Apedestrian separation structure is anystructure that removespedestrians from aroadway,street orrailway track. This creates aroad junction where vehicles and pedestrians do not interact.
This can be considered a type ofgrade separation structure on the road.
These structures can be located either above the roadway or below the roadway. In theU.S., access under theAmericans with Disabilities Act requirements means that stairs cannot be the only access to these structures. Anelevator must be provided or a ramp built that conforms to the grade requirements under the ADA regulations.
In the broadest sense, building codes that limit the number of driveways that crosssidewalks may be viewed as making the sidewalks a separation structure.
In many areas,wildlife crossings are provided in wilderness areas to allow wildlife to cross roadways without risking accidents. While not specifically built for people, they could be used by people in those areas.
Many of the early forms of these structures were provided to crosslimited-access highways in areas that were built up and lacked intersections. By allowing pedestrians andbicycles to cross over the highway, these bridges were viewed as low-cost alternatives to intersections.
In 1999,Las Vegas,Nevada began a major effort to install pedestrian bridges at major intersections along theLas Vegas Strip, to reduce traffic congestion and improve pedestrian safety.[1]