Use of concrete cross gutter

[tavo75]

Is a concrete cross gutter required at all intersections where run off is to pass through the intersection? Or if the run off will pass on its own due to a steep slope thru the intersection would the cross gutter be required? What is the main purpose of the concrete cross gutter?

 

[civilperson]

A cross gutter is used in some areas where a primary road intersects with a secondary road. The primary road keeps the tangent slope through the intersection and the secondary road hops down and back up crossing the through gutter. The through gutter and curb/gutter section is usually Portland Cement Concrete and the drive lanes asphaltic concrete.
Inlets upstream of the intersection and a warping out of the crown through the intersection is used for two primary roads intersecting so speeds can be maintained in either direction.

 

[CarlB]

Local code is that if road slope is less than 1.0%, a concrete "valley gutter" is required; for greater slopes an asphalt swale is allowed. Main purpose of concrete gutter is to maintain drainage through the intersection with minimal ponding. I've seen plenty of cases of differential settlement around these gutters, they are now doing more harm than good.

 

[ACtrafficengr]

I would think a drainage inlet on the uphill side of the intersection would be preferred to a gutter across the intersection, especially in areas that experience freezing temperatures.

"...students of traffic are beginning to realize the false economy of mechanically controlled traffic, and hand work by trained officers will again prevail." - Wm. Phelps Eno, ca. 1928

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