Chapter V – Roads, sandpits and forest infrastructures
Division II – Roads
§4. Stabilization of excavated soils and road embankments and diversion of runoff
Section 73
The excavated soils and road embankments must be stabilized without delay during the construction, improvement or repair of a road, by means of soil stabilization techniques as much as possible in harmony with the natural setting of the environment, in places where the erosion of the road could bring sediments into an open peat bog with a pond, a marsh, a riparian swamp, a lake or a watercourse. 
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Objectives
- To preserve the integrity of an aquatic, wetland or riparian environment
- To avoid carrying sediment into an aquatic, wetland or riparian environment
- To ensure the lifespan of a road, bridge or culvert
- To promote natural regeneration
Additional information
Road development generally requires significant quantities of granular materials. Since large expanses of soil may be exposed to erosion as a result of this, the excavated soils and road embankments must be stabilized without delay in all places where the erosion of the road may bring sediments into a wetland or aquatic environment.
The granular materials used to cover the conduit or arch of a culvert must also be stabilized as soon as they are installed. This is especially important because the embankments they create are located just above the watercourse.
The risk of erosion may be reduced by carrying out the different phases of construction, improvement or repair work and stabilization as part of an ongoing sequence. For example, if the embankment is high, it must be stabilized each time fill material is added. If there is to be a delay between the shaping of the road and gravelling, the slope must be stabilized using normal techniques as soon as it is created.
Stabilization techniques are, in particular: stabilization with vegetation, riprap and the construction of a retaining wall. A geotextile membrane must be placed under the riprap or retaining wall if there is a risk of bringing sediments into the environments referred to in the first paragraph.
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Objectives
- To preserve the integrity of an aquatic, wetland or riparian environment
- To avoid carrying sediment into an aquatic, wetland or riparian environment
- To ensure the lifespan of a road, bridge or culvert
- To promote natural regeneration
