Sidewalks

Attached Sidewalks

Purpose

Attached Sidewalks provide a distinct space for pedestrian movement separate from the road. Sidewalks also improve mobility for pedestrians of all types.

Attached Sidewalks are immediately adjacent to the curb and gutter and can be constructed in either concrete or asphalt. Typically sidewalks vary in width between 4 feet to10 feet, depending on where the facility is located.

Detached Sidewalks

Purpose

Detached Sidewalks, serve the same purpose as attached sidewalks. The difference is that they include a space between the road and the sidewalk. It's commonly filled with grass, trees, and other items.

Detached sidewalks include all the benefits of attached sidewalks, and increase pedestrian safety due to buffer.

Local Examples

• Harrison Blvd, between Hill Rd. and Resseguie St.
• McMillan Rd, between Farrow St. and Cloverdale Rd.

Curb ramps

Pedestrians with mobility restrictions will often have trouble moving from the sidewalk to the level of the roadway when crossing a street. The height difference between the road and the sidewalk might prove to be a barrier to pedestrians trying to use sidewalks. Curb ramps provide access to street crossings and improve sidewalk accessibility for people with mobility restrictions.

A modern curb ramp commonly has 'yellow bumps', called truncated domes. These sections make it possible for those who are visually impaired to identify where a crossing is, as well as provide a source of grip for all users.

Pedestrian Overpass/Underpass

Purpose

Sometimes it is necessary to separate pedestrians from traffic. Freeways, railways, and natural barriers can hinder the creation of traditional pedestrian facilities and have a negative effect on pedestrian facility connectivity.

Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses provide complete separation of pedestrians from traffic and provide crossings where no other pedestrian facility is available.

Local Examples

• Pedestrian Overpass
  • 9th St Pedestrian Bridge
• Pedestrian underpass
  • Main St and Greenbelt

Temporary Protected Shoulder

Purpose

Temporary Protected Shoulders are intended as an interim improvement when sidewalks cannot be installed immediately.

Paving or widening the shoulder and adding a physical barrier using extruded curbs or other forms allows for a protected space for pedestrians.

Local Examples

• Locust Grove between Ustick Rd. and McMillian

Mixed-Use Pathways

Purpose

There are some facilities that are created for all types of users. These facilities are designated as Mixed-use Pathways. These pathways are created to be shared by both pedestrians and cyclists and provide a space that is separate from a roadway.

Local Examples

• Pathway on Eagle Rd. between Victory and Amity
• Cassia St, between Orchard St and Roosevelt St, passing through Cassia Park

More Information

For more information on sidewalks from ACHD, please visit our Safe Sidewalk Program page.