The following is a simple list of recommended specifications for forest roads.

• Roads should follow ridges as much as possible with road grades between 2% and 10%. Grades steeper than 10% should not exceed 500 feet in length and slopes greater than 15% should not exceed 200 feet in length. By breaking or changing grade frequently, fewer erosion problems will result than by using long, straight, continuous grades.
• On highly erodible soils, grades should be 8% or less, but grades exceeding 12% for 150 feet may be acceptable as long as measures are taken to prevent erosion. Graveling the road surface can help maintain stability.
• Intermittent or perennial streams should be crossed using bridges, culverts or rock fords. Cross as close to a right angle to the stream as possible. Structures should be sized so as not to impede fish passage or stream flow.
• Install water turnouts prior to a stream crossing to direct road runoff water into undisturbed areas of the streamside management zone (SMZ). Road gradients approaching water crossings should be changed to disperse surface water at least 50 feet from the stream. With the exception of stream crossings, roads should be located a minimum distance of 50 feet from any flowing or identifiable stream. Distance is measured from the bank to the edge of soil disturbance, or in case of fills, from the bottom of the fill slope.
• Outslope the entire width of a road where road gradient and soil type will permit. Usually inslope the road toward the bank as a safety precaution on sharp turns, steep road gradients or slippery soils. Use cross drainage on inslope or crowned roads to limit travel distance of runoff water.
• Where roads are insloped or crowned, and gradients begin to exceed 2% for more than 200 feet, broad-based dips or rolling dips should be placed within the first 25 feet of the beginning of the incline.
• Haul roads that intersect highways should use gravel, mats or other means to keep mud off the highway.
• At culverts and dips, install rip-rap or other devices at the outlets if needed to absorb and spread water.
• Use brush barriers or check dams as needed along roads and sensitive areas to filter sediment.
• Control the flow of water on road surfaces by keeping drainage systems open and intact during logging operations.
• Inspect roads at regular intervals to detect and correct potential maintenance problems.