(MANITOU SPRINGS, Colo.) — The Manitou Springs Public Services Department has installed three speed humps to enhance safety and reduce vehicle speeds.
The gradual humps were installed on Crystal Park Road and Crystal Hills Boulevard near Crystal Kangaroo Campground, areas that are known for speeding issues. The humps are meant to slow vehicles to 15-20 miles per hour (mph), promoting smoother traffic flow and increasing pedestrian safety in residential zones.
Why speed humps over traditional speed bumps? The City of Manitou Springs said this is because of multiple reasons, including:
- Smoother traffic flow: Speed bumps cause abrupt stops and jarring impacts, and humps gently reduce vehicle speeds without disrupting the flow of traffic.
- Enhanced safety: Speed humps provide effective speed control on residential streets, parks, and school zones without excessive braking. This makes it safer for pedestrians while drivers also maintain a steady pace.
- Winter-friendly: Speed humps are designed to be removable during the winter months, allowing for easy snow plowing without damaging either the humps or plow trucks.
- Emergency friendly: Speed bumps can slow down emergency response vehicles due to their harsh design, and humps allow these vehicles to pass through neighborhoods with minimal delay.
A speed study will be conducted in three months to assess the effectiveness of the humps and determine whether additional installations are needed based on traffic data from other high-speed areas. This effort complements the Manitou Springs Police Department’s initiative to explore the use of speed cameras to further address speeding concerns citywide.
The City said the community has shared positive feedback, with one local stating, “Thank you for the traffic hump on lower Crystal Park Road! I’ve been wanting for these for years.”
