Using Check Dams to Control Water Flow and Erosion in Roadside Ditches

June 6, 2025

For highway departments, managing water flow in roadside ditches is an essential part of maintaining road integrity and protecting the surrounding environment. One effective tool in the erosion control toolbox is the check dam - a small, temporary or permanent structure built across a ditch to slow water velocity, reduce erosion, and trap sediment. Depending on the situation, different types of check dams can be used. Here’s a rundown of the most common options: Rock Check Dams Description…continue

Protecting Watershed Health: A Key Responsibility of Highway Departments

June 5, 2025

Highway departments do more than just plow snow and patch potholes - they are stewards of the environment, particularly when it comes to the health of local watersheds. Every culvert installed, ditch cleared, and storm drain maintained can have a significant impact on the water quality of streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands downstream. This makes watershed protection a fundamental responsibility of highway crews, especially in communities governed by MS4 (Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System) …continue

How to Select the Right Culvert for Natural Water Flow Under Roads

June 4, 2025

When a road intersects with a natural stream, brook, or drainage path, a properly sized culvert is essential for maintaining water flow and protecting both the roadway and surrounding environment. Undersized or poorly installed culverts can lead to flooding, erosion, road damage, or even failure. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the right size and type of culvert, and why reaching out to your local Soil and Water Conservation District office may be a smart first step. Why Prope…continue

How Highway Departments Use Combination Sewer Cleaner Trucks to Maintain Stormwater Systems

June 4, 2025

Highway departments play a vital role in protecting roadways and nearby waterways by maintaining stormwater infrastructure. A key tool in this effort is the combination sewer cleaner truck, a powerful piece of equipment that both vacuums and jets debris from stormwater systems. One popular model used by many municipalities is the Vactor 2100, which features integrated high-pressure water jetting and a large-capacity vacuum system. What Is a Combination Sewer Cleaner Truck? Combination sewer clea…continue

Understanding Concrete Catch Basins in Stormwater Drainage Systems

June 4, 2025

Concrete catch basins are a foundational element of municipal stormwater management, helping to control runoff, reduce flooding, and improve water quality. Found along roadways, in parking lots, and throughout developed areas, these structures play a critical role in directing stormwater away from streets and properties and into the proper drainage network. What Is a Concrete Catch Basin? A catch basin is a below-ground structure, usually made of precast concrete, designed to collect stormwater …continue