Survey: Few ADA-compliant curb ramps on Oregon highways

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) – A survey has found a majority of sidewalk ramps along Oregon highways do not comply with guidelines under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported Friday that the audit by the Oregon Department of Transportation was part of settlement with Disability Rights Oregon.

According to the preliminary results of the study, 97 percent of the 26,000 curb ramps inspected do not comply with ADA access guidelines.

Ten Oregon counties lacked a single compliant ramp.

Transportation department officials say they are still verifying the accuracy of the survey’s findings.

Disability Rights Oregon sued the state last year over inadequate curb ramps and crossings.

As part of the settlement, the transportation department agreed to invest $23 million into curb ramps upgrades in 2017 and 2018, and upgrade all inadequate ramps by 2032.

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Information from: The Oregonian/OregonLive, http://www.oregonlive.com