Footway edging kerbs are precast concrete elements that define the boundary between a pedestrian area and the carriageway or adjacent landscaped area, ensuring route continuity and pedestrian safety. Choosing the correct type has a direct impact on the accessibility of public spaces, particularly for people with mobility or visual impairments.
What footway edging kerbs are and what they are used for
Footway edging kerbs laterally retain the footway paving, define its profile in relation to the carriageway, planting bed or parking area and — in dropped or ramped versions — provide the flush transition required at pedestrian crossings and vehicle accesses. They may appear to be a secondary element in the design of a public space, but they are essential to its practical day-to-day usability.
Regulations and accessibility: what the law requires for footway kerbs
In Italy, accessibility in public spaces, including footway kerbs near crossings and ramps, is governed by legislation on the removal of architectural barriers (Law 13/1989 and Presidential Decree 503/1996), which requires compliant flush transitions or ramps at pedestrian crossings and at transition points between the footway and carriageway. For a complete technical overview of urban accessibility requirements, see the BibLus/ACCA guide to removing architectural barriers. At specification stage, the contracting authority always defines the exact dimensions required for the project.
Types of footway edging kerbs
| Type | Function | Typical context |
| Low flush edging kerb | Visual separation without a significant level difference | Footways in residential areas, shared cycle and pedestrian routes |
| Dropped/ramped kerb | Flush transition between footway and carriageway | Pedestrian crossings, accessible crossings |
| Standard footway kerb | Retains the paving and separates it from the carriageway | Urban footways, commercial and public areas |
How footway edging kerbs are installed
Installation requires a stable, correctly compacted sub-base, a cement-mortar bedding layer and precise control of levels, which is particularly critical where the kerb meets dropped crossings and ramps: even a small non-compliant level difference can compromise access for a wheelchair or pushchair. On curved sections, shaped units are used to follow the required radius without forcing the joints.
Why choose Senini for footway edging kerbs
Senini has manufactured concrete kerbs and edging units in Montichiari, in the province of Brescia, since 1960, with a range designed for both public and private settings — see the Kerbs section of the online catalogue. For a broader overview of the different available types, see Kerbs and Edging: Complete Selection Guide.
Senini footway edging kerbs are available in a range of finishes (standard, polished and natural stone) and colours, making them suitable for both formal urban settings and less formal regeneration projects. In public projects, the finish is often specified directly in the tender documents together with dimensional and accessibility requirements.
Do footway edging kerbs have to meet specific accessibility requirements?
Yes. Near pedestrian crossings and ramps, legislation on the removal of architectural barriers requires compliant flush transitions or ramps to allow access for people with mobility impairments.
What is the difference between a flush edging kerb and a dropped/ramped kerb?
A flush edging kerb has only a minimal level difference and is mainly used to visually define the route; a dropped/ramped kerb is designed to connect the footway to the carriageway with a controlled gradient, as typically required at accessible pedestrian crossings.
Can footway edging kerbs be matched with existing interlocking concrete pavers?
Yes. This is one of the most common combinations in urban regeneration projects: edging kerbs can be selected with finishes and colours that coordinate with the existing or specified interlocking concrete paving.
Who defines the exact dimensions of footway edging kerbs in a public project?
The specific dimensions are defined by the contracting authority’s technical specification or by the appointed designer, according to the context and the required accessibility and loading criteria.