Nature-based Roadways

Nature-based Stormwater Strategies are an effective and economical strategy to reduce flooding and improve water quality by mimicking natural water flow to vegetated stormwater infiltration spaces, reducing long-term maintenance costs of conventional stormwater systems.

Inland Highway

An inland highway uses grassed swales to collect and infiltrate runoff, which reduces flooding and discharge to surface waters.

Coastal Roadway

A coastal road uses curb cuts to guide runoff to a roadside infiltration system. Permeable paving on the bike path disconnects runoff and a living shoreline was installed to reduce soundside erosion to protect the roadway.

Fact Sheets

Meeting Resources

State DOTs are in the business of maintaining their coastal highways and nature-based solutions should be considered as part of that long-term commitment.
-U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

Roadways Resources

Example Projects

Resources

Tools

Storm E-Z, NC DEQ
This spreadsheet calculates stormwater runoff based on proposed land use practices and streamlines the stormwater permit application.
Stormwater Management Model (SWMM), EPA
This tool models how changes in watershed management may affect stormwater runoff.
Water Conservation Dashboard, ESRI
An ArcGIS Tool for water utilities that can show stormwater control measures and the effectiveness of water conservation efforts.
Stormwater Control Measure Credit Document, NCDEQ
A guidance document to determine the reduction value for SCMs in North Carolina