What’s Up With the New Rice Krispy-like Sidewalks in Lakewood?

The following is an ‘Ask The Mayor’ question submitted to TLS, and the Mayor’s response. Email your questions for the Mayor to [email protected].

Question:

Dear Mayor Coles,

We are so excited and grateful for the new sidewalks installed (with great effort) on Lanes Mill in the Raintree area!

However, we are bewildered and concerned that the sidewalks, while carefully and laboriously prepared (excessive brush removed, area flattened and firmed, curbs dug and poured, corners re-dug and re-poured, etc), seem to be made out of porous “Rice Krispies Treat” concrete. While a quick google search tells us of the ecological benefits of porous concrete, we are concerned that the tremendous work invested in this project may go to waste.

1. The porous sidewalk seems to already be crumbling underfoot, less than two weeks after installation. It is unpleasant to walk or ride on and gravel is constantly crumbling off everywhere.

2. How will this material withstand winter ice (freeze/thaw) and sprayed salt? The new (traditional) sidewalk in front of the abandoned construction area between Malibu and Barrymor already seems to have minor damage from winter salt spray – doesn’t porous concrete suffer even more from this issue?

3. While a tremendous amount of brush was carefully cleared for this project, the resulting dirt piles remain as they were left, without soil being redistributed evenly or packed tightly around the new sidewalk. How does the city plan to combat erosion, especially with the more delicate material of porous vs traditional concrete?

How can we make sure all the hard work invested in it does not get wasted, and that they last (both in construction and in regard to erosion?)

Thank you for taking the time to consider our concerns!!

Response from Mayor Coles:

Good afternoon

I didn’t realize we were using porous concrete for sidewalks until I watched the project along Ridge earlier this year.

The bottom line is that the state mandated the use of this type of concrete wherever possible.

In DEP Speak, there has been a push for greener infrastructure/eco-friendly solutions in NJ to help keep the environment clean. Therefore, the state’s storm rules changed. NJAC 7:8, DEP requires pervious/pourous walks to act as a filter for nonpoint source pollutants of runoff and act as another type of groundwater recharge.

There are many benefits to using this type of concrete. It helps to eliminate puddles and reduces runoff by allowing water to filter directly into the groundwater supply. It is safer in winter because water seeps through and reduces ice formation. Furthermore, it allows air and water to reach tree roots, preventing sidewalks from lifting, and most importantly, from a health and safety perspective, it filters water before going into the ground of pollutants.

Despite what its appearance may suggest, it can be 2 times more expensive than traditional concrete. While it may not be pretty, its life expectancy is 20-40 years, comparable to standard concrete. Its main drawback is that it is not suitable for heavy vehicle use. That is why you will see standard concrete at driveways, etc. We have been using this concrete in projects for several years, and the results have been positive.

All concrete deteriorates when certain types of rock salt are used. We recommend folks use Calcium Magnesium Acetate when purchasing snow melt; it is the best option.

Finally, the dirt that was disturbed will be restored when the project is complete

Thanks

Ray

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What’s Up With the New Rice Krispy-like Sidewalks in Lakewood?