Sidewalks

The Village's Sidewalk Improvement Program aims to improve the overall condition of public sidewalks and curb/gutters throughout the Village. The objective is to eliminate all trip hazards for pedestrians and bring all sidewalk ramps into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. For the program, the Village is divided into three geographical areas. Village Staff inspects one area each year. Over a three-year period, all public sidewalks are inspected. High volume sidewalks are inspected on an annual basis. The current sidewalk inspection cycle can be viewed here. 

Additionally, Staff have begun analyzing sidewalk ramp criteria at as many locations as time allows, optimizing the replacement of sidewalk ramps over time to ensure compliance with ADA requirements. The Village also installs detectable warning pads located at street crossings and intersections designed for the visually impaired. 

Trip hazards are rated according to the displacement of adjoining sidewalk squares. The basic criterion for selecting sidewalk sections for removal, replacement or repair starts with identification of the most significant irregularities.  The condition type is based on both vertical displacement and side slope of the sidewalk square. The below table identifies the sidewalk condition ratings, description of condition, and the recommended action.  

The Village offers participation in the 50/50 sidewalk replacement cost-share program during annual inspections upon request for sidewalks with a “Yellow” rating. In these instances, residents would voluntarily be able to have the sidewalk replaced if they cover half the cost of the replacement. A copy of the inspection form is delivered to property owners describing the sidewalk’s condition and requesting their participation.  The Village replaces all sidewalks with a condition “Red” rating, covering the full cost.