California Construction News staff writer
The City of Irvine is the first municipality in Orange County to implement an innovative pavement coating aimed at reducing surface temperatures and extending the lifespan of city streets. The pilot program features DuraShield Solar Reflective, a waterborne epoxy-modified acrylic coating applied on San Juan and San Leon streets.
The coating is designed to mitigate heat generated by pavement, and potentially lower ambient air temperatures. It resembles slurry seal and will:
- reduce water penetration into the pavement substrate
- slow pavement deterioration, extending the lifespan of roadway
- maintain high friction in wet and dry conditions
- cure quickly, allowing for same-day traffic resumption
- eliminate driver glare
City staff will monitor the performance of the DuraShield coating over the next year, assessing its durability and impact on surface and ambient air temperatures. The pilot program reflects Irvine’s commitment to sustainability and climate adaptation as the city strives to become a model climate-smart community.
“DuraShield is a key part of our efforts to address urban heat and enhance our infrastructure,” a city spokesperson said. “By investing in innovative solutions, we are working towards a cooler and more sustainable future for Irvine.”
DuraShield has already been successfully applied in cities such as Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio, and Miami, where it has been lauded for its effectiveness in reducing heat buildup on roadways. With a lifespan of about seven years before needing reapplication, this technology represents a promising step forward for urban infrastructure.
As Irvine continues to explore sustainable practices, the results of this pilot program could influence future pavement projects throughout the city and beyond.