Post by Admin on Aug 8, 2017 8:00:52 GMT -7
Volunteer Landowner Crew Clears High South Ditches
Community volunteers Jeff Reiderer, Tim Brockett and Ia Williams cleared almost three miles of ditches along Hercules Road in High South Glastonbury on July 29th and 30th, 2017. After the Big Creek forest fire swept through in July of 2006 trees started to topple and the ditches quickly clogged with limbs, rocks and dirt. The ditches had accumulated at least 11 years of rubble. Large dead trees hung precariously close to the road and made grader work dangerous.
Three to six foot potholes formed every spring on upper Hercules because water could not drain away from the road's surface. Parts of the road were routinely washed over and eroded when summer thunderstorms overflowed the clogged ditches. Deep mud attempted to mire vehicles in the spring.
On Saturday Tim and Jeff removed overhanging trees and cleared a path so the grader operator could safely work on the road. They pulled branches, rocks and trash from the ditches by hand and loaded it on to a large trailer. Lost culverts were discovered and marked so they could be properly cleaned in the fall.
On Saturday Tim and Jeff removed overhanging trees and cleared a path so the grader operator could safely work on the road. They pulled branches, rocks and trash from the ditches by hand and loaded it on to a large trailer. Lost culverts were discovered and marked so they could be properly cleaned in the fall.
As the day progressed neighbors and visitors occasionally drove by and stopped to chat. New friends were made and stories swapped. Lunch time brought out snacks and drinks supplemented with freshly picked roadside berries. No bears or snakes were spotted. The sun was warm and the air bright and clear.
Ia Williams drove over from North Glastonbury and joined the crew on Sunday. Jeff brought his John Deere tractor and we quickly moved some of the heavy and bulky items out of the ditches. 18 inche diameter logs were set aside for firewood. Rocks, dirt and branches were removed and carefully dumped on the low side of the road. A 12 foot tall pile of dead branches left by woodcutters was torn down and carried away. At least 11 years of rubble was pulled from the ditches and adjacent embankment. Slowly the outlines of the original ditches started to appear.
Roadside ditches are crucial to the dryness and longevity of the road the border. Eight to 12 inch ditches can quickly channel water away from the road surface during sudden thunderstorms and prevent the top layer of road mix from eroding. Ditches also drain surface snow melt during the spring. Another function of ditches that is largely unseen, is their ability to drain water away from the sub-surface of the roadbed. Rain or snow melt that seeps into the roadbed will flow into the ditches. A dry roadbed resists pot holes and will remain firm and strong. Good ditches reduce maintenance costs and will increase the life of the road.
The volunteer landowner crew spent two days clearing ditches and the adjoining banks of Hercules Road. Their hard work made it possible for Norm and his grader to safely clean and cut ditches the following week. The ditches will save landowners money by helping to keep the roadbed dry and strong.
Everyone had a good time. Memories were created, friendships strengthened and new friends were made.
Everyone had a good time. Memories were created, friendships strengthened and new friends were made.
