Portland, Ore.-based TriMet is taking sustainable transit further with a pilot installation of eco-track on its 7.3-mile Portland-Milwaukie light rail transit project. The vegetated trackway will provide a colorful carpet of low-growing plants along 200 feet of light rail line on either side of the Lincoln St/SW 3rd Ave MAX Station platforms.
Although “green” or “grass” trackways exist in Europe, it’s a rare application in the U.S., according to TriMet. The vegetated trackway area is pervious to stormwater, thus reducing runoff. The eco-track is comprised of 1-inch thick mats with various sedum species.
Sedums are a hardy, low-maintenance vegetation commonly used on eco-roofs. The sedum planting will initially be irrigated with a drip watering system for establishment and then irrigated on an as-needed basis.
In addition to the eco-track installation, the light rail project has replaced trees and is incorporating sidewalk stormwater planters on SW Lincoln Street.
Check out a time-lapse video of the installation here.
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