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How Does Sacramento Determine Where Speed Bumps Go?

SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — Speed bumps have become a big concern for some residents in Del Paso Heights. And some of them are turning to social media to voice their concerns.

"I am seeking help," wrote Sharon Grandberry. " I tried before and nothing came about it. NOTHING!!!!"

She talked to CBS 13 exclusively on Wednesday about speeding cars outside of her home on Pinelle Street.

"Kids walk up and down the street all the time and they just be flying in," she said.

Grandberry wants speed bumps installed as soon as possible but when she tried to start the process last April, things didn't progress as she'd hoped.

MORE INFORMATION: Sacramento traffic calming programs

"He was going to send me out flyers to petition to where I could get the neighbors on board too," she said. "I never received that."

After speaking with the transportation department, she said they installed a traffic box to keep a record of the speeding. But after 24 hours, it was taken down and Grandberry didn't hear another word about it.

So CBS 13 asked the city of Sacramento to explain the process behind applying for a speed bump.

First, the department of transportation needs to receive a petition signed by at least 10 residents. Next, a traffic investigator will head to the scene and evaluate the area. He or she will monitor speeding and then see if the street qualifies for a bump. If it does, then a ballot goes out to the neighbors for a vote.

Criteria for qualifying for the city's "Speed Lump Program":

  • The two-lane street must be residential or be close to a park or school
  • The street must be at least 750 feet long with no four way intersections.
  • There can't be any four-way stop signs or traffic signals.
  • The speed limit must be 30 miles per hour or less.
  • Speeding of 5 miles per hour or higher over the speed limit must occur.
  • Street must be approved by Regional transit and the fire department.

Grandberry's main concern is about the little ones, like her four-year old granddaughter, who may not see the fast cars coming in time to get out of the way.

"It's just unsafe even for my grandkids to be it there in the front yard," she said. "there be kids over there playing basketball on the side of the street."

Thanks to the help of her neighbors on Facebook, she's ready to knock on doors and get the signatures she needs.

"The squeaky wheel goin' get the oil you know and I'm not going to let it go," Granberry said.

Typically, the city only budgets for 10 to 16 speed bumps a year. They keep the requests in order with three different priority lists. On each one, they evaluate a street's need based on the following criteria:

  • The average number of vehicles that use the street each day.
  • The speed at which the vehicles travel
  • The number of homes, parks or schools facing the street.
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