Newport approves permanent asphalt speed humps for Ocean View Drive

The Newport City Council authorized city staff to remove existing prefabricated speed humps on Ocean View Drive and install permanent asphalt speed humps designed to be longer and less abrupt.

City Engineer Chris Beatty presented the options, describing two permanent alternatives and recommending the asphalt option after reviewing similar installations. “One of them was a preformed rubber similar to what's out there, but longer…they would extend over 14 feet long instead of 3 and a half,” Beatty said, and added his department recommends 14-foot, 3-inch-high asphalt humps as a longer-lasting solution.

Beatty told the council the five permanent units the city is considering were estimated at roughly $75,000 total in the report. He said the existing temporary prefabricated humps could be repurposed at other city locations, for example in a recreation-center parking lot, depending on fit and parking constraints.

A council motion to authorize staff to remove the existing prefabricated speed humps and install permanent asphalt speed humps passed after a motion and second; the record notes a motion by Councillor Rumagu and a second by Councillor Jacoby. Staff said the project will be put out to bid and the city will notify residents of the construction schedule prior to contractor work.

Councilors asked about public notification and reuse of the temporary units; staff said they will coordinate outreach with the city communications staff and that contractors will be procured through a bidding process.