Highway drainage installation

Highway & Roadway Trench Drains

Highways, interstates, and municipal roadways require high-capacity drainage systems to manage stormwater efficiently and preserve pavement integrity. Standing water can cause hydroplaning, freeze–thaw damage, and structural degradation — all of which impact safety and maintenance costs. TrenchDrainCo trench drain systems are engineered for extreme traffic loads, rapid runoff management, and long-term performance under constant vehicular stress. Built to DOT standards, TrenchDrainCo systems ensure reliable roadway drainage in even the harshest conditions.

  • Load Rating

    Typically E600 to F900, depending on roadway classification.

    Urban streets and intersections: D400–E600 for mixed traffic.

    Highways, interstates, and bridge decks: F900 for heavy truck and bus loads.

    Toll plazas and service lanes: E600–F900 for continuous traffic.

    Pedestrian or shoulder areas: C250–D400 for light vehicle access.

    Drains must resist impact, vibration, and deformation under sustained dynamic loads.

  • Material Durability

    Roadway drainage systems must withstand constant exposure to traffic, water, salts, and temperature fluctuations.

    Fiber-Reinforced Concrete (FRC) or Polymer Concrete channels for maximum compressive strength.

    Ductile-iron grates and frames rated F900 for long-term, heavy-duty service.

    Galvanized or epoxy-coated edge rails for corrosion protection against de-icing salts.

    Stainless steel components for bridge decks or coastal installations.

    Reinforced locking systems to prevent grate displacement or rattle under high-speed traffic.

  • Site Conditions

    • Continuous exposure to rain, freeze–thaw cycles, and debris.

    • Pavement and concrete slabs designed with a 1–2% slope toward trench drains.

    • Highways require rapid water evacuation to prevent aquaplaning.

    • Drainage channels must connect to storm sewers or retention basins per DOT and EPA standards.

    • Systems exposed to de-icing salts must resist chloride corrosion.

    • Expansion joints required at fixed slab or bridge deck transitions.

  • User Requirements

    Safety: Prevent surface water accumulation and reduce hydroplaning risk.

    Durability: Handle repeated heavy axle loads without cracking or deformation.

    Noise control: Rattle-free grate seating for quiet operation under high-speed traffic.

    Maintenance: Easy access for debris removal and long service intervals.

    Environmental compliance: Integration with stormwater pollution prevention systems.

    Longevity: Designed for multi-decade service life under constant vehicular load.

    Swiftdrain 300 Channel With Ductile Iron Grate

    TrenchDrainCo FRC Highway Series

    Heavy-duty fiber-reinforced concrete trench drain rated F900 for interstates and mainline roads.

    Shop Model 300
    leo 1200 cast iron rate

    TrenchDrainCo LEO 1200

    Ductile-iron grate and frame system ideal for urban roadways, intersections, and toll plazas.

    Shop LEO 1200
     Model 100 Polymer Grate

    TrenchDrainCo Polymer Concrete Series

    High-flow trench drain with corrosion-resistant channel for bridge decks and coastal roadways.

    Shop Model 100
    Swiftdrain 600 Ductile Iron 632 Grate 4

    TrenchDrainCo HDPE Municipal Series

    Lightweight, cost-effective drainage for secondary roads and shoulder applications.

    Shop Model 600
    Highway and port drainage

    Engineering Notes

    When designing trench drains for highways and roadways:

    • Position trench drains at low points, medians, and curb lines to collect sheet flow efficiently.
    • Use F900-rated ductile-iron grates in all areas subjected to truck or bus traffic.
    • Ensure hydraulic sizing meets FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) runoff design standards.
    • Install anti-vibration locking systems to prevent grate movement under continuous traffic.
    • Use corrosion-resistant materials in regions exposed to chlorides or de-icing salts.
    • Incorporate catch basins and debris traps to prevent clogging and simplify maintenance.
    • Design outlets to connect to stormwater treatment or detention systems for compliance with EPA NPDES regulations.
    Highway drainage

    Engineered for endurance. Proven for performance.

    Contact TrenchDrainCo for a trench drain system designed for highways, interstates, and municipal roadways.

    📞 Call us: 212-946-3798
    📧 Email us: info@trenchdrainco.com

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