Capitol staff defend speed bumps after members raise safety and liability concerns

Members of Management Council spent substantial time debating speed bumps in the Capitol’s underground parking garage after staff reported multiple near‑miss incidents prior to installation and a recent close call while staff were working on a door.

ANI and facility administrators told the council that the low speed bumps were installed after incidents when the garage reopened and have reduced complaints and damage (some overhead‑door damage previously cost more than $100,000). Council members raised concerns about the bumps’ impact on traffic flow, coffee spills and wear on vehicles; others emphasized cameras, key‑card access, enforcement and potential liability if a removal contributed to injury.

ANI said camera coverage exists but has blind spots and that continuous active monitoring to catch every speeder would require additional staffing. ANI noted some incidents were difficult to investigate because employees did not report them immediately, which limited video recovery. An ANI representative also said certain doors rely on sensor timing that assumes slower approach speeds.

The council did not order immediate removal. Instead, the chair directed LSO to draft a letter from Management Council to the State Building Commission asking the SBC to consider removing the speed bumps; any removal would require SBC approval. ANI said it will raise the issue with SBC at its next meeting and provided operational context for the council’s consideration.

Provenance: discussion began SEG 2078 and council directive to draft the letter is recorded at SEG 2576–2581.