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What Does the Road Department Do?

The Road department maintains Washington County's roads to ensure the safest possible travel conditions, while keeping costs low. Services include:

• Chip and seal / Asphalt overlay
• Crack sealing
• Gravel road grading and maintenance
• Patching pot holes
• Snow and ice removal
• Storm clean up (downed branches and other debris)
• Right-of-way maintenance, including brush-hogging

As one of the largest county road systems in Arkansas, we maintain over 500 miles of paved roads and over 500 miles of gravel roads.

MEMORANDUM FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY CITIZENS

Subject: Standard Qualifications and Material Specifications for Culverts/ Tile – updated 2/5/26

Purpose

The purpose of this memorandum is to outline the standard qualifications and material specifications for culvert pipe utilized in construction and roadway drainage projects. These standards are intended to ensure uniformity, durability, and compliance with recognized transportation and engineering guidelines.

General Requirements for Tile/Culverts

All culvert materials shall meet applicable American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) standards unless otherwise noted on project plans or specifications. Where an existing culvert is being extended, the material type and joint configuration shall match the existing installation unless otherwise approved by the Engineer. All culverts/tile installed, regardless of material chosen, will be a minimum of 18” in diameter.

Material Specifications

1. Concrete Pipe

• The pipe may be of either bell and spigot or tongue and groove joint configuration unless one type is specifically required on the plans or necessary to extend an existing culvert.
• Testing Requirements: Tests shall be conducted in accordance with AASHTO T 280.
• Manufacture and Furnishing: Circular concrete pipe shall be manufactured and furnished in accordance with AASHTO M 170.
• Wall Thickness: Pipe shall have a minimum B wall thickness.

2. Corrugated Steel Pipe

• Manufacture and Furnishing: Shall comply with AASHTO M 36 and AASHTO M 274 standards.

3. Corrugated Aluminum Pipe

• Manufacture and Furnishing: Shall comply with AASHTO M 196 or AASHTO M 197 standards.

4. Aluminum Pipe (Smooth or Structural Plate)

• Manufacture and Furnishing: Shall comply with AASHTO M 36 standards.

5. Plastic Pipe

• Manufacture and Furnishing: Shall comply with AASHTO M 294, Type S.
• Construction Requirements: Polyethylene pipe shall have a corrugated exterior shell with an essentially smooth interior waterway to promote hydraulic efficiency and reduce debris accumulation.

Compliance

All materials shall be inspected upon delivery and may be subject to additional field or laboratory testing as required by project specifications or governing agencies. Any deviations from these standards must receive prior written approval from the responsible Engineer or overseeing authority.

This memorandum serves as a general reference for acceptable culvert materials and does not supersede project-specific plans, contract documents, or governing regulatory requirements.

You may reach out to the Washington County Road Department with any questions/concerns.

Office: 479-444-1610

Hours: Monday – Friday 8:00am -4:00pm

Which Roads Are Maintained by the State Highway Department?

Washington County does not maintain all roads within county limits. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department (AHTD) maintains state highways, interstates, and access roads. For questions or concerns regarding areas maintained by the State of Arkansas, contact the local AHTD office by phone at (479) 251-8418.

State-maintained roadways include:

• Interstate 49
• US Route 412
• Highway 16
• Highway 45
• Highway 59
• Highway 62
• Highway 71
• Highway 74
• Highway 112
• Highway 156
• Highway 170
• Highway 180
• Highway 244
• Highway 265
• Highway 303

Current AHTD Job Status in Washington County

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