Function And Organization Of Highway Drainage Sections

Highway drainage practice is emerging as a new specialty in the field of highway design because of the complex drainage facilities required for modern highways. Over $500,000,000 are spent annually on highway drainage structures exclusive of bridges. A drainage section within a highway department services almost every operation subdivision and performs a wide variety of functions, from preparing drainage design recommendations to investigating flood damage claims related to highway construction. A highway drainage section needs a staff of competent engineers skilled in the applications of hydrology and hydraulics. Within a highway organization, the drainage section can function either as a centralized group or can be decentralized into district offices with centralized technical control. The work involves investigation, analysis, and formulation of recommendations of all highway problems pertaining to water and its control. Under certain conditions the drainage section serves a consultive and review function.