Speed Cushion FAQ

Below are the answers to the questions we are asked most frequently about speed cushions. Hopefully, you will find the information you need on this page, but if your question isn't listed here or if you need additional information, please contact us.

What are speed cushions?
What do speed cushions look like?
What are the dimensions of a speed cushion?
How effective are speed cushions?
What can I do to stop the installation?
Why can't regular speed humps be used?
Will speed cushions damage my car?
How much do speed cushions cost?
Will it cost me anything?
Why is the City spending monies on this now?

What are speed cushions?

They are a type of speed hump that allow larger vehicles, especially fire trucks, to straddle them without slowing down. Several small speed humps are installed in a series across a roadway with spaces in between them. The small humps look like cushions.


What do speed cushions look like?

This photo shows the speed cushions located on Hermosa Vista Drive between Lindsay Road and Gilbert Road in Mesa.  Speed cushions are now located on many streets throughout Mesa.

speed cushion

What are the dimensions of a speed cushion?
 
Length: 12 feet
Height: 3 inches
Width: at least 6.5 feet
The detail below is for a set of speed cushions on a 48-foot wide street.

speed cushion dimensions

How effective are speed cushions?

A study of the effectiveness of speed cushions on eight streets in Mesa showed
that, on average, the 85th percentile speeds when measured mid-way between
two sets of speed cushions, decreased by about 7 mph.



What can I do to stop the installation?

The level of neighborhood support is one of many factors that determine whether the speed cushions will be installed. You may voice your opinion by completing a survey, contacting staff, or by speaking to the Transportation Advisory Board at the time the item will be voted upon. Call 480.644.2160 or check the website (www.mesaaz.gov/speed) for the date and time of the TAB meeting.


Why can't regular speed humps be used?
 
Speed humps delay emergency response vehicles much more than speed cushions. Streets considered to be emergency response routes by Mesa’s Fire Department are eligible for speed cushions only.


Will speed cushions damage my car?

To date, we are not aware of any vehicles that have been damaged.


How much do speed cushions cost?
 

The cost varies depending on the width of the road. To install a set of cushions on
a 48-foot wide street costs about $2,000.



Will it cost me anything?
 
The neighborhood is responsible for all data collection costs required to determine if the street meets the warranting criteria.

For streets that meet all of the warranting criteria, there may be an additional cost to the neighborhood for construction, depending on the volume of traffic. For streets carrying more than 500 vehicles per day, the City pays all costs of construction. For streets with fewer than 500 vehicles per day, the neighborhood is responsible for $500 for each set of speed cushions.


Why is the City spending monies on this now?

Speeding in neighborhoods is the number one concern for many residents. The
City Council supports spending a modest amount to address these concerns.

 

 

 

Transportation Department
300 E. 6th St.
Mesa, AZ 85201

Mailing Address:
City of Mesa
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211

Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
7:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Closed Fridays & Holidays

480.644.2160
480.644.2262 (after hours)