accomplishes a change in level and is not part of a pedestrian circulation path that follows Pedestrian Change Interval*:An interval during which the flashing upraised hand the roadway grade.A curb ramp is not a ramp. (symbolizing"don't walk")signal indication is displayed. Reasonable Accommodation: Modifications or adjustments to a program.work Pedestrian Circulation Path*:A prepared exterior or interior surface provided environment. or job description improving access for a person with a disability. for pedestrian use in the public right-of-way. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon(RRFB):A traffic control device designed to Pedestrian Facility*:A structure,route,or space for pedestrian circulation or use located increase driver awareness of pedestrians crossing roadways at marked midblock in the public right-of-way. crossings or uncontrolled intersections through the use of yellow flashing lights activated Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon*:A special type of hybrid beacon used to warn and by a pushbuttons and located below the pedestrian crossing sign. control traffic at an unsignalized location to assist pedestrians in crossing a street at a Roadway*:That portion of a highway improved,designed. or ordinarily used for vehicular marked crosswalk. travel and parking lanes,but exclusive of the sidewalk, berm,or shoulder. 84 Roundabout':A circular intersection with yield control at entry.which permits a vehicle from the weather. on a circular roadway to proceed,and with deflection of the approaching vehicle Transit Stop':An area that is designated for passengers to board or alight from buses, counterclockwise around a central island. rail cars, and other transportation vehicles that operate on a fixed route or scheduled Running Slope*: The slope that is parallel to the direction of pedestrian travel. route, including bus stops and boarding platforms.This definition does not include Shared Use Path*:A multi-use path designed primarily for use by bicyclists, pedestrians, intercity rail except where a stop is located in the public right-of-way. and other authorized motorized and non-motorized users,for transportation purposes, Transitional Segment*:The portion of a pedestrian circulation path that connects and that may also be used for recreation. Shared use paths are physically separated adjacent surfaces with different slopes or dimensions to provide a smooth transition. from motor vehicle traffic by an open space or barrier and are either within the highway or Traveled Way*:The portion of the roadway for the movement of vehicles. exclusive of other public right-of-way. the shoulder,berm, sidewalk. and parking lane. Sidewalk*:That portion of a highway between the curb line.or the lateral line of Truncated Domes:A type of detectable warning surface consisting of raised.truncated a roadway. and the adjacent property line.or on easements of private property.that is (flattened)domes,typically installed on pedestrian pathways to alert visually impaired paved or improved and intended for use by pedestrians. individuals to potential hazards like street crossings or changes in elevation. Splitter Island*:A median island used to separate opposing directions of traffic entering United States Access Board:An independent federal agency that advances and exiting a roundabout. accessibility through leadership in accessible design and the development of accessibility Stair*:A change in elevation comprised of at least one tread and riser.A curb is not guidelines and standards.The Access Board develops and maintains design criteria for a stair. the built environment,transit vehicles, public right-of-way, information and communication Standard Curb Height*:The typical height of a curb according to local standards for technology, and medical diagnostic equipment under the Americans with Disabilities Act a given road type, but usually between 3 inches(75 mm)and 9 inches(230 mm)high of 1990(ADA)and other laws. relative to the surface of the roadway or gutter. Unmarked Crosswalk or Crossing:A crosswalk not indicated by painted lines or other Street*: See Roadway. markings on the roadway. It exists at intersections where sidewalks on opposite sides of the street would connect if extended across the road.While unmarked, pedestrians still Technically Infeasible: In relation to streets and sidewalks.Technically Infeasible means have the right-of-way when in this type of crosswalk. the instances when accessible features. such as sidewalks or curb ramps, cannot be installed during alteration to existing pedestrian facilities because of physical or site Vibrotactile*:A method of communicating information by touch using a vibrating surface. constraints. Temporary Traffic Control Zone:An area of a highway, pedestrian or bicycle facility where road user conditions are changed because of a work zone or incident by the use of temporary traffic control devices.flaggers. uniformed law enforcement officers. or other authorized personnel. Traffic Control Device:All signs, signals, markings, channelization devices,or other devices that use colors,shapes, symbols,words, sounds,and/or tactile information for the primary purpose of communicating a regulatory,warning,or guidance message to road users on a street, highway, pedestrian facility, bikeway, pathway,or site roadway open to public travel. Transit Shelter*:A structure provided at a transit stop to provide passengers protection 85 Appendix E: Survey results summary Survey#1 - Focus on People, Destinations and Preferences The following pages contain the results of questions in survey#1 that asked participants to choose among one or more answers.There were more than 500 individual written response to this survey,which are summarized in Chapter 4: Public input and access to information. Question 1:Which of the following best describes you? Individual with a disability 20(13.61%) Family member,friend, or caregiver to a person with a 26(17.6996) disability Older Adult 34(23.13%) Youth MI 6(4.08%) I don't have a disability.But,I am concerned about access to W- 60(40 82%) sidewalks,crosswalks,and pathways. Other V 1(0.6896) 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 Times Chosen Question 2: If you identified as a person with disability,or are a caregiver for someone with a disability, please select all that apply: People were asked to choose among different types of disabilities, such as hearing,vision,cognitive, ambulatory, intellectual, emotional,learning, speech or language,chronic illness. Hearing difficulty(Deaf,Hard of Hearing,or other hearing 11111. 111111110 18(19.15%) impairment) Vision difficulty(Blind.Low Vision,or other vision impairment) 16(17.02%) Cognitive difficulty(Difficulty remembering,concentrating, 15(15.96%) making decisions,or other cognitive impairment) Ambulatory difficulty(Requires wheelchair,walker,cane V 111, 35(37 23%) assistance,or other mobility device) intellectual disability(Autism,Down syndrome,or other r- -11111. 12(12.7796) intellectual impairment) Emotional disability (Emotional disturbance,Schizophrenia,or 7(7.45%) other emotional impairment) Learning disability(Dyslexia,Dysgraphia.or other learning111.111M 7(7,45%) impairment) Speech or language disability(Stuttering,impaired articulation, or other communication impairment) 9(9.57%) Chronic illness(Heart disease,Asthma,Diabetes,Arthritis, Depression,Cancer,or other health impairment)/ Z7 ) Prefer Not to Answer f(23.40%) Prefer to self-identify.Please provide a response here. 7(7.45%) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 Times Chosen • .--- 07 Question 3:Which of the following best describes the time you spend in Elgin? Full-time resident 127(91.31%) Part-time resident ' 2(1.44%) Resident of nearby community , 3(2.16%) Frequent visitor .4(2.88%) Other(please specify) I 3(2.16%) 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 Times Chosen 88 Question 5: Which type of street feature is a priority to upgrade in Elgin?Pick your top two. Repair existing sidewalks 45(47.87%) Upgrade existing curb ramps 9(9.57%) Fill sidewalk gaps 43(45.74%) Add new curb ramps 12(12.77%) Fix obstructions 46(48.94%) Improve parking for people with disabilities 16(17.02%) 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Times Chosen 89 Survey #2 - Focus on projects and asking people to priority them within geographic groupings The following pages contain the results of questions in survey#2 that asked participants to rank projects within three geographic groupings. Group#1: East Elgin,east of the river Rank Choice Distribution Score Times Ranked 1. E.Downtown Elgin Zone,various streets 379 77 2. A.Kimball,from Crystal to Dundee 367 74 3. B.Dundee,from Kimball to Seneca 287 73 4. F.Villa,from Chicago Street to Willard 277 73 5. C.Franklin,from Dundee to Lord's Park 273 73 6. D.Hiawatha,from Jefferson to Lord's Park 250 74 7. G.Villa,from Willard to Varsity/Dickie 199 73 Lowest Highest 90 Group#2: Northwest Elgin Rank Choice Distribution Score Times Ranked 1. K.McLean,from Wing St to Larkin Ave L 309 79 2 L.Larkin,from McLean to Randall Road(via Foothill 309 79 Rd). 3. H.McLean,from Big Timber to Wing St 302 77 4. I.Wing St,from McLean to State St(Route 31) 291 75 5. J.McClure,from Wing to Goethe/Wing Park Entrance 190 75 6 M.Brookside,from Foothill to Knollwood(Nature 171 77 Center area) Lowest Highest 91 Group#3: Southwest Elgin Rank Choke Distribution Score Times Ranked 1. N.McLean,from Larkin to Spartan 296 73 2. O.Lillian and South St,from McLean to Walnut 274 69 3. Q.Walnut,from South St to State St(Rte 31) 248 70 4. R.McLean,from Spartan to Bowes 239 74 5. P.South St,from Walnut to Crystal 218 69 6. S.College Green from Randall to McLean 186 70 Lowest Highest What else would you like to tell us about making Elgin's Sidewalks and Streets issue as the asphalt crumbles and has creating a worse tripping/wheeling hazard.As more accessible?(Responses not edited for grammar or spelling.) for the winter weather...the City needs to shovel the sidewalks downtown.They seem to take care of certain areas while turning their backs on accessibility on the sidewalks, I have a deaf son. I tried multiple times to have a sign indicating precaution due to the leaving to the property owners. Some properties do not take care of their sidewalks,even impairment. I have a parking pass. I obtained it through the Secretary of State. Now, as when they are linked to the City...Artspace lofts.The City also needs to ticket vehicles far as a neighborhood sign the city of Elgin has stated in at least two occasions that they parked in spaces that impede/block the sidewalk for walking/wheelchairs. If they want to are nor responsible for that.Yet,the Secretary of State told me the sane thing.Who can help the citizens they must create sidewalks where they do not exist, and maintain those and should help? sidewalks. Do people with disabilities not go out in winter? What about a snow clearing ordinance or All this is a waste since 90%of sidewalks are impassable due to the snow we have city provided snow clearing on major routes(like the ones in your survey) received. I'd recommend hiring someone qualified to coordinate the cleaning of streets of You are doing a great job, but Dundee Ave. is horrible. From 90 to Villa. It's horrible!!!It's leaves and snow instead of the maggot we have now.We are a low class city because of a main route for Elgin residents. It should be a top priority. the gross ignorance and lack of character city hall. We asked the City to fix the uneven sidewalks out front of our house and instead of fixing Please,for the love of all things HOLY,figure out a way to let 35k homes know what you them like they said they would,they patched the differences with asphalt which creates are doing. PLEASE LET PEOPLE KNOW! a temporary fix.This"fix"has actually decreased the accessibility by creating a larger Parking laws regarding parking across driveways must be enforced. Especially on Sidewalks on Fleetwood and Berkley.walking g to the college and in the Pads area weekends and evenings.Crossings that have had snow plowed into must be cleared. ALL sidewalks must be monitored for large cracks,tree roots pushing up the sidewalk Parking on only one side of streets in Elgin. People are parking on both sides of the and other uneven surfaces. Have someone rolling around in a wheelchair thru the streets making it difficult to drive on those streets. neighborhoods on a regular basis. More crosswalks on Liberty with flashing pedestrian Harlan Ave.does not need sidewalks.There are seldom any vehicles or pedestrian's crossing signs. Requiring traffic to stop here. By national st where Royal plant care is located we need crossing signs for kids crossing Main roadways need to be fixed first. However many neighborhood sidewalks need the street as well a slow down sign for people driving down hill and up hill. Many signs repairs as well.Children need to walk to school and some areas have no sidewalks at all. needed in national st by train tracks. I live at 967 Ford Ave. Elgin. Some years ago I took part in a survey and requested Hello,thank you for the survey.A big concern of mine is people walking on Randall Road. that one sidewalk in here needs attention. It slopes down and this creates a dangerous Cars are driving fast and there is no sidewalk. Please create a side walk and a barrier. condition when Ice forms. I asked for repair and nothing was done. I don't want someone Better signage.Add flashing red lights to stop signs and ADA compliance which you do slipping and injuring themselves. well but do in all areas. Thanks!! This is the most ridiculous survey yet. Elgin is a big pail of fail Rt31 at Walnut St down to the Train Station on Chicago St. I think it's important to ensure that the improved paths we create connect. Fixing a tiny To not allow parking of vehicles on shoulder of Ramona Ave. slice of one street.will not result in much overall improvement. as the streets leading to improved zones are still challenging. Improve/remove the brick walkways downtown. They cause havoc on vehicles crossing and could be a trip hazard for pedestrians which would be a huge liability to the City. This may have been addressed in a different survey, but Highland Ave needs actual sidewalks installed from Thomas More Drive to Airlite,at a minimum(and ideally all the I think prioritizing the sidewalks and areas around schools would be smart since there are way to Randall).The absence of a sidewalk doesn't stop people from walking along the many students who walk/bike to schools.Adding smooth sidewalks to areas where there roadside on this very busy street.There's literally a pathway worn into the grass, proving aren't any is also important. but there are plenty of existing sidewalks that need to be how much foot traffic happens here.Additionally,the high school students in this area live smoothed out or entirely replaced. too close to Larkin to be eligible for bus service,which means lots of walking students and further necessitates a safer way for them to get to/from school. Lastly,why oh why Keeping sidewalks free of excess vegetation and leaves. These cause extremely slippery don't we have sidewalks up and down Randall Road,especially in the big commercial conditions. For example: Varsity drive over Poplar Creek. There are no residents, but it areas?These sad little patches of sidewalk here and there don't do anything because is a highly trafficked area because of the high school. Much of the sidewalk is not safely there's no continuous safe way to get around for people on foot.And there are plenty of walkable and the curves of the road make if unsafe at times to walk along the roadway. people on foot in that area! Make the priority where people are walking, biking to access businesses, medical care, Shakes Pkwy to Chicago St needs sidewalks so the Summerhill Subdivision residents school. may safely travel to the corner plaza of Chicago St&Shales Pkwy Especially in areas where kids walk to school many of the sidewalks are inaccessible I would like sidewalks or bike trails along Randall to Highland. I live in the Tall Oaks because of snow.Go down liberty on many school day and watch kids walking in the subdivision but have no access with sidewalks to Highland or to the Nature preserve. streets the sidewalks are inaccessible. If a city the size of Green Bay can do it then so can Elgin .What is more important, I would think our children Make crossing Wing Street safer to the entrance of Wing Park. 93 Route 31 From Walnut to 20 is hard to cross for those with mobility issues. Downtown Elgin NEEDS better accessible parking THROUGH OUT!-especially for events. And,should be easily found or communicate for events. Sidewalks are too narrow,on Larkin Ave just past Melrose ave going east towards downtown. I am sure we have an ordinance against this but I have almost been hit twice by a motorized bike and a motorized skateboard. I hope EPD gives tickets for an infraction. Perhaps redo the handi-capped sidewalks to actually be useful for wheelchairs Explain to the public what the yellow triangle signs mean for the bike and pedestrian Asphalt patches for uneven sidewalks is a waste of money. Most patches destroyed after crossings at National St,on bike path. Make sure there is enough time to cross on foot, first snowfall. some stoplights give pedestrian very little time. South State Street is very hard to cross south of Walnut. We need a specific pedestrian crossing at S. State and Oak,where bus Eliminate sidewalks next to streets.Also, eliminate the dips on downtown brick stop is. Thanks for all you are doing to improve accessibility in Elgin. crosswalks My dad is in a wheel chair and I live in downtown Elgin for the last 13 years. He visits me weekly and we often walk downtown.The bricks create terrible discomfort for him.We often have to end our walks because of how much the bricks hurt him with the bumps. Hope this helps as you're planning ways to support this with disabilities I am not personally disabled, but I fully support accessibility improvements with my tax dollars. There are so many times I've seen people walking in the streets due to sidewalks not being available or not cleared off in the winter. Safety first. Weed control is something else that needs to become a priority I like the addition of signs and lights like the addition to larking by the high school. I would like more of this to keep kids safe Make all the sidewalks and streets accessible in Elgin especially walking to and from trail areas Businesses in residential areas need to take care in the winter of sidewalks and hydrants located adjacent their property. Especially when they are close to schools Power wash all sidewalks. Stay within budget please! Nothing at this point. However, is the changing of all lead pipes still on-going even while you're spending$for this project? Lead pipes need first priority. 94 Appendix F: Design exceptions form Accessibility Exceptions Certification Form fl Accessibility Exceptions Certification Form ELGIN ELGIN Agency/Contractor: -'<or tap here to enter text. Project N/Reference:Click or tap here to enter text. ""Full compliance would create an unsafe situation in the following specific locations for the following Project Description/Title:Click or tap here to enter text. reasons' 0 Ib1Mb9VM f0 T / 0 0 N t✓tD1a�bZAMR Other modifications are necessary to improve or address accessibility needs in the following specific locations for the following reasons: Project Phase: Design _Construction/As-built Maintenance Other As the registered professional engineer,landscape architect,or architect responsible for the design of Additional supporting documentation,including drawings,calculations,as-built diagrams,or other this project,I do hereby verify that the project above has been designed to meet the Americans with information as appropriate,is attached. Disabilities Act accessibility requirements,except as indicated below. Name: lick or tap here to enter text. Signature:disk or tap hereto enter text Full compliance has been determined to be structurally impracticable for newly constructed facilities in the following specific locations for the following reasons: License Number:Click or tap here to enter text. Date-click or tap here to enter text. ❑Full compliance has been determined to be technically infeasible for altered existing facilities in the following specific locations for the following reasons: 1 2 95 Appendix G: Traffic Signals. accessibility features Downtown Core: Is the signal located within the downtown core?Downtown core is Countdown Signals: Does the traffic signal have pedestrian countdown signal heads? defined as the river on the west.Villa Street/Dundee Ave on the east. Kimball Street on • None:There are no countdown heads present the north.and Prairie Street on the south. • Partial:There is a mix of countdown versus traditional non-countdown. • Pedestrian Signals: Does the traffic signal have signalized pedestrian crosswalks(or All:All signalized pedestrian crosswalks present have countdown heads. ped heads)? APS: Does the traffic signal have Accessible Pedestrian Signals(APS)? • None:There are no signalized crosswalks present • No:There are no APS devices present • Partial: Some intersection approaches of the intersection have them, but not all. • Yes:All signalized pedestrian crosswalks have APS. • All:All intersection approaches have them. Major Street Minor Street Downtown Core Pedestrian Signals Countdown Signals APS Airport Tollgate No None None No Big Timber Lyle No Partial All No Center Division Yes All All No Chicago Riverside Yes Partial All No Chicago Douglas/Grove Yes All All No Chicago Spring Yes All All No Chicago Center/Villa Yes All All No Chicago Gifford No All All No Chicago Channing No All All No Dundee Park Yes Partial All No Dundee Summit No All All Yes Dundee Slade No All None No Grove Prairie Yes All All No Highland Riverside Yes Partial All No Highland Grove Yes All All No Highland Douglas Yes All All No Highland Spring Yes All All No Highland Center Yes All All No Kimball Grove Yes All Partial No Kimball Douglas Yes All Partial No Kimball Spring Yes All All No Kimball Center Yes All Partial No Kimball Dundee Yes All None No Major Street Minor Street Downtown Core Pedestrian Signal Countdown Signals APS Larkin Lyle No All None No Larkin Edison No All None No McLean College Green No Partial Partial No McLean Spartan No Partial Partial No McLean Fleetwood No All All No McLean Lillian No All All No McLean Larkin No All Partial No McLean Highland No All None No McLean Wing No All None No McLean Royal No All None No McLean Big Timber No Partial None No McLean Forest No All PARTIAL No McLean Holmes No All None No National Grove No All All No National Raymond No All None No National St.CharlesNillage No Partial Partial No Spring Division Yes All All No Spring/Grove Fulton/Grove Yes All All No St Charles Arlington/May No All Partial No Villa Willard No All All No Villa Gifford No All Partial No Appendix H: Flashing beacons, accessibility features Downtown Core:Is the signal located within the downtown core?Downtown core is defined as the river on the west. Villa Street/Dundee Ave on the east. Kimball Street on the north,and Prairie Street on the south. Button access:Are the pushbuttons accessible, based on PROWAG?This includes turning space. side reach,and height. APS: Do the beacon's buttons have Accessible Pedestrian Signals(APS)? Major Street Minor Street Downtown Core Button Access APS Dundee Lovell No No No Larkin at 1555 Larkin No Yes No McLean Demmond No No No McLean Van No No No River Ranch No Yes No 98 Appendix I: Priority projects and ranking method - DRAFT (awaiting final ranking) Y C _ N pq O ^ ,� _oo . M L . N R Y p V R E d a 2 m m u yh '`o ., 'a t o 6 Q 4 _ a F c E m u E = E F E c a E , �' c 01? 8 0' $ 8 I E r= 8 $ 8 ne w Rank Priority Project 2 13 < ' m a 0 d .9 W g ,.. . 0 . ± = I o 1 Kimball,Crystal to Dundee 90 S500,000 20 20 5 10 10 5 5 15 07 Z a 2 McLean,Big Tim ber to Wing St 88 $122,500 20 15 15 10 3 5 5 15 Li d C 3 Wing St,McLean to State St(Rte31) 86 $275,000 15 20 12 7 7 5 5 15 120 i 4 McLean,Wing Stto Larkin 85 $175,000 15 20 15 7 3 5 5 15 471 4 McClure,Wing to Goethe/Wing Park 85 $110,000 20 15 15 10 3 1 1 20 ca 6 Downtown Elgin Zone 81 $542,500 15 20 5 10 10 1 5 15 7 Larkin,McLean to Randall(via Foothill) 79 $800,000 10 15 12 10 7 5 5 15 16 1"1 `y 8 Dundee,Kimball to Seneca 77 $52,500 20 15 5 10 7 5 5 10 01 I- 9 McLean,Larkin to Spartan 76 $210,000 10 20 7 7 / 5 5 15 -•• 10 H lawatha,Jetterson to Lords Park 70 $75,000 15 20 5 5 7 3 5 10 03 10 National Street,State St l Rte 31)to Villa 70 $137,500 15 15 5 10 10 5 5 5 05 12 Villa,Chicago St to Willard 64 $487,500 15 10 5 7 7 5 5 10 13 Villa,Willard to Varsity/Okkte 62 $87,500 15 15 5 5 7 5 5 5 05 r7 y` 14 Franklin,Dundee to Lords Park 61 $87,500 10 20 5 7 3 3 3 10 0; F - 16 McLean,Spartan to Bowes 59 $140,000 10 15 5 7 7 5 5 5 08 15 South St,Walnut to Crystal 59 $100,000 20 10 5 10 5 1 3 5 08 17 Walnut,South St to State St(Rte 31) 58 $112,500 15 10 5 10 7 3 3 5 09 et 18 Lllllan/South St,McLean to Walnut 55 $87,500 10 10 5 7 7 3 3 10 c H 19 Brookside,Foothill to Knollwood 54 $225,000 5 15 12 10 1 3 3 5 20 College Green,Randall to McLean 44 $450,000 10 10 5 5 3 3 3 5 1 - 99 Ranking criteria Each project was assigned points for each of the following criteria based. Projects that E.Proximity to Transit(maximum 10 points) span multiple census tracts or are along boundary assigned score highest possible point total. • 10 points:Within 1/2-mile of a Metra station or along Pace route • 7 points:Along a Pace bus route or secondary connection to a Metra station A.Population with a Disability(maximum 20 points) • 20 points:Within tract with highest percentage of population reporting 1 or more • 5 points:Secondary connection to a bus route disabilities. • 3 points: No direct or secondary connect • 15 points:Within tract with second percentage population reporting 1 or more reported disabilities. F.Traffic Speed(maximum 5 points;posted speed limit) • 10 points:Within tract with third level of population reporting 1 or more • 5 points:>=30 mph disabilities. • 3 points: 25 mph • 5 points:Within tract with lowest percentage of population reporting 1 or more • 1 point:20 mph disabilities. B. Proximity to Schools, Parks,Public Buildings(maximum 20 points) G.Traffic Volume(maximum 5 points;based on daily traffic counts,where available) • 20 points: Direct route to more than one school,park/trail,or public building. • 5 points:>4,000 average daily traffic • 15 points:Direct route to at least one school,park/trail,or public building. • 3 points:2,000 to 4000 average daily traffic • 10 points:Secondary route to more than one school, park/trail,or public building. • 1 point:<2,000(assumed,due to lack of traffic data) • 5 points:Secondary to at least one school,park/trail,or public building. H. Intangibles(maximum 15 points) C.Population over age 65(maximum 15 points) • Points assigned based on public input during the second survey,which asked survey • 15 points: Included in tract with highest percentage tier of population aged 65 or participants to rank the importance of individual projects. higher • Points may be assigned(or subtracted)based on other factors identified by the • 12 points: Included in tract with second highest percentage tier of population aged project team or village staff.This includes factors such as relative complexity or 65 or higher feasibility of the project, if a project is already planned along the route,and other • 7 points: Included in tract with third highest percentage tier of population aged 65 factors that are not measurable. or higher • 3 points:Included in tract with lowest percentage of population aged 65 or higher D.Vehicle Access(maximum 10 points) • 10 points:Within tract with highest percentage population reporting 0 or 1 vehicle access in household. • 7 points:Spans portion of tract with medium level of population reporting 0 or 1 vehicle access in household. • 5 points:Spans portion of tract with lowest level of population reporting 0 or 1 vehicle access in household. 100 [ milleilleml11111111111triiiir 1111 Aoner,dix J: Census moos Population with two ormi more disabilities 1 8507.07 r . j_ '' '8506 -,„,. I �____I 77��8505� �'� .P-tillgilli- "1 it � ��.� ( i _ 8043 1-3 ,, 111111L r 8507.11 i .T L 85,10 •rL-- \ 85'19.10 `_ 8508.. I �� \ I-� . 8044 03 ' �.- J� ij ? P:c- --'(``'('`\-- - 8519.09 8513.02�L= • i 141 8511.02 . City Limits � - r t r-. o. _ 85�6 8513.0�1 - 8044.04 Census Tract XXXX.XX 'r '��-�� �''L-,�`— � � 8044:Q5 Population With Two or More •-� ��f' 85T9:o4 85�11.01 1 [ Disabilities �. "�� ° r9^ll • �..��85'16 ii 85�15pRliti 524' _ �� 2.0/o =' • 1I i -U 8044.06 2.1% - 5.0% -� �� !'_ Q 1L,. III1 " � - � 8045.12 5.1% - 8.0% -8519 08 8549 ■■ 85�1�9.13 - > 8% I 8045.13 ' l ♦ U a r 8045.14 r =. +a 8519:0•7 8519.12 -�� iiii / �� A [...„./.t � 8507.09 -,.,.. ., US Census, American 0 2 4 I I Community Survey 2023, Miles Table C18108, Age by Number of Disabilities 101 Population aged 65 and over ' 11.111111111141111... . . . 850► t. 8506 .N \ p II 1_, ` f✓ ism , 1 r 8507.11 2 *:_________. . 8043.13 85�10 lli n ' \ 85�19.10 8508 ,_ \ 8044.03 ill 1� 8549 09 _ { :8513.02 _ _ 1' City Limits - ,111r 8511.02__ ,, .8546 851).01 • 8044.04 lie Census Tract XXXX.XX z ; , I '"'i, - ,__ " • •: 8519.04 8511.01 8044.05 11 0 Population % Over 65 L < 10.0% J - 0 0 8519.11 " '85�16.. . 8515 \l it -.1AIIP"k- iiiiii 10.1 /0 - 15. % _ 4i 911 . i,, 15.1% - 20.0% ,<' _ _ ...._; _ ,:,.�, > 20% sf 8519.08 8549 �� 8045.12, 851,9.13 I 8045.13 • _� t`J �� 8045.14 8519.12 8519.07- 4y N 4111 8507.09 iIlirq j A.._ A __.,. . 0 US Census, American U 2 4 .1. .....,....____,,,i. _ i_______ Community Survey 2023, Miies •- Table S1810, Disability _ Characteristics -- 3' 102 ilunimpv Journey to work, by mode (walk, bike, ublic transit, and work from home, combined) ,_ _ 3 8507m (�, I 8506 Lai F All '1 u AIWA lilt �no, 1 � r 1 ♦z 8043.13 i 8507.11,1 - -.4.--,..... ... r 85,10 , .nm►� - ��—' 8519.10 'lull 8 .. =a, ;. ::� I�� , , , . JUllUUlihl C 8044:03 t .■nuunr':CC r 1� \ .8 09 de -� h �s,� 8513.02 z U� f 85�11.02 = City Limits J y o 8513.01 8044.04 Census Tract XXXX.XX 1,111.P-j r/. ,�Y,- 8519.04 8511.01 8044b5 Walk, Bike, Public Transit, F I tick- � Work From Home8514� 1 I I < 10% 85�19.11 1111 - 8516 8515 ` �� !_�l , .. 8044.06 4 �— 10.1% - 15% J h - 4-- .-----Z. —'•— -.43045.12 t40 n 15.1% - 25% 8519L~0�8 ' 8549 ° J--\ 851.9.13 ° — > 25/0 1 f \ — 80455..13� _ I rr* 07 'sJ r� 8045;1'4' 8519.128519.07 ~ - A8507 u° _ ii 1 4 IUS Census, Amencan y 0 2 4 _ 1 it Community Survey 2023, Miles Table S0801, Commuting -4 Characteristics 103 Households with access to no vehicle or one vehicle 8507.07 H-...., 8506 ` 1---- [— ' fMM V i► f I 8507.11 8043.13 8540 --' \ 8549.10 .1 \ 8044.03 -ram M : ..----1� ��_ 4 8513.02'� s 85�11.02 :_ _on r:,. City Limits .,L Ir� l3 85413!01 8044 04 -" N. Census Tract XXXX.XX o P. 85�1�9.04 L;:c P 011 Population /o With One or No O Vehicle , 8519.11 8%6 ' '8514' 15.0% \4 :545 . r`'` 8044.06 1_ ill. 15.1% - 30.0% C] _ T 8045.12 30,1% - 40.0% 8519.08 8549 1.. ` _ > 40% f 85�1•.13 0 _ 8045.13 8045.14 _ a _� 8519.12 8519:07 .., N Lr 8507.09 . IRp - ____Th•-, A r----"--1::r' r'-"~ US Census, American 0 } —jmil MI �,. Community Survey 2023, i Miles Table B25044, Tenure by [ �___,,..1 � Vehicle Available 104 Appendix K: Self-evaluation - the total number of marked spaces and identified,where applicable,parking spaces designated for use only by people with disability parking placards.Designated spaces methodology for data collection were measured based on PROWAG and ADA standards.This included parking stall The technical specifications for the self-evaluation of street features were generated dimensions,cross slope,access aisle features(width,cross slope),and the presence from the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board(also known as the of a curb ramp to access the space. United States Access Board)Accessibility Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities in the Public • Pedestrian signal timing.The city's traffic engineering firm produced a database Right-of-Way(PROWAG).These were published as a final rule in the Federal Register on of traffic signals under the city's control,including information on the presence of August 8,2023. pedestrian signals,pushbuttons,APS,and crossing times allowed during the walk Justification for using PROWAG intervals and pedestrian change intervals(e.g.,countdown phase). While PROWAG is not yet finalized as the federal standard and remains classified as Modeling guidance,the US Department of Justice and US Department of Transportation deem it to The alignment of a particular feature(e.g.,sidewalk,curb ramp,push button)with be best practices for public rights-of-way. PROWAG is substantially incorporated into the PROWAG specifications can have multiple parts. Each of those parts is measured for Illinois Department of Transportation's(IDOT)standard drawings. consistency or alignment with the PROWAG specification. The US Access Board states,"These guidelines contain scoping and technical It is often the case that some parts of a feature are consistent with PROWAG,and requirements to ensure that pedestrian facilities located in the public right-of-way others may not be.This is why many agencies that assess ADA compliance often use a (including a public right-of-way that forms the boundary of a site or that lies within a site rating system to determine the relative degree of alignment.This approach is used to bounded by a property line),are readily accessible to and usable by pedestrians with summarize the results of the various features within the self-evaluation chapter. disabilities." Phases The actual field conditions can change from the time the data was collected to when a municipality designs or implements a project.Therefore,the results of the self-evaluation The data analysis of the public right-of-way utilized mobile LiDAR imagery generated are not intended to be used as design recommendations or scoping documents. by Cyclomedia for the City of Elgin in 2022.Cyclomedia generated raw data files with The municipality is recommended to field verify conditions during the design and technical measurements for PROWAG-related features that could be identified with this construction phase to fully determine if and how to align what is built with PROWAG imagery. guidelines. GIS analysts with Vitruvian Planning processed this data to align it with deliverables contained in the self-evaluation chapter.A database containing the results of data collection is on file with CMAP and was delivered to the Village for their own storage and use. Phase 1—Identifying routes.All streets under the jurisdiction of the city were identified using street jurisdiction data provided by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)in a GIS format. Phase 2—Detailed data analysis.The second phase consisted Cyclomedia producing data tables for different public right-of-way features and producing data based on PROWAG metrics.These features include:sidewalks,curb ramps,driveways,crosswalks, obstructions,and pedestrian signals/pushbuttons. • On-street parking.This data was collected manually using smartphone apps. Technicians identified where marked parking spaces(e.g., individual stalls marked by painted lines or other markings)existed within the public right-of-way.They counted 105