Chapter 12.06
SPEED HUMPS
Sections:
12.06.020 Definition of speed humps.
12.06.030 Engineering criteria.
12.06.060 Neighborhood support.
12.06.070 Installation process.
12.06.080 Prioritization and implementation.
12.06.090 Removal or modification of speed humps.
12.06.010 Purpose.
Reducing excessive speeds on residential streets to ensure the safety of neighborhood pedestrians of all ages, deaf and blind individuals, cyclists, and animals to create calmer, more livable environment. The methods of this mode of speed discouragement include education, development of an application and evaluation process, engineering concepts and prompt installation. By allowing certain installments, the police will be freed up to do other more challenging tasks. There have been many inquiries to the Evansville Traffic and Engineering Department for the rapid introduction of this traffic aid. In response to our constituents’ safety needs, the Evansville City Council has created this chapter. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.020 Definition of speed humps.
Speed humps are three-inch (or more) high, trapezoidal in cross-section, flat topped or cylindrical raised sections of rubber, asphalt or cement. Typically, they are 12 to 22 feet long, running perpendicular to the traffic flow. Their ends are tapered at the curb gutter ends to allow rain water drainage. Due to the flat top of a speed hump, a driver does not experience the jarring that is associated with a speed bump. Thus, the vehicular rocking motion experienced at 15 to 30 miles per hour is well tolerated; it is more disruptive at higher speeds, as intended. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.030 Engineering criteria.
Speed humps will only be installed where the following conditions are met:
(A) There is a demonstrated traffic, safety or speeding problem; other measures will not address the problem.
(B) The location is a two-lane or residential street.
(C) The installation of the speed hump has been reviewed by the City Engineer or his designee. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.040 General conditions.
The following general conditions will be considered when locating speed humps:
(A) A motorist should have adequate sight distance to react to the speed hump.
(B) Speed humps will be placed only over clear, unencumbered paving (no manholes, etc.).
(C) A speed hump will be located downstream from a drainage inlet, where at all possible.
(D) A speed hump should be placed near existing street lighting, if possible.
(E) A speed hump will not be placed in front of a driveway.
(F) A speed hump will not be placed within an intersection.
(G) Speed humps will not be placed on designated snow routes unless the speed hump’s design is compatible with the City’s snow removal equipment. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.050 Signage.
All speed humps shall have signage and markings in compliance with the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.060 Neighborhood support.
(A) The involved roadway segment on which the speed hump is to be placed must have neighborhood support. One vote per property owner is allowed.
(B) Fifty-five percent of the property owners on the street block directly impacted by the speed hump location must approve its placement. [Ord. G-2021-11, passed 7-28-21; Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.070 Installation process.
(A) The initial request for installation of a speed hump must originate from a resident “applicant” of a property on the candidate street.
(B) The request must be presented in writing to the Traffic and Engineering Department of the City of Evansville with documentation of neighborhood acceptance.
(C) After receiving the request for installation, the City Engineer will evaluate it and make an appropriate recommendation to the Safety Board.
(D) In the event that an applicant’s request is denied by the Safety Board the applicant’s request may be considered by the Common Council upon the applicant’s request.
(E) If rejected a repeat application may be made in one year’s time. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.080 Prioritization and implementation.
The City will prioritize the applications for speed humps as follows:
(A) As determined the danger by its delay.
(B) As determined thereafter on a first-come, first-served basis.
(C) The willingness of the applicant to defray part or all of the cost of installation. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]
12.06.090 Removal or modification of speed humps.
The same policies and procedures shall be followed for the removal or modification of speed humps as those for the installation of speed humps. [Ord. G-2013-13, passed 7-30-13; Ord. G-2013-8, passed 6-12-13.]