Chicago is keen to use porous asphalt and paving for new transportation projects, touting its environmental benefits, but questions remain about its long term effectiveness -- including its ability to withstand Chicago winters.
"Used in Europe for decades, so-called permeable pavement allows rainwater to pass through instead of running off into rivers or lakes. Made of either porous asphalt and concrete or paving stones shaped to leave gaps at the corners, the surfaces are just starting to catch on in the area as part of the movement toward "green building," which seeks to lessen the environmental impact of development."
"Some questions remain about whether the pavement will become clogged over time and how well it will stand up to northern freezes, but environmentalists are generally enthusiastic."
"Chicago has used permeable pavement as part of a 'green alleys' program and plans to use it in streets in the next year or two, said Department of Transportation spokesman Brian Steele."
FULL STORY: Paving plan is full of holes, but may help with sprawl
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.
Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.
Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie