UNH T2 Center Ditch Basics By Marisa DiBiaso, Project Assistant Water is the most destructive force in roads.
Ditches are the best way to carry water away from roads and to the water table.
Ditches catch sediment carried off the road surface. This makes it imperative that road managers keep ditches in good condition. The first step to ditch basics is to regularly clean and inspect ditches to keep them working properly. Use the following checklist to help identify needed maintenance. This ditch is best in terms of long-term cost and efficiency.