Speed Cushions
Speed cushions are a type of speed hump that allow larger vehicles, especially fire trucks, to straddle them without significantly 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.
Possible Installation Locations
2nd Street between Lazona Drive and Harris Drive
This 1/4-mile segment of 24th Street runs east-west and lies east of Stapley Drive and north of Main Street.
If the information regarding the 2nd Street segment has not answered your questions, please contact Rose Voyles, Traffic Studies Analyst, at 480-644-5793.
What are the dimensions of a speed cushion?
Length: 12 feet
Height: 3 inches
Width: at least 6.5 feet
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. Please refer to the current policy(PDF, 52KB) for more details on this topic.
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 and Medical 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 $5,000.
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, we pay 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 Mesa 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.