The City of Salem maintains more than 70 miles of roadside ditches. These ditches help convey stormwater runoff from the street into the underground stormwater system. When vegetation gets too high or high spots develop in the bottom of the ditch, water can back up, causing potential flooding. Mowing and cleaning the ditches allows storm runoff to flow smoothly. Removing high vegetation along roadside ditches also improves road visibility for drivers.

Roadside ditch maintenance occurs during the drier months of May through October each year. Larger ditches may be mowed twice during the year. A large tractor with a mowing arm is used, which can drive on the road while reaching over with the arm to mow.

 Ditch cleaning uses a backhoe or other equipment to even out high spots in the bottom of the ditch. Both activities often require the use of flaggers, but if you happen to come upon a mowing or cleaning operation, pass with care! If possible, make sure the equipment operator sees you and be careful of oncoming traffic.

Pedestrians and bicyclists should stay clear of machinery to avoid flying rocks and debris.

If you have questions about the Ditch Maintenance Program, call Angel Garcia, Stormwater Services Specialist, at 503-588-6063.

Inmate Crew and Ditch Cleaning

The City of Salem Public Works Department will begin using inmate laborers to mow and clean drainage ditches within the city limits this summer. The use of an inmate labor crew will allow the City to complete this annual task at a greatly reduced cost to taxpayers. A Corrections Officer and a City Parks staff member will accompany the crew at all times.

The inmates selected to work in Salem ditches are minimum custody inmates, as determined by a point-value system that looks at the severity of the crime committed, inmate behavior, and future parole date. No inmate charged with a sexual offense is included in this program. Many signs will be posted around each job site and brightly colored clothing will be required at all times to identify the inmates.

For any questions or concerns, please contact Angel Garcia, Stormwater Services, at 503-588-6063, x7732.