Access Road
A fine gravel farm access road with black corrugated pipe outlet to stabilized stone area. Photo credit: Erin Trouba, CACAT.
Do you notice any of these issues on the farm?
- Equipment and vehicles getting stuck in muddy and rutted lanes
- Runoff and erosion occurring on access lanes
- Multiple roadways through a field or pasture
What is an access road?
An access road is a stabilized established route for equipment and vehicles. As a conservation practice, an access road is created to control erosion concerns and can improve drainage and run-off control for any existing roads or paths.
Access roads have many benefits
- Creating a stabilized permanent roadway for equipment access
- Reducing damaged and compaction to fields or pasture
- Improving water quality and controlling runoff
Other practices are associated with access roads
Access roads are often part of a comprehensive system involving several conservation practices. Some commonly associated practices include:
- Structure for water control
- Lined waterway or outlet
- Grassed waterways
- Animal trails and walkways
- Riparian buffer
Many design choices are possible
Access roads are designed based on site-specific needs and the conditions of the area where they will be installed. The design is driven by the intended use of the road. Materials and construction methods can vary significantly from one project to another. In some cases, simple resurfacing may be sufficient to improve drainage, while other situations may require full reconstruction to address erosion concerns.
For all access road improvement projects, effective stormwater management and the use of stable outlets are critical.
Structures used for water control, such as conveyor belt diversions, broad-based dips, and cross pipes, are often essential to a project’s success.
Assistance with design, permitting, and construction is available (see links at the end of this fact sheet for more information).
What maintenance is required?
The access road user is responsible for monitoring road conditions and performing necessary maintenance. This includes grading or filling low areas that develop over time, ensuring companion practices like structures for water control are functioning properly, and maintaining any adjacent vegetated areas to ensure proper function and prevent erosion.
Interested in having an access road?
Access Roads are eligible for funding through several conservation programs administered by the State Conservation Commission (SCC) and the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). Additionally, several local funding sources may be available through organizations such as County Conservation Districts or local nongovernmental organizations.Â
For more information, reach out to staff at the Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, NRCS, or your local conservation district office.
Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) Practice Code: 560
Prepared by Shane Clark, Jake Tomlinson, Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training, and Danielle Rhea, Penn State Extension.Â
