ADA Standard Width for Hallways

History

• The ADA was passed in 1990. It ensures equal access to public facilities to everyone, regardless of physical abilities. Public facilities can be any type of business or store that allows anyone to enter. The ADA gives people with physical disabilities the right to have the same access to interior rooms and spaces inside a building. This act requires public buildings to be designed and built to allow for wheelchair access as well as other building design standards.

Accessible Route

• All hallways, corridors, aisles and sidewalks are considered a part of the accessible route required by the ADA. At least one accessible route from the public sidewalk to the building is required. Inside the building, the accessible route is required to connect accessible spaces such as restrooms and offices to each other, as well as to exit corridors. Accessible routes are required to also connect dwellings and other facilities on a site to each other.

Dimensions

• The important guideline that the ADA sets forth for hallways is the required width to which it must be built. A hallway must be at least 36 inches in width. If a person in a wheelchair must maneuver around an obstacle, then the hallway width has to be a minimum of 42 inches in width. If a hallway is less than 60 inches in width, then a 60-inch by 60-inch passing space must be provided at regular intervals that do not exceed 200 feet in length.

Other Requirements

• The width of the hallway is not the only requirement described in the ADA. All hallways must be 80 inches in height. If the height is less than 80 inches in certain spaces, then a barrier must be placed to warn blind people of the height restriction. The slope of the hallway cannot exceed 1:20, or it will be considered a ramp. Also it can't have a cross-slope that exceeds 1:50.