ABQ.

Sidewalk and Crosswalk

ADA Compliance

Building a better tomorrow

Jose Orozco
5/12/16

Table of Contents
Introduction1
Methodology....1
Results..3
Discussion5
Conclusion...6

Abstract
The reason for this paper is to provide a solution to the sidewalk and crosswalk problem in
Albuquerque. The disabled should be able to traverse the city of Albuquerque without having to
worry about the integrity of their citys sidewalks and crosswalks. The paper includes the
methods used to gather the information and how the date was analyzed. The plan laid out to fix
the problem was a complete overhaul and a partial continuous change of the citys sidewalk and
crosswalk system. The chosen solution would be the less costly partial solution

Introduction

The city of Albuquerque is the most populous in the state of New Mexico with an estimated
population of 557,169 [1.]. The city also has a large amount of visitors that come every year. The
city however has not done all it can to accommodate all of the people in its vicinity. In the city of
Albuquerque there are many sidewalks and street crossings that limit the accessibility of
pedestrians with disabilities. The city needs to revise its relaxed stance on the matter and address
many of the complaints of its residents. The problem of the restricted access imposed on the
citys residents with disabilities must be resolved.
The problem has been a nuisance for many people with disabilities. The city must seek to protect
and secure the safety of their residents. The lack of compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act cannot be overlooked. The disabled must not be endangered because the city is
not willing to spend the money necessary to fix the problems. The reconstruction must be done
to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to stop serious safety hazards and to
stop the possibility of a legal battle with its own residents. The report will include my
methodology, results, analysis, and a solution to fix the problem.

Methodology

The problem had to be addresses with a reliable plan. The procedure I choose was a 3 step
outline that would cover the entirety of the problem.

Step 1: Gather Intel.

Step 2: Identify the Issues/Possible Issues
Step 3: Analyze the Data

Step 1: Gather the Require Information

The first step was to visit problematic spots that needed a second revision. The rest of the field
research would include a thorough examination of the citys crosswalks and sidewalks. The
research would also include previous field research done and interviews from those affected by
the problem. The biggest idea in the process would always be accessibility. The observational
period would not stop until the final day of the project in order to keep up to date with the citys
changing landscape.
The first step was to gather information online. I gathered data from websites that had relevant
data to the subject matter. I investigated government and other news site to get a good
comprehension on the Americans with Disabilities Act. I looked for problematics sections of the
city that did not comply with ADC. I also used news sites and blog posts to get a feel for the
voice of the people on the matter at hand. I decided to use only some since most of them had the
same criticism of the current sidewalks and crosswalks.
I also decided to interview a personal friend on the problems with crosswalks that are
incompatible with the Americans with Disabilities Act. He had personal experience since he had
to use a wheel chair and crutches for a while. It was not just a serious of questions that gave me
the answers I wanted I had a long conversation with him that gave me a feel for his problems and
his thoughts on the solution.

The data acquired though observation took longer than all of the others. I decided to form a
group of interested people to go around town to find problematic streets. We would mark the
problems on our map along with a sheet that had the numbers of problems. The team mostly
dealt with streets that were old and had not been remodeled in a long time. We measured some
ramps and corners in order to find out if the newly created ramps were up to regulation as well.
The data was not completed because we did not have enough time however.

Step 2: Identify the Issues/Possible Issues

The research identified many problems with Albuquerques crosswalk and sidewalk system. The
problem not only affected disabled people but also inconvenienced able bodied people. The
crosswalks and sidewalks would have to comply with three different criteria. The first one would
be the Americans with Disabilities Act. The federal act of 1990 [2] would require the city to
comply with specific standards set in the bill. The second criteria would be done through
personal observation and empirical data. The sidewalks and cross walks would have to endure a
serious of personal tests to make sure they are not dangerous or ineffective. The third and last
criteria would require the crosswalks and sidewalks already in compliance to stand the test of
time. The material and surroundings would have to be kept in check in order for the problem to
be resolved. The material had to be durable and in good condition. The vegetation and climate
conditions would also be taken into account in order to preserve the compliance. The
identification would be needed to create the proper solution to the citys problem in order to get
an estimate on the cost.

Step 3: Analyzing the Data

The data gathered though empirical means and previous data found were used to prove the need
for a definite solution for the citys cross walks and sidewalks problem. The problem was not
going to be solved easily and would only get worse as time created more flaws in the system.
The consensus was clear the system was in need of a solution. I have compiled a list of several
solutions with a specific one to be implemented.

Results
The research compiled many problems that would hinder and/or completely block disabled
people. The problems included but are not subject to: encroaching vegetation, obstacle blocking
the path, steepness of ramps, bad material and narrow turns. The system could not provide the
wheelchair users and other handicap to move safely and effectively throughout the city.
In one of my interviews Milner who was in a wheelchair for a few months had this to say
sometimes I couldnt navigate off the sidewalk because the cross walk was block be a telephone
pole or the ramp was too steep[4]. He was unable to traverse the city safely due to the
uncompliant ramps and placement of fire hydrants and telephone poles. He also explained how
he had to move into the street and into danger to avoid the obstacles in the way[4]. When
asked if he would sue the city for failure to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act he
said Maybe, if it would change the state of the system to fit the handicap[4M]. The more
common problem of unsuspecting ramps was the most problematic for Milner. As seen in fig. 1.

Fig. 1 The changing structure of sidewalks also needs to be kept up with to fix the problem.
The other source of information was the local news that have been tackling this issue. The
biggest problem encountered today by the handicap is the creation of redesigned sidewalks that
do more harm than good. According to a concerned citizen Theyre doing the minimum and not
trying to figure out what the problem is. The make these curb cuts that are ineffective. [5]. The
problem is now not just the old sidewalks that are not ADA certified but the new ones that are
made to fail. The problem is that the angle on the ramps can be as much as 45-degree(s) [5].
The article clearly identified dangerous creations that are meant to fix the problem. The amount
of ineffective sidewalls and crosswalks and yet to be fixed and there are more being made with
lazy and bad directions.
The last article used to explain the entirety of the problem also gives an account of the prize
needed to fix the problem. The investigation concluded in August of 2015 that the cost would be

$50 millionformer municipal development director Mike Riordan said [6]. The article also
mentioned the problem that fire hydrants and utility poles that stand in the middle of sidewalks
pose on the handicap. One of the affected said People dont realize that sometimes just a
fireplug like this can be an obstacle for somebody like me. But it is and its not that obstacle
cant be figured out to go around it. It just creates more problems in my life [6]. The resentment
against that city that should have fixed this is apparent.

Discussion
In my research on the matter I have decided to focus on the two different solutions. The solutions
will be based on the cost to the city. The solutions are meant to facilitate the navigation of the
disabled in Albuquerque. The first solution will be a partial renovation of the citys system. The
second solution will be a total overhaul of the citys sidewalk and crosswalk system.

Long Term Solution

The first solution will be a gradual but modified change in the citys crosswalk and
sidewalk system. The current system creates ramps that are too steep and sidewalks that
are block by poles and/or fire hydrants. We would need to set aside money to create a
group that oversees all of the changes to make sure they are safe and up to compliance.
The current overseers are not enough since there are too many errors. The plan would be
slow but the cost would be kept at a minimum.

Short Term Plan to Overhaul System

The second solution would require the fifty million plus to be fulfilled. The plan would
create a group of new overseers and trackers that would create a new system. The city
would have to comply with the Americans Disabilities Act completely. The old parts of
town and the new ones would have to be overhauled in order to create a safer and more
effective system.

Conclusion
The amount of money needed to fix the problem has to be taken into account. The best plan for
the problem should be partial. The cost would not be $50 million from the start. The city could
take time to analyze the cost as it implements its partial fix. The overseers of the new system
would keep the new sidewalks in compliance. The old ineffective sidewalks would be gradually
fixed as the budget allows. The plan would need a new set of personal that are committed and
effective at their job. The plan does require more stability since it will not be a complete
overhaul. The changes will need to be small, constant and correct. Once again thank you for your
time and patience with my recommendation. If you wish to contact me my information is: e-mail
jorozc32@unm.edu .

Reference
[1]"Annual Estimates of the Resident Population: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2014". U.S.
Census Bureau. Retrieved July 19, 2015.
[2] "Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 - ADA - 42 U.S. Code Chapter 126"
[3]Schmitt, Madeline. "Buckled Sidewalks Have Albuquerque Residents on Lookout."
Http://krqe.com. LIN Television Corporation, a Media General Company, 15 June 2015.
Web. 30 Apr. 2016.
[4] Milner, Jose. Persnonal interview. 29 April.2016
[5]Lenninger, Sasha. "Concerned Residents Say New Sidewalks Aren't Safe for
Wheelchair Users Albuquerque Sidewalks Get Facelift." Www.koat.com. Hearst
Properties Inc. Web. 28 Aug. 2015.
[6]Barker, Larry. "[5vid]." Krqe.com. LIN Television Corporation, a Media General
Company, 24 Aug. 2015. Web. 30 Apr. 2016.