ADA Mats Facts
By Hannah Smalek

- The use of ADA mats first became regulated by law in 1990 when the Americans with Disabilities Act passed and the detectable warning systems were recommended for installation on rail platform edges, curb ramps, and many other potentially hazardous areas.

- In 1994 the ADA mats requirements were suspended by the Department of Justice in conjunction with the Access Board and Department of Transportation. The suspension was put in place to allow for further research into engineering and design methods.

- After the suspension was extended several times, the Department of Justice finally allowed the suspension to expire in 2001 and ADA mats were once again required in the construction or altering of curb ramps and other hazardous areas.

- Truncated domes are the only detectable warning surface allowed on ADA mats, as legislated by Federal law.

- All ADA mats installed after July 1, 2001 must be evaluated by an independent entity and must meet durability criteria selected and established by the Division of the State Architect, Department of General Services, in consultation with Housing and Community Development.

- ADA mats are to be 24 inches in the direction of travel and must extend the full width of the curb ramp or flush surface.

- ADA mats must be located so that the edge nearest the curb line or other potential hazard is six to eight inches from the curb line or other potential hazard as specified.

- The base diameter of a truncated dome on ADA mats must be 0.9 of an inch while the top diameter is 0.45 of an inch and the height is 0.2 of an inch. The truncated domes must be spaced 2.35 inches apart center to center on ADA mats.