Note 1: This report, Subject: "Recommendation for Location of Speed Humps," was submitted as hard copy (paper) to the Board of Directors on April 25, 2007. This version is formatted for the Internet and contains links to reference documents and map. Additional links, provided at the end of this page, while not in the hard copy report were on-line resources available to the ad hoc Committee.

Note 2: From the April 28, 2007, Annual Members Meeting - "There was lengthy discussion about the use of speed bumps, with pros and cons examined. Overall agreement that speeding is a big problem led to discussion of the use of police presence to calm speeders. The new Board will investigate as an alternative to speed humps." As a result, Speed Hump installation was placed on hold.

Note 3: After being on hold since April 28, 2007, installation of the speed humps began on August 31, 2015.

Note 4: During the October 17, 2015 Membership meeting the membership voted to remove the speed humps.

Note 5:    Click Here    for a summary of traffic issues.

April 5, 2007, the Board of the Malvern Club, Inc. approved funding for the installation of three Traffic Calming Speed Humps along Malvern Drive, exact locations to be determined. The Speed Humps were approved in an effort to calm traffic on Malvern Drive and, if successful, more Speed Humps will be added.

The Board formed an ad hoc Committee of volunteers to recommend locations for the installation of three Speed Humps. This is the Committee's report.

Speed Humps differ from Speed Bumps.

The Committee met several times to include site visits and shared information via e-mail, telephone, and a private web page. As safety was the Committee's first consideration for placement it was decided to follow established placement recommendations in the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)    Traffic Calming Guide for Local Residential Streets    

The VDOT placement guidelines are summarized as follows:

Additionally, the Committee decided to recommend the above VDOT "Traffic Calming Guide" specifications for Speed Hump    design, signing, and marking,    along with recommendations for education and notification of fire, rescue, police, and school.

VDOT Speed Hump placement, design, signing, and marking guidelines are engineered to safely calm traffic. Following these guidelines the Committee: reviewed resident nominated locations; referenced maps from the Madison County GIS; visited locations; selected five that met criteria; and determined a priority order.

The first three are recommended for installation under the current funding authorization and two additional for future consideration to better meet VDOT Speed Hump spacing guidelines. The recommended locations on Malvern Drive follow and are annotated on the    reference map    

1. 200' NW of the intersection of Malvern Drive and Ashlawn Drive. This is approximately 270' SE of the intersection of Rt 634 and Malvern Drive and 125' SE of the mailbox/newspaper area.
2. 300' West of the intersection of Malvern Drive and Covered Bridge Drive.
3. Within the area between approximately 250' West of Butter Churn Way and 350' East of Pine Court.
4. Within the area between approximately 250' and 400' East of Butter Churn Way.
5. Within the area between approximately 275' and 425' West of Pine Court.

1. The Board adopt the VDOT "Traffic Calming Guide" not only for location of the Speed Humps but also design, signing,and marking.
2. The Board use a radar "Speed Sign" before installation of Speed Humps as educational tool as well as a visible and recurring police presence.
3. The Board submit letters of intention to Fire/Rescue/Police/School and to owners of adjacent lots.
4. The Board seek legal review before installation.
5. The Board install Speed Humps at locations 4 and 5 when budget allows.
6. The Board be aware of    Portable Speed Humps    as an alternative.

Some useful Internet resources:

•     A Study on Speed Humps    
•     DOT Traffic Calming FAQ    
•     Federal Highway Administration Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices    
•     Guide to Auto Traffic Calming Practices (added January 2012)    
•     Traffic Calming: State of the Practice    
•     Traffic Calming for Communities    

Portable Devices

•     Speed Cushions    (Need 3 per site @ $876 each)
•     Speed Humps    (7-foot = $2,676 and 14-foot = $5,200)
•     Speed Table    ($4,660)