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ANNEX G Specification for Improving Access
Technical specifications (path maintenance and
capital items)
Well Drained
Clear out potholes of loose and soft material and
backfill with compacted weather resistant material. The
finished levels must prevent collection of surface
water.
Clear out surface cross drains and re-pack any stone
pitching that has worked loose or is being undermined.
Keep ditches, cross drains, culverts and the entrances
to culverts clear of silt, debris and vegetation twice a
year, usually in March and November. At the same time check
that headwalls are firm and secure.
Excavate intercepting ditches to a minimum depth of
300mm with stable slopes and establish suitable
outfall.
Install filter drains up to 500mm wide to a minimum
depth of 600mm, backfill with coarse stone material and
establish suitable outfall.
Fit for purpose
All paths must be accessible to public on a continuous
basis. Keep the space around the route clear of
obstructions for 2.1 metres above the path and across a
width of 1.2 metres.
The path surface must be one of three surfaces listed
below:
- Natural path surface, e.g. turf. Regular mowing
will increase the density of grass, improving strength
and durability.
- Unbound surface. Use the binding properties of the
path base stone to provide a smooth surface. Spreading
dust - a quarry product usually less than 3 to 6mm in
size - onto the aggregate base will increase the
binding properties of the base stone and give a smooth
surface suitable for many users. However, unbound
surfaces are susceptible to damage from water flowing
over the surface, so that careful drainage is
essential.
- Sealed surface. These surfaces use a binder,
usually bitumen, to 'stick' aggregate together. They
can be either a mixture of aggregate and bitumen (e.g.
tarmac or bitmac) or else a layer of bitumen with chips
spread onto them and rolled in (surface dressing).
Remove large stones or debris, regrade and add new
surface material so as to stabilise uneven areas. Fill in
any potholes.
Free of obstructions
Gates
A standard timber wicket gate shall have a gap width of
1.1m and be fitted with self closing hinges. A gate with a
gap of 1.525m will accommodate horse riders. Choose the
latch to reflect the type of user and to be safe and easy
to use.
Crossing watercourses
A small timber bridge has a span of less than 10m and
the deck should be 1.2m wide. Depending on the location and
the hazard crossed you may need handrails. One can be used
(850mm high) where you expect low use. Use two handrails
(1m high) where you expect regular use.
Cross small watercourses using a short section of
culvert. The diameter of the pipe should accommodate the
worst drainage conditions, diameters less than 600mm can be
easily blocked. The crossing shall comprise stable material
over the culvert which is wide enough to accommodate the
path and verges on either side. The material shall be
retained using a stable slope (requiring a longer culvert)
or headwalls. Note that the new 'Bridges Guide' will be
available from 'Paths for All Partnership' in summer
2005.
Stiles
Stiles are impassable to wheelchairs and pushchair users
and can be an insurmountable barrier to the disabled,
elderly and less agile people. It is therefore suggested
that a stile should only be installed as a
last resort when it is not possible to
provide access by means of a gap or a gate.
If stiles have to be built they should be built to the
following rules:
- the height rise between the ground and the first
step and between steps should be the same;
- steps should be at least 200mm wide and 900mm
long;
- there should be no sharp edges on steps, fence
rails or uprights.
Signposted and waymarked
Paths should be clearly signposted at entrance points.
There should be interim waymarkers to keep people right and
distances stated to significant points.
Directions signs shall be constructed of timber, metal
or recycled plastic. The posts shall be 2.1m high and
stable in strong winds, timber posts are normally 100mm
square. The blade of the sign shall be about 500mm long and
150mm deep and fixed 100mm from the top of the post. Text,
in a plain font, shall appear on both sides of the blade
and have a height not less than 30mm.
Waymarkers shall not be smaller than 100mm square and be
made of weatherproof material. If used on their own posts,
the posts shall be 800mm high.
Regularly maintained
Strim or mow natural path surfaces and verges in May and
August.
Cut back vegetation and trees during the autumn and
winter to maintain a clear path corridor.
Control weed encroachment into the route corridor
through selective application of herbicide in April and
August.
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