Road Sweeping and Stormwater Management: Preventing Drainage Issues
The challenges posed by inclement weather – and the severity of weather events, such as flash floods are more pressing than ever. One of the major concerns during the colder months is the increased risk of flooding caused by the accumulation of debris in drains and gullies. This issue not only poses a threat to public safety, but also has long-term implications for the environment.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the crucial role of road sweeping in preventing drainage issues, especially during the winter season.
Winter flooding: A growing concern
Winter, and the challenges brought about by climate change, bring with them the hazards of heavy rainfall and in some regions of the UK melting snow, leading to a heightened risk of flooding. Blocked drains and gullies exacerbate this problem, preventing the efficient flow of stormwater and increasing the likelihood of water pooling on road surfaces. This not only poses dangers for motorists but can also result in property damage and environmental degradation.
The role of road sweeping:
Road sweeping plays a pivotal role in maintaining clean and clear road surfaces, ensuring that stormwater can flow unimpeded into drainage systems. Council authorities and private hirers alike employ specialised street sweepers equipped with powerful brushes and vacuum systems to remove debris, leaves and other litter from roadways.
Preventing drain blockages
Road sweepers are instrumental in preventing the accumulation of leaves, litter, and debris in drains. The sweeping process collects these materials before they have a chance to enter stormwater drains and gullies, reducing the risk of blockages.
Enhancing water quality and aquatic ecosystems
Debris that enters stormwater systems can carry pollutants and contaminants, compromising the quality of water that eventually reaches rivers and other natural water bodies. Regularly sweeping roads contributes to maintaining cleaner stormwater, thereby preserving the quality of aquatic ecosystems.
Minimising flood risks
Effective road sweeping significantly reduces the chances of drainage blockages, which, in turn, helps mitigate the risk of flooding. By keeping drains and gullies clear, stormwater can swiftly and safely flow away from road surfaces, minimising the potential for water-related accidents and damage.
Environmental sustainability
Road sweeping aligns with broader environmental sustainability goals. Preventing debris from entering stormwater systems aids the preservation of local ecosystems and protects wildlife habitats from the negative impacts of pollution.
It’s crucial to prioritise regular and thorough street sweeping to ensure the efficient functioning of drainage systems. By doing so, property and public safety can be protected, while supporting the broader goal of environmental sustainability.
As communities work together to address the challenges posed by inclement weather, road sweeping emerges as a vital component in building resilience against drainage issues and the potential consequences of flooding.
What happens when preventative measures aren’t taken
We recently looked at a project for Highways England that involved unblocking an outfall located 80 metres off the A27. This blockage was causing flooding on the hard shoulder, raising concerns that it could extend to lane 1. Given the challenging circumstances—specifically, the outlet’s placement deep within a forest and up a steep incline—we knew we needed to deploy our most powerful equipment.
One of our Muller tankers made the task considerably easier, with its robust vacuum and capacity to handle lengthy hoses. We efficiently cleared the silt to reveal the outfall and then utilised high-pressure jetting to ensure the pipe was completely clear and flowing freely. This approach not only resolved the immediate issue, but also helped mitigate the risk of further flooding on the highway.
