Olmsted County seeks public input on draft ADA accessibility updates

March, 20 2026

Olmsted County is inviting community members to review and provide feedback on a draft update to its Americans with Disabilities (ADA) Act Transition Plan for public right-of-way.

The ADA Transition Plan outlines how Olmsted County will continue improving accessibility for pedestrians, with a focus on sidewalks, curb ramps, street crossings, and accessible pedestrian signals (APS). These elements are essential to ensuring safe and equitable access for individuals with disabilities throughout the county’s transportation system. 

The draft plan reflects a comprehensive evaluation completed in 2025 by the Olmsted County Public Works department. This evaluation included an inventory and condition assessment of pedestrian ramps and traffic signal systems within Olmsted County. The plan identifies barriers to accessibility and establishes a framework for prioritizing and implementing improvements over time. 

“Public input is a critical part of this process,” said Olmsted County ADA Coordinator for Public Right-of-Way and Public Works Director Ben Johnson. “Community feedback helps us better understand where improvements are needed most and ensures we are building a more accessible transportation system for everyone.” 

Community members can submit comments to pwservice@olmstedcounty.gov through April 3, 2026, at 5 p.m., or mail them to the Public Works Service Center, 1188 50th Street SE, Rochester, MN 55904. 

Accessibility improvements are primarily implemented through Olmsted County’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), with projects prioritized based on factors such as pedestrian usage, safety considerations, infrastructure condition, and community input. 

Individuals who need the draft plan in an alternative format or have questions about accessibility are encouraged to contact ADA Title II Coordinator/Olmsted County Public Works Director Ben Johnson at benjamin.johnson@olmstedcounty.gov. 

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Media contact: Emma Diercks, Communications Specialist, 507-328-6166