Keeping Arizona Streets Cool

The Phoenix Cool Pavement Program

This summer Arizona has started an exciting new program aiming at keeping temperatures cooler and streets safer to drive on during the heat of the day and into rising evening temperatures. Phoenix is working on beating the summer heat by turning black asphalt streets light gray. A special sealant reflects rather than absorbs the hot sun. The new cool pavement is 10 to 12 degrees cooler to touch than traditional asphalt. About 73 miles of the city’s streets are now covered in the sealant.

In an effort to combat global temperatures rising, the city is creating 100 cool corridors, planting hundreds of trees whose shade can drop the ambient air temperature by about 30 to 40 degrees compared to full sun. Phoenix is also experimenting with reflective roofs and cooling sidewalks.

Looking for a cool new place? Reach out to a Silverleaf Realty agent to start your home search!