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Project Overview
The City is updating its Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan to ensure all residents have safe and equitable access to public spaces and services. This initiative includes a thorough evaluation of existing City facilities, programs, services, and activities. As part of this effort, the City will develop a framework to guide future evaluations and updates, including prioritization and implementation strategies. A key component of the project is a comprehensive condition assessment of all sidewalks, curb ramps, signalized intersections, and pedestrian facilities within the public right-of-way. This assessment will support the development of the City's first Sidewalk Master Plan, which will help identify gaps, improve accessibility, and plan for future infrastructure improvements citywide.
Beginning Monday, August 12, the City of Arlington’s Public Works Department will launch a citywide sidewalk condition assessment as part of its ongoing commitment to improving pedestrian accessibility and mobility. Residents may notice a van equipped with advanced scanning equipment driving through neighborhoods. This vehicle uses LiDAR technology—a remote sensing method that captures high-resolution, 3D information about the environment—to survey sidewalk conditions within the public right of way.
Mobile Lidar (Light Detection and Ranging) is a mapping technology that uses laser scanners and integrated cameras mounted on a vehicle to collect highly detailed 3D data. For this project, the system will capture Lidar point cloud data and georeferenced imagery of the City of Arlington’s sidewalk network. This data will be used to analyze sidewalk, curb ramp, crosswalk, and pedestrian signal conditions and support city planning efforts.
Yes. The system uses an eye-safe Class I laser, which is safe for use in public spaces (both pedestrians as well as motorists). The vehicle complies with all traffic laws and operates like any other vehicle. However, to ensure data accuracy and for the safety of the crew and equipment, we kindly ask drivers to maintain at least 50 feet of distance behind the van while it is in operation.
Data collection will begin the week of August 11th and continue through September, weather permitting. Survey operations will typically occur between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., when sun angle is ideal for imagery (similar to Google Street View). The van will start in the southwestern part of the city and work its way northeast.
No. The van will travel at normal posted speed limits and will not disrupt traffic flow. The only request is that drivers maintain a safe following distance of at least 50 feet to ensure optimal data capture.
No. The cameras collect panoramic street-level imagery, similar to what you’d see on mapping services. The focus is on public infrastructure—sidewalks, curb ramps, and street crossings—not on private activities.
Not at all. The survey vehicle collects data while driving and does not stop or set up equipment on your street. There will be no road closures, detours, or restricted access associated with this project.