Roadside Maintenance

Roadside Ditches and Drainage

Roadside ditches, storm sewers, culverts or other similar draining features are installed to convey storm water from the road surface and roadbed to an outlet such as a pond, municipal drain, creek or other waterway. Managing storm water is essential to improving the health of our waterways and reducing basement flooding. These roadside drainage systems are typically located in the Municipal right-of-way and are maintained by the Municipality. Drainage systems along County Roads are on the County right-of-way and maintained by the County.

Roadside ditching is performed throughout the year to ensure that the road drainage systems work efficiently. Roads are prioritized based on inspections and patrols.

Roadside ditches perform four necessary functions:

• Drain water from the road base and sub grade
• Carry collected water to an appropriate outlet
• Stop uncollected water coming from outside the road allowance from getting on the road
• Assist in snow clearing operations by providing snow storage below the elevation of the road

Importantly, the primary role of roadside drainage is to drain the road, not adjacent private property.

Roadside Grass Mowing

The initial cut, occurring in late spring, weather permitting, mows from the road to the bottom of the ditch in rural areas. The cut assists in controlling weeds, ticks and other invasive species. The mowing also assists in improving road drainage and sight lines for vehicles. 

The mowing program addresses the tall grasses that grow along roadsides, mostly in front of agricultural properties and naturalized areas outside the urban boundaries.

The service is completed through a contractor who operates the equipment required to cut the steep slopes of roadside ditches. The current operating budget for the program allows for two cuts each year.  

The second cut occurs in the fall to mow from the road edge to the municipal property line (where mechanically feasible).

Drivers and pedestrians are asked to take extra caution around the mowing equipment.

Roadside Brushing/Tree Removal

Roadside brushing and tree removal are essential parts of road maintenance that contribute to safety, road longevity, and effective snow management.  The Township has authority to clear trees within the road right-of-way. Should a tree be deemed unsafe or dead, the Township will remove it. Brushing involves managing trees, bushes, weeds and general overgrowth along public roads owned by the Township. This vital maintenance id done for various reasons, including:

Road Safety

• Improving sightlines
• Reduce falling tree limb hazards

Protecting the road base

• Allow sunlight and air movement to reach the road base

Snow storage

• Cleared areas along the roadside are vital for the storage of plowed snow.