Continuous News

Montanans with disabilities will have easier access to MDT facilities and right-of-ways

Posted: Nov 2, 2012 4:25 PM by Katy Harris KXLF News
Updated: Nov 2, 2012 4:46 PM

People with disabilities will have easier access to certain facilities in the future.
The Federal Highway Association says all states must follow certain regulations in compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act.
This Transition Plan means that from now on the Montana Department of Transportation will follow certain guidelines.
All federally funded facilities and right-of-way features maintained by MDT are included.
"Everything from the measurements on how it's to be input, to the law, and how the engineers and construction will complete that," says MDT Civil Rights Bureau Chief Patti McCubbins.
Future MDT construction of office buildings, sidewalks, crosswalks, medians and curb ramps will be more disability friendly.
The Transition Plan will involve changes where a curb will have a nice depressed corner, with traction for people with disabilities.
The MDT construction season has ended for 2012.
Construction projects will begin following the ADA Transition Plan this upcoming Spring.
"As projects are done and incorporated, and they're chosen, they will use the Transition Plan to abide by the law," adds McCubbins.
Rest areas, airports and scale sites are also involved in MDT's Americans with Disabilities Transition Plan.