Request Speed Bumps or Roundabout Study - Minneapolis

Transportation Minnesota 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 09, 2026 Flag of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota residents can ask the city to evaluate neighborhood streets for speed bumps (speed humps) or roundabouts as part of traffic calming and safety programs. This guide explains how to start a request, which city office reviews proposals, what evidence and signatures the city typically looks for, and the likely next steps after a study is approved.

How requests are evaluated

The City of Minneapolis manages a traffic calming program that sets priorities and technical criteria for installing speed humps, roundabouts, and other measures. Start by reviewing the program requirements and then submit a request or petition to Public Works or through the city 311 service. See the city program page for criteria and process details Traffic Calming Program[1].

A neighborhood petition is often required; confirm signature and frontage rules on the program page.

Typical evaluation steps

  • Initial review for eligibility and safety data collection.
  • Traffic counts and speed studies scheduled by Traffic Engineering.
  • Community notification and petition or survey of adjacent properties.
  • Design options prepared, such as raised crosswalks, speed humps, or roundabout concepts.
  • Council or administrative approval when required by ordinance or policy.
Engineering studies measure volumes and 85th percentile speeds to justify traffic calming.

Penalties & Enforcement

The installation and maintenance of traffic calming devices are governed by city policy and traffic regulations; enforcement of traffic laws or device misuse is handled through standard traffic enforcement and municipal code provisions. Specific fine amounts for actions related to traffic-calming installations (such as tampering with devices or unauthorized removal) are not specified on the cited city program page or code overview pages. For applicable traffic rules and ordinance language consult the municipal code or contact Traffic Engineering and enforcement channels.

The primary enforcers and reviewers are Minneapolis Public Works and Traffic Engineering, with traffic code enforcement supported by the Minneapolis Police Department and code enforcement divisions. To report damage, tampering, or safety concerns use the official 311 submission portal or the Public Works contact listed below Minneapolis 311[3] and consult the code for formal penalty language Minneapolis Code of Ordinances[2].

Escalation, appeals, and time limits

  • Appeals or review routes: decisions on capital installations or major changes may be reviewed by city administrative procedures or referred to City Council; specific appeal timelines are not specified on the cited program page.
  • Complaint and inspection pathways: submit a 311 request or contact Public Works for inspection scheduling.
  • Fines and monetary sanctions: specific amounts for related violations are not specified on the cited pages.
If you plan work near traffic devices, contact Traffic Engineering before starting any construction.

Applications & Forms

The city typically requires an online request or a neighborhood petition to initiate a traffic calming study; the exact petition form name, required number of signatures, and any fees are specified on the Traffic Calming Program page or associated forms. If a named form or fee is not published on the program page, then it is not specified on the cited page.

How-To

  1. Review the City of Minneapolis traffic calming program and eligibility criteria on the official city page.
  2. Gather data: collect dates/times for problems, take photos, and discuss with neighbors to prepare a petition if required.
  3. Submit a request or petition via 311 or the Public Works contact; attach evidence and petition materials.
  4. Allow time for traffic counts and engineering review; the city will notify the neighborhood of study scheduling.
  5. Review proposed designs and participate in community outreach; follow official instructions to appeal or request revisions.

FAQ

How long does a traffic calming study take?
Timelines vary by workload and season; specific typical durations are not specified on the cited program page. Contact Traffic Engineering via 311 for an estimate.
Do I need a petition to request a speed hump?
Many requests require a neighborhood petition showing support from adjacent property owners or residents; check the Traffic Calming Program page for petition rules.
Will the city pay to install private driveway features?
The city funds public traffic calming installations; responsibility for private driveway features is defined by policy and property owner agreements and is not specified on the program overview.

Key Takeaways

  • Begin with the city traffic calming program page to confirm eligibility and petition requirements.
  • Use 311 or Public Works to submit evidence and request a study.
  • Engineering studies drive decisions; community participation matters during outreach.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Minneapolis - Traffic Calming Program
  2. [2] Minneapolis Code of Ordinances
  3. [3] Minneapolis 311

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