Caltrans vs. Americans with Disabilities Act

Posted by: Alek Miller

18 September 2009 - 8:00am

Citing the estimated current cost of repairs as a partial reason for noncompliance with federal law, Caltrans heads to court against disability advocacy groups. The agency has failed to maintain or upgrade thousands of curbs and intersections.

"Mary-Lee Kimber, an attorney from Disability Rights Advocates, said partial data from Caltrans from 2001 to 2006 indicates that the agency did not install about 1,000 required curb ramps during road improvements. She added that the number does not include curb ramps that were installed but don't comply with federal law.

Former Caltrans Director Will Kempton estimated last year that the agency needs to install about 10,000 new curb ramps statewide, retrofit about 50,000 existing curb ramps, reconstruct about 2,500 miles of sidewalk and modify pedestrian crossings at 15,000 intersections, including the installation of audible signals for the blind."

Full Story: Disability activists Sue Caltrans over access complaints

Source: Los Angeles Times, September 17, 2009