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Culvert Modification

culvert modification before post fire

(Before modification)

culvert modification after post fire

(After modification)

 

What – Culvert modification addresses flooding and debris concerns as a result of fire.  Usually involves upgrading the culvert size for increased runoff and associated bedload and debris. 

Purpose – By increasing the flow and debris passage capacity, road damage is prevented or reduced.

Effectiveness – Evaluation of this treatment is only qualitative.  The treatment rates ‘well’ when new culverts are installed prior to the first rains.  ‘Poor’ ratings reflect the inability to perform the upgrade in a timely manner or when culverts are still not large enough to handle runoff events.

Where

  • High-burn severity watersheds.
  • Drainages with undersized culverts.
  • Road access is required.

Costs – $20,000 to $150,000 per structure.  Additional factors include:

  • Culvert size (diameter and length) and type
  • Site location and access
  • Fill (removal and replacement)
  • Headwall and endwall

How to Link – See USDA BAER Catalog page 128 (PDF page 136).