The City of Des Plaines will soon be the home of two newly reconstructed “green” alleys, as environmentally friendly permeable concrete is used to pave the Campbell Avenue/Algonquin Road and the Thacker Street/Oakwood Court alleys. 

Recognizing the positive impact new “green” construction materials have on the environment and, primarily, water absorption, the Des Plaines Engineering Department added an alternative alley construction component into its 2009 bids for concrete and alley improvements.

The results are now apparent, as the Campbell Avenue/Algonquin Road alley nears completion.  The alley consists of a cross section of permeable concrete pavement with plain concrete boarders which allow storm water to be absorbed into the pavement and the underlying soils, thereby reducing the quantity of storm sewers. 

According to Director of Engineering Timothy P. Oakley, P.E., “This design also provides an environmental benefit by filtering storm water and reducing the volume of runoff to the river.” 

“The alternate bid consisted of constructing ‘Green Alleys’ as a pilot project for the two alley segments, rather than the traditional full-width concrete pavement,” Director of Engineering Oakley said

The pavement, although a smooth, grey surface, gives the appearance of being comprised of smaller particles of concrete. It has a rougher, grainy type feel to it, and does not have the appearance of solid concrete. Water quickly flows through the material and is absorbed in the underlying soil.   

The City’s contract for the Green Alleys was awarded to MQ Construction, Elk Grove Village, Illinois.  The funding for the project was from the Motor Fuel Tax and Community Development Block Grant funds.            

—City of Des Plaines