Enclosed Ditches

Upon occasion, municipalities, businesses, or other private parties request to enclose a ditch along the State highway Right-of-Way. Various state statutes require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to assure proper drainage, the operation and maintenance of the drainage facilities, and water quality. Enclosures may increase flood stages and velocity in our ditch system that may impact the road or adjoining properties. Further the “ditch” or drainage course may be a “county drain” or a regulated inland stream under Part 301 and Part 31 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA).

For driveway culvert extensions greater than 24 feet or ditch enclosures, MDOT shall require the following:
Engineered plans (signed and sealed)
Drainage calculations (as noted in requirements)
Performance bond (minimum $10,000.00)