Why isn't Permeable Pavement more Common?

[kernals12]

It reduces flood risks and it stops polluted runoff from getting into bodies of water. Its advocates claim it's not much more expensive than regular asphalt, that it is more durable, and that it is quieter. So why isn't it everywhere?

[ErmineNotyours]

I was thinking about this as I was walking along a new permeable sidewalk, interrupted with fully paved driveways.  The pavement isn't tough enough to withstand car weight, even on slow speed driveways.  At least not at the prices cities are willing to pay.  Google Street View.

[Rothman]

NYSDOT experimented with permeable asphalt in a small triangular parking lot in Syracuse quite a few years ago.

The result?  A sinkhole in the rear of the lot and I believe NYSDOT is trying to auction the lot off.

(personal opinion expressed)

[kernals12]

NYSDOT experimented with permeable asphalt in a small triangular parking lot in Syracuse quite a few years ago.

The result?  A sinkhole in the rear of the lot and I believe NYSDOT is trying to auction the lot off.

(personal opinion expressed)

Is that because of the water accumulating?

[kalvado]

NYSDOT experimented with permeable asphalt in a small triangular parking lot in Syracuse quite a few years ago.

The result?  A sinkhole in the rear of the lot and I believe NYSDOT is trying to auction the lot off.

(personal opinion expressed)

We have a few ofsuch patches here at SUNY. 3 years, I believe,so far so good

[kernals12]

NYSDOT experimented with permeable asphalt in a small triangular parking lot in Syracuse quite a few years ago.

The result?  A sinkhole in the rear of the lot and I believe NYSDOT is trying to auction the lot off.

(personal opinion expressed)

We have a few ofsuch patches here at SUNY. 3 years, I believe,so far so good

They have it at UCONN, I didn't notice any big problems either.

[1995hoo]

I'd be interested in knowing about permeable driveway surfaces if there are any that look like concrete (the current surface is concrete, so the new one needs to look the same). Our driveway has a crack that isn't bad now but is going to get worse and will eventually require replacement for a couple of reasons. If I could use a more permeable surface, I'd consider doing so in part because it would mean less water runoff when I water the lawn and the flowerbed during warmer times of the year.

[jemacedo9]

I thought NYS DOT paved a section of NY 9N in the Glens Falls area with this sometime in the last decade?

[GaryA]

When I was living in the Baltimore area (late 80s/early 90s), I remember part of I-795 being paved with this -- at least, it was supposed to let rainwater flow through the top layer, and then a solid lower layer would direct the water off the roadway.

It was fantastic in the rain.  But once temperatures got down to freezing, and ice formed between the layers and within the top layer, and that top layer just started falling apart (it was dubbed "popcorn pavement"), and it was replaced the following year.

I still wonder whether there are areas where freezing temperatures are rare enough that something like this might work, but I suspect that even Los Angeles would see ice often enough to make this not worthwhile.

[kernals12]

When I was living in the Baltimore area (late 80s/early 90s), I remember part of I-795 being paved with this -- at least, it was supposed to let rainwater flow through the top layer, and then a solid lower layer would direct the water off the roadway.

It was fantastic in the rain.  But once temperatures got down to freezing, and ice formed between the layers and within the top layer, and that top layer just started falling apart (it was dubbed "popcorn pavement"), and it was replaced the following year.

I still wonder whether there are areas where freezing temperatures are rare enough that something like this might work, but I suspect that even Los Angeles would see ice often enough to make this not worthwhile.

So you're saying Clemson University is lying?

Also, New Orleans recently mandated it for parking lanes and sidewalks on new roads and Houston just started offering incentives for it. Both of those are very warm and flood prone cities.

[vdeane]

I thought NYS DOT paved a section of NY 9N in the Glens Falls area with this sometime in the last decade?

Beach Road in Lake George.  I'm not aware of any issues with it.