Safety on all types of roads and trails is of utmost importance to pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike. One of the most essential features of a safe system is the drainage system that removes flood and storm water from the roads.
Any water that remains on the road can be dangerous, whether as water or snow during winter. Flood control management firms define accurate requirements for each drainage system and ensure that these are followed on site, knowing that any poor design or maintenance can be a safety hazard for users.
Let us look at three drainage problems categorized as design related, maintenance related and other problems.
Design Related Problems
When it comes to road design, the topography of the surrounding ground should be considered if the drainage system is to be devoid of problems. The good thing with flood management firms is that they usually have a wide range of drainage solutions for different topographies.
New Orleans is generally low lying, meaning that natural drainage is often going to be a problem. After floods, the water that remains on the surface of the road can affect usability. Even gravel roads are not spared, as they can become impassable due to softness.
Flood control management approach could be in the form of raising the grade line of the road. The extent of this depends on the severity of the problem and the level of the water table. As you do this, it is important to assess the various settlement risks. The effect on roads in flat areas is not so different from that in low-lying sections. Getting rid of the water is still the issue here, but raising the grade line may offer reprieve.
Maintenance Related Problems
Road flooding problems related to maintenance are avoidable by good policies and maintenance. The contractor may do all the designs correctly, but if the recommended maintenance procedures are not followed, unpleasant results are inevitable.
Seasonal drainage maintenance is a common practice during spring and winter seasons. It is up to the maintenance contractor to have the necessary operational timing to prevent unnecessary damage to the road. One of the critical seasonal operations is snow wall management during winter. It is acceptable to allow the walls to stand during winter, but they must be controlled when thawing starts, as water can infiltrate the road. Other situations that require expert management are sheet ice, thaw weakening, culvert clogging and outlet ditch problems.
Other Problems
Some road problems related to drainage often escape the radar of road management contractors, so it is important to mention them here. The first is inner curves, which can become problematic when the road structure softens under load and wet conditions. Excavation and dimension solutions often offer the required solution. Then there is the incorrect construction of road widening that can affect road drainage seriously. The contractor should ensure that this process follows the best practices in New Orleans, and that the original crossfall angle is maintained. The issue of moisture traps is also often forgotten.
The aim of good road drainage is mostly to ensure safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists. From design to maintenance, the contractor has the duty of ensuring this is the case. With this coverage of some problems, now you know what to insist on the next time you give out a project.
