Installing a Speed Bump or Hump

Q: Can you install a speed bump/hump on my street?

A: A speed bump/hump is one of many traffic calming devices used to reduce speeds on neighborhood streets in SSF. Each traffic-calming device used by the City has its appropriate use and context. The TAC is frequently asked to consider the installation of traffic calming measures. The TAC reviews each request for traffic calming, assessing:

  • roadway classification,
  • citywide emergency routes,
  • roadway geometry,
  • average daily traffic volume,
  • prevailing speeds,
  • crash history, and
  • if any other projects will occur in the requested location.

 

Roadway classifications are described in the Shape South San Francisco (General Plan) Mobility and Access page, which can be found here. Traffic calming may be warranted when a street is classified as a neighborhood (local) street, prevailing “85%” speeds are at least 5mph higher than the posted/prima facie speed limit, and the crash history reveals multiple crashes related to unsafe speed. For roadways of higher classification (collectors and city-controlled arterials), the TAC may consider the installation on a case-by-case basis.

 

Examples of traffic calming measures that the City uses are as follows:

  • Addition of regulatory and/or advisory signs where none are currently posted.
  • Installation of speed pavement legends.
  • Temporary or permanent speed feedback signs.
  • Targeted location speeding enforcement.
  • Narrowing travel lanes by adding center and/or edge lines.
  • Speed humps/bumps,
  • Rubber speed cushions/ armadillo lane delineators,
  • Flexible posts,
  • Chicanes,
  • Curb Extensions, and
  • Daylighting (red curb).

 

The TAC will implement appropriate countermeasures where warranted. Additionally, deflection-type devices will require approval from the Fire Department.

 

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