Speed Humps

Speed humps have been a very common traffic calming measure.

Speed humps represent one type of traffic calming measure which has been used by many local agencies for slowing traffic. Modern speed humps are 12 to 14 feet wide and have a rounded appearance which is 2.5 to 4 inches high at the center. Longer and flatter speed humps are referred to as speed tables. Speed humps have been shown to reduce motor vehicle speeds on streets where they were installed. Despite their ability to reduce motor vehicle speeds, speed humps have certain disadvantages and are generally disliked by many motorists, fire departments and other emergency service providers. They often are not feasible on collector streets or arterial streets due to their impact on emergency response times. Other problems with speed humps include their impact on storm water runoff and snowplowing, and complaints about motorists driving onto the sidewalk to avoid the hump. The presence of speed humps also complicates street resurfacing.

While speed humps have been used extensively by some agencies, other traffic calming measures such as street-narrowing traffic circles or traffic diverters to eliminate cut-through traffic are often more effective and appropriate. Speed humps have been removed at some locations in U.S., Europe, and the Netherlands.

Treatment: Speed Humps

Description/Purpose

An elongated section of raised pavement designed to reduce motor vehicle speeds. Longer and flatter speed humps are referred to as speed tables.

Expected Effectiveness

An overall reduction of motor vehicle speeds. More specifically, 85th-percentile speeds reduced by 4 to 23 mph.

Costs

Both speed humps and speed tables cost on average approximately $2,500 each, with low estimates of about $1,000 and high estimates of $6,900 (Bushell, Poole, Zegeer, Rodriguez, 2013).

Keys to Success

  • Selection of appropriate areas, which are primarily low-volume residential streets.
  • Complete coverage of lane width to ensure motorists do not veer into bicycle lane to avoid the hump.
  • Should not be used on sharp curves.

Key Factors to Consider

  • Potential increase in noise.
  • Potential drainage issues on some streets.
  • Increase in cost and complexity of resurfacing.
  • Appropriate design important to prevent motor vehicle passenger discomfort.

Evaluation Measures

  • Number of crashes and motor vehicle/pedestrian conflicts.
  • Motor vehicle speed and motorist delay.