The Centre County farm lane stabilization project was developed to address significant erosion and stormwater management concerns along an access lane located between two leased corn fields.
Overview
The access lane had become a concentrated flow path for stormwater, resulting in progressive erosion of the roadway and transport of sediment downslope. This project demonstrates cost-effective BMPs for stormwater management and erosion control on farm lanes.
Project Purpose
- Address active farm lane erosion affecting farmland and contributing sediment and nutrients to receiving waters.
- Demonstrate the use of Environmentally Sensitive Maintenance Practices to improve road surface and manage stormwater runoff.
Technical Approach
- Approximately 600 linear feet of farm lane was stabilized using:
- Improved road surface and fill using 4” minus aggregate
- Tear drop infiltration basins installed to control runoff rate and capture sediment
- Broad based dips to break up flow paths and direct surface water to stable outlets
- Construction was completed in June 2026 with oversight from conservation professionals.
Key Outcomes
- Stabilized approximately 600 linear feet of actively eroding farm lane surface with a durable 4” minus stone aggregate
- Installed broad based dips and tear drop basins to improve management of stormwater runoff
- Reduced ongoing erosion contributing to sediment and nutrient loading within the watershed.
- Successfully implemented as an ACAP demonstration project, showcasing effective farm lane stabilization techniques.
- Provided technical and educational value through interagency collaboration during planning and construction.
- Pre and post-construction monitoring was completed.
Lessons for Future Projects
- Early and consistent coordination among project partners (CCCD, CACAT, CDGRS, SCC) was essential to project success.
- Incorporating a vegetative buffer between the crop fields and access lane would improve long-term stability and help reduce runoff and sediment movement from adjacent fields.
- The district has coordinated with the township regarding cleaning the existing public road ditch and cross pipe; however, the work has not yet been completed. Earlier and continued coordination with the municipality may help improve the timeliness of addressing off-site drainage conditions that affect the project.
Partners
- Centre County Conservation District
- John Claar Excavating Inc.
- Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies
- Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training
Gallery
View photos of the Centre County Farm Lane Stabilization Project.
