How can you manage stormwater runoff in highway design?

I agree with all the points Dr. Soltani made in his response. It's time designers looked at utilizing smart technology in their designs. Utilizing monitoring and web-based controls the area for retention systems can be reduced, water quality actually improves and flood level discharges can be managed. Smart Technology can used to discharge stored volume, creating new volume capacity. This can be accomplished by utilizing the National Weather Service warnings (automatically), by using rain gauges or by manager operation of outlet gates by remote access dashboard. A holistic program can be implemented to monitor entire watersheds, then using Smart Technology to release stored water in a designed sequence. Flooding is reduced!

Hydrodynamic separators and oil-water separators: These devices are typically installed in drainage systems to remove pollutants, debris, and floatable materials from stormwater before it is discharged into receiving waters. Maintenance practices: Regular maintenance of stormwater management facilities is crucial to ensure their optimal functioning. Regular inspection, cleaning, and repair of structures such as ponds, swales, and inlets help prevent clogging and maintain their effectiveness.

By analyzing terrain and recognizing areas prone to runoff, I can implement targeted drainage solutions. For example, in a recent project, understanding natural slopes helped prevent flooding and erosion. Additionally, considering where runoff ultimately goes allows me to design systems that meet environmental standards. This approach not only enhances highway resilience but also minimizes the impact of stormwater runoff on the surrounding ecosystem.

Managing stormwater runoff in highway design involves strategies like reducing impervious surfaces and promoting infiltration through permeable pavements, vegetated swales, bioretention areas, and infiltration basins. However, challenges such as clogging, maintenance, durability issues with permeable surfaces, land use conflicts for swales, and sedimentation concerns for basins must be addressed. Additionally, the high upfront costs, the need for public awareness, and ongoing maintenance requirements pose significant considerations. Successful implementation requires a careful balance between environmental benefits and financial constraints, along with regular monitoring and community engagement to ensure long-term effectiveness.

By incorporating BMPs into highway design, such as permeable pavements, bio-retention cells, and sediment basins, I have successfully mitigated the adverse impacts of stormwater runoff. In a recent project, the integration of permeable pavements not only reduced surface runoff but also facilitated groundwater recharge, contributing to sustainable water management. Additionally, the incorporation of bio-retention cells effectively filtered pollutants from runoff before discharge. These proactive measures not only comply with environmental regulations but also enhance the overall resilience of the highway infrastructure, showcasing the practical significance of implementing stormwater BMPs in highway design.

In the final phase of stormwater runoff management, meticulous monitoring and maintenance of installed facilities are essential for optimal performance. Regular inspections, including assessments of permeable pavements, vegetated swales, bioretention areas, and infiltration basins, are crucial. For example, permeable pavements require checks for surface permeability and signs of clogging, while vegetated swales need routine cleaning to prevent debris accumulation. Documentation of these activities is vital for historical records and compliance reporting. Proactive monitoring ensures the longevity of stormwater facilities, safeguarding the highway infrastructure, preserving the environment, and upholding public health and safety standards.

Incorporate green infrastructure, smart technology, and community engagement into stormwater management. Address climate change impacts, erosion control, and water quality monitoring. Collaborate with other projects, stay regulatory compliant, and consider long-term planning. These comprehensive measures ensure resilient and sustainable highway stormwater management, aligning with environmental goals and community needs.

Can we insert a strip of permeable concrete in the breakdown lane or perhaps both sides of a highway. This is a strip which gets very little traffic but can be used to create a large surface area to remove volumes of water off the road very quickly (up to 500L per square metre per minute) so that blocked drains don’t end up creating something that resembles a weir which causes flooding when water protrudes into driving lanes where vehicles are travelling at speed.

I actively account for local climate conditions, anticipating extreme weather events and adjusting drainage systems accordingly. Furthermore, the integration of green infrastructure, like vegetated swales or rain gardens, aids in natural stormwater absorption. Collaborating with environmental experts is key, ensuring that runoff does not adversely impact nearby ecosystems. In a recent project, understanding the local soil composition influenced the choice of BMPs, ensuring their effectiveness. Balancing the need for efficient runoff management with ecological preservation remains a constant consideration, underscoring the multidimensional nature of stormwater management in highway design.

Make sure the road has proper camber and the top surface a little porous so that the surface always remains dry. Have multiple entries to storm water drains with suitable filters to prevent debris entering the drains. Come up with a system to prevent clogging of these vents. Keep storm water drains well lighted (for maintenance) and clean so that water can reach infiltration ponds/wells without any problem. Or store this water somewhere for future use.

To make proper infrastructure with slope that drain water in to ditch save water in to reservoir and provide water for industrial process purpose that can reduce over consumption of water .