This project would look at the use of permeable pavements along shoulders. It would primarily look at the suitability of such pavements from a design, constructability, maintenance, and longevity standpoint. However, it would also look at the flow spreading, energy dissipation, and treatment benefits with respect to managing highway stormwater runoff. Representative spot samples of the water quality benefits from pervious pavement will be taken. That in combination with results from the primary flow control study of this research will be used to direct future research. 

Urgency

The proposed U.S. EPA rulemaking will most likely require volume reduction from highways. Permeable pavements in shoulder areas would be one way for DOTs to reduce the volume of runoff from highways. The research should be started now to coincide with the release of the final EPA rule in 2012.