To work with the tree roots that can quickly crack concrete sidewalks, Seattle follows the lead of other cities that are testing rubber sidewalks made from recycled tires.
Although rubber sidewalks currently cost more than concrete or asphalt to install, their maintenance may be cheaper in the long-run because the material can stretch, instead of crack, around tree roots. At least "80 cities in eight states are trying rubberized sidewalks."
An added bonus:
"Each of the 57 rubber panels installed, she said, is made of five recycled tires. 'That's a big mountain of tires that won't be going into a landfill,' [an arborist with the City of Seattle] said."
Thanks to Heidi Schallberg
FULL STORY: Rubber sidewalks add bounce to city foot traffic
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