Private Water Crossings: Considerations Before You Build

6 | PRIVATE WATER CROSSINGSFigure 3.1-4. This bridge designwas dictated by exposed bedrock.Site-specific conditions and goodjudgement resulted in safe trafficpassage and a practical approachto stream protection. Even duringhigh water, this bridge shouldmaintain appropriate flow andstreambed and not constrict thestream.Figure 3.1-5. Private bridgewith secured handrails andunobstructed water flow allowsfor safe traffic passage and createsno noticeable change in thestream flow or streambed. Thebridge crossing is wide and highrelative to its length.Figure 3.1-6. Perched bridgeand low water crossing. The lowwater crossing is used only forinfrequent passage by heavy farmequipment. The perched bridge isfor regular access to property, butcan become an island during aflood if the road on both sides isunder water.