| The Hydraulics Unit is staffed by engineers
and their support staff of technicians. This group is responsible
for the broad range of activities that relate to hydraulics and surface
drainage for all highway construction and maintenance contracts and
activities.
Multiple pipe structure allows stream to cross under highway.
The Unit's input into the Department's planning process includes providing
preliminary designs for bridges, culverts, and other drainage features,
as well as information on wetlands, permit requirements and water
quality.
The unit has several design groups, each headed by a project engineer.
During the design stage, projects are assigned to a squad for the
hydrologic/hydraulic study needed to develop detailed design recommendations
for all surface drainage and associated hydraulic structures, including bridges,
box culverts, pipes, ditches, channels, stream relocations,
and storm drainage systems. Design staff also coordinates with review agencies
regarding environmental permit approval and compliance with FEMA regulations.
Construction
During construction, the unit coordinates with Division
Construction personnel to review and adjust proposed project
drainage, as may be required by various constraints encountered
in the field.
Maintenance (Operations Support)
Regional hydraulic project engineers and their staff assist
Division Maintenance personnel with drainage-related projects. Assistance
typically involves technical recommendations and interpretation of drainage
policy and regulations. Assistance also includes review of subdivision
plans, proposed encroachments, driveway permits and other drainage
proposals that may affect roads.
The Hydraulics Unit also provides the engineering surveys and hydraulic design recommendations
for the Department's ongoing Division-managed bridge replacement programs.
Specialty Tasks
The unit maintains an extensive records
library of historical data on project locations; bridge and culvert
data; flood studies, maps, and hydraulic computer models; and other surface water information.
Much of this data is archived electronically to facilitate access for future reference.
Typical sction of highway and lateral stream encroachment.
Other specialty tasks include assistance to the Ferry Division
in basin and channel surveys and design; preparation of exhibits and court testimony
for the N.C. Attorney General's office in drainage related litigation;
and review of drainage projects by others that may affect proposed
or existing highways. | 
NC DOT
NC DOH
NC GOV
