Required construction site trackout controls - temporary entrances that reduce tracking of mud and debris onto streets, can be difficult to maintain, especially in spring. Follow the link for some friendly reminders on how to keep these areas working...
Required temporary construction entrances that act as trackout controls to reduce mud and other debris carried onto streets from equipment tires can present maintenance challenges, especially in the spring when the frost begins to come out of the ground. Below are some tips to help keep your trackout controls functioning:
- Pay attention to dates. Spring road restrictions go into effect in the Metro sometime between mid-February and mid-March, depending on how mild or harsh the winter season has been. They can stay in effect as late as mid-May. If you are using rock for your construction entrances, it could limit how much you can haul and complicate repairs. Ensuring that your entrance is refreshed by early February or keeping a stockpile of replacement rock on site can save hassle later on.
- Use only clean rock of appropriate size and strength to withstand the equipment that will be driving over it. Rock, such as class 5 limestone, can create lots of fine particles that turn into a muddy mess as the frost comes out of the ground. Lime rock is also easily pulverized under heavy equipment. In some cases, choosing the wrong material means you are tracking out just as much of the construction entrance as you are of site soils.
- If using rock, place filter fabric under the rock. This helps reduce the depth rock is pushed into the soil layer below by heavy equipment, rendering it ineffective.
- In a pinch, plywood pathways throughout the construction project work to reduce trackout. The plywood doesn't do much to clean mud off of tires, but it can keep mud from getting onto the tires in the first place. Plywood is also a good option for small sites where you would like to reduce soil compaction and site restoration costs.
- There are several proprietary devices out on the market for lease or purchase. Many can be reused several times on multiple projects and are a good option if you frequently need to change the location of the construction entrance on your project. It is worth attending industry trade shows and training events so you can stay up on the latest products available.
Remember, trackout controls are needed to reduce pollution to local waterbodies and reduce traffic safety hazards. Trackout controls need to be maintained throughout the life of your project.
Contact Apple Valley Natural Resources at 952-953-2463 for technical assistance relating to erosion and sediment control.