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Definition
The profile of the corduroy
surface comprises rounded bars running transversely across the direction of
pedestrian travel. The bars are 6mm (± 0.5mm) high, 20mm wide and spaced
50mm from the centre of one bar to the centre of the next (Figure 02).
It is recommended that the surface be in a contrasting colour to the
surrounding flooring so as to assist partially sighted people and Stainless
Steel is perfect for this.
Application
The corduroy surface can be used
for any situation (except at pedestrian crossing points where the RockArt
TopGrip blister tactile fittings should be used) where visually impaired
people need to be warned of a hazard and advised to proceed with caution,
for example:
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the top and bottom of steps;
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the foot of a ramp to an
on-street light rapid transit (LRT) platform, but not at any other
ramps;
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a level crossing;
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where people could
inadvertently walk directly on to a platform at a railway station;
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where a footway/footpath
joins a shared route.
The surface must not be used to
warn of obstacles, for example, cycle stands, where people should be advised
not to proceed. Cycle stands come in a range of designs, but those with two
vertical uprights can be made less of a hazard if they are designed with a
tapping rail between the two uprights at a height of 150200mm above the
ground. The surface is not recommended on raised bus stops.
Maintenance
The New Roads and Street Works
Act 1991 requires the replacement of the corduroy surface when it is removed
or disturbed in the course of opening the footway by the party disturbing
the surface. It is essential that any reinstatement of the surface conforms
with the advice in this document.
General Layout
The surface should be laid so
that the bars run transversely across the direction of pedestrian travel.
Steps
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The corduroy surface should
extend across the full width of the stairs at both the top and bottom of
the flight (Figure 01).
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Where possible, the surface
should start 400mm from the first nosing. If the surface is installed
closer to the steps, people may not have enough time to adjust their
walking speed.
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If the steps are in the
direct line of pedestrian travel the surface should be laid to a depth
of 800mm.
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If a pedestrian would have
to make a conscious turn to encounter them, then a depth of 400mm is
acceptable.
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Since it is generally
intended as an additional warning, there is no need to install the
surface to a depth of more than 800mm.
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The surface should extend at
least 400mm beyond the width of the steps on either side. This allows
for people approaching the steps at an angle. However, the surface
should not extend across any adjacent facilities, for example a ramp or
lift.
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Where ramped access is
provided immediately adjacent to steps then care should be taken to
ensure that the access for wheelchair users is unimpeded.
Figure 01
Ramps to light rapid transit (LRT)
platforms
Level crossings
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The corduroy surface should
extend across the full width of the footway, or for 1200mm if there is
no footway.
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The corduroy surface should
start 400mm from the barrier or from the projected line of the barrier
on the open side. If the corduroy surface is installed closer, people
may not have enough time to adjust their walking speed.
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At level crossings with
barriers on both sides, the corduroy surface should be laid to a depth
of 400mm.
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At level crossings with
barriers on one side only, the corduroy surface should be installed to a
depth of 400mm on the side with the barrier and 800mm on the side
without a barrier.
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At level crossings with no
barriers, the surface should be installed to a depth of 800mm on both
sides.
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The additional depth of
tactile in the latter two cases is to ensure that visually impaired
people have sufficient underfoot warning where there is no barrier in
place to halt their progress.
Figure 02
Entrance to platform area in an
unprotected rail station
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The corduroy surface should
be laid across the full width of the pedestrian entrance.
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The corduroy surface should
be installed to a depth of 800mm. In some railway stations it is
possible for visually impaired people to walk unknowingly onto a
platform area from the street.
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