Best Practice

BEST PRACTICE:

G4-17: Temporary Detectable Warning Mats

DESCRIPTION:

Temporary detectable warning mats provide a detectable warning for visually challenged pedestrians at points where an accessible path leads into active traffic lanes, such as at the foot of curb ramps at intersections or mid-block crossings. These devices incorporate an array of raised bumps as a tactile clue to aid in the detection of the transition between the sidewalk and the street.

REASON(S) FOR ADOPTING:

Detectable warning surfaces are a component of ADA-compliant accessible routes. Temporary detectable warning mats provide a mechanism to maintain accessible routes during construction, where pedestrian detours or other temporary pedestrian accommodations may be in use.

PRIMARY BENEFIT(S):

Benefits include easy installation, superior durability, re-usability and all weather performance. These mats are generally non-skid, water resistant and crush resistant.

MOST APPLICABLE LOCATION(S)/PROJECT(S):

Temporary Detectable Warning Mats are suited for any project where pedestrian accessible routes exist, and especially for maintaining accessibility along temporary pedestrian routes.

STATE(S) WHERE USED:

Maryland, Virginia , Washington

SOURCE/CONTACT(S):

Kayode Adenaiya, Team Leader, Office of Traffic & Safety, Maryland State Highway Administration
Phone: (410) 787-5864
E−mail: KAdenaiya@sha.state.md.us