Thursday, July 11, 2013

Watch out - our roads aren't racecourses

One thing many modern wide roads don't do well yet is manage stormwater- ideally it's best to have crowned roads (upward curve - convex)  because even the foundations are vulnerable to water and compaction of the base becomes harder as the formation becomes wider.

In other words wide laned roads can easily develop soft spots too .

ONE  major hazard still not well recognised by the car industry is the need to cu off the cruise off  when windshield wipers are on,  to reduce the risk of cruise controls accelerating the engine when  a car hits water.


Another growing hazard not well recognised or properly addressed yet ( July 2013) is the grass growing on the verges. ( Wouldn't it be great if all greenies were practical and not one eyed about vegetation management)
While grass can be mown its often not and its very presence can undermine the edges and foundations ( shown here on a prominent road in Colac Otway shire by making them more open and softer .Note the date we notified them about this problem !! Note the soft spots and the lowered spots


If you would  like to know MORE about design with nature and making our use of the land more productive and respectful of its limits click here.

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