From the 2020 NACD Annual Meeting. Learn about the impacts of rural roads, as well as projects in Pennsylvania that are aimed at improving rural roads.

1. P E N N S Y L V A N I A
Steve Bloser
Penn State University
Roy Richardson
PA State Conservation Commission
Sandy Thompson
McKean County Conservation District
Dirt, Gravel, & Low-Volume
Road
Fabulous
PROGRAM
S
Part 1: Program
Beginnings and Purpose
Part 2: Program Structure
and Status
Part 3: Local CD
perspective and Projects

2. P E N N S Y L V A N I A
Dirt, Gravel, & Low-Volume
Road
Fabulous
PROGRAM
S
Part 1: Program
Beginnings and Purpose
Part 2: Program Structure
and Status
Part 3: Local CD
perspective and Projects
Steve Bloser
Penn State University
Roy Richardson
PA State Conservation Commission
Sandy Thompson
McKean County Conservation District

3. Why are we talking to Conservation Districts
about Road Maintenance??
Unpaved Road
Maintenance
Introduction

4. Why are we talking to Conservation Districts
about Road Maintenance??
The DGLVR Program is actually
an environmental program in
disguise!
It is run by PA Conservation
Districts!
Unpaved Road
Maintenance
Introduction

5. TOPIC OUTLINE
- The Problem
- Some basics about PA
- DGLVR Program Creation

6. Environmental impacts of road runoff
- direct abrasion with fish
& other aquatic life
- increased turbidity
- sediment carries road
salts, metals, etc
- loss of habitat
- invertebrates
- fish spawning
- changes channel
composition
- increased nutrients and
algae growth
- decreased Dissolved Oxygen
- filling in and eutrophication
of lakes & wetlands
(Bernard, 2006; Bilby et al. 1989; Forman, R. T. T. and L. E. Alexander. 1998; Coe, 2006; Waters, 1995).
Unpaved Road
Maintenance
Introduction

7. Natural Landscape
Surface drainage
patterns
Sub-surface
drainage
patterns
Introduction How Roads Affect the Land

8. Roads Intercept Natural Drainage
Surface drainage
patterns
Sub-surface
drainage
patterns
Introduction How Roads Affect the Land

9. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics

10. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
-Cornell University , Dr. Rebecca Schneider

11. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics

12. Environmental impacts of road
runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
-Cornell University , Dr. Rebecca Schneider

13. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
Environmental impacts of road runoff

14. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics

15. PA DGLVR Program Program Purpose

16. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
Environmental impacts of road runoff

17. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
Environmental impacts of road runoff

18. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
Environmental impacts of road runoff

19. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics

20. Paved Road ditches collect water too!
sediment generation & transport
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics
-Cornell University , Dr. Rebecca Schneider

21. Environmental impacts of road runoff
sediment delivery
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Center Basics

22. Ditches intercept ~1/4 of
the surface runoff in
our watersheds
and shunt it rapidly
downstream
where it is injected
as high flow
into the streams.
Ditch drainage
basins
Stream
Road ditches
-Cornell University , Dr. Rebecca Schneider

23. Ditches intercept ~1/4 of
the surface runoff in
our watersheds
and shunt it rapidly
downstream
where it is injected
as high flow
into the streams.
-Cornell University , Dr. Rebecca Schneider

24. TOPIC OUTLINE
- The Problem
- Some basics about PA
- DGLVR Program Creation

25. Avg Precipitation: 40-50”

26. Avg Precipitation: 40-50”
Avg Humidity: 55-65%

27. Avg Precipitation: 40-50”
Avg Humidity: 55-65%
USDA Planting Zone: 5-6

28. PA: 118,000 miles of public road
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM
PBGH
PHL
PSU
Erie
HBG

29. PA: 65 Counties own no roads
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM

30. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM
COUNTY OWNED
MUNICIPAL OWNED

31. PA DGLVR Program Program Structure
State DOT: 41,000 miles
Townships: 52,000 miles
Boroughs: 10,000 miles
Cities: 7,000 miles
Counties do not own roads in PA
Highly fractured road ownerships
70,000+ miles in 2,562 municipalities

32. Unpaved Public Roads 20,000+ miles
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM

33. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM
83,000 miles of “blueline” stream

34. PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM

35. PA Dirt, Gravel, and Low Volume Road
Maintenance Program
PSU Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Dirt and Gravel Road PROGRAM
Unpaved Road are often “orphan roads”,
often forgotten or barely maintained while
funds and manpower go to paved roads.

36. TOPIC OUTLINE
- The Problem
- Some basics about PA
- DGLVR Program Creation

37. 1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
Early 1990’s
PA DGLVR Program Program History

38. Mid 1990’s
PA Council of Trout Unlimited
• TU volunteers Identified over 900
pollution sites on public unpaved roads in
protected watersheds.
• Established “proof” of
scope of problem.
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
PA DGLVR Program Program History

39. 1997
Section 9106 of Motor Vehicle Code
• Act 3 of 1997 Established Program
• $4M to municipal roads
• $1M to DCNR roads “To fund safe, efficient
and environmentally sound
practices and procedures
which prevent dust and
sediment pollution.”
9106Program History
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

40. 1997
Section 9106 of Motor Vehicle Code
• 2 page law:
9106Program History
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020
available at
www.dirtandgravelroads.org

41. 2013
Act 87 of 2013 (Transportation Bill)
• Major Program Changes
• $1M to $7M for DCNR roads
• $4M to $28M for municipal and state roads
• Of that $28M, at least $8M for paved low-
volume roads with <500 ADT
2014-2015 ChangesProgram History
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

42. 2015
Additional Funding “hits the ground”
• First projects on paved low-volume roads
2014-2015 ChangesProgram History
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

43. 2019
The Program Completes its 5,000th project
2014-2015 ChangesProgram History
1995 2000 2005 2010 2015 2020

44. P E N N S Y L V A N I A
Dirt, Gravel, & Low-Volume
Road
Fabulous
PROGRAM
S
Part 1: Program
Beginnings and Purpose
Part 2: Program Structure
and Status
Part 3: Local CD
perspective and Projects
Steve Bloser
Penn State University
Roy Richardson
PA State Conservation Commission
Sandy Thompson
McKean County Conservation District

45. TOPIC OUTLINE
- Program Structure
- Program philosophy
and Projects

46. PA DGLVR Program Program Structure
State DOT: 41,000 miles
Townships: 52,000 miles
Boroughs: 10,000 miles
Cities: 7,000 miles
Counties do not own roads in PA
Highly fractured road ownerships
70,000+ miles in 2,562 municipalities

47. State: State Conservation Commission
County: Conservation Districts
Local: Townships(90%+)
65
2,500+

48. State: State Conservation Commission
• Administers statewide program.
• Allocates money to Conservation Districts.
• Develops statewide Program policy
• Quality Assurance Quality Control process.
County: Conservation Districts
Local: Townships(90%+)
65
2,500+
$

49. State: State Conservation Commission
• Administers statewide program.
• Allocates money to Conservation Districts.
• Develops statewide Program policy
• Quality Assurance Quality Control process.
County: Conservation Districts
• Administer Program at county level.
• Receive money based on roads & worksites.
• Work with applicants to develop work plans.
• Provide grants to successful applicants
• Conduct inspection after work is completed.
• Keep records and report to State annually.
Local: Townships(90%+)
65
2,500+
$
$

50. State: State Conservation Commission
• Administers statewide program.
• Allocates money to Conservation Districts.
• Develops statewide Program policy
• Quality Assurance Quality Control process.
County: Conservation Districts
• Administer Program at county level.
• Receive money based on roads & worksites.
• Work with applicants to develop work plans.
• Provide grants to successful applicants
• Conduct inspection after work is completed.
• Keep records and report to State annually.
Local: Townships(90%+)
• Boroughs, cities, and state agencies also eligible
• Must be “ESM Certified” within last 5 years.
• Apply to Conservation District for funding.
• Enter into contract with Conservation District.
• Complete project work or hire sub-contractors.
65
2,500+
$
$

51. Why PA Department of Agriculture and
County Conservation Districts?
• Experience with soils, erosion control, water quality
• Local knowledge and connections
• Standalone Program to keep environmental focus
SCC/District ProgramPA DGLVR Program Program Structure

52. SCC/District ProgramProgram Overview
675 Completed LVR Projects
4553 Completed DnG Projects
10/15/19

53. PA DGLVR Program Program Status and Future
Program Spending, 1997 to 2019
• $141 Million+ spent on completed sites
• $52 Million+ in-kind on those projects
• $36 Million+ committed to active sites
• Annual Allocation remains at:
• $20M: municipal Dirt and Gravel
• $8M: municipal paved LVR
• $7M: DCNR Dirt and Gravel
54

54. 2017 Annual Report Available
PA DGLVR Program Program Status and Future

55. PA DGLVR Program Program Status and Future
Note:
This is a grant Program, and funds are
supplementary to standard road
maintenance budgets
56

56. TOPIC OUTLINE
- Program Structure
- Program philosophy
and Projects

57. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting

58. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting
NO!

59. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting
NO!

60. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting
NO!

61. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting
ESMPs
Environmentally Sensitive
Maintenance PracticesESMP

62. Traditional stormwater management:
• Water collection and transport
• Channel armoring
• Urban practices in a rural setting
ESMPs:
• Water dispersal
• Sheet flow
• Water infiltration
• Minimize channels
ESMPs
Environmentally Sensitive
Maintenance PracticesESMP

63. Before After
2017: D&G Project
Cumberland County, Beetem Hollow Road
$138K Spent, $43K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ pipe replaced with 12’ box culvert
• Underdrain, mattress, and new asphalt
Before After

64. Before
After
Project Primer: Fill, pipes, surface
2016 DnG Project in Bradford County:
$107K Spent, $14 in kind

65. Before
After
Project Primer: Fill, pipes, surface
2015 DnG Project in Mercer County:
$100K Spent, $6K in kind

66. P E N N S Y L V A N I A
Dirt, Gravel, & Low-Volume
Road
Fabulous
PROGRAM
S
Part 1: Program
Beginnings and Purpose
Part 2: Program Structure
and Status
Part 3: Local CD
perspective and Projects
Steve Bloser
Penn State University
Roy Richardson
PA State Conservation Commission
Sandy Thompson
McKean County Conservation District

67. SCC/District ProgramProgram Overview
A local perspective: McKean County Conservation District

68. Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume
Road Maintenance Program
Funding
• 20 of the 22 municipalities eligible
• DGR Funds Spent Since 1997
• $797,000.00 on Projects
• $ 95,000.00 on Administration
• $ 34,000.00 on Education Efforts
• LVR Funds Spent Since 2014
• $175,000.00 on Projects
• $ 4,000.00 on Administration
• $ 10,000.00 on Education Efforts

69. Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume
Road Maintenance Program
“Local Control”
Quality Assurance
Board
• Non-Voting Chair from
Conservation District
• Natural Resources
Conservation Service
• PA Fish & Boat Commission
• Conservation District

70. Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume
Road Maintenance Program
Ranking Criteria
SECTION 1: APPLICATION VALIDATION
• Does this road site negatively impact a stream, lake, wetland, or other water body?
• Will the proposed project reduce environmental impacts to a water body?
• Someone from the applying entity “ESM Certified” within the past 5 year?
• Does the proposed application meet all SCC requirements (non-pollution, pipe size, etc.)
• Does the proposed application meet all policies adopted by the local County QAB?
• Has the applicant identified and agreed to obtain all necessary permits?
• LVR ONLY: If the traffic count is known at this point, is it 500 vehicles per day or less?

71. Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume
Road Maintenance Program Ranking Criteria
SECTION 2: APPLICATION RANKING
• Severity of Problem:
• Sediment in Stream
• Road Slope, shape & distance to stream
• Classification of stream or waterbody impacted
• Effectiveness of Solution
• Does the project remediate the stream impact?
• Does the proposed project improve the road?
• Other Factors
• Are there in-kind contributions from applicant?
• Is applicant maintaining recently funded project

72. Soft saturated
clay road
base
McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program Before
Stream
Crossing

73. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program Before

74. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program After

75. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program During
FABRIC
Crushed shale for fill
material

76. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
During
Stream
Crossing

77. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program During

78. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program After
Grade Break with shallow cross
pipe

79. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
After

81. Looking uphill of
Hedgehog Lane showing
the bore locations.
O.B. 6

82. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
Before

83. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
During

84. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
After

85. McKean County Dirt, Gravel, Low-
Volume Road Maintenance Program
After

86. AFTERBEFORE
DURING DURING DURING

87. 2018 LVR 1/1
ELK County, Jackson Road
$35K Grant
Summary:
• Frequently flooded and soft section of road
• Large French Mattress and road fill
AFTER
BEFORE

88. 2018 DnG 1/1
Elk County
$66K Grant, $51K In-Kind
Summary:
• Failing Structure floods road
• 12’ x 92’ Aluminum plate arch
AFTERPROJECT SPOTLIGHT
Inlet
Outlet
(yes…this is the same crossing)
BEFORE
bypass
Survey with TU help
AFTERBEFORE
AFTERBEFORE
Inlet
Outlet

89. After base addition,
before surface
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE

90. AFTER
BEFORE
60’ x 10’ x 10’
Infiltration bed
(18” perf pipe in clean stone)
DURING
Outlets to stream

91. AFTER
BEFORE
60’ x 10’ x 10’
Infiltration bed
(18” perf pipe in clean stone)
BEFORE
DURING

92. Dirt, Gravel, and Low-Volume
Road Maintenance Program Ranking Criteria
SECTION 2: APPLICATION RANKING
• Severity of Problem:
• Sediment in Stream
• Road Slope, shape & distance to stream
• Classification of stream or waterbody impacted
• Effectiveness of Solution
• Does the project remediate the stream impact?
• Does the proposed project improve the road?
• Other Factors
• Are there in-kind contributions from applicant?
• Is applicant maintaining recently funded project

93. BEFORE
AFTER
New pipe headwalls
2017: D&G Project
Armstrong County, Gibson School Rd
$56K Spent, $56K in kind
Summary:
• Nearly 10,000 tons of fill
• New pipes
Worked with landowner to
outlet some pipes on other
side of hay field into woods.

94. BEFORE2017: LVR: Lancaster County, Blackberry Lane
$15K Grant, $19K In-Kind
Summary:
• Road takes all runoff to storm sewer inlet
to stream
• Stormwater BMP: worked with local
church landowner to install rain garden
BEFORE
AFTER Infiltration swale
Eroded ditch to stream
Basin will be planted in
2018, but has already
survived high flows

95. 5’5’
BEFORE 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
AFTER
5’
5’
19’ x 7.5’
BEFORE
2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe

96. 2017: LVR to DNG Conversion
Fulton County, Overly Raker Road
$65K Spent, $9K in kind
Summary:
• LVR to DSA conversion
• Serval new pipes and underdrain
Milling existing surface
New Crosspipe
Finished DSA surface
Had issues with municipality using small paver
and placing DSA one lane at a time. Considering
local policy to require full width placement on
most jobs

97. BEFORE 1 AFTER 1 ‘16 D&G Project - Active
Cambria County, Leck’s Rd
$104K Cont, $14K in kind
• Two 24’ pipes at main crossing,
secondary channel dug to two 3’ pipes
• 18’ aluminium plate culvert with fish
structures, 4’ pipe in secondary chanel
BEFORE
AFTER

98. BEFORE AFTER
Separate crosspipe and turnoutNo drainage outlets before stream
‘16 D&G Project - Complete
Pike County, Henershot Rd
$25KSpent, $9K in kind
• 4 new pipes, several turnouts
• Road fill and berm removal
• DSA

99. BEFORE AFTER
‘16 LVR Project - Complete
Schuylkill County, Black Diamond Rd
$20K Spent, $54K in kind
• Mill and repave
• Storm sewer to forest outlet
• Belt diverter on driveway
Belt Diverter
Strom Drain outlet

100. BEFORE 1 ‘16 D&G Project - Complete
Cumberland County, Bridgewater Rd
$54K Spent, $14K in kind
• Mattress underdrain, shallow pipes,
off-ROW issues, DSA
AFTER 1
AFTER 2BEFORE 2
BEFORE 1
French Mattress Construction

101. 2017: Two D&G Projects
Tioga County, Salt Spring Road
259K Spent, $157K in kind
Summary:
• Twin 7’ pipes to 32’ GRS Bridges
• Opened up nearly 11 miles of water
in Exceptional Value trout stream
Before (North site) After
Before (South site) After
~7’ each
~7’ each
32’ span
32’ span

102. AFTERBEFORE
‘16 D&G Project - Complete
Snyder County, Possum Rd
$36K Spent, $25K in kind
• 15.5’ X 6.5’ bottomless aluminum
culvert

103. BEFORE
AFTER
2017: LVR
McKean County, Hedgehog Lane
$84K Grant, $21K In-Kind
Summary:
• Road slope failing, poor drainage
• Added new pipes and underdrain
• Shifted road upslope 1-lane width
Abandoned lane
reseeded
BEFORE
Underdrain
New Lane
Shift road 1 lane-width
Shift road 1 lane-width
Shifted road 1 lane-width

104. Multiple Contracts over multiple years
Cumberland County, Cold Springs Road
Summary:
• 2.4 mile long site
• 2016: 20 shallow crosspipes
• 2017: 23 shallow crosspipes and base
• More base and DSA planned for future
Note shallow
installation depth
New Crosspipe
Finished DSA surface
Cover obtained by
adding fill
Audio also available via phone: 866-823-7699
For assistance, call: 814-865-5355

105. 2015: DnG
Somerset County, Swamp Hollow Lane
$70K Grant, $39K In-Kind
Summary:
• Road flooded frequently by
nearby river backwater
• Constantly saturated base.
• Large French Mattress and base
improvement with relief pipes
BEFORE
AFTER
Roadway WILL FLOOD: Large mattress
provides base support and pipes allow
water to drain in both directions

106. 2017: LVR: Lancaster County, Shelley Road
$80K Grant, $134 In-Kind
Summary:
• Green infrastructure: rain garden,
permeable paving, stormwater step
pool
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
AFTER
Infiltration area
Stormwater step-
pool system

107. BEFORE 1 DURINGBEFORE ‘16 LVR Project - Complete
Venango County, Keister Rd
$144K Spent, $31K in kind
• Massive fill job, underdrain and DSA
• Crosspipes and through the bank pipes
AFTER
DURING

108. BEFORE AFTER
BEFORE AFTER
AFTER2018: LVR: Luzerne County, Zenith Rd
$28K Grant, $59 In-Kind
• Road at low point, with excessive drainage
• Grass and rock lined swales
• Off ROW work
Grassed swale
Ditch Riparian Area!
Permanent Hay
BEFORE

109. 111
2017 D&G Project
Tioga County
Salt Spring Road
Two Projects, total of
$259K Spent
$173K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized failing stream
crossings
• Clogging and flooding
• Complete aquatic barrier
Practices Used:
• Two GRS Bridges
BEFORE
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
USFWS
NFWF

110. 2017: Two D&G Projects
Tioga County, Salt Spring Road
259K Spent, $157K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized stream pipes
• Frequent clogging and flooding
• Complete aquatic barrier in
Exceptional Value trout stream

111. South Crossing Inlet
Each Structure:
• Twin 7’ rail tanker cars
• 29’ bankfull
• New 32’ GRS structures
South Crossing Outlet
North Crossing Inlet North Crossing Outlet

112. Digging for first GRS
abutment

113. South Crossing
• Twin 7’ rail tanker cars
• 29’ bankfull
• New 32’ GRS structure
First layer of GRS abutment
Stream flow through
Note large-scale blocks,
placed with excavator

114. Stream flow
through
First GRS abutment

115. GRS abutments (North site) GRS abutments (North site)
Deck installation (South site) Building approach (South site)

116. 2017: Two D&G Projects
Tioga County, Salt Spring Road
259K Spent, $157K in kind
Summary:
• Twin 7’ pipes to 32’ GRS Bridges
• Opened up nearly 11 miles of water
in Exceptional Value trout stream
Before (North site) After
Before (South site) After
~7’ each
~7’ each
32’ span
32’ span

117. 119
2017 D&G Project
Cambria County
Betz Road
$60K Spent
$15K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized failing stream
crossing
• Clogging and flooding
• Complete aquatic barrier
Practices Used:
• Aluminum plate are culvert
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BEFORE

118. At some point, a 4’ concrete pipe was placed into the
opening of an existing 11’ bridge, presumably to
widen the road? Bankfull width is 17’.
Inlet
Inlet: 4’ Concrete Pipe???
Outlet: 11’ Bridge???
2017: LVR Project
Cambria County, Betz Road
$60K Spent, $15K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ concrete pipe to 11’ bridge
• Replaced with bankfull 17’
aluminum plate arch
Outlet

119. Bedding for arch pipe
2017: LVR Project
Cambria County, Betz Road
$60K Spent, $15K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ concrete pipe to 11’ bridge
• Replaced with bankfull 17’
aluminum plate arch

120. 2017: LVR Project
Cambria County, Betz Road
$60K Spent, $15K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ concrete pipe to 11’ bridge
• Replaced with bankfull 17’
aluminum plate arch
Placing streambed material in pipe

121. 2017: LVR Project
Cambria County, Betz Road
$60K Spent, $15K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ concrete pipe to 11’ bridge
• Replaced with bankfull 17’
aluminum plate arch
5’ pipe
17’ opening
BEFORE
AFTER

122. 124
2017 LVR Project
Clearfield County
Big Run Road
$59K Spent
$7K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized and smashed
5’ pipe
Practices Used:
• 11’ squash pipe installed
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BEFORE

123. Inlet
Outlet
2017: LVR Project
Clearfield County, Big Run Rd
$59K Spent, $7K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized and crushed 5’
pipe with 11’ squash pipe
BEFORE

124. 2017: LVR Project
Clearfield County, Big Run Rd
$59K Spent, $7K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized and crushed 5’
pipe with 11’ squash pipe
This is the TOP
of the pipe
BEFORE

125. 2017: LVR Project
Clearfield County, Big Run Rd
$59K Spent, $7K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized and crushed 5’
pipe with 11’ squash pipe
On excavation of 5’ pipe, old
bridge abutments found that
were 11 feet apart!
11’ squash pipe
purchased to
accommodate bankfull

126. BEFORE
AFTER
2017: LVR Project
Clearfield County, Big Run Rd
$59K Spent, $7K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of undersized
and crushed 5’ pipe with 11’
squash pipe

127. 129
2017 D&G Project
Cumberland County
Beetem Hollow Road
$138K Spent
$43K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized stream crossing
• Frequent clogging and
flooding
Practices Used:
• Concrete bottomless culvert
• Wet road
• 800’ underdrain and 500’
French mattress
BEFORE
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

128. 2017: D&G Project
Cumberland County, Beetem Hollow Road
$138K Spent, $43K in kind
Problems:
• 4’ pipe in 11’ bankfull channel
• Frequent overtopping and flooding
Before
4’

129. Township completed bulk of work in 4 days:
Friday: Site Prep
Monday: Remove old structure and dig hole
Tuesday: set new bottomless culvert
Wednesday: final site dressing
Excavation for
new culvert
Placement of
material in culvert

130. Placement of
material in culvert
Washing of fine into
culvert fill material

131. Before
After
2017: D&G Project
Cumberland County, Beetem Hollow Road
$138K Spent, $43K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ pipe replaced with 12’ bottomless culvert
• Underdrain, mattress, and new asphalt 4’
12’

132. In addition to stream crossing:
800’ of underdrain
500’ French mattress
Base material added
New Asphalt

133. Before After
2017: D&G Project
Cumberland County, Beetem Hollow Road
$138K Spent, $43K in kind
Summary:
• 4’ pipe replaced with 12’ box culvert
• Underdrain, mattress, and new asphalt
Before After

134. 136
2017 LVR Project
Jefferson County
Laurel Ridge Road
$58K Spent
$24K in kind
Problems:
• Undersized double pipes
frequently clogged and
overtopped road
Practices Used:
• 19’ plate arch pipe
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BEFORE

135. BEFORE
2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
Twin 5’ pipes in 18’ channel
outlet
inlet

136. 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
To minimize in-stream time,
arch pipe was constructed on
road and lifted into place
inlet
19’ x 7.5’

137. 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
To minimize in-stream time,
arch pipe was constructed on
road and lifted into place
inlet
Excavating old pipes
Preparing pipe bedding
Digging trench for scour plate

138. 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
To minimize in-stream time,
arch pipe was constructed on
road and lifted into place
Crane brought in to lift
structure into place
scour plates

139. 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of undersized twin
5’ pipes with 19’ plate arch pipe
scour plate
Structure set in place and backfilled

140. 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
Streambed material placed in pipe
Coffer dam released

141. 19’ x 7.5’
5’5’
BEFORE 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
AFTER
2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
AFTER

142. 5’5’
BEFORE 2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe
AFTER
5’
5’
19’ x 7.5’
BEFORE
2017: DnG Project
Jefferson County, Laurel Ridge Rd
$58K Spent, $24K in kind
Summary:
• Replacement of
undersized twin 5’ pipes
with 19’ plate arch pipe

143. 145
2017 LVR Project
Crawford County
Shellenberger Road
$58K Spent
$3K in kind
Problems:
• Stream attacking toe of
road slope
• Slides threatening road
Practices Used:
• Several pipes for road
surface drainage.
• Streambank and toe-slope
reinforcement
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BEFORE

144. Before Road within 2’ of edge
2017: LVR Project
Crawford County, Shellenberger Rd
$58K Spent, $3K in kind
Summary:
• Stabilization of streambank
attacking toe of road slope

145. Road within 2’ of edge2017: LVR Project
Crawford County, Shellenberger Rd
$58K Spent, $3K in kind
Summary:
• Stabilization of streambank
attacking toe of road slope

146. Wood Crib Wall
2017: LVR Project
Crawford County, Shellenberger Rd
$58K Spent, $3K in kind
Summary:
• Stabilization of streambank
attacking toe of road slope
Wood crib walls
buried in
dewatered channel

147. Road within 2’ of edge
Live branches and
matting placed
over crib wall
2017: LVR Project
Crawford County, Shellenberger Rd
$58K Spent, $3K in kind
Summary:
• Stabilization of streambank
attacking toe of road slope

148. Road within 2’ of edge
Live branches and
matting placed
over crib wall
Next phase of project
will stabilize from new
toe, to top of slope

149. View standing on edge
of road
2017: LVR Project
Crawford County, Shellenberger Rd
$58K Spent, $3K in kind
Summary:
• Stabilization of streambank
attacking toe of road slope

150. 152
2017 LVR Project
Wayne County
Upper River Road
$109K Spent
$16K in kind
Problems:
• Narrow saturated road
with failing banks
Practices Used:
• Interceptor Swale
• French Mattress
• Narrow road starting to
slide
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
BEFORE

151. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.

152. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.

153. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.
Interceptor Swale
Above Road

154. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.
underdrain

155. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.

156. 2017: DnG Project: Wayne Cty, Upper River Rd
$109K Spent, $16K in kind
Summary:
• Narrow saturated road
• Installed mattress, interceptor swale,
underdrain, and large bank stabilization.

157. P E N N S Y L V A N I A
Dirt, Gravel, & Low-Volume
Road
Fabulous
PROGRAM
S
www.dirtandgravelroads.org
Steve Bloser
Penn State University
Roy Richardson
PA State Conservation Commission
Sandy Thompson
McKean County Conservation District