Caltrans Accessibility Suit

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A disability rights group filed suit today alleging that the California Department of Transportation has violated federal and state civil rights laws designed to provide people with disabilities full and equal access to sidewalks.

The suit, brought by Californians for Disability Rights and Ben Rockwell, a Californian with a mobility impairment, seeks to remedy the numerous access barriers and pervasive violations it says are committed by Caltrans in its provision of sidewalks and other facilities throughout the state.

The suit was filed in federal court in San Francisco and has been assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Saundra Armstrong, whose courtroom is in Oakland.

Caltrans spokeswoman Lauren Wonder said the transportation agency hasn't seen the suit yet and has a policy of not commenting on litigation.

The lawsuit says state and federal laws require that sidewalks, crosswalks, pedestrian crossings, other walkways and Park and Ride facilities be accessible to persons with disabilities.

The complaint alleges that Caltrans is violating the laws in many ways, including pervasive barriers such as missing and inadequate curb ramps and dangerous slopes and crumbled or uneven pavement.