Whenever possible, select a crossing site that allows for gentle road approaches so that runoff from the road can be easily diverted. Construct the crossing at a 90-degree angle to the stream. We discuss here the three most common types of stream crossings. Culverts Culverts are, by far, the most common type of stream crossing used on logging jobs in North Carolina. And because of the large amount of disturbance and fill required at culverts, they also have a large potential for creating sediment problems.
Culverts represent an economical way of constructing a permanent crossing on small streams.
Length of culvert too short to allow proper sloping of headwalls. Headwalls not adequately stabilized. Rainwater runoff not diverted at crossing approaches. In addition to being economical, temporary bridging has less impact on water quality than other types of stream crossings since disturbance of stream banks and channel is minimized. Less time and cost for installation.