Poor water control during construction can damage a road and cause severe erosionIt is critical not to neglect drainage during earthworks construction. Earthworks should be carried out in fully drained conditions with no free water on the working surfaces. Precautions should also be taken to control stormwater runoff from the construction site to ensure sediment is not discharged into a sensitive area.
Temporary drainage controls should be constructed to direct stormwater away from areas of operation and/or to drain water whenever it is seen to pond. All fill surfaces should be graded and rolled at the end of each day’s work to prevent ponding and erosion. Temporary drainage will frequently include cut-off ditches to deflect stormwater runoff, temporary diversion of natural surface drainage away from the work site including bunds and sloping the cut and fill surfaces to prevent ponding and infiltration. Any materials that have become too wet or soft should be removed and dried or replaced.