An Alternative Planting in Metro Detroit
Before Photos of interstate M-10
What we are doing:
In the Metro Detroit Region, erosion on steep slopes adjacent to the interstate is a serious maintenance, safety and aesthetic issue. Currently, the standard treatment for covering slopes is seeding. While seeding can be a solution to some erosion problems, it is presenting many challenges as well. The goal of this project is to demonstrate an alternative to turf as a solution for slope stabilization. The 122 million dollar reconstruction of M-10 gives us the opportunity to demonstrate and introduce these alternatives. On M-10 between the Evergreen Road and Ten Mile Rd bridge span, the Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $215,000.00 in this pilot planting project in an effort to fulfill these main objectives:
1) Find attractive alternative plants that will flourish in harsh urban conditions and will create interest and beauty for the traveler as well as the adjacent residents and businesses.
2) Alleviate and reduce the safety and financial concerns associated with mowing steep slopes as well as the environmental damage and increased soil sedimentation and runoff due to bare soils.
3) Provide alternative treatments to existing slopes that can be used in other situations around the metro area.
4) Reduce maintenance costs associated with mowing; however redirect costs to address other maintenance requirements.
In the Metro Detroit Region, erosion on steep slopes adjacent to the interstate is a serious maintenance, safety and aesthetic issue. Currently, the standard treatment for covering slopes is seeding. While seeding can be a solution to some erosion problems, it is presenting many challenges as well. The goal of this project is to demonstrate an alternative to turf as a solution for slope stabilization. The 122 million dollar reconstruction of M-10 gives us the opportunity to demonstrate and introduce these alternatives. On M-10 between the Evergreen Road and Ten Mile Rd bridge span, the Michigan Department of Transportation is investing $215,000.00 in this pilot planting project in an effort to fulfill these main objectives:
1) Find attractive alternative plants that will flourish in harsh urban conditions and will create interest and beauty for the traveler as well as the adjacent residents and businesses.
2) Alleviate and reduce the safety and financial concerns associated with mowing steep slopes as well as the environmental damage and increased soil sedimentation and runoff due to bare soils.
3) Provide alternative treatments to existing slopes that can be used in other situations around the metro area.
4) Reduce maintenance costs associated with mowing; however redirect costs to address other maintenance requirements.
Design by: Nanette Alton for the Michigan Department of Transportation
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