Check Smith County's driveway culvert policy before adding rural access

Out in the country, a driveway is more than a strip of gravel. Where it meets a county road, it may cross the ditch that carries stormwater away. Smith County's Driveway Culvert Policy 20.02 covers new culverts and upkeep in unincorporated areas.

Road and Bridge maintains county rights-of-way, including roads, bridges, drainage, signs, and traffic controls. That is why a simple driveway approach can become a drainage question. The wrong pipe in the wrong spot can flood a ditch or wash out the approach.

County-road driveway work goes better when Road and Bridge sees the plan early. If the land is inside Tyler or another city, city rules may apply instead.