How should drainage be addressed in the ROW when performing construction?

How should drainage be addressed in the ROW when performing construction?

• A. Drainage is not necessary in ROW during construction.
• B. Install only permanent drainage devices.
• C. Maintain or restore drainage patterns; install temporary drainage devices to prevent ponding.
• D. Rely on existing drainage and do not install any temporary devices.

Answer: (C)

In ROW construction, actively managing drainage is essential to protect the roadway, adjacent lands, and the environment. The goal is to keep water moving along the established drainage patterns and to prevent water from ponding in the work area. The best approach is to maintain or restore the existing drainage patterns and to install temporary drainage devices as needed to prevent ponding during construction. This keeps water flowing away from the work zone, reduces erosion and sediment transport, and helps maintain safety for workers and the traveling public. Temporary measures might include diversion channels, temporary culverts, pumping, or other devices that move or remove water around the construction area until permanent systems are in place. Relying on existing drainage alone isn’t adequate because construction can alter flows, create new ponding, or increase sediment problems if nothing is done. Likewise, focusing only on permanent drainage devices ignores the immediate needs of the active work zone, which requires temporary solutions to maintain proper drainage during construction. And saying drainage isn’t necessary ignores the potential for damage, safety hazards, and regulatory requirements. Plan to address drainage from the outset and restore it after project completion.

In ROW construction, actively managing drainage is essential to protect the roadway, adjacent lands, and the environment. The goal is to keep water moving along the established drainage patterns and to prevent water from ponding in the work area.

The best approach is to maintain or restore the existing drainage patterns and to install temporary drainage devices as needed to prevent ponding during construction. This keeps water flowing away from the work zone, reduces erosion and sediment transport, and helps maintain safety for workers and the traveling public. Temporary measures might include diversion channels, temporary culverts, pumping, or other devices that move or remove water around the construction area until permanent systems are in place.

Relying on existing drainage alone isn’t adequate because construction can alter flows, create new ponding, or increase sediment problems if nothing is done. Likewise, focusing only on permanent drainage devices ignores the immediate needs of the active work zone, which requires temporary solutions to maintain proper drainage during construction. And saying drainage isn’t necessary ignores the potential for damage, safety hazards, and regulatory requirements. Plan to address drainage from the outset and restore it after project completion.