Date: November 26, 2014
News - City of Cambridge Experiments with Pervious Concrete Sidewalks
Pervious concrete sidewalks are a key feature in the Maryland Ave initiative to turn this section of the city of Cambridge, Maryland into a Green Street. In addition to Pervious Concrete, bike lanes, parking spaces composed of pervious pavers and rain gardens will be features of this million dollar renovation currently underway that starts from the Sailwind Shell property to Aurora Street.
Since Pervious Concrete has many environmental benefits, Brent Jett, an assistant city engineer for Cambridge included this product in the city’s green gateway project. It’s most significant feature is that rain can flow right through it and into the soil eliminating runoff into local watersheds. Pervious Concrete also filters out water-borne pollutants, reduces the heat island effect, and allows the roots of trees and vegetation access to more air and water. The city estimates due to this renovation that each year 10 pounds of nitrogen runoff, 10 pounds of phosphorous runoff, and 3 tons of suspended solids will be eliminated from ending up in the Chesapeake Bay.
The project is being funded by grants from the National Fish and Wildlife Fund, Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Transportation for Bikeways, Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Chesapeake, Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund, and a Community Legacy grant for streetscaping.
Locals and business owners are enthusiastic that once the renovation is complete, visitors will flock to appreciate the improvements and efforts that were made to create a more sustainable and attractive environment.
