I just spent the weekend building a wheelchair ramp for my 85 year old mother, and thought I'd pass this along to anyone who might be in the same space with a loved one or neighbor who could use a ramp.
There is a wonderful web site out of Minnesota -
formatting link
a comprehensive set of plans and construction descriptions for a modular ramp system. Their plans/descriptions are practical, straightforward, well engineered (this thing is built like a brick s
**thouse), and after having (almost) built one, it well within the abilities of those who frequent the Wreck. Base framing was out of
2x6, support posts 4x4 and rails of 2x4s, all pressure treated, bolted and nailed or screwed. Two of us worked 8 hours this past saturday, and I put in another 7 sunday, and got the base framing and supports in for a 40 foot ramp (1:12 slope) with only the decking and railing to finish up tomorrow, so I'd figure 3 full days (I did not pre-construct sections as they suggested.) Your cost will vary depending on the vertical drop you have to achieve, but for a 33 inch drop at a slope less steep than 1:12, I came in at around $1500 of material.
Mutt