Bad Design Style: Case #4

Well, at least there’s a curb cut ( curb ramp ) at the intersection. Though a curb cut to nowhere is a bit useless. To be fair though, this local government may have been playing it safe in complying with ADA. According to Title II of ADA, state and local governments are required to install curb cuts at pedestrian crossings for roads that were built or altered after 1992. The blacktop road in the picture indicates that this road was recently altered. Some improvements could also be made to the intersecting road from the looks of it.  Hopefully this curb cut can be made useful in the future with sidewalks connecting to it. The land is pretty even so there is potential here.

Unfortunately there are many curb ramps to nowhere or ones that are not applied in an accessible manner. ADA does allow for some exceptions if the space does not allow for feasible alterations. Though every attempt to make intersections and crosswalks accessible should be made. To learn more about curb cuts such as design and implementation guidelines, visit this ADA Tool Kit webpage on curb cuts.