Culvert Replacements Meet Ecological and Flood Resiliency Goals

Massachusetts municipalities own and manage a majority of the 30,000 road-stream crossings in Massachusetts. Many of these structures are reaching the end of their serviceable lifespan and 40-60% of these crossings create barriers to aquatic passage and to stream flow. Investments in infrastructure are needed and local funding is unable to meet the demand and needs of communities across the Commonwealth. Upgrading crossings to new design standards to meet fish passage and flood resiliency design criteria carries higher upfront costs, yet these crossings are demonstrating cost-effectiveness through reduced maintenance and replacement costs over time.

A major focus of the PIE-Rivers Restoration and Resiliency work is restoring habitat conditions to support native fish and wildlife that rely on rivers. In 2018, several communities in the PIE-Rivers region received funding from the MA Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) to advance culvert replacement projects that meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards. These projects are intended to strengthen community preparedness for large storm events, protect fisheries and river habitats, and promote smart investments in climate-ready infrastructure.

We are so pleased to congratulate the Town of Boxford on their recent replacement of the Middleton Road culvert, improving flow for Crooked Pond Stream. The project was spearheaded by the local Trout Unlimited chapter and the Lakes & Ponds committee. Working together with the Boxford Department of Public Works, with a grant from FEMA, this stellar team has made excellent progress towards a healthy, more connected Ipswich River. Learn more about the new culvert here or visit the Nor’east Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s facebook page to give them the kudos they deserve!

Congratulations are deserved for the Town of Ipswich as well. The Town has received funding from the DER 2018 Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants Program for the improvement of the Gravelly Brook culvert. The Great Marsh Barriers Assessment identified Gravelly Brook as a priority site, and we look forward to providing continued support to the Town as it works to improve the culvert to comply with the MA Stream Crossing Standards. In addition to erosion, the site is currently a difficulty for wildlife; the culvert provides no dry passage and roadkill is a common occurrence. When the culvert is successfully replaced it will mark one less barrier for the wildlife that depend on the Ipswich River.

The Town of Wenham is also moving forward with projects. A DER grant will allow them to conduct field data collection and engineering and design for a culvert replacement on a tributary to the Ipswich River. Replacing the culvert will provide fish and wildlife passage, and will improve Wenham’s infrastructure and storm resilience by reducing flood impacts and maintaining access to the Gordon College Campus.