Manual on Universal Accessibility for Urban Roads and Streets

Scope of IRC SP 117-2018 (Universal Accessibility Manual)

• Purpose: Provides guidelines for designing accessible street, road elements, public transport access, and safety features for persons with disabilities.
• Application: Applies to new constructions and retrofitting existing facilities to ensure universal accessibility.
• Multidisciplinary Approach: Encourages collaboration among planners, engineers, architects, and stakeholders.
• Key Areas Covered:
  • Street and road elements (Chapter 3)
  • Access to public transport/terminals (Chapter 4)
  • Safety elements (Chapter 5)
• Compliance: Aligns with Indian laws and international best practices.

Key Specifications for Ramps (Table 3.3)

Source: NBC 2016

Summary Diagram: Ramp Design Parameters

flowchart TD
    A[Level Difference] --> B{Range}
    B -->|150-300 mm| C[Gradient 1:12]
    B -->|300-750 mm| D[Gradient 1:15]
    B -->|750-3000 mm| E[Gradient 1:15]
    B -->|>3000 mm| F[Gradient 1:20]
    C --> G[Ramp Width 1200 mm]
    D --> H[Ramp Width 1500 mm]
    E --> I[Ramp Width 1800 mm]
    F --> J[Ramp Width 1800 mm]
    D & E & F --> K[Handrails both sides]
    D --> L[Landings every 5 m]
    E & F --> M[Landings every 9 m]

This scope ensures safe, accessible infrastructure complying with universal design

IRC SP 117: Essential Principles & Design Considerations

IRC SP 117 emphasizes:

• Safety: Ensure structural stability under all loads (dead, live, wind, seismic).
• Accessibility: Design for ease of use by all, including disabled persons.
• Reliability: Structures must perform consistently over their intended lifespan.
• Sustainability: Use materials and methods minimizing environmental impact.

Key Design Considerations:

• Load Calculations: Follow IRC:6 for vehicular and pedestrian loads.
• Material Strength: Use IS codes for concrete (IS 456), steel (IS 800).
• Durability: Provide adequate cover and quality materials to resist corrosion and weathering.

Typical Formula for Load Combination (as per IRC and IS codes):

[ \text{Design Load} = 1.5 \times \text{Dead Load} + 1.5 \times \text{Live Load} ]

Application:

• Use this manual as a guideline for design, construction, and maintenance of road bridges.
• Adapt principles to local conditions and materials.

flowchart LR
    A[Essential Principles] --> B[Safety]
    A --> C[Accessibility]
    A --> D[Reliability]
    A --> E[Sustainability]
    B --> F[Load Calculations]
    C --> G[User Friendly Design]
    D --> H[Consistent Performance]
    E --> I[Eco-friendly Materials]

For detailed tables and load values, refer to IRC:6 and IS 456.

IRC SP 117: Technical Design Standards

Though IRC SP 117 does not explicitly list detailed formulas or tables under clauses 3.2 or 4.3, the technical design standards generally cover:

Key Design Aspects:

• Load Calculations: Vehicle loads, live loads, and impact factors per IRC:6 and IRC:70.
• Material Specifications: Concrete grade (usually M25 or above), steel grade (Fe 415/Fe 500).
• Design Methods: Limit State Method (LSM) as per IRC:112.
• Safety Factors: Partial safety factors for materials and loads as per IRC guidelines.

Typical Formulas:

• Flexural Strength:
  [ M_u = 0.87 f_y A_s (d - \frac{a}{2}) ] where (a = \frac{A_s f_y}{0.36 f_{ck} b})

• Shear Strength:
  [ V_c = 0.6 \sqrt{f_{ck}} b d ]

Common Tables:

Specifications Summary:

• Span length, width, and thickness per IRC recommendations.
• Minimum reinforcement as per IRC:112.
• Durability: Cover thickness as per environmental exposure.

flowchart TD
    A[Load Calculation] --> B[Material Selection]
    B --> C[Structural Analysis]
    C --> D[Design Checks (Flexure, Shear, Deflection)]
    D --> E[Detailing & Specifications]

For detailed design, refer to IRC:112 and IRC:6 alongside IRC SP 117.

Key Specifications for Pedestrian Facilities & Accessibility (IRC SP 117-2018)

1. Universal Accessibility Principle

• Create obstacle-free environments for all users including children, elderly, disabled, pregnant women, and others.
• Accessibility includes visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive considerations.

2. Passage Widths (Table 3.2) for Clear Movement

3. Dimensions of Mobility Aids

4. Turning Circles

5. Height Dimensions

• Eye level of wheelchair user: 1265 mm
• Seated height of wheelchair user: 1300-1400 mm

Summary Diagram: Passage Widths for Pedestrian Users

flowchart LR
    A[Stick/Walker user] -->|750 mm| B[Clear Passage]
    C[Double crutch user] -->|920 mm| B
    D[Adult + Child] -->|1100 mm| B
    E[Adult + Helper] -->|1200

Key Specifications & Design Guidelines for Non-Motorized Vehicle (NMV) Infrastructure
(From IRC SP 117:2018)

1. Lane Design Considerations (Clause 3.2.15)

• Segregation: Separate NMV lanes physically from motorized traffic using raised kerbs, parking lanes, bollards, or landscaping.
• Width & Buffer: Provide a 0.5 m paved buffer between cycle tracks and motor vehicle lanes for ramps and stormwater catch pits.
• Elevation: NMV lanes should be elevated about +150 mm above carriageway for drainage.
• Surface: Use smooth asphalt or concrete; avoid paver blocks and uneven surfaces.
• Manhole Covers: Avoid or ensure they are flush with the surface.
• Continuity: Ensure smooth, continuous paths for reasonable speeds.
• Traffic Calming: Use speed humps, raised tables, bollards, roundabouts, and textured pavements, especially near schools and parks.

2. Additional Infrastructure

• Street Furniture: Benches, dustbins, vending spaces to encourage use and act as calming elements.
• Lighting: Provide 35-40 lux street lighting for visibility and safety.
• Shade: Continuous tree cover for comfort.
• Access Points: Cycle track remains level; vehicle access ramps provided in buffer zones.

3. Essential Design Principles (Clause 3.1)

• Segregated tracks for most of the journey.
• Design for speed reduction where NMVs mix with motor vehicles.
• Improve visibility at intersections.
• Combine shortest and safest routes.

Summary Table: NMV Lane Design Parameters

flowchart LR
    A[Motor Vehicle Lane] -->|Raised Kerb| B[NMV Lane (+150 mm)]
    B --> C[0.5 m Buffer (Paved if near parking)]
    C --> D[Pedestrian Path / Footpath

Accessible Parking Requirements as per IRC SP 117 (2018):

Dimensions & Layout

• Perpendicular parking slot:

  • Size: 3.6 m (width) x 5.0 m (length)
  • Adjacent clear transfer space: 1.2 m minimum (for wheelchair transfer)
  • Slots arranged perpendicular to kerb with kerb ramps.

• Parallel parking slot:

  • Size: 3.5 m (width) x 5.5 m (length)
  • Clear space of 1.2 m at ends of car for roadside transfer.

Kerb Ramp Specifications

• Gradient: ≤ 1:12
• Flared sides gradient: ≤ 1:10

Quantity & Location

• 2 accessible slots per 25 standard parking spaces
• Slots must be within 30 meters of main entrance
• Access points and footpaths must be level, firm, and wheelchair accessible (IRC:103-2012)

Signage

• International accessibility symbol painted on ground and signpost near slot.

Summary Table

flowchart LR
    A[Accessible Parking Slot] --> B[Perpendicular: 3.6m x 5.0m]
    A --> C[Parallel: 3.5m x 5.5m]
    B --> D[Clear transfer space 1.2m]
    C --> E[Clear space 1.2m at ends]
    D --> F[Kerb ramp gradient ≤ 1:12]
    F --> G[Flared sides ≤ 1:10]
   

IRC SP 117: Key Specifications for Signage & Wayfinding

Signage Placement & Dimensions

• Mounting height: 1400–1800 mm from floor; Braille signs at 1400–1600 mm.
• Overhead clearance: Minimum 2300 mm.
• Maps/info panels: 900–1800 mm height.

Lettering & Fonts

• Use Sans serif fonts (Arial, Helvetica Medium, Futura).
• Letter height proportional to viewing distance:
  • Minimum letter height: 15 mm
  • Building entrances/house numbers: 150 mm
  • Directional signs: 50–100 mm
  • Symbols: ≥100 mm
• Letter width-to-height ratio: 3:5 to 1:1
• Stroke width-to-height ratio: 1:5 to 1:10
• Avoid italics, script, excessive font sizes; use mixed upper/lower case, left-justified.
• Raised letters: minimum 1 mm with Braille.

Color & Contrast

• Use high contrast: white text on blue background preferred.
• Avoid red/green and yellow/blue combinations (color blindness).
• Recommended 70-point LRV difference between text and background.
• Avoid reflective surfaces and glass covers.

Illumination

• Uniform lighting on signs: 100–300 lux.
• Avoid glare and backlighting.

Tactile & Audio Features

• Consistent tactile floor surfaces for hazard/change areas.
• Audio signals at key points: entrances, lifts, stairs, escalators.

Summary Table: Signage Design Elements (Excerpt)

flowchart TD
    A[Decision Points] --> B[Wayfinding Signage]
    B --> C{Sign Features}
    C --> D[Mounting Height 1400-1800 mm]
    C --> E[Font: Sans Serif, Min 15

Key Specifications for Street and Road Lighting (IRC SP 117 - Clause 3.2.22 & 3.6, 3.7):

1. Pole Height and Spacing (Table 3.6)

• Spacing ≈ 3 × Pole Height to ensure uniform illumination.

2. Illuminance Criteria (Table 3.7)

3. Design Guidelines

• Use white light sources (metal halide, white SON, Cosmopolis, LEDs) for urban roads.
• Avoid SOX (orange) lights; replace with white light for upgrades.
• Pole height should not exceed 12 m; lower in residential areas to reduce light intrusion.
• Provide additional lighting at conflict points (intersections, bus stops).
• Coordinate lighting with street elements (trees, hoardings) to avoid shadows.
• Regular maintenance (bulb replacement, cleaning) is essential for effectiveness.

flowchart LR
    A[Street Lighting Design]
    A --> B[Pole Height & Spacing]
    B --> C{Street Type}
    C -->|Footpath/Cycle Track| D[4.5-6m, 12-16m spacing]
    C -->|Local Street| E[8-10m, 25-27m spacing]
    C -->|Arterial/Collector| F[10-12m, 30-33m spacing]
    A --> G[Illuminance Criteria]
    G --> H[Cyclist Path

Key Specifications for Feeder and Para-Transit Stops (IRC SP 117:2018)

Accessibility Features:

• Hinged ramps for wheelchair users and retractable steps for senior citizens at taxi/auto rickshaw stands.
• At least one accessible route from taxi stand to accessible building entrance with guiding tactile pavers for visually impaired.
• Directional signs with 35-40 lux illumination on vertical poles, visible after dark.
• Kerb ramps where kerbs separate access aisle and vehicle pick-up space.
• Continuity of pedestrian pathway with minimum width 1200 mm behind taxi stand.
• Separate boarding and alighting ramps if levels differ between taxi stand and walkway.
• Seats for persons with reduced mobility, positioned to not obstruct wheelchair users or visually impaired.
• Shelters for weather protection.

Safety Elements:

• Continuous handrails on kerb ramps, unobstructed by poles or trees.
• Tactile paving guiding visually impaired to seating areas.
• Two separate ramps for boarding/alighting where levels differ.

Lighting (Table 3.7 - Illuminance Criteria):

Tactile Paver Placement:

• 300 mm before kerbs
• 800 mm before platform edges

Summary Diagram: Accessibility Flow at Taxi Stand

flowchart LR
    A[Taxi/Auto Stand] -->|Accessible route| B[Walkway with tactile pavers]
    B --> C[Accessible Building Entrance]
    A --> D[Seats for reduced mobility]
    A --> E[Hinged ramp / Retractable steps]
    A --> F[Directional sign with 35-40 lux lighting]
    B --> G[Kerb ramp if level difference]

This ensures universal access, safety, and comfort for all users, including persons with disabilities and reduced mobility.

IRC SP 117: Safety Elements and Security Considerations

Key Points from Chapter 5 (Safety Elements)

• Common Barriers (5.1)
  Identifies physical and sensory barriers affecting safety for all users, especially persons with disabilities.

• Design Principles (5.2)
  Focus on Safety, Accessibility, Reliability, and Affordability to ensure inclusive, secure infrastructure.

Essential Specifications & Guidelines

Sample Formula for Ramp Slope (Accessibility):

[ \text{Slope} = \frac{\text{Rise}}{\text{Run}} \leq \frac{1}{12} \approx 8.33% ]

Typical Safety Element Layout (simplified):

graph LR
A[Sidewalk] --> B[Tactile Paving]
B --> C[Guardrail]
C --> D[Lighting]
D --> E[Accessible Ramp with Handrail]

Summary

• Prioritize universal accessibility with safety features.
• Use tactile surfaces and visual contrast for sensory guidance.
• Maintain clear, unobstructed paths.
• Follow ergonomic dimensions for handrails and ramps.

For detailed tables and design dimensions, refer to Chapter 5, pages 74-80 of IRC SP 117:2018.

Material Selection Guidelines (IRC:SP:117-2018, Clauses 3.2.12 & 3.4)

Key Principles:

• Environmental Impact: Prefer materials with low embodied energy, minimal carbon emissions, and recyclable or reused content (e.g., recycled asphalt, rubber).
• Accessibility & Safety: Use anti-skid, non-slip, unglazed finishes; ensure universal accessibility and comfort.
• Local Availability: Favor locally sourced materials to reduce transport impact.
• Visual Guidance: Use contrasting textures and colors for pedestrian guidance and visually impaired users.
• Durability & Maintenance: Select materials with long life, ease of repair, and low maintenance.
• Urban Heat & Water: Choose materials reducing runoff and heat island effect.

Table 3.4: Do's and Don'ts for Pedestrian Areas

Implementation & Application of IRC SP 117 Manual: Key Points

• Scope: The Manual mandates universal accessibility in pedestrian and street infrastructure, emphasizing a "people first" approach per IRC:103-2012.

• Applicability:

  • Urban local bodies, executing agencies, and stakeholders must plan, design, implement, and maintain accessible infrastructure.
  • Applies to all geographical areas (hills, plains, deserts) and all weather conditions with necessary modifications.

• Key Aspects Covered (from IRC:103-2012):

  • Inclusive street infrastructure and grade separators
  • Continuity and consistency in pedestrian pathways
  • Pedestrian crossings and parking facilities
  • Facilities at transit terminals (elevators, washrooms)
  • School zone improvements

• Design Philosophy:

  • Accessibility for all, including persons with disabilities and mobility aids
  • Promotion of Non-Motorized Vehicles (NMV) over motorized ones
  • Gender safety and inclusive environment

Summary Table: Application Framework

Conceptual Flow of Implementation

flowchart TD
    A[Planning & Design] --> B[Implementation]
    B --> C[Maintenance & Monitoring]
    C --> D[Evaluation & Feedback]
    D --> A
    style A fill:#f9f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style B fill:#bbf,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style C fill:#bfb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px
    style D fill:#ffb,stroke:#333,stroke-width:2px

For detailed technical design standards, refer to Chapters 3 & 4 of IRC SP 117 and IRC:103-2012 for pedestrian facilities.

IRC SP 117 - Abbreviations and Acronyms

This section defines key abbreviations used throughout the IRC SP 117 manual related to universal accessibility in road and transport infrastructure.

Note: These abbreviations facilitate clarity and consistency in design, planning, and implementation of accessible transport infrastructure.

For detailed technical design standards and specifications, refer to chapters 3, 4, and 5 of IRC SP 117.

flowchart TD
    A[Abbreviations] --> B(BRTS)
    A --> C(IRC)
    A --> D(PRM)
    A --> E(PWD)
    A --> F(WHO)
    B --> G[Bus Rapid Transit System]
    C --> H[Indian Roads Congress]
    D --> I[Persons with Reduced Mobility]
    E --> J[Public Works Department]
    F --> K[World Health Organization]