City Excited About Screeds

These screeds won’t be long-winded.

The City Tuesday announced that it now has 12 new pieces of electric paving equipment, called “screeds,” paid for by federal Stimulus funds.

Replacing diesel-fueled models, the 1.4 million dollar equipment will smooth the streets while cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions, according to the DOT.

“Roads repaved in a way that is more efficient, saves money and reduces emissions—a winning combination that our borough and city will benefit from for many years to come,” said Borough President Helen Marshall.

The machines are projected to save 22,000 gallons of fuel, valued at $90,000. Carbon dioxide emissions will be 270 metric tons fewer, or the equivalent of approximately 65 cars driving 10,000 miles each, according to the DOT.

“These new Stimulus-funded screeds will help bring smooth blacktop to our neighborhoods without leaving all the extra emissions behind,” said DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. “I thank Mayor Bloomberg, Department of Transportation Commissioner Sadik-Khan and the State Energy Program for this timely strip paving initiative that comes in the wake of our severe winter storms,” she added.

The City is looking to reduce municipal emissions of greenhouse gas by 30 percent by 2017, according to the Department of Citywide Administrative Services.