DDOT Launches Cool Corridors Pilot to Combat Urban Heat in Washington, DC
(Washington, DC) – The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has announced the launch of the Cool Corridors pilot study, an innovative initiative aimed at reducing extreme urban heat in neighborhoods across the city. Set to begin the week of July 27, 2026, the project will apply solar reflective “cool pavement” coatings at five designated urban heat island sites, which are areas significantly warmer than their rural surroundings, particularly during the summer months.
Urban heat islands pose a significant challenge for residents, especially in neighborhoods with limited tree cover and extensive pavement. Research indicates that downtown Washington, DC can be 10 to 15 degrees hotter than surrounding areas in summer, exacerbating health risks such as heat stroke, particularly among older adults, individuals with chronic health conditions, and historically underserved communities. The Cool Corridors initiative aims to mitigate these effects by employing light-colored, solar-reflective coatings that can lower surface temperatures by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
DDOT Director Sharon Kershbaum emphasized the importance of creating safer, more comfortable streets for all residents. “Every resident deserves streets that are safe, comfortable, and built to meet the challenges of a changing climate,” Kershbaum stated. The pilot program is part of the broader Cool Corridors Multi-Hazard Resilience Study, which seeks to enhance the resilience of corridors linking residents to small parks and open spaces, ensuring they remain accessible during extreme weather events.
This initiative is a collaborative effort involving multiple city agencies, including the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE), the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), and the Department of Health (DOH). The project is partially funded by a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant aimed at building resilient infrastructure and communities. As Washington, DC continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, the Cool Corridors pilot serves as a proactive step towards creating a cooler, more sustainable urban environment.
Read the original article at ddot