Tool Box
Neighborhood Traffic Management Program

SPEED CUSHION

Speed cushions are a variation of the speed lump that is constructed from durable recycled rubber. These prefabricated devices consistently have a more uniform shape than asphalt humps. Speed cushions provide wheel gaps for emergency vehicles and buses, and can be arranged to fit any street width.

The magnitude of reduction in speed is dependant of the spacing of speed cushions between points that require drivers to slow. On average, speed cushions achieve a 14% reduction in speeds.

Advantages

• Provides a more consistent ride than asphalt humps
• Can be used as a temporary device during a testing phase
• Reduces impacts to emergency vehicles due to cut-outs
• Easily accommodates street resurfacing

Disadvantages

• Increased noise
• Aesthetics (but may be better than lumps)
• Signs may be unwelcome by adjacent residents

For additional information please contact:

Tracy Whitley
Project Engineer
Sacramento County Department of Transportation
whitleyt@SacCounty.net