To date, there has been limited research on the needs of people with disabilities related to accessible alternate pedestrian access routes. National accessibility guidance is limited to the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways (MUTCD) and Public Rights-of-Way Access Guidelines (PROWAG) and state/local guidance varies considerably. There has been no research on the extent and reasons for noncompliance with accessibility guidelines for pedestrian access routes. Many design solutions have not been formally evaluated for effectiveness or user acceptance, leading to inconsistencies. Research is needed to understand how inaccessible alternate pedestrian access routes impact people with disabilities and to identify strategies for addressing noncompliance. Furthermore, most design solutions intended for accessibility (such as ramps, railings, surfacing materials, etc.) have not been formally evaluated for effectiveness or user acceptance, resulting in uncertainty and disagreement among practitioners.

The objective of this research is to develop a guide to assist state departments of transportation (DOTs) to better understand challenges and solutions for implementation of accessible temporary routes considering needs across disability types. The guide shall include the following:

• Assessment of pedestrian needs and alternate access routes during transportation projects' construction or maintenance;
• Evaluation of current disability community’s engagement practices and future strategies in facility planning, design, or preconstruction of the access routes;
• Identification of reasons for noncompliance with accessibility guidelines at national, state, and local levels;
• Identification of contextual factors influencing alternate pedestrian access routes within different scenarios (e.g., emergencies, evacuation, or disaster recovery) with standards for implementation and review.