Water Update Oct/Nov 2005

We will soon be laying 30 metres of single lane permeable paving along Birkdale Road to see how effective it is in helping to manage stormwater runoff from roads.

Permeable paving allows surface water to slowly soak into the ground and is a recognised  stormwater management solution for the protection and enhancement of the environment.

The trial site, which is opposite Birkdale Intermediate School, was chosen to test the integrity of permeable paving under moderate traffic loads.

The trial aims to estimate the structural integrity, serviceability, maintenance and associated costs of the paving and test improvements to stormwater quality and quantity.

The trial is of particular interest to our water services and transport teams, as the roading system is the single biggest impervious area in the city. Construction is due to start in January 2006.