Culvert is too high for ditch to drain?

Question

The county just dug out my ditch in front of my house and the culvert under my driveway is about 10 inches higher than the bottom of the ditch now. As soon as it rains, it's not going to drain. I just recently put in a new driveway so there is no way I can dig up the culvert and reposition it. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Is this something the county should have to fix?

Answer 1

As soon as it rains the water level will rise, and when the level of water reaches your culvert it will flow through, no problem.

Answer 2

Did you check with the county and install your new culvert to their specifications? This should have been your first step to save you from exactly this problem. If you did, then they should reslope their ditch to match the elevations they gave you. Otherwise, sounds like you may be in trouble.

Answer 3

The only problem you'll have is that hte ditch will have 10 inches of water in it before it starts to drain. If it drained ok before you should be good.

Don't worry eventually the water will undermine your culver and it will sag or sink anyway.

Answer 4

I wish you all the best of luck in dealing with the county.  Yes, the county should have to fix the problem they created.  Have you checked with them to see if there are plans to remedy the situation ?  Is it just your drive that is impacted or are there others as well ?  Gather up a few facts and have a sit down talk with someone in the county government.  I would not approach them via phone as it is easier for them to blow you off.