Troy walkable sidewalks a focus
COLONIE — The city of Troy and a regional transportation organization are seeking feedback on a pedestrian infrastructure study, which found more than a third of sidewalks are inaccessible to disabled residents and about a quarter of intersections lacking curb ramps.
Troy and the Capital Region Transportation Council’s study, known as the Americans with Disabilities Act Public Streets and Sidewalks Plan, includes an evaluation of infrastructure conditions concerning accessibility for disabled people and proposes a plan to place them in compliance.
Of its 150.6 miles of sidewalks, the study rated 36 percent as “not accessible” and nearly 20 percent as “partially accessible.” About 70 percent of sidewalk segments contained both obstructions and uneven or lifted panels, known as heaving panels, it said. Additionally, about a quarter of assessed intersections lacked curb ramps, and nearly one-third of those with the ramps lacked warning strips, which help visually impaired people detect intersections with a roadway.
Pedestrian features such as curb ramps and sidewalks are required to meet the standards of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Officials said that input will help Troy in prioritizing infrastructure maintenance and improvements. According to the transportation council, the city is home to more than 9,000 disabled residents.
“Creating accessible and walkable neighborhoods will promote a healthier and happier community, and it will continue to help us grow as a city,” said Troy Mayor Carmella Mantello, adding that she is the parent of a disabled child. “I look forward to reviewing this report’s recommendations and implementing real-world solutions to give us all a brighter future.”
According to the study, officials plan to inform landowners next to sidewalks needing repair, offering them a 90-day deadline before considering to complete the work themselves. They also aim to address public complaints and ensure new construction adheres to updated design guidelines.
The study can be found on the city of Troy website, at the planning department office at City Hall and at both Troy Public Library branches. Residents can also submit comments to city planning technician Angelina Apindem by April 24. The study was developed with help from the Rochester-based Labella Associates consulting firm.
Additionally, on Friday, the transportation council announced plans for a committee meeting at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. The meeting will feature a presentation on a federally funded, nationwide initiative aiming to eliminating traffic fatalities. The initiative, called Vision Zero, has involved installing miles of protected bike lanes, reducing speed limits to 25 mph and operating speed cameras 24/7 in New York City.