Safe Sidewalk Program
(application required)
Residents can request sidewalks in certain locations along thoroughfares or near schools.
Requests can be submitted on-line. The Super Neighborhood Council or the City Council Member can assist you if you need help with the application:
- The Safe Sidewalk Program provides sidewalk installation along collector streets leading to schools and streets surrounding schools.
- The Major Thoroughfare Program provides sidewalk installation along major thoroughfares.
- The Pedestrian Accessibility Review (PAR) Program addresses sidewalk curb cut / ramps for sidewalk accessibility. PAR is administered by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities.
Safe Sidewalk Program
Sidewalks and ramps within the public right-of-way help ensure the safety and welfare of the citizens of Houston. The Department of Public Works and Engineering (PWE) constructs sidewalks as an independent public improvement through the Safe Sidewalk Program.
This three part program provides sidewalks and ramps along streets leading up to schools, along major thoroughfares and where needed to improve mobility and access for citizens with disabilities.
The structure of the Safe Sidewalk Program is as follows:
Pedestrian Accessible Review (PAR) Program: This section of the Safe Sidewalk Program is administered by the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), and provides improved sidewalk accessibility (Maximum of 1,500 linear feet) for disabled citizens when there are no safe paths of travel to:
- Grocery Store / Pharmacy
- Financial Institution
- Place of Employment
- Medical Facility
- Bus Stop / METRO Lift
- Educational Facility
- Place of Worship
- Any facility / structure deemed necessary to provide quality of life
Safe School Sidewalk Program:
Provides installation of sidewalks leading to schools. Passage must currently be used as a route to school, within four blocks of the school and have
adequate existing right-of-way. There is a three to four year waiting period.
Major Thoroughfare Program: Provides installation of sidewalks along major thoroughfares that lack safe passage for pedestrians to reach areas around shopping centers, bus stops and other frequently traveled routes. Each request must not exceed five blocks, and roadways scheduled for future construction within the next five years will not be considered. There is a three to five year waiting period.
Requests will be approved in the order received. Pedestrian Accessible Review requests receive priority over Safe School Sidewalk and Major Thoroughfare requests. Constructability issues (large ditches, slopes, large tree roots, right-of-way issues, utilities, etc.) may prevent request approval.