Country Lanes

Location

Three locations in Vancouver

see below., BC

Canada

Staticmap?center=49.261226, 123.1139268&size=175x175&scale=2&markers=color:red%7csize:small%7c49.261226, 123
Completion date
2003
Site/Building area
Site: 1,400 m2
Certifications & Awards
  • 2003: Technical Innovation Award, the American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • 2003: Honourable Mention, the US Filter Environmental Award, the Canadian Association of Municipal Administrators
Project Team
  • City of Vancouver: Staff
  • Community Members: Lane at E 27th Avenue

Summary

As part of its goal to create a more liveable community the City of Vancouver has developed an environmentally sustainable 'Country Lane' design as an alternative to full-width asphalt lane paving. Three 'Country Lanes' were constructed to demonstrate greener and more attractive back lanes.

Locations of Lanes:

  • Lane south of E 27th Avenue between Fraser Street and Prince Albert Street
  • Lane east of Maple Street south of W 5th Avenue at City Farmer's Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden (O2, p. 62)
  • Lane south of Yale Street between North Slocan Street and North Kaslo Street

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