The following are recommended standards for pedway development based on the Design Considerations discussed in Chapter III.
1. Pedway Width
To be determined for each location by analysis of flows and determination of level of service to be provided.
2. Pedway Categories (by minimum clear corridor width)
Spinal 25 ft.
Secondary 20 ft.
Access 15 ft.
3. Minimum Width Calculations
· Corridor Working Width
Allow 1.5 ft. of "dead space" on each side of corridor.
· Pedestrian occupancy factor
25 sq.ft. per pedestrian enables pedestrians to move freely in any direction.
· The sum of the working widths of pedway branches should not be less than the working width of the single corridor to which they join.
· If a walkway is abutted by retail commercial space an additional 1.5 ft. increase in width along the commercial frontage is necessary.
· Any obstruction of the pedestrian path by street furniture or related items should be considered in calculating the working width.
· The pedway width should be increased by 5 ft. at the nodal points, i.e. activity concentrations, intersections and vertical access points. This increase in width is to allow for changes indirection, placement of street furniture and variations in walking speeds. Flaring should be in proportions 1:3.
· Where open air malls are created from existing roadway rights-of-way a minimum width of 40' must be provided as pedestrian space to allow for landscaping, street furniture, window shopping and variations in walking speeds.
· Overpass Clearance
Since all Downtown roadways are designated truck routes, the minimum height from the crown of the road to the underside of the bridge should be 17.5' (5.3 m).
· Pedway Width (overpasses and underpasses)
The width of the bridge or underpass should be not less than the width of a pedway at either end.
- The minimum clear height should not be less than 9 ft. excluding "permitted fixtures" (permitted fixtures include light fixtures, public directional signs and other such installations as may be required).
- The height (H), width (W), ratio should be not more than 1:2.5 (W less than 2.5H).
- Exceptional circumstances and requirements will be dealt with individually under the discretionary powers of the approving authority.
- Drastic changes of level within the pedway network should be avoided. No single change in level greater than 17.5' (5.3 m) should be permitted unless it is supported by a mechanical device. Where possible, gradual change in level should be accommodated within the structure which supports the pedway.
- The walkway should not be sloped more than 5% in the direction of the path. If the gradient exceeds 5% the walkway falls into the ramp category.
i) The maximum gradient permitted: 1 in 12.5 (8.0%).
ii) Maximum length (measured horizontally) 30' (10.0 m).
iii) If a ramp greater than 30' in length is required a landing with minimum of 4' (1.2m) must be provided.
iv) Non-slip materials should be utilized on all gradients over 4%.
v) One ramp to each level within the pedway is required for cleaning and maintenance equipment and to accommodate handicapped persons and baby carriages.
Note: Moving ramps are usually designed at a 15 degree angle.
i) Flights should not contain less than three or more than sixteen risers.
ii) Treads should not be less than twelve inches (.28m) deep.
iii) Risers should not be more than six inches (.15m) high.
iv) The product of the rise and run should be 72" to 75"
v) The risers and treads must be uniform within the flight and should be kept uniform within the stairway. In no circumstances will significant differences within the stairway be allowed.
vi) Stairs should have non-slip surfaces.
Note: Moving stairs (escalators) are usually designed at 30 degree angles.
vii) All other elements of stairs and ramps must at least meet current National Building Code regulations.
viii) Exterior stairs and ramps should be protected from snow and ice accumulation by providing either cover, snow melting devices or regular clearance.
6. Access Points
The access points to the walkway network are as follows:
- elements connecting pedestrian thoroughfares,
- entrances to grade separted crossing
- entrances to and from activity areas and,
- service access points.
· Where two pedways cross at separate levels a means of level change between the two must be provided (stairs, escalator, etc.)
· The number of service access (interchange) points between vehicular streets and pedways depends on adjacent uses and these are regulated in detail by the City of Edmonton Building Code.
· Where reasonable, provision should be made for access to the system by the handicapped.
7. Facilities on Pedways
Pedestrian oriented elements recommended for location on or near the pedway system include:
· Open Spaces
(i) pocket parks,
(ii) linear open space, malls, semi-malls, etc. converted from conventional streets,
(iii) plazas and passages within private properties.
· Public conveniences spaced at a maximum interval of 500 yards (450 m) a five to six minute walk.
· Public telephones (serving also as emergency boxes).
· Mail boxes (located close to vehicular access for easy collection).
· First aid facilities.
· Fire prevention equipment (emergency boxes, fire hydrants).
· Bicycle racks - located at access points from the vehicular street.
· Pedway Information (allowable signage).
(i) A standardized information guide applied throughout the system, including directional signs, maps, route directories and general information signs.
(ii) Identification for individual commercial frontages.
· Shopping areas - including:
- perambulator parks, supervised play areas, luggage lockers.
8. Micro-Climate
· The open pedways should be designed in such a manner as to minimize the effects of:
i) Wind tunneling.
ii) Wind carried rain, snow and dust.
iii) Over shadowing by adjacent structures.
iv) Traffic noise.
· Enclosed pedways should be well ventilated with any necessary ventilation ducts, stacks, etc. accommodated within adjacent developments.
· Illumination
i) All pedways and malls should be designed to allow the maximum possible natural light penetration.
ii) Illumination of the pedways is subject to approval by the Edmonton Power Lighting Engineer.
iii) For reference purposes the following illumination levels are recommended:
- walkway path - minimum two (2) foot - candles
- plaza - minimum one (1) foot – candle
- stairs, ramps, and entrances designated for the handicapped, minimum five (5) foot - candles at floor level.
9. Drainage
All pedways open to weather conditions including partially enclosed pedways, should be drained to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
· Recommended slopes for finished surfaces:
Absolute minimum - 1/8" per foot or 1%
Recommended minimum - 1/4" per foot or 2%
Recommended maximum - 3/8" per foot or 3%
Absolute maximum - 1/2" per foot or 4%
· In order to drain pedestrian routes, gutters, downpipes, and such should be accommodated within adjacent developments.
10. Electrical Services
· Electrical services will be required on all pedestrian routes for lighting, signs, cleaning equipment, etc.
· A special duct should be incorporated in all routes with provision for access points, junction boxes, switches, etc.
· Details of electrical installations should be subject to the approval of the Electrical Engineer.
11. Interior and/or Exterior Finishes
· The materials used for interior and exterior finished or passageways should present a uniform identity reflecting the function and character of the routes while aiding the pedestrian in orienting himself and in establishing his right of use in such areas.
· Materials selected should avoid visual overloading and gimmickry.
· Maximum wall transparency and "openness" should be provided for both an improved environment and a feeling of security (self-policing).
· Finish materials for usage in the pedways should be durable, safe and easy to maintain.
· Materials to be used will be subject to review by the approving authority.