Culvert Assessments

Under the Statewide Asset Data Exchange System (SADES), the culvert assessment and stream crossing programs are intended to inventory and assess drainage culverts that intersect public roadways throughout the Strafford region. This information helps state and local agencies prioritize culvert repairs and replacement projects. 

Staff assess culverts according to the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) Culvert Assessment protocol. They record such information as the culvert’s dimensions, water levels, sediment deposits, material, and condition. After the information is uploaded to SADES, NHDES authorities in Concord review the assessments and conduct quality assurance reviews. They also score the culverts for geomorphic compatibility, aquatic organism passage, and DOT asset condition. The scores signify how well the culvert is functioning in relation to the road, the flow of water, and the surrounding natural environment.