A Statewide Hydraulic Modeling Tool for Stream Crossing Projects in Massachusetts

The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst (UMass Amherst), in cooperation with the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), began a series of studies in 2019 to develop a web-based statewide hydraulic modeling tool to provide preliminary culvert designs for stream-crossing projects in Massachusetts. There are over 25,000 roadway crossing structures in Massachusetts and many are undersized, impacting wildlife, habitat continuity, and flood resilience amidst climate change. This tool will aid in creating better culvert designs, ensure compliance with the Wetlands Protection Act, and provide initial evaluations of site conditions, ultimately enhancing flood resilience and ecological health. 

Links:

• USGS 3DHP site
• National Map Downloader site
• Hydrography data download links 
• National Hydrography Tools