Properly designed traffic calming protects pedestrians, reduces liability and limits pavement wear caused by speeding vehicles.
Speed Bump Installation Design: Height, Length and Spacing
Speed bumps and speed humps are different. A speed bump is short and abrupt, typically 3 to 6 inches high and only a foot or two long, intended for slow-speed parking areas. A speed hump is longer and gentler, often 3 to 4 inches high and 12 feet or more long, suited to roads where emergency vehicles and buses must pass. Spacing depends on target speed and site layout, and we make sure the profile is smooth enough not to scrape low-clearance vehicles or interfere with snowplows.
Speed Bump Installation Construction: Hot-Mix Asphalt, Forms and Compaction
We saw-cut and clean the existing pavement where needed, apply tack coat and place hot-mix asphalt using forms or screed guides to the specified profile. The mix is hand-compacted and shaped for a smooth transition, with edges bonded to the pavement so the bump does not shove or peel.
Speed Bump Installation Markings: Yellow Striping, Signage and Visibility
Traffic-calming devices should be clearly marked. We apply high-visibility yellow striping, and can coordinate warning signs and reflective markers so drivers see the bump before they reach it.
Speed Bump Installation Drainage and Snow Plow Considerations
A bump placed across a drainage path can dam water, and a rigid profile can catch a plow blade. We position bumps to preserve drainage and keep the profile plow-friendly, and we can leave gaps at gutters where needed.
Speed Bump Installation Placement: Where Traffic Calming Works Best
Bumps work best before crosswalks, near entrances, at blind corners and in front of playgrounds or building doors. We walk the site, review vehicle patterns and recommend a layout that slows traffic without creating bottlenecks. If your lot also needs new paving or repair, we can build speed bumps into the project; see our parking lot paving and commercial paving pages.
Legal note: On public roads, traffic-calming devices fall under agency rules. For private property, check lease, HOA and fire-access requirements before installation.
Speed Bump Installation Process: From Layout to Striping
- Site review and layoutWe recommend locations, heights and spacing.
- Surface preparationThe pavement is cleaned and, if needed, saw-cut.
- Tack coatTack coat bonds the bump to existing pavement.
- Hot-mix placementHot asphalt is placed to the specified profile.
- Compaction and shapingMix is compacted and shaped for a smooth transition.
- Cooling and curingThe bump cools before traffic returns.
- Striping and signageYellow markings and signs are installed.
Speed Bumps Service Areas: Spokane, Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake, Cheney and Airway Heights
We provide speed bumps throughout Spokane County. Choose your location to see local conditions, soils and paving considerations for your area.
- Speed Bumps in Spokane, WA
- Speed Bumps in Spokane Valley, WA
- Speed Bumps in Liberty Lake, WA
- Speed Bumps in Cheney, WA
- Speed Bumps in Airway Heights, WA
Speed Bumps FAQ: Answers From a Spokane Paving Contractor
Speed Bump Installation vs. Speed Hump: Which Is Right for My Property?
Speed bumps suit slow-speed parking areas; speed humps are better for roads with higher speeds and emergency traffic.
Speed Bump Installation Durability: How Long Do Asphalt Bumps Last?
Asphalt bumps are long-lasting, with striping needing periodic refresh.
Speed Bump Installation Cost: What Does It Depend On?
Size, quantity, access and whether we are already paving at the site.