The Country Lane design features two narrow driving strips surrounded by a structural component that is topsoiled and planted with grass. This structural grass is a rigid plastic grid that can support vehicles and prevent grass roots from being compacted and rutting the soil. Two of the three lanes in the demonstration project built driving strips out of concrete. The remaining lane used permeable driving strips built out of the structural grass grid in-filled with small gravel. The road base is a mixture of aggregate, which provides structural stability, and a sand/soil mixture that allows for drainage and provides the soil components required for grass growth. This structural soil was developed by City of Vancouver staff.
The Country Lane design will allow rainwater to percolate over vegetation and through the ground. The natural absorption allowed by this permeable lane surface reduces discharge into the storm sewer system, recharges groundwater, and reduces peak flows into rivers. The increased vegetation will filter stormwater and improve air quality. Along with environmental benefits this innovative sustainable design has traffic calming effects and is aesthetically pleasing.
Country Lane design includes 5 primary components:
- Driving strips
- Structural grass
- Lane entrances and driveway connections
- Subgrade material and preparation
- Drainage
Tours: Open to the public
This Post Was imported from the 'Greater Vancouver Green Guide', it's part of the 'Green Guide Portal' to the Green Building Brain
