Speed Bump Installation: Asphalt vs Concrete Checklist

TL;DR: Installing a bolt-down rubber speed bump takes roughly 1–3 hours per lane for a two-person crew once anchor holes are drilled — asphalt and concrete require different anchor types and drill bits. Spacing between multiple bumps should follow traffic-calming guidance from the Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) rather than guesswork. LT Plastics supplies the hardware and layout drawings for your speed bump project but does not perform on-site installation — this guide is intended to help you plan the job or brief a contractor.

Quick Facts

Tools and Materials Checklist

Before scheduling an installation, confirm you (or your contractor) have:

Asphalt vs. Concrete: What Changes

Installing on Asphalt

Asphalt is softer than concrete and prone to spalling around anchor points if the wrong anchor type is used. Asphalt installations typically call for longer-embedment spike-style anchors designed specifically for bituminous surfaces, driven or torqued per the manufacturer's spec. Pavement temperature also matters — very hot, softened asphalt can affect anchor holding power, so installation is best scheduled during moderate temperatures.

Installing on Concrete

Concrete anchoring is generally more straightforward and durable — wedge or sleeve anchors set into pre-drilled holes provide strong, long-term holding power. Confirm slab thickness and condition (no major cracking near the anchor line) before drilling, since anchors need adequate substrate to bite into.

Installing Poured Asphalt or Concrete Humps (Comparison)

If you are instead considering a poured asphalt or concrete speed hump rather than a bolt-down modular product, the process is materially different: it involves forming, hot-mix or concrete pouring, and multi-day cure time before the lane can reopen to traffic. This is why many facilities choose bolt-down rubber for driveway and portable applications — no lane closure beyond the anchor-drilling window. See our cost guide for how this trade-off affects total project cost.

> Planning a multi-lane install? Request a free layout drawing for your site →

Layout and Spacing

Before drilling, mark the full lane width with a chalk line to ensure the bump sections run perpendicular to traffic flow. For sites installing multiple speed bumps along a roadway (rather than a single point control), spacing between devices should follow recognized traffic-calming guidance from the Institute of Transportation Engineers so that vehicles cannot accelerate to unsafe speed between devices, and so the calming effect is consistent along the corridor.

Spacing is project-specific and depends on target speed, road grade and sightlines — a certified traffic engineer or your local public works department should be consulted for public roadway installations.

Step-by-Step Checklist

Hiring and Vetting an Installer

If you're not self-installing, look for a contractor experienced with masonry anchoring and asphalt/concrete work — this is a lower-complexity job than paving but does require proper tools and anchor knowledge. Ask prospective installers:

LT Plastics supplies the heavy-duty speed bumps hardware and a layout drawing with every order, but does not perform installation — we recommend briefing your chosen installer with our drawing and this checklist.

FAQ

How long does speed bump installation take?

A bolt-down rubber speed bump typically takes 1–3 hours per lane for a two-person crew, once anchor type and layout are confirmed. Poured asphalt or concrete humps take significantly longer due to curing time.

Do I need a permit to install a speed bump?

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and whether the road is public or private. Private lots and driveways generally don't require a permit, but check local ordinances — public roadway installations typically require public works/traffic engineering approval.

What anchors are used for speed bumps on asphalt vs concrete?

Asphalt installations typically use longer-embedment spike-style anchors designed for bituminous surfaces, while concrete installations use wedge or sleeve anchors set into drilled holes.

Does LT Plastics install speed bumps?

No — LT Plastics supplies the speed bump hardware, anchors and a layout drawing for your project. Installation is performed by your own crew or a contractor you select; we're glad to help brief them with specs.

Sources

Related reading: How Much Do Speed Bumps Cost? · Do Speed Bumps Damage Cars? · Speed Cushions vs Speed Bumps vs Speed Humps