Many of the sidewalks in Normal Heights are over 100 years old and despite the community being rated as highly walkable, there are significant hazards for pedestrians navigating this aging infrastructure.
The most typical problems are
- Edge lift that can be caused by settling or shifting earth. The clay soils of the mesa tend to be the main cause but tree roots can also lift segments.
- Cracking or crumbling occurs frequently at driveways that were designed for the weight of a Ford Model T and must now endure very heavy cars and trucks.
- Patching with asphalt is intended to be a temporary fix and does not create a flat surface. Many of these temporary fixes have been in place for years.
- No sidewalk occurs more in communities farther east but occasionally a segment may be missing due to active construction or poor design.
- Missing ADA ramps have been identified in 2 locations in Normal Heights. One, on Arthur Street, is scheduled for installation soon. There are also many crosswalks that require wheeled mobility to enter traffic to access a ramp or driveway before returning to the sidewalk.
- Flooding in wet weather, especially at intersections, interferes with pedestrian travel.
Please help us collect information on areas you have noticed by submitting this form.