Storm Damage Risk Reduction

The United States and other countries spend millions of dollars annually on storm damage repairs. Most of this work is to repair existing roads and transportation facilities. Large amounts of repair work have been done on the low-volume road network of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service over the past three decades, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Agencies cannot afford to build roads to be 100% storm resistant, or stormproof, but they can be made more storm resistant. Measures can be taken to reduce the risk of storm damage from any given event. The objectives of this paper are to identify the assessment process and discuss treatments that can be used to reduce road damage and environmental impacts. Storm damage risk reduction first involves an assessment of any given road, the natural setting, the value of the road, traffic use, and design standards. Because resources are always limited, roads in areas of high risk, in steep terrain, or in areas subject to flooding, and the most important roads, from both the infrastructure and environmental standpoints, should be prioritized for preventative work. Storm damage risk reduction measures include many maintenance, drainage improvement, and structural tasks. Roadway surface drainage structures such as ditches, cross drains, and rolling dips need to be clean, properly armored, and properly spaced to prevent the concentration of water. Drainage-crossing structures such as bridges, fords, and culverts need to have adequate capacity or at least be clear of debris, well armored, scour resistant, and functioning properly. Trash racks can be added. Marginally stable road cuts and fills can be modified and reinforced with vegetation or soil bioengineering treatments. Staying current with road maintenance is critical for proper road function during storms.