Repairs will increase speed bump size

Most drivers recognize speed bumps as a necessary evil. They know speed bumps are designed to ensure cars don’t exceed the speed limit and to keep pedestrians safe.

While this was the intent of the speed bumps on Holly Drive, it’s the repairs to the speed bumps that may be slowing traffic.

The presence of trucks dumping wet cement and construction workers ripping up slabs of concrete have cut the usual 4-lane Holly Drive down to two, slowing traffic and causing motorists headaches.

Repairs to the speed bumps began Oct. 14 and are expected to continue for another couple of weeks, said Ronald Hanke, spokesman for the Facilities Planning department.

Hanke said the $13,000 worth of repairs are being made because of a request that the speed bumps weren’t slowing traffic enough.

“The bumps weren’t having the effect they needed,” Hanke said. “It was a safety concern for pedestrians.”

Hanke said he wasn’t sure who made the request, but that it was most likely Residence Services.

Hanke said the repairs, being handled by Sierra Construction, include replacing the asphalt approach to the crosswalk so it will be steeper. In addition, Hanke said the material being used is the same as that used on Magnolia and Maple drives and is more visible, making it easier for drivers to spot the crosswalk and the speed bumps.

As of now, Hanke said no plans for repairs to other speed bumps are in the works.