Across Brazil, some cities are replacing cobblestone streets with asphalt in the name of modernization. The change has prompted debate over how to balance mobility with the preservation of urban history and environmental benefits. In Bauru, São Paulo state, older stones are visible alongside asphalt patches, including repairs made after underground works that can conceal historic paving and affect its drainage capacity.
Cobblestones allow some rainwater to seep through the gaps between stones, unlike conventional asphalt, which is described in the source as almost impermeable. The amount that infiltrates is estimated at 10% to 30% of rainfall, depending on factors such as ground compaction, joint maintenance and the underlying base. The uneven, permeable surface can also slow runoff and reduce pressure on local drainage systems.
The debate extends beyond Bauru. São Paulo has about 5,000 streets paved with cobblestones, according to the article. A proposed city law to prevent those streets from being asphalted was rejected by the municipal council. Supporters of the change argued that asphalt would provide greater road safety, a more uniform surface and better mobility.
In Bauru, the Council for the Defense of Cultural Heritage, known as CODEPAC, began a study this year to assess whether the paving on Rua Júlio Prestes should be protected as a heritage site. The proposal highlights the competing considerations involved in decisions about historic streets: their role in the city’s collective memory, their drainage characteristics and the needs of people using the roads.
Sources: CNN Brasil.