University of Texas scientists to monitor permeable pavement runoff

Researchers at the University of Texas will monitor highway runoff to determine the effectiveness of permeable friction course pavements, according to the university’s website. The pavements allow water to pass through and have been shown to improve the quality of runoff near vegetated sections of highway.

This study will look at runoff quality improvements for sections of highway lined with permeable pavement near curbs or gutters. The researchers hope to establish that the water quality improvements are similar to those already found.

Making the discovery would let the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality approve the pavement material for use on urban highways with little surrounding vegetation. It would also make it easier for highway widening projects to move forward in the state.