The TN Department of Transportation was concerned about a section of interstate where rainwater drained along the shoulder of the highway and collected near the entrance of an exit ramp. It posed a driving hazard for vehicles exiting the interstate and needed to be rectified quickly. The DOT also noted more water running and pooling under the overpass after a storm that wasn't draining off the roadway quickly enough.

Given the safety concerns, it was critical to work efficiently to properly channel and remove the water. The TN DOT recognizes NDS as a leader in stormwater management and approached the DesignWorx team for an initial consultation and design help.

FILCOTEN PERFECT FIT FOR HIGHWAY LOADS

NDS recommended installing NDS Filcoten trench drains, as they exceed the H-20 plus load rating and have also been tested and meet the EN1433 DIN standard. These are strong, high-performance concrete channels that can withstand highway loads.

Once the NDS DesignWorx team determined the amount and placement of product, a layout was provided to the DOT.  It outlined channel segments and part numbers, as well as the placement of end outlets and plates. 

The team then created a site-specific drawing – which provided a thorough guide for the contractor. It showed where specifically the product should be placed down the shoulder of the highway on one side, ultimately making the system easier to install and helping ensure a better overall outcome.

NDS HELPS WITH SPEEDY INSTALLATION 

The local distributor delivered product immediately, and an NDS stormwater expert was onsite for in-field support nearly the entire time. He confirmed the proper layout of the channels and helped ensure the process went smoothly. This was especially important since the DOT didn’t have a channel drain expert internally and the work was being done on a steep grade. The construction team appreciated the advice from NDS on installation and slope so they could safely install the drains alongside heavy traffic traveling at high speeds, closing only one lane at a time.

The project was complete within a few weeks, and NDS was pleased to contribute to driving safety on this section of I-75 as channeling and removing water from the roadway was of great importance.