City makes significant accessibility improvements in 2013

The City of Bend made extensive accessibility improvements throughout the city in the 2013 construction season. In all, 277 curb ramps were improved to comply with U.S. Access Board’s Public Right-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines.

The Streets Division of Bend’s Public Works Department improved 93 curb ramps through its street maintenance program. Another 107 curb ramps were improved through the joint efforts of the Accessibility Manager, community members and the Streets Division. Four curb ramps were brought into compliance because of “Barrier Removal Requests” that citizens with disabilities submit when they encounter barriers within Bend. An additional 73 curb ramp improvements were paid for by a Community Development Block Grant.

The Streets Division also improved the accessibility of roadway crossings by installing 54 detectable warnings – a section of bumps that a blind or visually impaired person can feel with their feet and/or cane to indicate that they’re about to enter a roadway.

For more information on the city’s Accessibility Program or to find a Barrier Removal Request form, visit bendoregon.gov/accessibility.