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The quickest and easiest way to cross the road is on the surface.
However, in extremely heavy traffic this is far from the safest way and it becomes
necessary to consider footbridges and underpasses.
For those with mobility impairments, footbridges and underpasses
can be impossible barriers. They are perceived as tortuous routes that confuse
blind and partially sighted people, additional distances that tax the frail
and elderly, an unacceptable gradient for those in wheelchairs, people pushing
prams or carrying heavy bags, and a security risk (real or imaginary) to all.
Footbridges and underpasses should be carefully designed to minimise
these difficulties and fears as much as possible and thereby encourage their
maximum use.
Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions (DETR) Departmental
Standards BD 29/87 Design Criteria for Footbridges and TD 36/93 Subways for
Pedestrians and Pedal Cyclists set out design standards. The approaches to footbridges
and underpasses should comprise ramps, steps and handrails in accordance with
the advice contained in these standards, with the added provision that the width
on the approach to underpasses should be as wide as possible to give an open
aspect and increase the sense of security. There should be a clear
view through from one side to the other and, where possible, a CCTV monitoring
system linked to a security or traffic control centre should be installed. Footbridges
should have open mesh or similar sides so that
users are visible to people in the surrounding area.
Ideally, changes in level for the pedestrian should be kept to
a minimum. This can generally be more easily achieved with underpasses than
footbridges as the headroom to be accommodated is less.
Ramped approaches to bridges or underpasses should not be steeper
than 1 in 20. However, where space is limited a maximum gradient of 1 in 12
is acceptable in extreme circumstances. Resting places should be provided at
intervals along the ramp (see Fact Sheet 6.2 Ramps).
The Corduroy hazard warning surface should be provided at the
top of flights of steps for blind or partially sighted people. To assist partially
sighted people in particular, the top and bottom steps should be brightly coloured.
These areas must be well lit for safety reasons. The passage within, and the
approaches to, underpasses must also be well lit to increase the perception
of security in these areas.
Handrails on both sides, 900mm above the surface of ramps and 1000mm above the surface of level landings should be provided within underpasses.
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