Contact:
Allison Tabiando Fay Lim
Communications Specialist II Communications Supervisor
Allison.Tabiando@snoco.org Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-3126 425-388-6413
Public Meeting to Discuss Pedestrian Facility Access within Snohomish County
Public Works requests feedback to help prioritize removal of barriers to accessing curb ramps, crossings, signals, sidewalks, bus stops, and work zones
EVERETT, Wash., September 1, 2016 – Improving pedestrian facility access is a priority for the Snohomish County Public Works Department especially in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Public Works is finalizing a self-evaluation study that assesses its ADA compliance within the county’s pedestrian facility program in the public right-of-way. An inventory of its facilities has been completed and it is now soliciting comments to help identify and prioritize the removal of barriers that prevent access to its pedestrian facilities.
The study reviewed Public Works’ previous pedestrian facility work and identified modifications that are needed. It included an assessment of more than 10,000 curb ramp locations, 484 pedestrian pushbuttons, 460 miles of sidewalk, more than 3,000 pedestrian crossings, and 221 bus stops within unincorporated Snohomish County. It also evaluated policies, procedures, and practices to determine if any were causing barriers.
Anyone who wishes to provide feedback on the study can do so at either or both of the following events:
- Public Meeting
- When: Thursday, September 15, 2016 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
- A presentation and Q&A session will be held at 5:45 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. and again at 6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.
- Where: Everett Station – Weyerhaeuser Room
3201 Smith Avenue, 4th Floor, Everett, WA 98201
- Online Public Meeting
- When: Thursday, September 1, 2016 through Monday, October 3, 2016
- Where: www.SnoCoADA.org
Snohomish County Public Works ADA Self-Evaluation Study
Public Works began its self-evaluation in 2010 and completed its facility inventory and assessment in 2015. The results were not what was expected; the organization anticipated higher compliance rates. However, it did not wait to complete the self-evaluation before addressing non-compliance issues that were identified.
Even with the corrections already being made, removing all of the barriers discovered in the study will take Public Works decades and more than $1 billion. The department is energized to create a plan to transition to compliance while also connecting neighborhoods. The self-evaluation document will serve as the basis of a plan in removing barriers to equal access. This effort will also assist the county in meeting federal, state, and local usability requirements.
Questions or comments regarding the public meetings, Public Works’ ADA self-evaluation study, or the ADA Compliance Program can be directed to Ryan Peterson at 425-388-3488 ext. 2883 (TTY: 711) or Ryan.Peterson@snoco.org.
For more information about the Snohomish County Public Works ADA Compliance Program and to read the draft self-evaluation study, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/pwADA.
About Snohomish County Public Works
The Snohomish County Public Works Department employs approximately 600 staff members that develop and maintain county roads; control and manage surface water quantity, quality, and fish habitats; and oversee the recycling and disposal of solid waste. The department’s main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave., Everett, WA 98201. For more information about Snohomish County Public Works, visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks.