Manual on Universal Accessibility for Urban Roads and Streets
2018 Edition

Overview of IRC SP 117-2018 Scope (Universal Accessibility Guidelines)

• Objective: Provides comprehensive instructions for designing accessible street and road components, public transport access points, and safety elements catering to persons with disabilities.
• Coverage: Applies to both new developments and upgrading existing infrastructure to meet universal accessibility standards.
• Collaborative Approach: Promotes cooperation among planners, engineers, architects, and relevant stakeholders.
• Main Areas Addressed:
  • Street and road elements (Chapter 3)
  • Public transport and terminal access (Chapter 4)
  • Safety components (Chapter 5)
• Regulatory Alignment: Complies with Indian legislation and international best practices.

Ramp Design Specifications (Table 3.3)

Reference: NBC 2016

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 on both sides]
    D --> L[Landings every 5 meters]
    E & F --> M[Landings every 9 meters]

This scope guarantees safe and accessible road infrastructure adhering to universal design principles.

Core Principles of IRC SP 117 and Design Guidelines

IRC SP 117 stresses:

• Safety: Ensure structural integrity under all loads including dead, live, wind, and seismic forces.
• Accessibility: Facilitate ease of use for all individuals, particularly those with disabilities.
• Reliability: Guarantee consistent performance throughout the structure's intended lifespan.
• Sustainability: Employ environmentally friendly materials and construction practices.

Important Design Factors:

• Load Assessment: Follow IRC:6 for vehicular and pedestrian load calculations.
• Material Strength Standards: Use IS codes such as IS 456 for concrete and IS 800 for steel.
• Durability Measures: Provide adequate cover and use quality materials to resist corrosion and weather effects.

Typical Load Combination Formula (IRC and IS codes):

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

Usage:

• Serve as guidance for design, construction, and upkeep of road bridges.
• Adapt principles according to local materials and conditions.

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

Refer to IRC:6 and IS 456 for detailed tables and load values.

Technical Design Norms in IRC SP 117

While IRC SP 117 does not explicitly provide formulas or tables under clauses 3.2 or 4.3, its technical design criteria generally encompass:

Design Highlights:

• Load Calculations: Address vehicle, live, and impact loads following IRC:6 and IRC:70.
• Material Requirements: Concrete typically M25 or higher grade; steel grades Fe 415 or Fe 500.
• Design Approach: Employ Limit State Methodology as per IRC:112.
• Safety Margins: Apply partial safety factors for materials and loads according to IRC standards.

Sample Structural 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 Resistance: [ V_c = 0.6 \sqrt{f_{ck}} b d ]

Material Properties Table:

Summary:

• Span length, width, and thickness as per IRC guidance.
• Minimum reinforcement requirements as stated in IRC:112.
• Durability ensured by appropriate cover thickness relative to 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 comprehensive design details, consult IRC:112 and IRC:6 alongside IRC SP 117.

Specifications for Pedestrian Infrastructure and Accessibility Features (IRC SP 117-2018)

1. Universal Accessibility Concept

• Design barrier-free environments suitable for children, elderly, persons with disabilities, pregnant women, and others.
• Accessibility addresses visual, auditory, physical, and cognitive needs.

2. Minimum Passage Widths (Table 3.2) for Unobstructed Movement

3. Dimensions for Mobility Devices

4. Turning Radii

5. Height Considerations

• Eye level for wheelchair users: 1265 mm
• Seated height for wheelchair users: 1300-1400 mm

Diagram: Passage Widths for Pedestrian Users

flowchart LR
    A[Stick/Walker User] -->|750 mm| B[Clear Path]
    C[Double Crutch User] -->|920 mm| B
    D[Adult + Child] -->|1100 mm| B
    E[Adult + Helper] -->|1200 mm| B
    F[Wheelchair + Ambulatory Person] -->|1500 mm| B

This ensures comfortable and safe pedestrian movement for all user categories.

Specifications and Design Recommendations for Non-Motorized Vehicle (NMV) Facilities
(Extracted from IRC SP 117:2018)

1. Lane Design (Clause 3.2.15)

• Physical Segregation: NMV lanes should be distinctly separated from motorized traffic by raised kerbs, parking buffers, bollards, or landscaping.
• Buffer Zone: A paved buffer of 0.5 meters should be provided between cycle lanes and vehicle lanes, especially near ramps and drainage structures.
• Elevation: NMV lanes must be elevated roughly 150 mm above the adjacent carriageway to facilitate drainage.
• Surface Material: Smooth asphalt or concrete surfaces are preferred; avoid paver blocks or uneven textures.
• Manhole Covers: Should be either avoided or installed flush with the surface.
• Continuity: Ensure unbroken paths allowing consistent speeds.
• Traffic Calming: Implement devices such as speed humps, raised tables, bollards, roundabouts, and textured pavements near sensitive areas like schools and parks.

2. Supporting Infrastructure

• Street Furnishings: Benches, litter bins, and vending spaces to encourage usage and contribute to traffic calming.
• Lighting: Provide street lighting levels between 35 to 40 lux for safety and visibility.
• Shade: Maintain continuous tree canopy for user comfort.
• Access Points: Cycle tracks should remain level; vehicle access ramps are located within buffer zones.

3. Fundamental Design Principles (Clause 3.1)

• Use segregated cycling tracks for most of the route.
• Design for speed reduction where NMVs intersect with motorized vehicles.
• Enhance visibility at intersections.
• Combine shortest and safest routes for NMVs.

Summary Table: NMV Lane Parameters

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

These recommendations promote safe and accessible NMV corridors within urban environments.

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

Dimensions and Arrangement

• Perpendicular Parking:

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

• Parallel Parking:

  • Size: 3.5 m width x 5.5 m length
  • Clear transfer space of 1.2 m at either end of the vehicle for transfer.

Kerb Ramp Specifications

• Maximum gradient: 1:12
• Flared sides gradient: maximum 1:10

Quantity and Placement

• Provide 2 accessible parking spaces for every 25 regular parking spots.
• Accessible slots should be located within 30 meters of primary entrances.
• Access paths and footways must be level, firm, and wheelchair friendly (per IRC:103-2012).

Signage

• Display the international accessibility symbol both on the ground and on nearby signage poles.

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 Gradient ≤ 1:10]

These requirements ensure convenient and safe parking for persons with disabilities.

Specifications for Signage and Wayfinding in IRC SP 117

Placement and Dimensions

• Mount signs at heights between 1400 mm and 1800 mm; Braille signage between 1400 mm and 1600 mm.
• Maintain minimum overhead clearance of 2300 mm.
• Position maps and information panels between 900 mm and 1800 mm height.

Typography and Fonts

• Use sans serif fonts such as Arial, Helvetica Medium, or Futura.
• Letter heights proportional to viewing distance:
  • Minimum 15 mm for small letters
  • 150 mm for building entrances or house numbers
  • 50-100 mm for directional signs
  • Symbols at least 100 mm
• Maintain letter width-to-height ratios between 3:5 and 1:1.
• Stroke width-to-height ratios from 1:5 to 1:10.
• Avoid italics, script fonts, excessive sizes; use mixed upper and lower cases, left-aligned.
• Raised letters should be at least 1 mm thick and accompanied by Braille.

Color and Contrast

• Ensure high contrast, preferably white text on blue background.
• Avoid problematic color combinations for color vision deficiencies such as red/green or yellow/blue.
• Aim for at least a 70-point Light Reflectance Value (LRV) difference between text and background.
• Avoid reflective glass covers or glossy surfaces.

Illumination

• Provide uniform lighting on signs between 100 and 300 lux.
• Avoid glare and backlighting.

Tactile and Audio Features

• Use consistent tactile floor surfaces to indicate hazards or changes.
• Provide audio signals at critical locations such as entrances, lifts, stairs, and escalators.

Summary Table: Signage Design Elements

flowchart TD
    A[Wayfinding Signage] --> B[Mounting Height 1400-1800 mm]
    A --> C[Fonts: Sans Serif, Minimum 15 mm Letter Height]
    A --> D[High Contrast Colors]
    A --> E[Raised Letters with Braille]
    A --> F[Uniform Illumination 100-300 lux]

These measures ensure clear, accessible, and user-friendly signage.

Street and Road Lighting Specifications (IRC SP 117 Clauses 3.2.22, 3.6, 3.7)

1. Pole Height and Spacing (Table 3.6)

• Pole spacing approximately three times the pole height for uniform lighting.

2. Illuminance Standards (Table 3.7)

3. Design Recommendations

• Utilize white light sources such as metal halide, white SON, Cosmopolis, or LEDs for urban roadways.
• Replace orange SOX lamps with white light during upgrades.
• Maximum pole height is 12 m; lower heights for residential zones to reduce light intrusion.
• Provide enhanced lighting at conflict zones like intersections and bus stops.
• Coordinate lighting to avoid shadowing from street furniture or vegetation.
• Ensure regular maintenance including bulb replacement and cleaning.

flowchart LR
    A[Street Lighting Design] --> B[Pole Height & Spacing]
    B --> C{Road Type}
    C -->|Footpath/Cycle Track| D[4.5-6 m, 12-16 m spaced]
    C -->|Local Street| E[8-10 m, 25-27 m spaced]
    C -->|Arterial/Collector| F[10-12 m, 30-33 m spaced]
    A --> G[Illuminance Criteria]
    G --> H[Cyclist Paths at 50 lux]
    G --> I[Pedestrian Crossings at 50 lux]
    G --> J[Bus Bays at 50 lux]

This ensures effective and safe lighting for all road users.

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

Accessibility Features:

• Provide hinged ramps for wheelchair users and retractable steps for elderly passengers at taxi and auto rickshaw stands.
• Ensure at least one accessible path from the vehicle stand to building entrances, equipped with guiding tactile pavers for visually impaired users.
• Install directional signage illuminated at 35-40 lux on vertical poles, visible during nighttime.
• Incorporate kerb ramps where access aisles meet vehicle zones.
• Maintain pedestrian pathways of minimum 1200 mm width behind stands.
• Where level differences exist, provide separate boarding and alighting ramps.
• Provide seating for persons with limited mobility, ensuring these do not obstruct wheelchairs or visually impaired pathways.
• Include protective shelters against weather.

Safety Features:

• Continuous handrails along kerb ramps, free from obstructions like poles or trees.
• Tactile paving guiding visually impaired individuals to seating and boarding areas.
• Separate ramps for boarding and alighting if elevation differences exist.

Lighting Requirements (Table 3.7):

Tactile Paver Placement:

• Positioned 300 mm before kerbs
• Positioned 800 mm before platform edges

Diagram: Accessibility Flow at Taxi Stand

flowchart LR
    A[Taxi/Auto Stand] -->|Accessible Path| B[Pathway with Tactile Pavers]
    B --> C[Accessible Building Entrance]
    A --> D[Seating for Reduced Mobility]
    A --> E[Hinged Ramps / Retractable Steps]
    A --> F[Directional Signs with 35-40 lux Illumination]
    B --> G[Kerb Ramp for Level Differences]

These provisions guarantee universal access, safety, and convenience for all users including persons with disabilities.

Safety Features and Security Considerations in IRC SP 117

Highlights from Chapter 5 (Safety Elements)

• Common Barriers (Section 5.1): Identifies physical, sensory, and environmental obstacles affecting safety, especially for persons with disabilities.

• Design Guidelines (Section 5.2): Emphasize Safety, Accessibility, Reliability, and Cost-effectiveness to create inclusive and secure infrastructure.

Essential Specifications

Ramp Slope Formula (Accessibility):

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

Typical Safety Layout (Simplified):

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

Summary

• Focus on universal accessibility integrated with safety features.
• Incorporate tactile surfaces and high-contrast visual cues.
• Maintain clear and unobstructed pedestrian paths.
• Follow ergonomic standards for handrails and ramp dimensions.

Refer to Chapter 5 (pages 74-80) of IRC SP 117:2018 for comprehensive details.

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

Core Considerations:

• Environmental Impact: Prioritize materials with low embodied energy, reduced carbon footprint, and recyclable or reused content such as recycled asphalt and rubber.
• Safety and Accessibility: Use anti-slip, non-glossy finishes suitable for universal access and comfort.
• Local Sourcing: Prefer locally available materials to minimize transportation impact.
• Visual Guidance: Employ contrasting textures and colors to aid pedestrian navigation and assist visually impaired users.
• Durability and Maintenance: Select materials with long service life, simple repairs, and low upkeep.
• Urban Heat and Water Management: Choose materials that reduce surface runoff and mitigate urban heat island effects.

Table 3.4: Recommended and Discouraged Materials for Pedestrian Areas

These guidelines ensure material choices that enhance safety, accessibility, and sustainability.

Implementation and Usage of IRC SP 117: Key Insights

• Scope: This manual mandates universal accessibility across pedestrian and street infrastructures, endorsing a "people-first" approach as outlined in IRC:103-2012.

• Applicability:

  • Urban local bodies, implementing agencies, and stakeholders are responsible for planning, designing, executing, and maintaining accessible infrastructures.
  • Applies to diverse geographic and climatic regions including hills, plains, and deserts, with necessary adaptations.

• Key Topics Covered (per IRC:103-2012):

  • Inclusive street and grade separator infrastructure
  • Continuity and uniformity of pedestrian pathways
  • Pedestrian crossings and parking provisions
  • Facilities at transit terminals such as elevators and washrooms
  • Enhancements in school zones

• Design Philosophy:

  • Accessibility for all, including persons with disabilities and users of mobility aids
  • Encouraging non-motorized transport modes over motorized vehicles
  • Ensuring gender safety and inclusive environments

Summary Table: Application Responsibilities

Implementation Workflow

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

Refer to Chapters 3 and 4 of IRC SP 117 and IRC:103-2012 for detailed technical and pedestrian facility guidelines.

Abbreviations and Acronyms used in IRC SP 117

This section clarifies key abbreviations frequently encountered in the IRC SP 117 manual concerning universal accessibility in transport infrastructure.

Note: These abbreviations support clarity and uniformity during design, planning, and implementation of accessible transport systems.

For more detailed design standards, 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]