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Rubber
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The City of Portland joined forces with Recycled Technology, of Tualatin, in September of 1995, initiating development of a rubber speed bump for use on streets with frequent maintenance needs. Since that time, many uses have been identified.
Use Rubber Speed Bumps:
- on residential streets to improve neighborhood livability.
- in construction work zones to create safer work sites and reduce flag personnel.
- at high or 'at risk' pedestrian locations like street fairs and school crossings.
- in parking lots where traditional bumps only cause discomfort to the slow vehicles.
Rubber Speed Bump Benefits:
Planning and Design
- Speed bumps slow traffic without reducing access.
- Test a bump layout before permanent asphalt construction.
- Adjust a bump layout after first installed - try that with asphalt!
- Discourage infiltration of traffic diverting from a street under construction
Construction
- Repeatedly uniform shape that is difficult to achieve with asphalt.
- Extends construction season - rubber bumps don't require warm weather.
- Consistent installation regardless of labor skill level.
- Reduced manpower and equipment.
Maintenance
- Street resurfacing easily accommodated - unbolt the bump, resurface, and put the rubber bump back.
- Worn ramp sections can be exchanged with sections not in the wheel path.
- Inlaid markings are possible.
Temporary Uses
- Slow vehicles in construction zones.
- Use during street fairs, or other high pedestrian activity events, to slow nearby vehicles.
Testing Protocol:
Phase One of the development
contract tested the durability of Recycled Technology's rubber material to withstand
traffic. Phase One testing took place at the Stanton maintenance yard, Kerby Street
entrance. Mats of the rubber compound were placed on a 10% downhill grade where
heavy truck traffic entered the yard. The site was chosen to accelerate fatigue of
the materials. This test also allowed evaluation of different techniques to attach
the rubber material to the road.
Phase Two of the development
contract placed full size prototype rubber bumps on city streets to evaluate the
design, comfort and effectiveness of the device.
The graph below compares the effectiveness of the rubber bumps to asphalt bumps at
reducing traffic speed.
Current Status:
The first prototype was installed on SE Martins Street in April of 1998. This installation was a temporary test and the device has since been removed.
The second rubber bump was tested on NE 72nd Drive, north of Tillamook Street. It was installed July 25, 1998. This speed bump was constructed as part of pedestrian improvements being constructed by the Parks Bureau on NE 72nd Drive, which bisects the Rose City Golf Course. This bump was removed when damaged by a heavy truck that initiated heavy braking while on the device. It is not known if this action was intentional or not.
Portland finalized a manufacturing contract with Recycled Technology in April of 1999. Portland is satisfied that the rubber speed bump meets its criteria for slowing of auto traffic on residential streets.
An installation on SE 72nd Avenue,
Taylor to Division. This street has had utility work conflicts which have delayed
resurfacing and asphalt bump construction. Six rubber speed bumps where installed on
an interim basis until the utility work is complete and the street can be resurfaced.
Related Topics:
Rubber Bump Installation Photo Album
Recycled Technology is the exclusive supplier for this rubber speed bump.
| For additional product information and pricing* contact: Recycled Technology |
For City comments contact: email: Scott Batson |
*The City of Portland will receive a royalty for each rubber ramp sold by Recycled Technology.
