Safer Culverts

Options to minimize safety impacts caused by cross-drainage structures include the use of a traversable slope down to the culvert opening, extension of the structure so it is less likely to be hit, shielding of the structure for cases where the previous options are not achievable, and delineation of the structure with an object marker if none of the above alternatives are appropriate.

The optimum roadside design consists of slopes as flat as practical and with all cross-drainage pipes designed to match that slope. End sections and wing walls can be used to match the end of the culvert with the slope of the surrounding embankment and provide for a safer roadside.