Cool Pavement Hits 200 Miles

The Street Transportation Department celebrated a major milestone, 200 miles of cool pavement applied to Phoenix streets, since launching the program in 2020. The City of Phoenix has integrated reflective, sealcoat treatments which are applied on top of existing asphalt pavement.

This innovative approach helps lower surface temperatures by up to 12 °F and reflects a higher portion of the sunlight that hits it, absorbing less heat. Because of this higher reflection, the coating has the potential to offset rising nighttime temperatures in the region.​

“Reaching 200 miles of cool pavement is a major step forward for Phoenix. This technology lets us use existing streets to help reduce surface temperatures, improve comfort in our neighborhoods, and build a more resilient City,” said Ryan Stevens, Engineering Manager for the Street Transportation Department. “It’s exciting to see engineering solutions make a real, measurable impact for our residents.”

By cooling roads, Phoenix aims to chip away at the urban heat‑island effect making streets, neighborhoods, and evening air just a bit cooler.

To learn more about the City's Cool Pavement Program, visit: Phoenix.gov/streets/coolpavement