Program Overview

The Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program is an initiative to slow and calm traffic on Salem Streets. Through small-scale, inexpensive projects we can test ideas, collect data, and support permanent changes where successful. 

The goals of the program are to:

• Eliminate serious traffic injuries and fatalities

• Encourage slower speeds

• Help people walk and bicycle more comfortably and safely

• Create a more livable, walkable, and bikeable City

• Build community and connect neighbors

All projects involve a collaborative process with neighborhoood residents, City staff, Traffic & Parking Commission, City Councilors as well as the Salem Police and Engineering Departments and the Department of Public Services. The program is intended to complement larger road construction projects throughout the City.

Residents can apply for the traffic calming program here. The submission of an application begins a staff evaluation process for the roadway and does not guarantee that traffic calming measures will be implemented.

The City had developed a prioritization tool to assist with evaluating requests as they are submitted. You can learn more about the prioritization tool here.

Slower vehicle speeds save lives.

Standard Tools

1) Gateway treatments include painted curb extensions (known as "daylighting") and street signs at entrances.

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Concept design example of a gateway treatment

2) Speed Humps

• Speed humps are designed for travel speeds of 20 MPH, built 3 inches above the pavement, and are approximately 12-14 feet long. Speed humps are different than speed bumps you find in parking lots, which are taller and are designed for speeds of 5-10 MPH. They typically extend across the width of the travel lane, maintain existing drainage patterns, and are located on residential, low volume streets. Considerations for speed humps include if the street is an emergency response and/or bicycle route. Materials include temporary rubber cushions to constructed asphalt humps. 

Example of a temporary speed hump

Example of a permanent speed hump (Source: City of Boston)

3) Speed Cushions

• Speed cushions are similar to speed humps with slots in them. These spaces are designed to be wider than personal vehicles and allow emergency vehicles to travel over them with minimal impacts. 

Example of a speed cushion (Source: TrafficLogix)

4) Curb Extensions: Daylighting and Neckdowns

Curb extensions are wider sections of sidewalk at intersections or mid-block locations where there is on-street parking. Curb extensions are used at intersections to provide “daylight” at crosswalks, improving visibility for everyone and narrowing crossing distances. Also called neckdowns, curb extensions used mid-block visually narrow the street, providing additional space for greenery and snow storage. Curb extensions can be built with concrete, flexposts, paint, planters, and more.

5) Chicanes

Since launching the program in 2018, the Traffic & Parking Department has received an overwhelming number of requests and have been able to implement traffic calming projects throughout the city. Using our project prioritization tool, we're implementing several pilot and permanent projects each year. In most cases, the traffic calming projects result in reduced travel speeds and perceived improvements in safety from the neighbors who request them. Once measures are implemented, staff collect additional data, receive public feedback, and observe the location to determine how effective the measures are, and if the designs need to modified before going to permanent installation.

Below is a list of installations anticipated for the 2023 season:

2023 Pilot Rubber Speed Humps/Cushion Installations

• Chestnut Street - Flint Street to Summer Street

• Columbus Ave - Fort Ave to Bay View Ave 

• Proctor Street - Mansell Parkway to Highland Ave

• Federal Street - North Street to Boston Street

• Raymond Road - Loring Ave to Lafayette St
• Mall Street - N Washington Square to Bridge St

2023 Permanent Speed Hump Installations

• Cedar Street - Cabot Street to Lafayette Street​

• Fairfield Street - Cabot Street to Lafayette Street

• Gardner Street - Cabot Street to Lafayette Street* postponed until utility work is complete.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How are the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program projects initiated?

Projects can be initiated by residents via a program application and the Traffic and Parking Department. In both cases, staff will assess roadways using the Project Prioritization tool and other criteria to determine whether traffic calming elements, if any, are appropriate. This process will also determine when projects may be implemented based on available resources. 

How will resident parking be impacted by the program?

It is the goal of the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program to not remove any resident parking.

Why can't I park where the gateway treatments are located?

State Law 700 CMR Section 5.401: Traffic Regulations and Rules for Driving prohibits parking within 20 feet of any intersection. Leaving this space open improves visibility and safety for everyone.

How do you evaluate which streets will receive permanent traffic calming treatments?

We collect speed and volume data before and after projects are installed. Staff also conduct observations, solicit feedback from the community and often post surveys to determine how effective the measures are, and if there are other treatments needed. 

In the North Salem neighborhood, speed humps and signs were installed on Buffum, Barr, Barstow, and Dunlap Streets. Dunlap Street high speeds dropped from 65 mph to 48 mph, the average speed dropped from 26 mph to 20 mph, and the percent of vehicles driving over the speed limit dropped  from 56% to 11%. Permanent treatments are now complete in the North Salem neighborhood.

What is the difference between a speed bump and a speed hump?

A speed bump is what you often encounter in parking lots and reduce vehicle speeds to less than 10mph. Speed humps are designed to 20mph.

When will my treatments be installed?

Installations typically take place during the spring, summer and fall. Once it is determined that a street should receive traffic calming elements, it can take approximately 1 year for installation to occur.