Neighbors challenge DDOT recommendation to pave Palisades trail; debate centers on asphalt, drainage and safety

DDOT staff and consultants recommended an asphalt surface for the proposed 10-foot Trolley Trail that will connect Galena Place to Sherrier Place and the Palisades Recreation Center, but neighbors at a virtual public meeting pressed for alternatives and raised environmental, safety and maintenance concerns.

Consultant Peter Bonacorsi described the trail typical section as a 10-foot paved surface with roughly 2-foot shoulders where swales are needed. He said DDOT’s experience with stabilized decomposed granite and newer products such as “FlexiPave” showed durability and maintenance issues. “FlexiPave was found to be extremely expensive,” the consultant said, and permeable asphalt and concrete were rejected because maintenance needs and conflicts with an existing 78-inch DC water main would make them impractical in parts of the right of way.

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