How Far apart should Speed Cushions be Installed?

Speed bumps have been the most common traffic-calming method for decades. However, their extensive use has been a concern for passengers, and it is not the most comfortable experience crossing them, especially at high speed.

Fortunately, transportation engineers have developed an ingenious product to reverse this problem, i.e., speed cushions.

Speed cushions are traffic-calming devices placed on roadways to slow down vehicles. These cushions are made from rubber; hence, they do not cause any discomfort to the passengers when the car goes over them.

The most significant advantage of the road cushion is that they do not interfere with emergency vehicles, allowing them to go past them without any hindrance. This is due to the gaps between two road cushion modules having enough space for a vehicle with a large wheelbase to go between them.

These innovative traffic-calming devices need to be installed perfectly, and getting the different measurements right during the process is one of the most crucial aspects of it.

However, knowing the exact measurement and gaps between the speed cushion pair is a trick and should be executed perfectly. 

Well, that’s what you’ll learn in this article today. 

Specifically, you’ll learn the following in this article:

• How far should the cushion modules be from each other in a pair?
• What is the perfect distance between two road cushions on the same road?
• The ideal sites to install these traffic-calming devices, 
• The numerous advantages of these progressive devices.

Without any further ado, let’s begin!

Discover below our full range of  Speed Cushions!

What distance should the road cushions be placed from each other?

Speed cushions are mostly installed in three different layouts. The first is the simplest, where the cushion is placed across the entire road width. The second layout is where the speed cushions can be configured in pairs. Finally, the last form of cushion arrangement is to install multiple road cushions on a single roadway.

Let’s dig deeper into the three different configurations of speed cushions and learn about their importance respective to the locations they are installed.

The most simple Speed ​Cushion installation

A single-speed cushion installed across the width of the road combined with carriageway narrowings or hatch markings is the most basic layout. It is suitable for areas with no heavy traffic volume, such as streets, parking lots, pedestrian crossings, pavements, etc. 

This layout should not be implemented in areas used by emergency vehicles as it would force them to reduce their speed which is not ideal. 

Speed cushions in pairs

Speed cushions are installed in pairs on roads with a higher traffic flow, such as school zones, public works, roundabouts, and intersections. This pairing ensures that the emergency vehicles have a consistent, steady flow of traffic movement and that the rest transport modes experience a speed reduction per traffic laws. 

Multiple speed cushions on the same road

Multiple speed cushions can be installed on highways and other high-traffic sites. This pattern is used on wider carriageways, which eliminates the need to use road narrowing measures. Even though this pattern works effectively in a two-way lane, it is necessary to deploy speed signs, stop signs, speed limit signs, warning signs, signposts, and other traffic-control signs to ensure pedestrians’ and passengers’ safety.

Fundamentally, the traffic-calming cushions should be installed at least 150-250 yards apart or 65-100 yards apart in lanes. If the cushions are too close, motorists, bicyclists, and other road vehicles will have to stop frequently.

However, this creates nerve-wracking roadblocks, which increase traffic accidents and the time spent during traffic. 

Where is the best place to install a road cushion? 

Speed cushions are generally installed in areas vulnerable to accidents due to overspeeding such as highways, school zones, hospital zones, and airports. In residential areas, it is only permissible to install speed cushions if the average daily traffic is below 10,000 vehicles per day and where the speed limit is at or below 30mph.

Speed cushions are not permitted within 200 feet of a traffic signal, YIELD sign, or STOP sign. Two sets of speed cushions should preferably be 250 yards apart and are recommended to be installed near steep grades or sharp turns.

However, bus drivers may encounter speed cushions installed on several bus routes. Therefore, bus companies and transit providers must inform drivers about traffic-calming devices on various routes and the wheel cut-outs available. 

Colliding with these road cushions at a very high speed can be an extremely uncomfortable experience. Therefore, the speed cushions should be located in areas with sufficient visibility and lighting, making them easier to spot and locate. 

What are the advantages of Speed cushions?

Speed cushions are an alternate version of speed bumps made mostly from recycled rubber or recycled plastic that help reduce traffic speed in areas prone to fatal accidents, crashes, and collisions. Road speed cushions are useful traffic calming measures that help control the traffic volume, especially in residential areas ensuring pedestrians’ safety.

The main advantage of speed cushions is allowing emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks and ambulances, to go past them without interference. Not only do speed cushions reduce the risk of accidents, but they also allow water to move without hindrance toward the drainage. 

The traffic route can be regulated by installing road cushions in areas with extensive vehicle load and congestion. Drivers in a hurry usually try to move through paths free of speed-control tools. Hence road cushions are used to direct them to an alternate route, ultimately improving road traffic safety. 

The gaps between the two modules of speed cushions allow motorcyclists and bicyclists to move their vehicles through them without any interruption.

These highly effective and efficient traffic-calming devices have many advantages; however, they also come with certain disadvantages. The cushions are not as abrupt as speed bumps are; hence, they reduce speed compared to speed bumps. 

Speed humps or speed breakers tend to be harsh on vehicles, but they effectively reduce the miles per hour (mph) of any vehicle whatsoever. It also makes the driver aware of driving at a low speed, which can essentially improve pedestrian safety and eliminate accidental fatalities. 

Furthermore, the interlocking design of road bumps is quite convenient as it allows one to remove or relocate them easily. Not to forget, these road speed bumps are used and usually spaced out to construct a robust form of speed cushions. Therefore, they are one of the excellent traffic control devices that promote speed reduction. 

Road cushions tend to produce more traffic noise when vehicles collide with them at high speed, which increases noise pollution and can disturb pedestrians, property owners, and residents of the particular area.

Conclusion

Speed cushion is a useful traffic control device gaining popularity over time and is preferred over speed bumps as a traffic speed-reducing method. Its installation process can be quite technical since it needs to be done with accuracy and perfection, as the safety of the passengers depends on it.

The measurements and distance between the cushions hold great importance among different aspects of the installation process. A slight misjudgment in any calculation can cause great damage. 

It is not only important to perfectly install the speed cushions but practicing the precautions before and during the process is equally vital. For instance, traffic cones, stop lights, parking signs, speed limits, signposts, and pavement markings is essential to warn the oncoming traffic about the work in progress ahead.

However, if you’re looking for robust yet high-quality speed cushions, the speed cushion factory is 

where you want to be. We manufacture versatile speed cushions that withstand any traffic load and can be installed with just a few bolts. 

Browse our offerings today!