Switchback ramps are accessible ramps designed with a 180° change of direction along the accessible route. The inner handrail of a switchback ramp must remain continuous. It consists of a series of zigzag turns or switchbacks that create a staircase-like structure, allowing the ramp to go up a steep incline while occupying a smaller area. This design is commonly used in hilly terrain or when building a ramp in a confined space, as it helps to reduce the overall slope of the ramp, making it more accessible for people with disabilities and easier to traverse for everyone.
The Ramp (Switchback) has a height of 24” (61 cm), total run length of 38’ (11.6 m), and overall width as shown of 7’ (2.13 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired slope and height needed. The landings of switchback ramps must maintain consistent minimum widths and depths of 60” (152.4 cm) along the entire change of direction running parallel to the ramp run. Landings with minimum lengths of 60” (152.4 cm) and widths consistent to the width of the ramp must be provided at the top and bottom of any straight run portions of the switchback ramp.
The maximum allowable slope in any new construction is 1:12 with a maximum rise of 30” (76.2 cm) without a landing. A ramp with a slope between 1:12 and 1:16 can have a maximum horizontal length of 30’ (9.14 m) without a landing. A ramp with a slope between 1:16 and 1:20 can have a horizontal run up to 40’ (12.19 m) before requiring a landing.
ADA accessible ramps must maintain a minimum clear width of 36” (91.4 cm) at all times. The cross slope along the width of any ramp must be less than 1:50 or <2%. The 36” (91.4 cm) clear width must be maintained between all including handrails.
Switchback ramps are accessible ramps designed with a 180° change of direction along the accessible route. The inner handrail of a switchback ramp must remain continuous. It consists of a series of zigzag turns or switchbacks that create a staircase-like structure, allowing the ramp to go up a steep incline while occupying a smaller area. This design is commonly used in hilly terrain or when building a ramp in a confined space, as it helps to reduce the overall slope of the ramp, making it more accessible for people with disabilities and easier to traverse for everyone.
The Ramp (Switchback) has a height of 24” (61 cm), total run length of 38’ (11.6 m), and overall width as shown of 7’ (2.13 m). Dimensions will vary based on the desired slope and height needed. The landings of switchback ramps must maintain consistent minimum widths and depths of 60” (152.4 cm) along the entire change of direction running parallel to the ramp run. Landings with minimum lengths of 60” (152.4 cm) and widths consistent to the width of the ramp must be provided at the top and bottom of any straight run portions of the switchback ramp.
ADA accessible ramps must maintain a minimum clear width of 36” (91.4 cm) at all times. The cross slope along the width of any ramp must be less than 1:50 or <2%. The 36” (91.4 cm) clear width must be maintained between all including handrails.
The maximum allowable slope in any new construction is 1:12 with a maximum rise of 30” (76.2 cm) without a landing. A ramp with a slope between 1:12 and 1:16 can have a maximum horizontal length of 30’ (9.14 m) without a landing. A ramp with a slope between 1:16 and 1:20 can have a horizontal run up to 40’ (12.19 m) before requiring a landing.
