Allston Way Paver Maintenance

Allston Way between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and Milvia Street is surfaced with permeable pavers – a type of green infrastructure which allows rainwater to flow into the ground between its gaps. Permeable pavers are especially useful during storms when large amounts of rainwater can drain through the gaps rather than flow into the underground storm drains. They are an effective tool in the City’s efforts to reduce flooding risk and improve water quality flowing into creeks and the San Francisco Bay.

These permeable pavers have stopped filtering and draining water as effectively over time due to debris buildup between the gaps. In some areas, small stones between the pavers that hold them in place have also been lost or displaced over time. Without these stones and continuous car traffic driving over the pavers, individual pavers begin to shift and settle out of place, creating an uneven road surface to drive, bike, or roll through. If left unaddressed, the pavers become less effective at draining stormwater and increasingly rough for road users.

To address these issues, the City will remove accumulated debris from the paver openings to restore drainage capacity and repair areas where pavers have become loose or uneven. 

Background

The work is part of the City's FY 2025 Street Maintenance and Rehabilitation Project. Construction is being scheduled during Berkeley High School recess periods (spring recess and summer break) to minimize traffic and access impacts in the area. 

This work supports the City’s Strategic Plan goal to provide state-of-the-art, well-maintained infrastructure. 

Timeline

Construction will be completed in two phases, scheduled during Berkeley High School recess periods to minimize impacts:

• Phase A (Spring Recess): March 30, 2026 to April 3, 2026. Work on the eastern portion of Allston Way. Parking lot access to 2180 Milvia Street via MLK Jr. Way.
• Phase B (Summer Break): Tentatively June 5, 2026 to June 16, 2026. Work on the western portion of Allston Way. Parking lot access to 2180 Milvia Street via Milvia Street. 

Standard work hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.