LOW WATER STREAM CROSSINGS IN IOWA: A SELECTION AND DESIGN GUIDE

This guide provides a simplified approach to low water stream crossing (LWSC) selection and design. LWSCs are particularly suitable for low volume roads across streams where the normal volume of flow is relatively low. There are three common types of LWSCs: (1) unvented fords, (2) vented fords, and (3) low water bridges. LWSC sites, types, and designs should be carefully selected since they will be flooded periodically, requiring the road to be temporarily closed to traffic.