Accessibility isn't a design choice on commercial sites, it's a legal requirement. Every ramp and curb cut must meet slope, cross-fall, width, and detectable warning specs. We pour accessible concrete to those exact standards, verify slope during the pour, embed warning panels correctly, and hand off documentation ready for inspection. Free written estimate on every project.
A ramp or curb cut fails inspection when any single element misses spec: the running slope is too steep, the cross-slope doesn't drain properly, the landing isn't level, the detectable warning panels are missing or misaligned, or the width is undersized. Each failure requires demolition and re-pour because slope and cross-fall cannot be corrected on cured concrete.
We build accessible ramps right the first time by verifying slope and cross-fall during the pour, not after. A level and story-pole on every section catch errors while the concrete is still workable. Detectable warning panels are positioned in the form before the pour, so they sit flush and level. The result passes inspection without revision.
Accessible ramps tie into adjacent commercial sidewalks and parking lot concrete with flush transitions. We coordinate the pour schedule and elevation so the ramp lands level at both ends. See our full site concrete scope for related work.
Recent work
The build sequence
How We Pour Accessible Ramps in Detroit
Confirm the accessibility code
We identify the applicable accessibility standard (federal, state, or local code) and confirm the running slope, cross-slope, width, landing size, and detectable warning requirements for your specific ramp location.
Grade and set forms
The ramp footprint is excavated to subgrade with start and end elevations set so the running slope meets the code maximum. Forms are set with the engineered slope and cross-slope, and the base is graded to match.
Position warnings and reinforce
Detectable warning panels are positioned in the form footprint at every required transition. Rebar is placed, and the ramp-to-sidewalk or ramp-to-curb detail is set flush so there is no lip or step.
Pour, verify, document
Concrete is placed and finished. Slope and cross-slope are verified with a level before cure. Warning panels are confirmed in position. As-built dimensions are documented and provided to the accessibility consultant and inspector.
The most common failure
Why Slope Verification Matters Most
The single most common reason an accessible ramp fails inspection is slope. Either the running slope came out steeper than the code maximum, or the cross-slope drains across the ramp instead of off the side. Both are failures that require full demolition and re-pour. You cannot adjust slope on cured concrete, which is why we verify it during the pour, not after.
On every ramp section, we place a level and story-pole to catch slope errors while the concrete is still workable. If the slope is off, we adjust the finish before cure. The result is a ramp that passes the inspector's first walk-through. We also coordinate with adjacent equipment pads and curb and gutter work so transitions are flush and level.
Slope specs, detectable warnings, landings, and where accessibility work is required.
The current ADA running-slope maximum is defined in the accessibility code; we follow the specific code version applicable to your project (federal, provincial, local). The cross-slope maximum is also specified separately and is just as critical.
Truncated dome panels (typically yellow, cast into the concrete or surface-mounted) at every flush transition between pedestrian and vehicular surfaces. They are tactile cues for the visually impaired. They are required at curb cuts, ramp bottoms at parking lots, and similar transitions.
Yes, ADA requires a level landing at the top and bottom of every ramp run, sized to the spec for that ramp's use. The landing has to be flat in both directions (running and cross-slope) within the ADA tolerance.
Modification rarely works because slope cannot be changed on cured concrete. Most non-compliant ramps need full replacement to bring them to current code; the quote will say which case yours is.
Most public-accessible commercial properties do, especially new construction and any renovation that triggers accessibility review. The exact scope depends on the property, the renovation work, and the local accessibility code; we coordinate with the accessibility consultant on every project.
Client reviews
What Detroit Facility Managers Say About Accessible Ramps
They replaced four non-compliant curb cuts across our retail center. Each one to current ADA spec, detectable warnings cast in, accessibility consultant passed all four first walk-through.
Q. I.
Property Manager, Detroit
★★★★★
Slope was verified during the pour, not after. They had a level out on every section. The inspector specifically commented on how clean the as-built dimensions were.
X. H.
Facility Director, Warren
★★★★★
Multiple ramp installations during off-hours so the mall stayed open. Coordinated with adjacent sidewalk pours, detectable warnings flush, ADA inspector signed off without a single revision.
Z. C2
Mall Operations, Ann Arbor
★★★★★
ADA ramps at every entrance to our medical building. They knew the accessibility code cold, no improvisation, no surprises at inspection. Compliance was their first concern, not their last.
Y. M2
Healthcare Facility Director, Sterling Heights
From the blog
Concrete Guides & Articles
Practical reading on planning, finishes and caring for concrete in Detroit.
Tell us where the accessible ramp or curb cut is needed (new construction, renovation, or remediation) and we will provide a written quote to current code.
