Report: 99% of Philadelphia Speed Bumps are Installed Improperly

A city study found that most of the city's speed humps fail to meet design specifications.

1 minute read

February 22, 2026, 5:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


Close-up of people;s hands installing black and yellow road hump.

BonNontawat / Shutterstock

A report from the Philadelphia City Controller found that almost all of the speed cushions installed by the city did not match design specifications, reports Tom MacDonald for WHYY.

Out of 140 speed cushions the report looked at, just two were installed properly. “Some of the bumps were built too high, causing damage to vehicles as they passed over. Others were built too low to the ground and were not completely effective.” About 95 percent of them were too steep. 

The report cites s need for stronger oversight and accountability. “Designs are correct. The issue is oversight during installation and that is fixable,” said Controller Christy Brady. “The Streets Department is reviewing the report. Brady said contractors should be held to doing the job right,” MacDonald adds.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in WHYY

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