Ramp Design Q&A - Everything You Need To Know About Designing The Perfect Ramp

Traffic ramps are a vital component of modern infrastructure, seamlessly connecting roads, with parking facilities. Whether it’s an access ramp in a busy Sydney car park or access to townhouse garages in suburban Melbourne, the design plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth traffic flow, safety, and efficiency.

A poorly designed ramp can lead to congestion, safety hazards, and long-term structural issues. That’s why understanding the key principles of traffic ramp design - from gradient calculations to lane widths and sight distances - is essential for engineers, urban planners, and developers.

At Quantum Traffic, we have been receiving a lot of questions about ramp design, so let's clear the air. Here are some of our most frequently asked questions about how to design a ramp. While each site is different and requires a unique design, our answers can be used as a general guide for almost all ramp design requirements.

Why does the ramp have to be a maximum of 1:10 (10%) near the property boundary?

The grade of ramps is limited within 5m of the property boundary to maximise line-of-sight to pedestrians on the footpath and allow for comfortable vehicle operation as drivers cross the footpath. The 1:10 grade is also essential to avoid vehicle scraping issues at the property boundary, vehicles cross the footpath.

What determines the maximum grade of a ramp?

Typically, ramps can have a maximum grade of 1:5 (20%) to 1:4 (25%). The maximum grade allowed for car parks open to the public is typically 1:5 (20%). On the other hand, private car parks for residents or staff can be steeper at up to 1:4 (25%).

What are transitions, and why do I need them?

If a ramp were to change directly from a flat section to the maximum grade (20-25%), the car's underside would scrape or snag on the ramp. For this reason, traffic engineers use transitions. Transitions allow for a more gradual change in grade between the main ramp and the flatter sections at the top and bottom.

How long should a transition be?

Typically, transitions need to be a maximum of 2m long to be effective.

How do I figure out the ramp grade on a curve or bend?

Sometimes ramps include a curve or bend, which results in different ramp lengths along either side of the accessway. As the length of the ramp is shortest on the side, the inside of the bend or curve will govern the design. The length is always longer on the outside of a curved ramp, and ramp grades are typically flatter and less critical.

For challenging sites, it is always best to seek traffic engineering advice early. Traffic engineers can undertake detailed individual assessments, including custom ground clearance simulation, to ensure your ramp doesn't result in scraping.

Have another question about ramp grades or general ramp design? Reach out to the team at Quantum Traffic today. Experienced traffic consultants based in Sydney, Melbourne, and Canberra, we are here to help with innovative solutions that get results. Call 1300 757 016 or enquire online now.