Transcript Managing Surface Water on the Road

Management of Surface Water
in Severe Weather Conditions
from the Highway
GORDON HUNT
COUNTY DRAINAGE ENGINEER
for
OXFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Can the Existing Systems Cope
• In the intense storms we are experiencing
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NO
• The old drainage systems can not cope
Problems we are experiencing
due to the intense storms
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Blocked Gullies
Silted pipes
Silted soak away’s
Blocked bore holes
Overgrown and blocked ditches
• These are expensive to maintain
• So they don’t get done regulary
What can Oxfordshire do about it
• Find more money – Where ?
• Encourage – self help
• Residents to rake leaves off gullies outside
their propertys
• Encourage local Flood Groups – to check,:• local problems, walk ditches, identify
problems early
• Give support to these Groups
What can the Highway Authority
do to help
• Think outside to box!!
• Change the type of drainage we are
installing
• Design systems that are cheap to maintain
• Or require minimum maintenance
• Be creative
Porous Pavements
Porous Pavements - is one way
• All new estate roads, but not on Bus Routes
• It stores water in storms – reducing flows
down stream
• Have chambers built into water storage so
Contractors can pump water up to maintain
Developments Planting Scheme in drought
conditions
Severe Weather
• Yes – severe weather can mean drought
conditions as well
• We need water to water all the trees and
plants that are planted every year on road
schemes, developments, schools etc.
Swales
Swales and Grips
• Over the edge drainage – cheap to maintain
• Grips with kerb droppers – safe and cheap
• Wide swales – so cars can drive through
them – safe
• Have filter drains under the grass – linking
swales
• Construct check damns to slow the water
flows down
• Swales hold more water than pipes
Ponds
Ponds
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Good water storage
Looks good on developments
Flat side slopes – safe
No fencing or hard concrete headwalls
Use natural materials
Vegetation grows quick – no need to plant
Cheaper to maintain than Box Culverts
What should we be doing:• Provide systems that are safe and cheap to
maintain
• Protect our Natural Environment for future
generations
• They should be teaching aids for the local
residents
• Get Residents of Oxfordshire involved!!