Speed Cushion Requests

Speed cushions are traffic calming devices that use vertical deflection to slow motor-vehicle traffic in order to improve safety conditions. The use of vertical deflection devices is most commonly found where vehicle speeds are mandated to be low, usually 25 miles per hour. 

Speed cushions are either speed humps or speed tables that include wheel cutouts to allow large vehicles to pass unaffected, while reducing passenger car speeds. They can be offset to allow easier passage by emergency vehicles and are typically used on key emergency response routes. Speed cushions extend across one direction of travel from the centerline, with longitudinal gap provided to allow wide wheel base vehicles to pass more easily[1].  For more information on speed cushions, visit the NACTO Urban Street Design Guidelines.

When streets with existing speed cushions, humps or tables are repaved, the traffic calming devices will be reinstalled to meet the most current specifications that have been approved by the Fire Department and the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.  

Eligibility

Local Street with 85th percentile speeds exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph AND a minimum of 500 vehicles per day AND a minimum segment length of 900 feet

Minor Collectors with 85th percentile speeds exceeding the speed limit by 5 mph AND a minimum of 1500 vehicles per day AND a minimum segment length of 1,200 feet

See document for ineligible streets and additional considerations. 

Process 

Review eligibility criteria and if eligible, fill out and submit application for speed cushions Online Application

Installation Guidelines

See installation guidelines for placement rules and considerations .  Note that detailed engineering analysis will be conducted for each project per the City's engineering team. Existing speed humps and tables are grandfathered in to this program but will be replaced with speed cushions with roadway resurfacing.

The NACTO Urban Street Design Guidelines are another resource that provide guidance on speed cushion installation and considerations. 

Speed cushion standard specification / Speed hump standard specification.

Ongoing Projects

MONTICELLO BOULEVARD

In response to resident concerns regarding speeding, sight line issues, and difficulty crossing the street, as well as a speed study confirming eligibility for traffic calming treatments, the complete Streets Program of the City's Transportation & Environmental Services Department (T&ES) is proposing improvements on Monticello Boulevard. After working with community members on various alternatives, T&ES is proposing the improvements shown in the figure below. 

The proposed parking changes were approved by the Traffic and Parking Board at their October meeting. 

Completed Projects

• N Pegram Street - 85th percentile speed decreased by 13%
• E Maple Street
• Trinity Drive - 85th percentile speeds decreased by 19.3% 
• N. Rosser Street
  
• N. Pegram Street 85th percentile speed decreased by 21.8%
  
• Scroggins Street - 85th percentile speed decreased by 16%
  
• E. Bellefonte Avenue - 
  
• N. Jordan Street - 85th percentile speeds decrease by 27% 
  
• Russell Road - 85th percentile speeds decreased by 21% 
• West Abingdon Drive - 85th percentile speeds decreased by 30% 
• Martha Custis Drive - 85th percentile speeds decreased by 21%