Speed cushion installation begins today, Aug. 27

TRAFFIC SAFETY

Three new speed cushions will be installed in Leisure World beginning Aug. 27. Work is expected to be completed by Sept. 11.

Drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow posted detour signage near the project sites. The speed cushions will be located at:

• Northwood Road: One two-lane cushion covering the northbound and southbound lanes, near Clubhouse 3 and First Christian Church.

• St. Andrews Drive: Two separate cushions on the northbound and southbound lanes near Mutual 1.

Leisure World utilizes a variety of traffic calming devices to enhance road safety.

A speed cushion is a raised, rounded patch of asphalt or rubber placed across a lane to slow down regular traffic. They feature gaps or wheel cutouts designed so wide-axle emergency vehicles like fire trucks and ambulances can straddle them without slowing down.

Speed cushions are also called speed humps, which are low and broad devices that encourage traffic to slow to 15-20 miles per hour—not to be confused with the more aggressive speed bump, which force traffic to a 3-5 mile-per-hour crawl.