Public Works: In the Trenches

In the Trenches

—Photos & text by Andrea Iglar

Prior to the start of the 2023 road paving program, the South Fayette Township Public Works Department repaired and improved the stormwater management system on Marshall Road.

Jamie Campbell excavates a trench along Marshall Road for installation of a curb drain, or French drain, to collect and divert water away from the road.

In February and March, crews installed stormwater pipes, inlets and drains on Marshall Road, between Scotch Hill Road and Union Avenue.

The system captures rainwater, snowmelt and underground spring water and conveys it away from the road so the water can seep back into the ground.

Jamie Campbell and Alan Desmet place perforated plastic drain pipe into the trench.

The improvements will decrease pavement erosion and cracking, reduce icy patches in winter and protect the planned investment in paving.

Jamie Campbell and truck driver Alan Desmet spread clean stone on top of a pipe in the drain trench. The stone provides both a bed and a covering for the pipe.

At 4,495 feet, Marshall Road is the longest single stretch of street in this year's paving program.

Jamie Campbell points out how water will be collected by a newly installed storm inlet and then flow through pipes away from Marshall Road.