Sunbathers understand the benefits of applying
sunscreen, but in America’s hottest big city the
same concept is being tested at street level in
the hope of bringing some lasting relief from the
relentless Arizona sun.
A team from Arizona State University is working
with the city of Phoenix on a pilot program
studying the use of “cool pavement” to reduce
heat island effect, a phenomenon that raises
temperatures in urban areas covered by asphalt
and concrete.
Heather Murphy, a Street Transportation
Department spokesperson, said Phoenix is
applying cool pavement coating to nine sites
representing different urban characteristics,
from shaded streets to open lots. The
applications are expected to be completed by
the end of the month.