Council asks staff to develop criteria for speed humps after neighborhood requests; cost estimates range widely

The Cambridge City Council placed on file an awaiting-report about installing speed humps as a traffic-calming tool after hearing resident requests for locations including Antrim and Clinton streets.

Councilor Nolan said setting clear criteria is the right approach and urged staff to ensure residents receive timely feedback on requests. Transportation staff explained the difference between “speed humps” (gentler, mid-block devices) and “speed bumps” (parking-lot style) and said humps can be done independent of capital projects, allowing more rapid interventions.

Staff estimated costs where pavement is in good condition at about $2,000 per hump and up to roughly $10,000 per hump where additional preparation is needed. They said typical installations would include multiple humps spaced along a block and that drainage work is often a major cost for other traffic-calming measures; speed humps generally avoid major drainage changes.

Councilors asked that staff develop transparent criteria (speed, roadway characteristics, corridor treatment) rather than rely strictly on neighborhood request counts, and several urged robust community outreach and communication about costs and timelines. The council placed the matter on file to allow staff to complete evaluation and return with selection criteria and budget estimates.