University of Virginia Library

Ditches:

One of the greatest causes of road failures is our neglecting
to clean ditches. Debris and soil build up over flush grates to
the depth that the inlet is obscured and is eventually "lost."
The last person who knew its location is now at Everglades and the
new R&T foreman didn't get the word. Deep or V-shaped ditches are
given little maintenance because it's difficult to work the ditchline

with machinery. Be an advocate for broad shallow ditches. They are
safer and easier to maintain.