Accessibility isn't a design choice, it's a code requirement. Every ramp and curb cut must meet slope, cross-fall, width, and detectable warning specs, verified during the pour and documented for inspection. We build accessible concrete transitions that pass first-walk-through, tie into adjacent site sidewalks and parking surfaces, and come with a free written estimate before work begins.
Accessibility specs define four critical elements: a maximum running slope (the angle of the ramp itself), a maximum cross-slope (how the ramp drains side-to-side), a minimum width for the ramp surface, and detectable warnings (truncated dome panels) at every transition between pedestrian and vehicle zones. Miss any one and the work fails inspection.
We design each ramp and curb cut to those four specs, embed the warning panels during the pour rather than after, verify the cross-slope drains correctly while the concrete is still workable, and size the landings at top and bottom to code. Where an existing ramp is out of spec, we demolish and replace it to current accessibility standards.
Our approach integrates with adjacent site concrete work and coordinates with curb and gutter pours so transitions are flush and the whole site reads as one continuous accessible path.
Recent work
Our process
Building Accessible Ramps in Pittsburgh
Confirm the accessibility code
We identify which accessibility standard applies to your project (federal, state, or local code), confirm the running slope, cross-slope, width, and landing dimensions, and note where detectable warnings are required.
Grade and set forms
The ramp footprint is excavated to subgrade with start and end elevations set so the running slope meets the code maximum. The cross-slope footprint is graded into the base, and forms are set with the engineered slope.
Place reinforcement and warnings
Rebar is positioned, detectable warning panels are set into the form footprint at every required transition, and the ramp-to-walk or ramp-to-curb detail is set flush so there is no lip.
Pour, check, document
Concrete is placed and finished, slope and cross-slope are verified with a level before the slab cures, warning panels are confirmed in position, and as-built dimensions are recorded for the accessibility inspector.
The most common failure
Why Slope Verification Matters in Accessible Work
The single most common reason an accessible ramp fails inspection is slope, either the running slope is steeper than code allows, or the cross-slope doesn't drain off the side of the ramp. Both are failures, and both require demolition and re-pour to fix. You cannot adjust slope on cured concrete, which is why slope has to be right during the pour, not corrected after.
We verify slope in real time with a level and a story-pole on every section while the concrete is still workable. If the slope is off, we catch it and adjust before the slab sets. The result is a ramp that passes the accessibility inspector on the first walk-through. We also coordinate with adjacent loading dock and sidewalk pours so the ramp lands flush at both ends.
Slope specs, detectable warnings, landings, and where accessibility work is required.
The current ADA running-slope maximum is defined in the accessibility code; we follow the specific code version applicable to your project (federal, provincial, local). The cross-slope maximum is also specified separately and is just as critical.
Truncated dome panels (typically yellow, cast into the concrete or surface-mounted) at every flush transition between pedestrian and vehicular surfaces. They are tactile cues for the visually impaired. They are required at curb cuts, ramp bottoms at parking lots, and similar transitions.
Yes, ADA requires a level landing at the top and bottom of every ramp run, sized to the spec for that ramp's use. The landing has to be flat in both directions (running and cross-slope) within the ADA tolerance.
Modification rarely works because slope cannot be changed on cured concrete. Most non-compliant ramps need full replacement to bring them to current code; the quote will say which case yours is.
Most public-accessible commercial properties do, especially new construction and any renovation that triggers accessibility review. The exact scope depends on the property, the renovation work, and the local accessibility code; we coordinate with the accessibility consultant on every project.
Client reviews
What Pittsburgh Facility Managers Say About Accessible Ramps
They replaced four non-compliant curb cuts across our retail center. Each one to current accessibility spec, detectable warnings cast in, accessibility consultant passed all four first walk-through.
Q. I.
Property Manager, Pittsburgh
★★★★★
Slope was verified during the pour, not after. They had a level out on every section. The inspector specifically commented on how clean the as-built dimensions were.
X. H.
Facility Director, Aliquippa
★★★★★
Multiple ramp installations during off-hours so the mall stayed open. Coordinated with adjacent sidewalk pours, detectable warnings flush, accessibility inspector signed off without a single revision.
Z. C2
Mall Operations, Monroeville
★★★★★
Accessible ramps at every entrance to our medical building. They knew the accessibility code cold, no improvisation, no surprises at inspection. Compliance was their first concern, not their last.
Y. M2
Healthcare Facility Director, Mckeesport
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