LA To Test Alternative Sidewalks In $1.5 Million Pilot Program

LOS ANGELES, CA — The City Council unanimously approved a $1.5 million pilot program Tuesday to develop alternative, environmentally sustainable materials for sidewalk repairs.

The program will be part of the city's $1.4 billion initiative to repair thousands of miles of sidewalks over the next 30 years, which was approved by the council in November and will allow the city to turn over the responsibility of future repairs to adjacent homeowners.

Under the pilot program, the city will install sidewalks with alternative materials near a city facility and monitor them on an annual basis.

"This pilot program complements the city's larger effort to fix and maintain nearly 5,000 miles of sidewalks that need to be repaired. And it ensures that our environment, the health of our children and neighborhoods, remain at the forefront of this effort as it moves forward," said Councilman David Ryu, who introduced the motion calling for the pilot program. "This will enhance both the infrastructure of our city and the quality of life for future generations."

The Bureau of Engineering has grouped the alternative materials into six categories -- plastic sidewalk panels, rubberized material, cementitious pavers, energy generating panels, pervious concrete and alternatives to portland cement concrete -- and will report back to the council with its findings on an annual basis.

City News Service; Photo: Youtube Screengrab