Traffic Services

The Street Division is responsible for completing day-to-day maintenance of municipal right-of-ways as well as completing various improvement projects. Requests for pothole patching, minor sidewalk repairs, damaged sign repair or replacement, storm drain or catch basin cleaning should be directed to the Street Division at (704) 282-4667.

Speed Cushions

A speed cushion is a physical device used along city streets to calm traffic within residential neighborhoods. A speed cushion is a raised area of pavement that extends transversely across a roadway surface. Speed cushions normally have a height of five inches and a travel length of 22 feet. These pavement undulations are typically installed in sets of three and serve to reduce speeds and to redirect cut-through traffic away from neighborhood streets.

As with any measure implemented to reduce or calm traffic, success is directly related to the level of acceptance by the residents being affected. All speed cushion locations will be monitored by Public Safety to determine their effectiveness and to identify any safety concerns or accidents arising from their installation. The Engineering Department will be responsible for reviewing the reports, implementing corrective measures, and maintaining records for use on future installations.

Qualifying Criteria

  • The street must be classified as a two-lane residential street.
  • The street must be a municipally maintained roadway that receives Powell Bill funding. State roadways are excluded under this policy.
  • The grade of the street should not be greater than 8 percent.
  • The horizontal radius of the street must be equal to or greater than 300 feet.
  • The speed limit must be posted 25 MPH or reduced at time of installation of speed cushions to 25 MPH. All speed cushions will be posted at a traverse speed of 15 MPH.
  • The street should not be used as a primary emergency vehicle access route. A positive recommendation for installation must be received from Police, Fire and EMS.
  • The residents of the requested street are required to submit a petition form. (See Petition Requirements.)

If you meet these qualifying criteria, you may apply for a speed cushion by sending an email or by calling (704) 282-5795.

Placement Goals

  • Speed cushions should be placed at least 200 feet apart.
  • The stopping sight distance should be greater than or equal to 200 feet.
  • Speed cushions should be located at least 200 feet from an intersection.
  • Speed cushions should be located on or adjacent to property lines and at least 5 to 10 feet from driveways.
  • When possible, speed cushions should be placed under street lighting for greater visibility.
  • Every attempt will be made to adhere to the placement goals. However, some streets will have special circumstances that will not allow the goals to be met.


FUNDING

Speed cushions are installed at no cost to the citizens making the request. Installations are paid for using Powell Bill funds. The Powell Bill is a State Street Aid Allocation of funds produced by motor fuel taxes. Funds can be used for maintenance, repairs, and the construction or the widening of any city-owned street. Funds can also be used to ensure safer conditions on city streets. In this context, “street” is defined as any public road maintained by the City and open to use by the general public and having an average width of not less than 16 feet.

Petition Requirements

  • Signatures must be obtained on the standard Petition for Speed Cushions provided by the City.
  • Only one signature per household can be obtained.
  • Signatures must be of the current residents within the Engineering Department defined study area.
  • Residents must provide their address in the space allotted.
  • Residents must answer if they wish to attend the Public Safety Committee meeting for consideration.
  • The requesting party must distribute the provided maps and brochures while obtaining signatures.
  • Residents must acknowledge receipt of a map and brochure.
  • Signatures will be checked by Engineering using utility billing records.
  • Signatures that do not adhere to these requirements will be considered invalid.

The requesting party is responsible for obtaining signatures on the petition form and returning it to the City of Monroe Engineering Department. The number of valid signatures must equal or exceed 75% of the total number of residents of the study area. If the number of valid signatures “FOR” the installation of the speed cushions exceeds or is equal to 75% of the population of the study area, Police, Fire, and EMS will be contacted for recommendations.

PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING APPROVAL

The process is initiated when the Engineering Department receives a request for installations. A preliminary investigation into the basic qualifying criteria will be completed. The Engineering Department will also conduct a traffic study to determine if the 85th percentile speed is greater than or equal to eight (8) miles per hour over the posted speed limit. If these criteria are met, the Engineering Department will conduct a field investigation and determine the study area. A map will then be prepared detailing the best possible locations for installations. A petition package containing a petition form, maps, and brochures on speed cushions will be mailed to the requesting party. The requesting party is responsible for obtaining signatures on the petition form and returning it to the City of Monroe Engineering Department within 90 days. The number of valid signatures must equal or exceed 75% of the total number of residents of the study area. If the number of valid signatures “FOR” the installation of the speed cushions exceeds or is equal to 75% of the population of the study area, Police, Fire, and EMS will be contacted for recommendations. When all qualifying criteria are met, the street will be scheduled for speed cushion installation.

SPECIAL PROVISIONS

The Public Safety Committee can waive the petition requirement and can order installations based on a public need to protect the general welfare and safety of Monroe citizens.

Request for Speed Cushions                       Speed Cushion Brochure      
 
Speed Cushion Brochure(Spanish)             Policy