Green Engineering in Transportation Infrastructure: Evaluating Stormwater and Environmental Enhancements

Green engineering in transportation infrastructure offers solutions to mitigate environmental impacts, particularly stormwater runoff and ecological degradation.This study evaluates the performance of green infrastructure, including permeable pavements, bioswales, and vegetated buffers, in the Interstate 5 Corridor Improvement Project in Seattle, Washington (2022-2025).Using a mixed-methods approach, the research measured stormwater management, environmental enhancements, and economic/social outcomes through field data collection, laboratory analysis, and stakeholder interviews.Results showed that green infrastructure reduced runoff volumes by 58-62%, peak flows by 50-55%, and pollutant loads by 42-68% compared to conventional systems.Environmental benefits included a 12-18% reduction in carbon emissions from recycled materials, a 30% increase in pollinator populations, and 45% energy savings from solar-powered lighting.Lifecycle cost analysis indicated economic viability, with a benefit-cost ratio of 1.4.Stakeholder perspectives highlighted maintenance challenges and the need for standardized guidelines.The study recommends regular maintenance protocols, policy incentives, and smart monitoring to enhance scalability.These findings underscore the potential of green engineering to create sustainable transportation systems, providing evidence-based insights for policymakers and engineers.