Irvine Launches “Cool Pavement” Pilot Program

Irvine has kicked off its Cool Pavement Pilot Program, becoming the first city in Orange County to begin applying a solar reflective pavement coating to its streets.
 
The coating, which is a shade of gray similar to concrete pavement, has several advantages, according to the City:

• It reduces the pavement’s surface temperature by reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, but it does not create glare.
   
• It reduces ultraviolet and heat damage to the pavement, slowing deterioration.
   
• It reduces water penetration through the pavement to the underlying ground, which can reduce potholes.
   
• It retains high friction in wet conditions, helping maintain traction for vehicles.

• It may reduce the air temperature above and next to the street.
   
• It cures quickly, enabling treated lanes to be re-opened to traffic the same day.

The reflective street sealer is already in use in Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio and Miami.
 
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that cool pavements are still an “emerging technology” but they already are “an important element to consider in heat island mitigation.”

The pilot project began Monday (August 5th) with the application of DuraShield Solar Reflective Grey applied to San Juan and San Leon, near City Hall. Work on the two streets is scheduled to be completed by Friday (August 9th).
 
The pilot project was suggested by Vice Mayor Larry Agran earlier this year.
 
“We as a City need to do whatever we can to deliver real, practical results for the environment in Irvine and beyond,” Agran said this week. “This program seems like an innovative but simple way to help the environment. There isn’t a single magic bullet to stop the effects of global warming, but every little bit helps, especially if it’s economical and relatively easy to implement.”