Reasons to Remove Speed Humps

One of the advantages of using rubber traffic control devices instead of more permanent solutions is the ability to easily remove them when necessary. Here, we’ll discuss several reasons why removing speed humps may be the best option for your situation.

One of the primary reasons speed humps are removed is due to snow. While the recycled rubber material is completely impervious to the snow itself, that doesn’t mean there are not risks involved with allowing them to remain.

Consider that a speed hump is just 2.1” high at the highest point. As snow begins to fall, it will build up on the surface of the hump. After several inches of snow have fallen, it may become difficult to see where the speed humps are located. Without knowing where they are, they could create more of a hazard than anything. Plus, pedestrians may not see them and potentially trip over the uneven surface, and plow trucks could hit them as well.

Which brings us to the next point of plow trucks. While humps made of rubber are quite durable in withstanding heavy vehicles, weather and large volumes of traffic, they are really no match for an oncoming plow. When plowing snow, it is highly likely that the snow plow will damage the speed hump sections causing them to be unusable. In addition, if the plow were to catch one of the anchor bolts, there’s a possibility the plow could be damaged, as well as the surface.

Considering all the things that could go wrong if a plow were to hit one of the humps, its simply best to remove them before the plows are needed. This keeps the plow driver safe, the plow in good working order, and the humps in usable order for years and years.

Another reason humps could be removed would be for longevity. Although the recycled rubber material does not deteriorate in weather like asphalt or concrete counterparts, it only stands to reason that the less weather they’re subjected to, the less wear and tear they will endure. So removing them during more harsh winter months and storing them until milder temperatures arrive will only lengthen the lifespan of the rubber humps.

You will want to be sure that you seal the remaining holes to protect your surface.  Use an asphalt sealer, or something similar to be sure they are protected from water infiltration.

While removal of speed humps is not a necessity, it will certainly go a long way in protecting your investment and making them a viable, reusable product for years to come.